Who Doesn’t Love Robin Williams?
The late Robin Williams was beloved for a reason. He was a talented actor who played roles ranging from dramatic to hilarious. We’ve gathered a few of his best roles that will make you smile.
Good Morning, Vietnam
Williams had some early success with Good Morning, Vietnam. This film is an example of the perfect blend of comedy and emotion that Robin Williams became known for. It follows Adrian Cronauer (Williams), a radioman who is sent to Vietnam to give those serving there a lift.
Touchstone Pictures, Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
World’s Greatest Dad
Sometimes we lie. Sometimes those lies are pretty awful. However, we always have our reasons, don’t we? World’s Greatest Dad is a daring dark comedy that walks the line between funny and scandal as it explores these themes. Williams's character must navigate the question of right and wrong, and what he wants before the movie ends.
Magnolia Pictures, World's Greatest Dad (2009)
Night At The Museum
Any early 90s or 2000s child knows the joy of Night at the Museum. Williams's portrayal of the reanimate wax figure of Teddy Roosevelt is charming in a way that defies actual “history”. Even children from other countries fall in love with his portrayal of an American president.
Twentieth Century, Night at the Museum (2006)
The Birdcage
If you have ever watched La Cage au Folles, then you know that The Birdcage will keep you smiling from beginning to end. When Armand’s (Williams) son announces that he’s engaged, he’s thrilled—until Armand and his partner Albert have to pretend to be strait-laced for their future in-laws. Hijinx ensue.
United Artists, The Birdcage (1996)
Happy Feet
How can you go wrong with this children’s classic? Happy Feet follows a penguin who can’t sing (like all the other penguins) but he sure can dance. It’s a sweet coming-of-age story for all the oddballs.
Warner Bros., Happy Feet (2006)
Jack
Jack is a unique film. It features Williams as a 10-year-old boy who appears 40 because he ages faster than those around him. It has its questionable moments, but Williams performs the role with charm.
Hollywood Pictures, Jack (1996)
Moscow On The Hudson
Critics seemed to have liked Moscow on the Hudson more than audiences did. However, this playful farce is full of Williams’ typical warmth. Williams plays Vladimir Ivanoff, a Russian saxophonist who suddenly defects on a tour in the USA.
Columbia, Moscow on the Hudson (1984)
Mrs Doubtfire
Robin Williams is perhaps best known for Mrs Doubtfire. Whether you think what Williams’ character does is right or wrong, Mrs Doubtfire will fill your heart with love. It’s a classic for a reason, so enjoy it!
Twentieth Century, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
The World According To Garp
This unique film is filled with all of the struggles that a family can have relating to each other. Williams plays the title character (Garp) with charm and wit as he attempts to balance his own life with that of his mother.
Warner Bros., The World According To Garp (1982)
FernGully… The Last Rainforest
FurnGully is a unique and charming children’s film from the early 90s that could also feature on a list of “films you’d forgotten about”. It is filled with all of the quirky fun that only a 90s film can give. So put it on and enjoy your night!
FAI Films, FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
Robots
Williams saw some of his biggest success with children’s films. His contagious energy served the medium well. Robots received middling reviews. However, it still holds a warm place in many hearts. Williams's portrayal of Fender, the amusing sidekick, steals the show.
Twentieth Century, Robots (2005)
Popeye
This live action remake of the classic didn’t exactly make a huge hit with audiences at the time. It is a wild ride that sees Popeye (Williams) start single, then find a family, and then have to save them from evil. However, its quirky charm has aged into a playful cult classic.
Cadillac Man
1990's Cadillac Man is a dark comedy that follows Robin Williams' character, Joey O'Brien—a car salesman with financial and romantic woes. However, his life takes a hilarious, yet distressing, turn when his secretary's husband takes the car dealership hostage. Though Cadillac Man is not one of the films that Williams is best known for, it still provides a healthy dose of the actor's classic humor.
Orion Pictures, Cadillac Man (1990)
Good Will Hunting
Robin Williams took home an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his heartwarming performance in 1997's Good Will Hunting—and for good reason. His character, Dr Sean Maguire, takes on the daunting task of providing therapy for a troubled math genius. This highly-ranked movie is an undeniable tearjerker but ultimately ends on a hopeful sentimental note.
Miramax, Good Will Hunting (1997)
Being Human
Sometimes, to be successful you need to take chances. Being Human was a daring movie that attempted to get at the heart of what it means to be human. It is not as easily joyful as some of Williams’ comedies. However, its storyline, which sees Williams play the same character throughout several lives, is full of heart and warmth.
Warner Bros., Being Human (1994)
What Dreams May Come
What Dreams May Come is another one of Williams’ more unique films. As it centers around themes of loss, heaven, and the underworld, it is not purely happy. Yet, it is also full of love. It is a journey for any viewer.
Polygram Filmed Entertainment, What Dreams May Come (1998)
Jumanji
If you weren’t familiar with Jumanji before, you likely became familiar after the remakes began hitting theaters. Jumanji is a Williams classic that you can’t go wrong with. A magical board game that brings its challenges to life could have been a hard sell if it were for Williams.
Happy Feet Two
While not necessarily as well received as the original, Happy Feet Two still carries the same sort of joy and heart that the original had. This time, the film includes Mumble’s own family, including his son who is struggling as much as his father had before him. It’s a classic tale and a great movie.
Warner Bros., Happy Feet Two (2011)
Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is another sequel. However, it holds up to the humor and joy of the first movie well. It carries the same characters as the first, while adding entertaining new ones as our favorite characters move from New York to the Smithsonian.
Twentieth Century, Night At The Museum- Battle Of The Smithsonian (2009)
August Rush
August Rush has mixed reviews. Williams is also not necessarily the hero of this story. However, it has charm and warmth. It follows an orphan who is looking for his family. His unique musical talent brings everyone together, in the end.
Warner Bros., August Rush (2007)
Aladdin And The King Of Thieves
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Disney seemed to have run out of ideas and depended on making sequels of its already high-ranking films. Everyone knows the sequels weren’t as good. However, Aladdin and The King of Thieves still has its moments.
Walt Disney, Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996)
The Best Of Times
Everyone knows that high school can be some of the best years of your life or some of the worst. The Best of Times plays on the idea of the regrets we all hold from those days. It strives to build something more, as Williams’ character attempts to redeem his past.
Kings Road Entertainment, The Best Of Times (1986)
The Big White
The Big White is a comedy in the same way that Fargo is. There are mixed reviews on how successful it was at it. Sure, a story about hiding a murder doesn’t sound like it would be a good time. However, sometimes the darkest moments can be the funniest.
Ascendant Pictures, The Big White (2005)
Hook
If you’re of the right age, Hook is a movie that you can’t escape, nor would you want to. A fun twist on Peter Pan, Hook was critically panned at the time of its release. However, it still holds up today for Williams human and its familiar adventure.
Father’s Day
Who doesn’t want to see Robin Williams and Billy Crystal in a ridiculous adventure romp? Father’s Day stars Williams and Crystal as they both attempt to seek the answer to a simple question: Who is the father? They’re only a few years late as the son in question is in his 20s and missing.
Warner Bros., Fathers' Day (1997)
Nine Months
You can’t go wrong with a rom-com. Nine Months stars Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore as they struggle with a new relationship and unexpected pregnancy. Williams appears in a supporting role (Moore's gynecologist) with his usual zany show-stealing charm.
20th Century Fox, Nine Months (1995)
Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb
Our favorite characters are going international. The third Night at the Museum movie sees Williams’ Roosevelt, along with the other museum favorites, travel to England. As usual, more trouble ensues before they find a way to save the day.
Twentieth Century, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014)
RV
RV was one of Robin Williams's later films. It was not well received. However, most audiences found it humorous and charming. It plays on the idea that plagues many families as their children get older: trying to keep the family together and recapture the past.
Flubber
For a film that was so completely panned by critics, Flubber is still fairly well known. Sure, the concept of a sentient green blob called Flubber is a bold take, but it gives the perfect opportunity for chaos and laughter.
Patch Adams
Patch Adams is a sweet film. Like some of Williams's better-known efforts, it carefully walks the line of drama and comedy. Based on a true story, it follows Williams as he tries to become a medical doctor to help others. His character wants to make the world a better place, and it shows.
Man Of The Year
In some ways, Man of the Year may be timelier now than when it came out in 2006. It blended comedy with political satire for an interesting film. Williams’ character didn’t necessarily intend to become President, but now that he’s there… well, you’ll have to watch the film to find out.
Morgan Creek Productions, Man Of The Year (2006)
Absolutely Anything
Absolutely Anything is one of those films that is not for everyone. It comes across as low-budget, and its humor is niche. However, if you find yourself in that niche, it is perfect for an afternoon laugh. You may struggle to find Williams, however. He voices the dog.
Premiere Picture, Absolutely Anything (2015)
Merry Friggin Christmas
Merry Friggin Christmas was one of Williams's last roles. It is an underrated offbeat Christmas comedy that centers on the dysfunction between William’s character and his son, played by Joel McHale. It struggled to stand out against other holiday classics, but the story has potential if you’re willing to give it a chance.
Sycamore Pictures, Merry Friggin Christmas (2014)
Club Paradise
Club Paradise is a bit like Cheers if Cheers was set in the tropics. Williams's character opens a tropical island resort, and the film is filled with a chaotic cast of characters that lead to amusing misadventures. It is an all-around great time.
Warner Bros., Club Paradise (1986)
The Survivors
The Survivors is a quirky dark comedy that features Williams as a character unexpectedly pursued by a villain. Feeling he needs to protect himself, he joins a survivalist school. As usual, antics ensue.
Rastar Films, The Survivors (1983)
License To Wed
Another rom-com in which Williams plays a supporting role is License to Wed. John Krasinski and Mandy Moore are looking to get married; Williams plays the pastor that makes their lives difficult. Really, what more could you want out of a film? It’s a cute and amusing 90-minute story that is just about love.
Warner Bros., License to Wed (2007)
The Big Wedding
Williams played a smaller role in this large ensemble cast that includes Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Ben Barnes, Amanda Seyfried, and Topher Grace. The Big Wedding is a charming little drama that speaks to the highs and lows of family, all painted over the backdrop of… well, the big wedding.
Millennium Films, The Big Wedding (2013)
Old Dogs
Old Dogs starred Robin Williams and John Travolta as two bachelor businessmen who unexpectedly find themselves responsible for twin children. Unqualified for the task, things quickly get out of hand in increasingly more ridiculous ways.
Aladdin
Aladdin is likely Robin Williams’s best-known movie. Thanks to the Disney effect, children of every generation smiled at his portrayal of the Genie. Full of fun, action, and the classic “good triumphs over evil” ending, you can’t go wrong with this flick.
However, behind the scenes, things got a little more chaotic. Robin Williams had a legendary feud with Disney after they used the Genie to sell toys. Disney eventually apologized, sending him a Picasso painting as a gesture of good will. But after his death, they made one final, heartbreaking peace offering. Eric Goldberg, the supervising animator of the genie in Aladdin, drew an image of the genie alongside a heartfelt message after Williams' passing.
You May Also Like:
The Best Improvised Robin Williams Moments
Robin Williams Quotes That Made Us WEEP
Quiz: Can You Name These Robin Williams Movies?
John J. Kruzel / American Forces Press Service, Wikimedia Commons
Sources: 1
_crop.jpg){kind=link}