Disney added a lot more magic, wonder, and fantasy to the 1900s with stories like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. But in 1992, a diamond-in-the-rough prince swooped in on his flying magic carpet and took fans by surprise, showing everyone the wonders of a whole new world.
Disney has been taking a more global approach with its stories since the 2000s, appealing to a “Disney is for everyone” sentiment around the world. Earlier Disney films tended to be more Eurocentric, but the studio broke this mold with Aladdin, a story about a thief-turned-prince, based on the classic Arabic folk tale “Arabian Nights.” And it paid off: Aladdin became the first-ever animated feature film to reach the half-a-billion-dollar box office mark, opening the floodgates to a highly successful franchise including theme park rides, video games, TV series, and films.
Interested in exploring the magical and wondrous world of Agrabah through cinema? Fortunately, Aladdin’s timeline is fairly straightforward, as the story unfolds in the same order as the films and series were released. Here’s every Aladdin movie and TV series in order of release.
Aladdin (1992)
The original film in the franchise establishes the central story and characters, making it the perfect starting point for watching Aladdin in both release and chronological order. Based on the Arabic folktale “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” from One Thousand and One Nights, the first movie introduces us to Aladdin, a clever, street-smart thief who discovers a magic lamp and has his life transformed when he befriends the wish-granting Genie inside it. For a single film, it manages to weave together several rich narratives: Aladdin and Genie’s unlikely friendship, the dreamy romance between Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, and the rise of Jafar’s villainy. The original movie truly lays the foundation for the rest of the franchise.
The Return of Jafar (1994)
Following the success of Aladdin, Disney decided to shift gears and combine the first five episodes of the future animated series to release a feature film sequel instead. The second installment dives deeper into the villainy arc of Jafar and gives fans a look at what actually happens after the prince and princess get their happily ever after. The Return of Jafar is a special film for many reasons. It establishes the idea that adventure is the true happily ever after, challenging the belief that a royal, palatial life is the ultimate goal for happiness. It also gives us a richer, deeper look into side characters like Iago, the Sultan, and Genie, and marks a major milestone as the first-ever Disney animated feature film released direct-to-video, as well as the second-ever animated feature film sequel.
Aladdin: The Series (1994)
Aladdin: The Series was released shortly after the second film and continues to follow the adventures of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, now an engaged couple, in and around the bustling city of Agrabah. Their adventures often involve solving mysteries, uncovering hidden treasures, and battling eccentric thieves and mad scientists along the way. The series ran for 86 episodes, making it a rare exception to Disney’s usual 65-episode format.
Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996)
The third Aladdin movie and the final direct-to-video animated feature in the series, Aladdin and the King of Thieves serves as the perfect conclusion to Aladdin’s storyline. The film follows Aladdin and Princess Jasmine as they finally prepare for their long-teased wedding, and it reveals a major secret about Aladdin’s real father, which becomes a pivotal turning point in his journey of self-discovery and identity.
Aladdin (2019)
Nearly 27 years after the release of the original animated feature, Disney released a live-action remake of the film titled Aladdin. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the remake brings the fictional city of Agrabah and its beloved characters to life with a cast of A-list actors and elaborate set designs. Will Smith steals the show with his energetic and charismatic performance as Genie, Disney alum Naomi Scott takes on the role of the strong-willed Princess Jasmine, and Mena Massoud was cast as Aladdin after a worldwide search.
Where To Watch Every 'Aladdin' Movie And TV Series Online
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