Shuvrajit Das Biswas
The story of Aladdin and his magic lamp is as old as time. In fact, it comes from the compilation of Middle Eastern folk tales ‘ One Thousand and One Nights’. Due to the extreme popularity of the tale, it is no surprise that Disney was quick to jump the gun and make an animated movie in 1992. In fact, Disney’s initial tale became famous enough and made a lot of Westerners familiar with the story of ‘Aladdin’.
Now, Guy Ritchie has made his version of the musical fantasy film in 2019, which is a live-action adaptation of the tale. However, Ritchie takes some liberties with the plot and deviates. Nonetheless, the film has been praised for the acting, the music, and the visuals, although it was mired in controversy due to the casting choices, especially Will Smith’s portrayal of the genie.
If you have not seen ‘Aladdin’ you must be wondering about where you can see it, or if you have seen it, you might want to rewatch this timeless tale. Either way, we have got you covered. However, before we tell you where to watch the movie, let us walk you through the plot of ‘Aladdin’.
What is Aladdin About?
To put it simply ‘Aladdin’ is a story about a boy who finds a magic lamp which has a genie granting three wishes, and the adventures surrounding the lamp and the boy make up the plot of the film. However, Guy Ritchie, known for his characterizations, adds a degree of nuance to his version of the movie.
Thus, the story starts with the young boy Aladdin (Mena Massoud), who we see living on the streets of Agarbah, with Abu, his pet monkey. They rescue and befriend Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), who has escaped the palace to explore what the city has to offer. In the meanwhile, Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), the grand vizier to Jasmine’s father, plots to claim the throne as his own. He is assisted by his pet parrot and spy, Iago. However, for Jafar’s plans to become the Sultan, he needs a magic lamp from an enchanted cave, which can only be accessed by “the diamond in the rough”. Jafar believes this to be Aladdin. Once inside the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin comes across the magic carpet and gets the lamp. Upon giving it to Jafar, he is betrayed and thrown into the cave. However, Abu steals the lamp back and brings it to Aladdin.
This is when Aladdin unwittingly rubs the lamp and releases the omnipotent genie who is trapped inside. The genie explains that Aladdin gets three wishes, and while he tricks the genie into taking them out of the cave without using a wish, he promises to use the third one to free the genie. However, before that, Aladdin uses his first wish to impress Princess Jasmine by becoming a Prince himself. As Aladdin enters with great pomp and show, Jasmine is not too impressed. However, she does take a liking to him once they take a trip on the magic carpet.
In the meanwhile, the genie cozies up to Jasmine’s handmaiden Dalia. When Jasmine deduces that the new ‘Prince Ali of Ababwa’ is actually Aladdin, the boy is hard-pressed to explain the situation to her. However, he has bigger things to worry about as Jafar tries to get rid of him by having him thrown into the sea. Aladdin has to use his second wish to have the genie rescue him. Jafar is exposed and imprisoned for his acts of treachery and the Sultan wants to make Aladdin the heir to his throne. However, this is a boy who is being untrue to himself, because he goes back on his word and does not free the genie.
Jafar’s loyal pet Iago, in the meanwhile, helps the villain escape prison, and Jafar steals the lamp to become its new master. He uses the first wish to become the Sultan, and the second to become the world’s most powerful sorcerer. It seems that there is no stopping Jafar, now, because he easily manages to trap the guards and Jasmine’s tiger. The reign of terror truly begins once Aladdin and Abu have been exiled to a frozen wasteland. Jafar then threatens to kill the Sultan and Dalia unless Jasmine agrees to marry him. Our protagonists manage to return on the night of the wedding, having been rescued by the carpet and are intent on ruining Jafar’s evil machinations. As Jasmine steals back the lamp, Jafar turns Iago into a roc, so the predatory bird can chase and overpower them.
Aladdin thinks quickly on his feet, and stalls, by taunting Jafar as still being the second powerful after the genie. Jafar falls for it and uses his last wish to become the most powerful being in the universe. This wish has a lot of grey area and is open to interpretation, so the genie turns Jafar into a being like him, and as a result, Jafar and Iago are both trapped in a lamp. The genie banishes Jafar’s lamp to the cave, and thus brings an end to all the threats.
The story ends on a happy note as Jasmine is declared the heir, and she and Aladdin get together and start a new life, with blessings from the Sultan. Aladdin also keeps his word and frees the genie, who regains a human form and leaves with Dalia to explore the world and start a family.
Dive into this epic tale as we tell you where you can watch ‘Aladdin’.
Is Aladdin on Netflix?
Netflix has an excellent library, and the well-stocked platform is not lacking in the animation section, either. However, ‘Aladdin’ is not available on Netflix, probably because it is a Disney movie and will head directly to Disney+, their streaming platform, once it launches. However, if you are in the mood to watch some Disney content on Netflix, check out ‘Mulan‘ and ‘Hercules‘.
Is Aladdin on Hulu?
Hulu has a library which is constantly expanding and they have established themselves as a major content provider. However, ‘Aladdin’ is not available for streaming on this platform. Instead, you can check out ‘Shrek‘ if you want to enjoy the tale of an ordinary person who steps up to ultimately rescue and win the princess.
Is Aladdin on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime has a fantastic library that is probably rivaled only by Netflix. However, their animation department could use an upgrade, and unfortunately, at this time ‘Aladdin’ is not available for streaming. However, it might arrive on the platform later this year.
Can I Watch Aladdin Online?
‘Aladdin’ has not yet come to any of the major streaming platforms, so you have to wait a while before you can stream it elsewhere. I would give it till the end of the year before you can find other sites where ‘Aladdin’ is streaming. Alternately, take a Disney+ subscription, once available, and you will definitely be able to see the movie.
When Will Aladdin Release on DVD and BluRay?
Sorry, but ‘Aladdin’ is not yet out on DVD or BluRay. While the expected time of launch is September 2019, we can understand if you are feeling impatient. Thus, we suggest that you head here, and preorder your copy of the movie today. If are interested in the 1992 version of the film, you can order your copy of DVD or BluRay right here.
Where Can I Watch Aladdin Online For Free?
‘Aladdin’ is still running in some of the theaters. Thus, it is unlikely that there are any legal recourses to watching the movie online for free before the theatrical run is complete. You have to wait to use the free trial periods once it comes to any of the streaming platforms. Alternately, you can go to a theater near you that is streaming the movie, and check it out there.
Read More in Movie Guides: Moana | Toy Story 4
