Top 20 Best Genie Moments in Aladdin

#20: Cheerleader Genie

“Aladdin” (1992)

Genie’s shapeshifting abilities are among his most beloved traits. But also, Genie’s dislike of Jafar is everything. When Iago manages to steal the lamp from Aladdin, Genie receives a new master in Jafar, much to his chagrin. Although Genie could not go against Señor Psychopath, he still made his feelings known regarding which master he preferred. When Aladdin fights Jafar, Genie is there to cheerlead a scrappy Aladdin on—literally. For such a genial, well, Genie, his being 100% done with Jafar’s villainy is satisfying to witness. Ten thousand years and his moral compass is still going strong.

#19: Cheering Up Jasmine“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)

Speaking of cheerleader Genie, this third “Aladdin” film gives us plenty more Genie doing what he does best: Making his friends feel better, comic improv style. When Aladdin finds out his father is alive after the Forty Thieves botch his and Jasmine's wedding, he makes the hard decision to follow the trail of the Forty Thieves, leaving Jasmine to await his return. To lift her spirits, Genie gives Jasmine ideas for a second wedding. The impressions begin with “Mrs. Doubtfire” and they only get better from here. The fact that Robin Williams returned to voice his character makes this sequence even better.

#18: “I’m Losing To a Rug”“Aladdin” (1992)

“Do you know what every kid in the ‘90s would absolutely love in their animated musical film? A Rodney Dangerfield reference, of course!” Said no one ever, except the scriptwriters for “Aladdin” (or, in all likelihood, Robin Williams himself, who ad-libbed a huge chunk of his part). As Aladdin begins to express doubts over his deception, Genie and Magic Carpet play a game of chess, with Carpet capturing one of Genie’s pieces. Why did Genie decide to reference a self-deprecating stand-up comedian in the 20th century? Why is he playing a game of chess with a rug? Why is Carpet so good at chess, as he is winning against a 10,000-year-old genie? We don’t know and we don’t care. This is comedy-of-the-absurd gold.

#17: “I’m History! No, I’m Mythology!”

“Aladdin” (1992)

Past all the wisecracking and witty allusions, Genie is a captive soul. Literally—his powers are nigh limitless, but he can only use them in the service of his master. So he is forced to live inside the lamp’s itty, bitty living space and only come out when summoned. At the end of the movie, Aladdin uses his final wish to set Genie free. It’s a poignant, and genuinely emotional moment of triumph. Genie’s joy is palpable as he goes off to see the world. Whatever Genie is in this moment, he’s finally empowered to say for himself. Go off, king.

#16: Genie Saves Aladdin from Drowning“Aladdin” (1992)

Let it not be said Genie isn’t incredibly helpful to Aladdin. Not only does he make him a prince, but he even saves his life. It isn’t long before Jafar strikes against Aladdin, trying to kill him by throwing him off a cliff to his watery doom. Aladdin has the presence of mind to rub the lamp and summon Genie, but Genie cannot even act without Aladdin’s say so. Fortunately, Genie interprets Aladdin’s consent liberally and does a “Das Boot” reference to get both of them out of the water. It’s a turning point for their relationship from mere master and slave to genuine friends.

#15: His Relationship with Dalia

“Aladdin” (2019)

Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time our favorite blue deity has fallen for someone. The short-lived “Aladdin” series had Genie romance a female genie, Eden. Perhaps that was the inspiration behind the decision to pair Will Smith’s Genie with Jasmine’s friend Dalia for the 2019 live action remake. Their adorable interactions are indeed everything, and it’s hilarious to see the fast-talking Genie so tongue-tied. Their relationship is no B plot fodder, either, as the film begins with a frame story of the two of them married, telling their children the whole tale. What the hell, we ship it.

#14: “There’s a Party Here in Agrabah”

“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)

Usually, the songs in sequels are of lesser quality than those from the original. Sequelitis is, indeed, a very real phenomenon. On the other hand, this opening sequence from “King of Thieves” is not bad at all. While it does not have the Arabic-inspired flair and grandeur of “Prince Ali,” “There’s a Party” is still a charming big band number, with Genie decking Agrabah to the nines in preparation for Aladdin and Jasmine’s wedding. More importantly, Robin Williams’ vocal talents are in full display one more, for the first time since the original “Aladdin” film in 1992. We love to see it.

#13: “Bee Yourself”

“Aladdin” (1992)

Perhaps the cutest of Genie’s shapeshifting forms, Bee Genie makes for a good-ish wingman. As Prince Ali, Aladdin visits Jasmine at her balcony, but she isn’t having any of his princely affectations. Luckily for Aladdin, Genie is with him in bee form, giving him good advice on how to woo Jasmine and making terrific puns. Granted, telling Aladdin he should call Jasmine “punctual” was not the best. But Genie’s insistent piece of advice to Aladdin is still gold. Eventually, Aladdin gets an opening with Jasmine, but Bee Genie’s lesson to be true to himself must be learned the hard way.

#12: Genie Does Broadway“68th Tony Awards” (2014)

The work of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman naturally lends itself well to the Broadway stage. The Genie’s character number, “Friend Like Me,” is no exception. Adapting the Genie’s wacky shapeshifting antics are a tall order for the stage, but the big band swing tempo of “Friend Like Me” is as winning as ever. James Monroe Iglehart’s Genie lit up the stage with his performance at the 2014 Tony Awards. And in true Genie fashion, he gave great improv, including an impromptu Disney medley that included “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” and a full tap dancing sequence. What a dapper.

#11: The Honeymoon

“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)

Genie’s allusions and impressions have so far been very clean and family-friendly, even kid-friendly. But it wouldn’t be a ‘90s animated film if the scriptwriters didn’t slip in at least one winking adult joke past the radar. In “King of Thieves,” Aladdin and Jasmine’s wedding is underway when the Forty Thieves crash it and wreak havoc. Genie’s confusion at what’s going on doesn’t kill his comic timing and leads to this hilarious line. This third film really sets Genie free to play to the parents watching with their kids, didn’t it? We’re sure the sleep-deprived adults would have appreciated it. We know we do.

#10: Offering Aladdin Advice

“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.

#9: Code Red

“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.

#8: Making Aladdin a Prince

“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.

#7: “Nothing in the World”

“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.

#6: The Rules

“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.

#5: “Prince Ali”

“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!

#4: “Itty Bitty Living Space”

“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.

#3: Aladdin Meets the Genie

“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.

#2: Aladdin Frees the Genie

“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.

#1: “Friend Like Me”

“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.

Which Genie moment from the franchise makes you wish you had a Genie for your charges d’affaires? Let us know in the comments down below!