Top 10 Genie Moments in Aladdin

“Aladdin” (1992)



“Aladdin” is both a love story and a buddy picture, which is best reflected in this moment where the Genie gives his master some relationship advice. The scene also demonstrates Genie’s ability to transition into any character, impersonating Rodney Dangerfield losing to a rug one second and taking on a slick Jack Nicholson persona the next. Aladdin doesn’t quite follow Genie’s lingo, so he spells it out to him in the most blatant way possible: “tell her the truth.” Although Genie tries to appeal to him through humor and sincerity, Al is convinced that Jasmine will never go for a street rat. Even as Aladdin keeps up this charade, Genie acts as his literal and figurative wingman, reminding him to be himself.

“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)



Aladdin is torn between two worlds when he finds out that the King of Thieves is also his long-lost father. Aladdin tries to bridge these worlds by bringing his dad back to the palace. Little does he know that the Genie has beefed up security, conjuring up an enforcement droid that resembles ED-209 from “RoboCop.” When Genie realizes he’s in the presence of the criminal king, he pulls out all the stops in a hilariously over-the-top sequence. Not only does he call upon a S.W.A.T. team, but he also enlists bagpipe-wielding Scotsmen, a western cavalry, the army, and for some reason Pocahontas, all of whom resemble the Genie. Of course, once he realizes the king is family, he’s quick to welcome him with open arms.

“Aladdin” (1992)



Aladdin may not be able to wish for Jasmine’s love, but he believes making himself a prince is the best way to win her over. Prepping to make Aladdin’s wish a reality, Genie references everything from “The Little Mermaid,” to William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, to Arsenio Hall. Channeling his inner fashionista, Genie tailors an outfit fit for a prince. Since Genie does nothing half-way, he also feels a more extravagant mode of transportation is in order. Much to Abu’s horror, the little monkey is transformed into a camel, a horse, and a variety of other creatures, not to mention a car – which hasn’t even been invented yet. Finally, Genie settles on an elephant, but even then he’s just warming up.

“The Return of Jafar” (1994)



Due to a dispute with Disney regarding how the Genie was used to market “Aladdin,” Robin Williams refused to reprise his role in this straight-to-video sequel. Although the film is deprived of Williams’ brilliant voiceover and improvisation talents, Genie’s grand return still hits just the right mark. Now voiced by Dan Castellaneta of Homer Simpson fame, Genie tells Aladdin and Jasmine about all the places he’s visited in song. The number is like a Broadway version of “It’s a Small World,” as Genie travels from Italy to Egypt He even meets Hercules, who’d get a makeover three years later in Disney’s feature film interpretation of the Greek figure. Despite seeing the whole world, Genie discovers that he belongs in Agrabah with his friends.

“Aladdin” (1992)



With three wishes comes three rules. Shortly after Aladdin rubs his lamp, Genie lays out the guidelines he’s required to abide by. In short, he can’t kill, force people to fall in love, or resurrect the dead. Instead of just listing off these quid pro quos, however, Genie gets this information across with stand-up stylings, visual gags, and a Peter Lorre impression. Being a street-smart street rat, Aladdin sees this as an opportunity to extort an extra favor from the Genie. Taking on the persona of Travis Bickle from “Taxi Driver,” Genie shows off his abilities by getting Aladdin and Abu out of the cave. It isn’t until they’ve landed that Genie realizes Aladdin never made an official wish, prompting a priceless jaw drop.

“Aladdin” (1992)



It was lyricist Howard Ashman’s idea to make “Aladdin” an animated musical. Prior to his death in 1991, Ashman worked on several songs with composer Alan Menken. Only three of Ashman’s songs made the final cut, but they’re among the movie’s absolute best and most of them shine the spotlight on Genie. For the grand unveiling of Prince Ali Ababwa, Genie goes all out with a parade of dancers, floats, and giant balloons. Genie even provides commentary like he’s running the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Along the way, he headlines a Golden Globe nominated show tune that won’t be leaving your head anytime soon. Despite Jafar’s best efforts, he’s unable to keep Prince Ali or his massive posse out. Nobody makes an entrance like the Genie!

“Aladdin” (1992)



As humorous as the Genie is, his circumstances are no laughing matter. Revealing his vulnerable side, Genie expresses the one thing he wants above all else: freedom. Having the power to make almost any wish a reality comes with a steep price, keeping Genie confined to his cramped lamp. Then every millennium or so when the lamp is rubbed, Genie’s always at his new master’s beck and call. Seeing Genie’s pain, Aladdin promises to use his third wish to release him. Genie senses that he’s being about as truthful as Pinocchio, but the two ultimately shake on it. Aladdin’s never had a friend like the Genie, but the Genie has also clearly never had a friend as compassionate as Aladdin.

“Aladdin” (1992)



With unmatched energy and wit, Robin Williams was basically the living incarnation of a cartoon character. So, matching his improvisation skills with Disney’s team of animators was a natural combo. After Aladdin rubs the lamp, Genie explodes onto the scene like a talk show host who just drank a gallon of coffee. Virtually everything that comes out of Genie’s mouth is either a joke or an impression. In this brief scene alone, he works in impersonations of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Señor Wences, Ed Sullivan, and Groucho Marx, along with a “Superman” reference. In the midst of all this, he mentions a few details about his wish fulfillment limitations. Few scenes better epitomize why Williams received a Golden Globe - Special Achievement award for his game-changing voice-over performance.

“Aladdin” (1992)



A dedicated friend to the end, Genie is willing to sacrifice his chance at freedom to give Aladdin and Jasmine their happily ever after. Aladdin learns that he can’t keep lying about who he is, however, instead wishing for Genie’s freedom. Accompanied by Menken’s triumphant musical score, seeing Genie become unbound from his chains is truly uplifting. The line, “Genie, you’re free,” has also taken on a bittersweet sentiment ever since William’s death. Although Aladdin is sad to see Genie go, his bravery and selflessness have more than proven his worth to the Sultan, who grants him permission to marry Jasmine. Giving everyone a group hug, Genie takes off for an overdue vacation - and we have a feeling he’s headed to Disney World.



Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:



Genie Does Broadway

“68th Tony Awards” (2014)



The Honeymoon

“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)





Genie Saves Aladdin from Drowning

“Aladdin” (1992)



Genie Falls in Love

“Aladdin” (1994-95)



Aladdin Can’t Free Genie

“Aladdin” (1992)

“Aladdin” (1992)



When this Oscar-nominated song was originally written, the composers envisioned it as a big band number with a jazz singer like Fats Waller at the forefront. After Robin Williams was cast, however, it was reworked to match the larger than life personality he brought to the role. To demonstrate his phenomenal cosmic power and the countless possibilities that come with wish fulfillment, Genie puts on a rousing production number for Aladdin. Although Williams didn’t really come from a musical background, you can tell just how much passion he threw into this song with every note he hits. With a perfect mix of humor, pizzazz, and showmanship, “Friend Like Me” sums up everything that makes the Genie a one of a kind character.