Top 10 Jokes Only Adults Notice in Aladdin
#10: Aladdin Is Quite Chummy with the Brothel Ladies “Aladdin” (1992)
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“One Jump Ahead” is an excellent scene-setting number that draws us into the enchanting fictional city of Agrabah. But as kids, we were probably too engrossed in Aladdin’s unruliness to pick up on some of the background details. For instance, several innocent civilians get trampled, or otherwise injured due to Aladdin and Abu’s antics. Also, the protagonist briefly takes refuge in a room full of women whose profession we only understand now, as adults. They seemingly know him quite well — perhaps too well. And their madam doesn’t appear too fond of him! Later, during “Prince Ali,” he blows a kiss to the ladies as he heads to the palace. We guess he’s a loyal customer.
#9: The “Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade” Balloon “Aladdin” (1992)
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During “Prince Ali,” Genie pulls out all the stops to hype up the crowd with a showstopping performance. Robin Williams certainly goes wild with various characters and voices. But, you might’ve missed this nod to a major American cultural event. Between the 75 golden camels and 53 purple peacocks, we meet his two commentators, Harry and June. They aren’t exactly dressed for Agrabah’s intense heat. And when they speak, you can see condensation typically present when the weather is colder. The scene then cuts to an oversized gorilla-shaped balloon, reminiscent of those we often see at the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.” Now that we’ve spotted it, we’re more impressed by this subtle detail than we are by Aladdin’s 60 elephants or llamas galore.
#8: A “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Nod “Aladdin” (1992)
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With several parallels between the two movies, we have to assume there were some major "Indiana Jones" fans among "Aladdin's" creators. For one thing, both protagonists are thrill-seeking adventurers with a knack for scheming their way out of trouble. Also, Abu and Indy's double-crossing capuchin were both voiced by Frank Welker. But the scene where Aladdin finds the lamp in the Cave of Wonders and the subsequent action sequence might be a little on the nose for "Raiders" fans. Yet most children would’ve never guessed it wasn’t wholly original. Interestingly, the animation's directors even apologized to Steven Spielberg for practically lifting the imagery from his movie. But apparently, he was fine with it since "Raiders" also borrowed from other action-adventure films.
#7: A Horse with Two Rear Ends “Aladdin” (1992)
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Early in the movie, crowds gather to peek at Jasmine’s latest suitor, the obnoxious and ill-mannered Prince Achmed. When the two kids Aladdin shared his bread with suddenly run out in front of him on the street, his horse comes to an abrupt halt. They cower under the rude royal’s wrath, but luckily our protagonist comes to their rescue once more. Aladdin tries to bring the conceited Prince down from his high horse, but he responds with even more disdain. Still, the main character gets the last laugh, at least if you got the joke. As Prince Achmed rides away, Aladdin finds a veiled way to call him what we were all thinking. Even his horse is offended.
#6: The Bachelor Party “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)
It took three movies, but Aladdin and Jasmine are finally getting married. Just not before Genie throws the groom an impromptu bachelor party. As a child, we’re sure you rolled around in fits of laughter at the sight of Genie popping out of that cake. But older audiences definitely viewed this image differently. Perhaps some had even attended events with similar entertainment. Genie also hilariously takes a drink away from Carpet — well, someone has to be the designated flyer! It turns out Aladdin wasn’t really after a wild night out, so the mini bash ends as fast as it begins. Still, Genie proves that any celebration he throws – no matter how short notice – is sure to be a riot.
#5: Opening with an Infomercial “Aladdin” (1992)
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As youngsters, you probably enjoyed “Aladdin’s” whimsical opening scene. However, when you grow up, you notice its likeness to those late-night infomercials we’ve all watched countless times. It’s basically one giant spoof of everything from the Peddler’s characterization to the camera angles typically seen in these ads. Plus, have you ever paid attention to what’s on sale? We doubt kids know what hookah is, nor have they much interest in coffee— although the fries maker is a nice perk. Also, you have to reach a certain age before you start getting excited over Tupperware. There’s even a theory that the Peddler concocted the entire fantastical tale of “Aladdin” as a way to sell the lamp — either way, we’re sold!
#4: The Pun-Derful Wedding Guests Arrive “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)
In a send-up of televised red carpet events, Genie introduces some of the guests arriving for Aladdin and Jasmine’s wedding. First up, Caesar and Cleopatra pull up in their stretch camel with a rather apt gift. He also parts the crowd to introduce Moses — although are we sure that’s not Genie in disguise? The resemblance is uncanny! He also has a comical exchange with Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. Of course, he tops it all off with a hysterically perfect nod to the broadcast’s very on-theme sponsor. As a child, you probably weren’t quite as familiar with these types of events, historical figures, or worldly deities. But as a grown-up, this scene is simply pun-tastic!
#3: Genie Loses at Chess “Aladdin” (1992)
Top 10 Genie Moments in Aladdin
Genie and Carpet are arguably one of Disney’s most underrated duos. They’re as close as a rug and a magical being can be and aren’t afraid to tease each other. In one scene, we see the pair playing chess. Carpet wins, leaving Genie to sheepishly break the fourth wall. When we were kids, we definitely thought that the idea of losing a game to a carpet was hilarious. However, unless you were a chess aficionado, you probably didn’t think much more of it. In fact, this one might’ve gone over the heads of many adults too. Those in the know likely would’ve noticed that Carpet’s move was actually rather clever. Perhaps the animators were also skilled chess players?
#2: The Palace Shakes on Aladdin & Jasmine’s Wedding Day “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)
This really was the wedding of the millennium! So much happens before anyone even utters their “I Dos” As the ceremony begins, the Forty Thieves put their plan to rob the wedding guests into action. It all starts with an elephant that happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But its reaction causes the whole palace to shake, prompting Genie to say... We’d be rather astonished if you understood this double-entendre as a kid. But now, you’ve gotta admit; it’s pretty hilarious. Even with stampeding animals and an impending raid causing chaos, you can always trust Genie to make time for a brilliantly witty gag. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Carpet Gets Trampled, “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996) Just Another Day in the Life of a Magic Rug “Knock Him Dead Kid,” “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996) This Is a Matter of Life & Death, Literally “Crazy Hakim's Discount Fertilizer,” “Aladdin” (1992) They’re Headed for a Big Ol’ Pile of Shhh-omething Pretty Gross “It Was a Steal,” “The Return of Jafar” (1994) Aladdin Got the Five Finger Discount The Sultan’s Self-Burn, “Aladdin” (1992) Um, Sultan, You Might Wanna Think That Through Again
#1: Genie’s Arsenal of Impressions “Aladdin” franchise (1992-96)
“Aladdin” co-director Ron Clements once shared that the role of Genie was written with Robin Williams in mind. The late phenomenal actor was known for his impressive versatility, so they gave him free rein to improvise. Indeed, Williams fully let loose, giving us a plethora of excellent, hysterical, and unforgettable pop culture references. Some were aimed at kids, while others we wouldn’t get until we were older. For instance, the “Taxi Driver” nod initially went over our heads. We also weren’t yet familiar with Jack Nicholson’s work, and it would still be a few years until we’d become acquainted with the Marx brothers. But now that we’ve brushed up on our popular culture, rewatching Aladdin is like entering a “Whole New World.”
