Robin Williams was a beloved American actor and comedian born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 21, 1951. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s before transitioning to acting. Williams was known for his quick wit, infectious energy, and unparalleled improvisation skills. Williams’ tragic death in 2014 was mourned by fans worldwide, who continue to celebrate his life and work today. Let’s take a look at some of the best Robin Williams movies.
Top 10 Robin Williams Movies
Williams appeared in various movies, from comedies to dramas to animated films. And up till today, his movies continue to be beloved by fans of all ages, who are inspired by his wit, warmth, and humanity:
1. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Regarded as one of the best Robin Williams movies ever, Dead Poets Society is a drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. Williams plays the character of John Keating, an English teacher at a conservative all-boys preparatory school who inspires his students to pursue their dreams and passions through unorthodox teaching methods.
The movie is set in 1959 at the Welton Academy, where the students are taught to conform to strict academic and societal standards. Keating encourages his students to think critically and creatively, seize the day (carpe diem), and make the most of their lives. The film explores themes such as individualism, conformity, and the power of education to inspire and transform lives.
Upon its release, it would receive critical acclaim and be nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Robin Williams’ performance as John Keating is regarded as one of his best, and the movie is considered a classic of the coming-of-age genre.
2. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting is a drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Robin Williams, released in 1997. Williams plays the character of Sean Maguire, a therapist who helps Will Hunting, a brilliant but troubled young man played by Matt Damon, come to terms with his past and unlock his potential.
The movie is set in Boston and explores themes such as the struggle to find one’s identity, the importance of personal connections, and the impact of childhood trauma on adult life. Good Will Hunting was a critical and commercial success, receiving nine Academy Award nominations and winning two, including Best Supporting Actor for Robin Williams’ performance. This is certainly a classic Robin Williams movies to watch.
3. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Next on our list of best Robin Williams movies is Good Morning, Vietnam. The movie is a comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robin Williams, released in 1987. Williams plays the character of Adrian Cronauer, a radio DJ sent to Vietnam to boost the morale of American troops during the Vietnam War.
The movie is set in 1965 and explores themes such as the horrors of war, the impact of the media on public opinion, and the power of humor to lift spirits in times of hardship. Williams’ improvisational comedy skills are on full display as he delivers a stream of irreverent jokes and humorous commentary on the war and the military bureaucracy.
Good Morning, Vietnam was a commercial success and earned Williams his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
4. Aladdin (1992)
Often though as his most popular work, Aladdin is a must have on the list of top Robin Williams movies. The movie is an animated musical fantasy film released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1992. Robin Williams lent his voice to the character of Genie, a magical being who grants three wishes to whoever possesses his lamp. The movie follows the story of Aladdin, a young street urchin who falls in love with Princess Jasmine and must use the power of the Genie to defeat the evil Jafar and win her heart.
Williams’ performance as Genie was widely acclaimed, as he brought energy, humor, and spontaneity to the character, which made him a fan favorite. Aladdin was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $500 million worldwide and earning numerous awards and nominations, including two Academy Awards.
5. Jumanji (1995)
Williams plays the character of Alan Parrish, a man trapped in a magical board game for 26 years before being released by two children who discover the game in an abandoned house. The movie follows Alan and the two children as they must navigate Jumanji’s dangerous and unpredictable world, where every dice roll unleashes a new dangerous adventure.
Jumanji was a box office success, grossing over $260 million worldwide, and was praised for its imaginative storyline and groundbreaking visual effects. The movie is considered a classic of the adventure genre and has inspired multiple sequels and spin-offs. If you are a fan of Robin Williams movies, then this is a much watch.
6. The Fisher King (1991)
A worthy mention on this list of best Robin Williams movies s the 1991 movie, In The Fisher King. This film had Robin Williams playing the character of Parry, a homeless man who befriends Jack, a disillusioned radio shock jock played by Jeff Bridges and helps him confront his troubled past and find redemption.
The movie explores themes such as the power of myth and storytelling, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic and indifferent world. Williams’ performance as Parry is both comic and tragic. He brings a sense of childlike wonder and vulnerability to the character while also conveying the deep pain and trauma beneath his surface.
The Fisher King received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise given to Williams’ performance, earning him his third Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
7. The Birdcage (1996)
The Birdcage is a comedy film directed by Mike Nichols and starring Robin Williams, released in 1996. Williams plays the character of Armand Goldman, a gay nightclub owner who, along with his partner, must pose as a straight couple to appease the conservative parents of his son’s fiancée.
Williams’ performance as Armand is hilarious and heartfelt, as he brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the character. He also explored the nature of identity, the power of love and family, and the struggle for acceptance in a society that values conformity.
The movie would go on to become a commercial success and received positive reviews for its witty script, creative direction, and strong ensemble cast. Williams’ performance was widely praised and is considered a classic of the LGBTQ+ comedy genre.
8. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Mrs. Doubtfire is a comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, released in 1993. Williams plays the character of Daniel Hillard, a divorced father who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend more time with his children.
Williams’ performance as both Daniel and his alter ego, Mrs. Doubtfire, is a tour de force of physical comedy and improvisation, as he creates two distinct and hilarious characters that are both lovable and relatable. Mrs. Doubtfire was a box office success, grossing over $400 million worldwide, and was praised for its heartwarming storyline and Williams’ performance, which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
9. Awakenings (1990)
Awakenings is a drama film directed by Penny Marshall and starring Robin Williams, released in 1990. Williams plays the character of Dr Malcolm Sayer, a physician who discovers a new drug that can awaken catatonic patients who have been dormant for decades.
Williams’ performance as Dr Sayer is understated and nuanced, as he brings a sense of compassion and determination to the character while also conveying his social awkwardness and emotional vulnerability. Awakenings was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $108.7 million worldwide and receiving numerous awards and nominations, including three Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Williams.
10. Patch Adams (1998)
Patch Adams is a comedy-drama film that will easily feature in any list of Robin Williams movies. He plays the character of Hunter “Patch” Adams, a medical student who uses humor and compassion to treat his patients and challenges the traditional approach to medicine. In the movie, Robin Williams’ character uses the human connection, the power of laughter and joy, to attend to his patients and push for healthcare reform.
Williams’ performance as Patch Adams is both hilarious and heartwarming, as he brings a sense of irreverence to the character. Patch Adams was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide. He was praised for its uplifting message and Williams’ performance, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Conclusion
Picking the best Robin Williams movies to rank is no easy feat. There are dozens of movies to pick from with all having Williams giving a stellar display of his skills. His ability to infuse humor, heart, and humanity into his roles was unparalleled, and his influence can be seen in countless movies and TV shows that followed. Despite his tragic death in 2014, Robin Williams’ spirit and impact live on through his movies and the memories of those who knew and loved him.
