Top 10 Robin Williams Films

Sadly, one of the greatest comedians of all time has passed away, leaving many fond memories of classic comedic roles and as well as some truly extraordinary dramatic performances.

It’s been over twenty five years since his first Oscar nominated performance in Good Morning Vietnam and in that time whether he was tackling comedy or drama, Robin Williams always brought his unique hyper-kinetic energy to any role that he took on, something that immediately appealed to people when he first made a name for himself on the classic comedy Mork and Mindy. Over his extraordinary career he amassed five Grammy’s, four Golden Globes, two SAG awards, an Oscar and over 3 billion dollars in lifetime gross at the box office; not too shabby for someone who came to fame through stand up comedy and a spinoff of Happy Days.

Today we sadly look back at the legacy of the legendary Robin Williams and his top ten best films, which is no easy feat as he had so many memorable roles that we all love so much. At least one of these films you may remember from your childhood, or bring you chills or make you laugh or cry with his performances.

Awakenings (1990)

Before he would put on the doctors coat for Patch Adams in 1998, there was his excellent turn as Dr. Malcolm Sayer, whose concern for a group of catatonic patients leads him to revive one in a medical trial. Alongside a brilliant performance from Robert De Niro, Williams holds his own, which at the time would be hard to imagine watching Mork on the same screen as Vito Corleone.

What we do know is that, as the chemical window closed, another awakening took place; that the human spirit is more powerful than any drug – and THAT is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. THESE are the things that matter. This is what we’d forgotten – the simplest things. ~ Doctor Malcolm Sayer

One Hour Photo (2002)

Sy Parish was not the first creepy loner that Williams has played; in fact this was released just months after Insomnia, but this performance is by far his most nuanced villain that the normally comedic actor had played in his career. The detachment at the far end of a sterile big box store leads to a desperation for human connection that breaks a fragile psyche in scary ways. Gone from his performance are the wacky quirks that made Robin who he is and it’s certainly one of his lesser known films that deserve a viewing.

And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it’s this: I was here. I existed. I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture. ~ Sy Parish

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This is possibly one of Williams most iconic roles aside from the obvious Peter Pan and Mrs. Doubtfire. John Keating has his students ripping up books, standing on desks, yelling out in class and more importantly, learning to love poetry and seizing the day. A Hollywood heartstrings film for sure, but a great one that featured Williams’ charisma front and center.

Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Don’t be resigned to that. Break out! ~ John Keating

Good Will Hunting (1997)

After earning Oscar nominations for his work in Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Fisher King, Williams finally scored the prize for his heartfelt supporting work on Good Will Hunting. He played the therapist, Sean Maguire, who helps Matt Damon’s character move beyond his troubled past; Williams is the linchpin to the films final act while delivering some of his best dramatic work of his career.

Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself. ~ Sean Maguire

Aladdin (1992)

One of Williams best kids movies over a career filled with them between his serious roles. Most of his lines for Genie were off the cuff; improvised in a role that was created specifically with him in mind. It showcased his voice-acting ability and comedic talents, which he would use again later in his career in animated films like Happy Feet and Robots. The role eventually became the center of a dispute between Williams and Disney when Disney tried to reproduce the character for the TV show. Williams claimed that the character was his alone and could not be reproduced. Nevertheless, this is a classic Disney film that saw a lot of its success derived from the outstanding performance of Williams.

I’m history! No, I’m mythology! Nah, I don’t care what I am; I’m free! ~ Genie

The Fisher King (1991)

For this film which earned Williams an Oscar nomination and a win for best actor at the Golden Globes, he played a troubled homeless man who developed an unlikely friendship with an abrasive radio DJ, played by the always great Jeff Bridges who is suicidal because of a mistake he made. Bridges character tries to find redemption by helping Williams character Parry as he is the unknowing victim of that mistake. A great film that showed the world truly how much range Williams had in him.

There’s three things in this world that you need: Respect for all kinds of life, a nice bowel movement on a regular basis, and a navy blazer. ~ Parry

Patch Adams (1998)

This film was a great balancing act by Williams who the portrayed real life doctor that the film is named after. He brings this wonderful, heart warming humour to the movie when it needs it, but during the darker moments of the film, Williams tones down that humour and layers in that dramatic element to his role that he can pull off just as easily. The film will have you laughing out loud and tearing up but in the end, will leave you smiling. Williams is excellent as ever in this role.

You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome. ~ Hunter Patch Adams

What Dreams May Come (1998)

Of the many beloved films in Robin’s career, What Dreams May Come is for some reason rarely praised. This one may actually be one of the hardest to rewatch. The movie is built almost entirely around depression and suicide. Williams plays a husband, Chris Nielsen, who dies tragically but is granted access to heaven which is portrayed as this incredibly beautiful place, and is paired with Cuba Gooding Junior as an angel. Williams wife kills herself in despair and Williams takes it upon himself to trek into Hell to rescue her from torment. The film juggles the horrors of a tormented mind with the joys of art and life. It is a serious, heart wrenching affair but well worth the journey. There are very few Williams films that stand out as much as this one; I urge you in honor of Williams and his career to take this film for a spin. You won’t be disappointed.

What some folks call impossible, is just stuff they haven’t seen before. ~ Chris Nielsen

Good Morning Vietnam (1987)

One of Williams most iconic roles and one of his comedic best. If there is a role that tailored itself to his acting skill it’s this one. He plays wartime DJ Adrian Cronauer who is frustrated at the Army censoring the truth that is right in front of him in Vietnam. This film put Williams on the map and it also earned him his first Golden Globe and garnered an Academy Award nomination for his work. This film is both hilarious and displays the horror of the Vietnam War. Good Morning Vietnam still stands for a great many of his fans as their favorite movie of his, including several of the writers on the GCE team.

Goooooooood morning Vietnam! It’s 0600 hours. What does the “O” stand for? O my God, it’s early! ~ Adrian Cronauer

Hook

Was there any doubt as to what would be number one? By far, this is the movie that lives the test of time. There are so many iconic performances throughout, including Williams as Peter Pan. Williams is off the wall in this film, playing the buttoned up lawyer Peter Banning and his return to Neverland where he reluctantly takes up the mantle as Peter Pan. There are quite a few heartfelt moments interlaced with the comedy, and it’s so quotable. Williams stated how much he loved the role and everyone who watches can feel how true that is. You will always be the Pan to us Robin. Bangarang.

I’ll tell you what a paramecium is! That’s the paramecium! It’s a one-celled critter with no brain, that can’t fly! Don’t mess with me man, I’m a lawyer! ~ Peter Banning

Honorable mentions: Mrs. Doubtfire, Toys, The Birdcage, Insomnia, Jumanji, and The World According to Garp.

I really just want to re-iterate how difficult it is truly to pick ten best films of this wonderful actor; the man lit up the screen like no other and has left us before his time. Williams once was asked on the Actors Studio, “if heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?”, to which he replied, “if Heaven exists it would be nice to know that there’s laughter, that would be great to hear God go, Two Jews walk into a bar…” Heaven is a whole lot funnier today. Robin Williams, you will be greatly missed.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite Robin Williams movie is.