"Aladdin" is a 1992 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures.
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film is based on the Arabic folktale of the same name from the collection "One Thousand and One Nights." It features the voices of Scott Weinger as Aladdin, Robin Williams as the Genie, Linda Larkin as Princess Jasmine, Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, and Gilbert Gottfried as Iago. The film is renowned for its vibrant animation, memorable characters, and a soundtrack by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice.
The story follows Aladdin, a kind-hearted but impoverished young man living in the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah. He dreams of a better life and, through a series of events, comes into possession of a magical lamp that houses a powerful Genie. The Genie grants Aladdin three wishes, which he uses to transform himself into a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine. However, the evil sorcerer Jafar seeks the lamp to gain ultimate power, leading to a battle of wits and courage as Aladdin fights to save Agrabah and earn his place as Jasmine's true love.
"Aladdin" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $504 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1992. Critics praised the film for its engaging story, vibrant animation, and particularly Robin Williams's performance as the Genie, which brought a unique energy and humor to the character. The film's soundtrack also received widespread acclaim, with songs like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me" becoming iconic. "A Whole New World" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and the score won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
The film's success led to a lasting legacy, including direct-to-video sequels, a television series, a Broadway musical adaptation, and a live-action remake released in 2019. "Aladdin" remains a beloved classic in Disney's animated canon, celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and the groundbreaking performance of Robin Williams, which set a new standard for voice acting in animated films. Its themes of self-discovery, love, and bravery continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.