This movie asks a heavy question for a kids' cartoon: Can you forgive a parent who left you, even if they had a good reason? Let’s address the elephant in the lamp. The Return of Jafar was notably missing Robin Williams as the Genie (Homer Simpson’s Dan Castellaneta filled in). While Dan did a valiant job, the magic wasn't fully there.

Let’s be honest: direct-to-video sequels have a bad reputation. Usually, they are cash-grabs that lack the magic (pun intended) of the theatrical original. But back in 1996, Disney struck gold—or rather, Mechanical Gold —with the third installment of the Aladdin trilogy: Aladdin and the King of Thieves .

Thankfully, Disney kissed and made up with Robin Williams for this sequel. Having him back is like reuniting with your funniest, most manic friend. His energy revitalizes the film. From doing a cheesy Vegas lounge act in the desert to impersonating Arsenio Hall ("Things that make you go, 'Huh?'"), the Genie is firing on all cylinders again. We love Iago’s redemption arc, but let’s talk about the villain: Cassim is an antagonist, but not a villain. The real bad guy is Sa'Luk , the brutal enforcer of the thieves.

Robin Williams’ pop culture rants, Jerry Orbach’s singing voice, and the catharsis of a street rat finally finding his family. Did you grow up watching this trilogy? Were you Team Cassim or Team "Aladdin deserves better"? Let me know in the comments below!

Voiced by the legendary Jerry Orbach (yes, that Jerry Orbach—Lumiere and Detective Briscoe), Sa’Luk is a menace. His song, "Are You In or Out?" (written by David Friedman), is a dark, percussive masterpiece. It has the same rhythmic intensity and theatrical menace of "Be Prepared" from The Lion King . It’s a shame more people don't know this track. Forget the lamp. The MacGuffin this time is the Hand of Midas —a mystical scepter that turns anything (or anyone) it touches into solid gold.

Here is why this movie remains the definitive ending to the 90s Aladdin saga. The original Aladdin was a love story. King of the Thieves is a family drama.

If you only ever saw the original Aladdin , you aren't missing much by skipping Return of Jafar . But you are doing yourself a disservice if you skip King of the Thieves .