The Most Likable Characters In 'Aladdin' | MarkMeets | Celebrity News, Music, Movies, TV, London Film Premieres

In the world of animated films, Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ has earned a special place in the hearts of viewers for over three decades. The tale of a young street-rat’s journey to becoming a prince, with the help of a magical Genie and a trusty magic carpet, has captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. One of the key elements that contributes to the film’s enduring popularity is its cast of memorable characters. From power-hungry villains to endearing heroes, ‘Aladdin’ boasts a diverse and colorful array of characters. In this article, we’ll rank these characters by likability, exploring their unique qualities and contributions to the film’s charm.

Table of Contents

The Evil Vizier: Jafar

At the bottom of our likability ranking is Jafar, the cunning and power-hungry Royal Vizier of Agrabah. Jafar’s insatiable desire for the throne and his relentless pursuit of the magic lamp make him a formidable antagonist. He employs a range of tactics, from clever disguises to hypnotism, and ultimately, sorcery, to achieve his dark ambitions. Jafar embodies the archetype of the treacherous advisor, making him a classic Disney villain. While he ranks high in terms of villainy, he falls short in likability due to his ruthless pursuit of power and disregard for the well-being of others.

The Scheming Sidekick: Iago

Jafar’s loyal parrot and confidant, Iago, takes the seventh spot in our ranking. To the palace residents, Iago appears as an ordinary parrot, capable of only mimicking simple phrases. However, beneath his feathered facade lies a sentient being with a burning desire to see Jafar ascend to power so he can exact revenge on those who have treated him as a mere pet. Iago’s selfish nature and penchant for reveling in the suffering of others align him with his master, Jafar. Nevertheless, his unwavering loyalty to Jafar adds a layer of complexity to his character and makes him more intriguing. Gilbert Gottfried’s distinctive voice work gives Iago a unique and memorable personality.

The Well-Meaning Sultan

Stepping into the sixth position is the Sultan of Agrabah. While the Sultan may not be the most effective leader or father, he genuinely cares for his daughter, Princess Jasmine. He faces the dilemma of adhering to the law that mandates Jasmine’s marriage before her next birthday, which Jafar exploits to further his power-hungry ambitions. The Sultan’s naive and somewhat bumbling nature leads to moments of humor in the film. His ultimate decision to abolish the marriage law, albeit after Aladdin’s intervention, underscores his love for his daughter. The Sultan’s likability stems from his good intentions, even if his leadership skills are lacking.

The Mischievous Sidekick: Abu

In the fifth position is Abu, Aladdin’s mischievous and sticky-fingered simian sidekick. Abu’s primary role is to aid Aladdin in his thieving escapades, often by creating distractions or swiping items. However, Abu’s insatiable greed frequently lands him and Aladdin in trouble. Despite his flaws, Abu’s character embodies childlike qualities, displaying selfishness and a penchant for throwing tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. However, his unwavering loyalty to Aladdin and his generous heart for those in need add depth to his character. Abu’s likability arises from his mix of flaws and virtues.

The Expressive Silent Hero: Magic Carpet

Taking the fourth spot is the expressive yet silent character, the Magic Carpet. Encountered by Aladdin and Abu in the Cave of Wonders, the Magic Carpet becomes a loyal companion to Aladdin. Despite its lack of a face or voice, the character’s animators skillfully convey emotions and personality through its body movements. The Magic Carpet is kind, loyal, and shy when it comes to making new friends but is willing to take significant risks to ensure their safety. Its silent expressiveness makes it a beloved character in the film.

The Spirited Princess: Jasmine

Princess Jasmine ranks third in our likability ranking. Trapped within the confines of the palace, Jasmine yearns for a life beyond its walls. Her desire intensifies as her father pressures her to marry. When she encounters Aladdin, her resourcefulness, quick thinking, and kindness shine through. While she may not possess the same level of agency as some other Disney Princesses, Jasmine’s character remains strong and endearing. Her willingness to help the less fortunate in Agrabah and her determination to live life on her terms make her a beloved character.

The Charming Hero: Aladdin

In the second position is Aladdin, the charming and resourceful street-rat with dreams of riches and respect. Aladdin’s character arc is a highlight of the film, as he grapples with self-esteem issues and the belief that assuming a new identity will bring him the happiness and acceptance he craves. His struggle with self-identity and self-worth is relatable to many young audiences. Aladdin’s time on the streets has honed his skills in deception, but beneath the surface, he possesses a good heart and a strong sense of justice. These qualities, coupled with his charismatic personality, make him one of Disney’s beloved heroes.

The Iconic Genie

Securing the top position as the most likable character in ‘Aladdin’ is the iconic Genie. Housed within the magic lamp, the Genie is an immortal and all-powerful entity bound to grant three wishes to whomever releases him, with some limitations. His ultimate desire is to find a master kind enough to give up one of their wishes to grant him freedom. The Genie’s character is a rarity, and his impact on animated films is still felt today. Robin Williams’ diverse and hilarious performance inspired future animated movies to incorporate celebrity talent. However, what truly elevates the Genie’s character is his profound friendship with Aladdin, which brings out the best in both characters. His wit, humor, and larger-than-life personality make him the most beloved character in ‘Aladdin.’

In conclusion, ‘Aladdin’ remains a timeless Disney classic due in no small part to its memorable and likable characters. From the conniving Jafar to the free-spirited Jasmine and the incomparable Genie, each character contributes to the film’s charm and enduring popularity. While Jafar may reign supreme as the film’s villain, it is the friendship and camaraderie between Aladdin and the Genie that capture the hearts of audiences and solidify ‘Aladdin’ as a beloved animated masterpiece.

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Dan Dunn

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Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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