If you grew up in the 90s, you know the drill: Street rat finds lamp, becomes prince, wins girl. But Guy Ritchie’s 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin tweaks the formula in some pretty intentional ways. Will Smith takes over the Genie role (and honestly, does a great job of making it his own without trying to be Robin Williams), and Naomi Scott’s Jasmine gets a much-needed upgrade from "prize to be won" to "future political leader."

Kids are drawn to the spectacle. The "Prince Ali" parade is a visual explosion, and the TikTok generation loves a good musical number they can recreate. But beyond the glitter, kids connect with the "imposter syndrome" Aladdin feels. In a world where kids are constantly seeing curated, "perfect" versions of people on YouTube and Instagram, the idea of pretending to be someone you’re not just to be liked is very relatable.

Let’s be real: some of these Disney live-action remakes feel like soulless cash grabs. The Lion King (2019) was basically a nature documentary with feelings, and Mulan (2020) lost the musical heart of the original.

However, Aladdin (2019) actually manages to justify its existence. The chemistry between Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott is genuine, and the expansion of Jasmine’s character arc—specifically her desire to be Sultan because she actually cares about the people of Agrabah—adds a layer of substance that the original lacked.

The standout addition is the song "Speechless." It’s a power ballad about standing up against being silenced and patronized. For parents of daughters, this is a massive win. It moves the conversation from "finding a husband" to "finding your voice." If your kids are into Encanto or Frozen, this track will be on repeat on your Spotify for weeks.

There was a lot of internet "cringe" when the first trailers showed a CGI blue Will Smith. But in the context of the full movie, he’s the best part. He brings a "Hitch" meets "Fresh Prince" energy that works. He’s less of a chaotic cartoon and more of a mentor/wingman. It’s a great entry point for talking to kids about how different people can interpret the same role in unique ways.

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While the 1992 version is a safe bet for almost anyone, the 2019 version cranks up the intensity.

The "Scary" Factor: As mentioned, the Cave of Wonders and the final battle with Jafar are "live-action intense." In the original, Jafar turns into a giant snake that looks like a cartoon. In this version, the magic feels more visceral. If you have a sensitive kid who struggled with the darker parts of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you might want to pre-screen the last 20 minutes.

The "Ethics of Deception": Aladdin spends 75% of the movie lying. While the movie eventually punishes this behavior, it’s worth noting how much "success" he gets initially through fraud. It’s a perfect opening to talk about "clout chasing" or the pressure to look "rich" or "cool" on apps like Roblox or TikTok.

It might seem weird to link a desert fantasy movie to digital wellness, but Aladdin (2019) is secretly a movie about Identity Curation.

Aladdin uses the Genie like a high-end photo editor. He changes his clothes, his "stats" (making himself a prince), and his background to impress someone he likes. He thinks his "default" self isn't enough.

In our world, kids are doing this every day. They use filters on Snapchat, they buy "skins" in Fortnite to look like high-level players, and they curate their "best lives" on social media.

Conversation Starters:

Check out our guide on helping kids build a healthy digital identity

If you’re watching this with your family, don't just let the credits roll and move on to the next thing. This movie provides a great bridge to talk about integrity.

Aladdin tells himself he's lying for a "good reason" (to be with Jasmine). We often see kids justify small digital "cheats" or lies for social gain. You can ask: "Aladdin thought he needed the lamp to be special. When did he actually show he was a 'diamond in the rough'—when he was using magic, or when he was using his own brain?"

Aladdin (2019) is a solid, entertaining family film that actually improves on some of the outdated tropes of the original. It’s vibrant, the music is great, and Naomi Scott’s Jasmine is a fantastic role model for kids of all genders.

It’s not "brain rot." It’s a high-production-value story about the importance of being yourself in a world that’s constantly telling you to be someone else.

If your family loved Aladdin (2019), here are a few ways to keep the momentum going:

Learn more about how to choose age-appropriate movies for your family