The Return of Jafar

If you want animation that is not just for kids, The Return of Jafar is available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus right now. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 3,461 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Return of Jafar earns its spot. The Return of Jafar has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. The evil Jafar escapes from the magic lamp as an all-powerful genie, ready to plot his revenge against Aladdin. From battling elusive villains atop winged horses, to dodging flames inside an exploding lava pit, it's up to Aladdin - with Princess Jasmine and the outrageously funny Genie by his side - to save the kingdom once and for all. Every line from Scott Weinger and Linda Larkin lands with more craft than you'd expect. It hit screens in 1994. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

The Return of Jafar belongs on any best-of list regardless of format. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious in ways that hold up regardless of format. Worth watching in order from the beginning.