In the world of Disney, there are many great sidekicks, but the question always remains, which one of them is truly the best? Two definite contenders are the loveable blue Genie from Aladdin and Frozen’s loveable, magical snowman Olaf.
While Genie and Olaf are very different, they occupy the role of sidekicks in their respective tales. Genie is an all-powerful being, but his strength is shackled, while Olaf is stronger than he can even realize. Both bring color, life, and cheer to their films. Here are some reasons why Olaf is the best Disney sidekick and some reasons it’s the Genie.
Olaf: He gives warm hugs
Olaf loves warm hugs, it’s practically his tagline, and warm hugs make everything better when it comes right down to it. Olaf’s warm hugs are symbolic of his loving nature, he can sometimes be innocent and maybe naive, but he’s always ready to be cheerful and supportive.
With wrong hugs on your side, you just won’t go wrong.
Genie: He grants wishes
Is there really that much more to say than that? A side-kick who grants wishes is basically the best one to have around. Through the power of their support, a hero can get well…anything. (Except for the cardinal rules a Genie can’t break.)
And, hey, three wishes are better than none right? There’s no denying, this is one useful trait to have in a side-kick.
Olaf: He’s positive
Olaf is incredibly, sometimes, annoyingly, cheerful, but at the heart of it, the trait is positive. Heroes can be burdened by great weights on their shoulders, and their paths are often hard and lonely. When push comes to shove, it pays to have a sidekick who always has a ready smile on his face and knows just what to say to life the mood.
Olaf is one of the purest Disney characters ever, and that definitely makes him good to have around.
Genie: He’s Loyal
The Genie is incredibly loyal to those who are loyal to him. Although he’s not really supposed to, he bends the rules numerous times for Aladdin, allowing him to get away with wishes that aren’t wishes, and nods that aren’t really asks.
Once the Genie bonds with Al, there’s no one more ready to come to his aid. Definitely a winning trait in a side-kick.
Olaf: He sings
Olaf has a very unique song-style, a little old-timey with a twist of jazz, and his songs stand out among the Disney set. Although Olaf’s songs might be less iconic than the Genie’s, they have a charm all their own, and hey, how many singing snowmen are out there in the world?
Olaf’s songs complement his good nature and raise the mood of whatever room he’s in.
Genie: He has a great sense of humor
The Genie knows the value of a good joke. After all he was voiced by the iconic comedian, Robin Williams, and William’s effervescent spirit and warm soul fill the Genie and bring him to life. A sidekick’s worth isn’t just in his power, but in the friendship, and love, he brings to the table.
No one brings more soul than the Genie.
Olaf: He’s Made of Magic
Olaf is literally magical. He’s created by Elsa’s ice magic, but also from Anna’s sense of love for her sister and life. That combination of two magics is incredibly strong. Olaf is literally born from the power of love and just, well, power.
Who wouldn’t want a magical snowman in their back pocket, it is the dream of every child who has ever played in the snow.
Genie: He Does Magic
Wishes are one thing, but even when the Genie is done granting his master three wishes (or, if he’s lucky enough to shed a master completely), he’s still magical. That kind of free-wheeling magic is even better than the wish kind, because it allows for an endless array of possibilities. There’s no doubt that this qualifies him to be an incredible side-kick.
While Olaf is made out of magic, the Genie is a magic do-er, and that’s incredible.
Olaf: He’s Adorable
Olaf is one adorable buddy to have around. Although he might not be traditionally cute in the way some Disney sidekicks are, he has a certain charm that grows on the viewer and really does suit him and his relationships. When this entry refers to Olaf is being adorable, it’s less about his physicality and more about the way he loves hard and keeps his individual aura alive, no matter the hardships.
Looks aren’t everything, but Olaf is adorable inside and out.
Genie: He’s Iconic
The Genie isn’t just a sidekick, he’s a presence all his own and he transcends just Aladdin to be part of the most recognizable Disney set. Next to the princesses, Tinkerbell, and a few other characters, the Genie is an icon of Disney movies.
Having earned so much recognition, and fame independent of his role as a side-kick, he has basically transcended the category. So of course, he is one of the best side-kicks ever.
