Robin Williamswas a one-of-a-kind performer and comedy legend who established himself as one of Hollywood’s greatest stars with memorable characters from iconic films likeDisney’sAladdin,The Birdcage, andGood Morning, Vietnam. Noted for his epic improvisational skills and physical comedy, the Chicago-born comedian got his first break starring in the 1970s sitcom,Mork & Mindyand made his feature film debut in the 1980 comedy,Popeye.
With an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance inGood Will Huntingand six Golden Globe Awards, Williams conquered the silver screen in a variety of roles ranging from thrillers likeOne Hour PhotoandInsomniato heartfelt dramas such asDead Poets SocietyandThe Fisher King. Out of the actor’s extensive list of filmography,these are 20 of Williams' best movies according toRotten Tomatoes.
20’What Dreams May Come' (1998)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 52%
Williams stars as Chris Neilsen who, after dying in a tragic car accident, arrives in heaven where he meets his spirit guide (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and discovers a world of beauty and a magical afterlife where his imagination can run wild and free. When his wife, Annie (Annabella Sciorra), takes her own life and is sent to Hell, Neilsen takes the dangerous risk of traveling into the unknown to find and rescue her.
What Dreams May Comeis a romantic drama and a visually stunning spectacle based on the 1978 novel by the same name written byRichard Matheson.Williams gives an emotionally captivating and endearing performance in this highly underrated filmwhich proves that love lives on long after death. Despite earning mixed reviews, filmcriticRoger EbertgaveWhat Dreams May Comethree and a half out of four stars, commending the film’s imagination of the unknown as well as Williams and Sciorra’s “effectively heartbreaking performances.”
What Dreams May Come
19’Jumanji' (1995)
In 1969, Alan Parrish and his crush, Sarah Whittle, decide to play a mysterious game called Jumanji, which results in Alan becoming trapped in the game for years. When a brother and sister, Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy (Kirsten Dunst) move into Alan’s former family home, the two find the game, releasing Alan. Now, a grown man (Williams) Parrish must find Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) and, along with the kids, finish the game before it releases more chaos into the world.
Jumanjiis a thrilling adventure film full of supernatural antics and unyielding comedy that is also credited as one of Williams' signature films. The film follows a unique tale riddled with top-notch performances by the entire cast, which also includesJonathan Hyde,David Alan Grier, andBebe Neuwirth. While some critics felt the film focused more on special effects than storytelling,Jumanjihas gained immense support since its initial release, becoming a cult classic comedyas well as a favorite among die-hard Williams fans.
18’Popeye' (1980)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%
Williams stars as the spinach-eating sailor, Popeye, who sets out to find his father and travels to the port of Sweethaven. There, he meets the lovely Olive (Shelley Duvall) and takes in an orphaned baby, Swee’Pea, caring for the child as his own. When Olive and Swee’Pea are kidnapped by the dastardly brute, Bluto (Paul L. Smith), Popeye uses his magic spinach to rescue his new family.
Based on the popular comics created byE.C. Segar,Popeyewas initially met with mixed reviews, but the musical comedy still ended up becoming a major success at the box office. BothGene SiskelandRoger Ebertgave the film three and a half out of four stars, with Siskel noting that “the first thirty minutes of the film were a bit tedious,” but it soon picked up, turning into a lively, entertaining film. It’s not an easy task to adapt a beloved animated character like Popeye the Sailor Man into a convincing live-action portrayal, butWilliams far succeeds expectations and if any performer could pull it off, it is Williams by a landslide.
17’Robots' (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%
In a world populated by robots, a young inventor, Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor) sets out to introduce his invention to his idol, Bigweld (Mel Brooks), with the hope that he will be able to work for BigWeld Industries. When Rodney is rejected by the head of the company, Phineas T. Ratchet (Greg Kinnear), he eventually learns that Ratchet is plotting to enforce a profitable upgrade for all robots. With the help of Rodney’s new friends, including a wacky robot, Fender (Williams), he devises a plan to take down Ratchet and expose his treachery before it’s too late.
Robotsisan underrated animated filmthat features a classic story about following your dreams and also showcases Williams' infamous voice-over talents.Williams effortlessly brings his character to life with his traditional slapstick comedy and witty wisecracksthat make him a crucial highlight of the film. With an excellent blend of kid humor and adult jokes,Robotsis a top-tier animated adventure that, despite its positive, warm reviews, doesn’t always get enough credit.
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16’FernGully: The Last Rainforest' (1992)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
Williams takes on another animated character, Batty Koda, in the cult classic animated feature,FernGully: The Last Rainforest. The film follows a young forest fairy, Crysta (Samatha Mathis) who is curious about the human world and is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the forest. When her magic accidentally shrinks a logger, Zak (Jonathan Ward), down to her size, they must find a way to not only return him to his regular size, but also save the forest from his company and an evil entity, Hexxus (Tim Curry).
Williams delivers an underrated performance as the high-strung Batty who, despite his hatred towards humans, agrees to help Crysta get Zak back to his proper size. Like most of Williams' characters, Batty is the heart and soul of the comedy in the film but also has a sentimental side, much like Williams' famous animated character, Genie from Disney’sAladdin.FernGully: The Last Rainforestis a visually appealing film that also demonstrates an important lesson without coming off as preachy and,with Williams' classic comedic chops, it definitely reigns as one of the actor’s best voice-over performances.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
15’Mrs. Doubtfire' (1993)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%
Mrs. Doubtfireis among Williams' most recognizable roles (from one of thebest movies of 1993). In the classic family comedy, he takes center stage as Daniel Hillard, a talented voice actor and devoted father who, after a messy divorce from his wife, Miranda (Sally Field), resorts to an extraordinary scheme to stay close to his children.
Williams' performance inMrs. Doubtfireis a masterclass in comedic timing– as both the bumbling, well-meaning father and the British nanny, he showcases his unparalleled ability to switch between characters seamlessly. He was also able to transform mundane household chores into hilarious moments through physical comedy. While some parts of the film have admittedly aged poorly, it still stands as a beloved family comedy and one of those nostalgic classics fans will remember fondly. –Hannah Saab
Mrs. Doubtfire
14’The World According to Garp' (1982)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
During World War II, a nurse, Jenny Fields (Glenn Close), becomes pregnant and raises the child on her own, naming him Garp, after his father. Garp grows up to become an excellent fiction writer, but his mother is extremely successful with her feminist-themed work, which allows her to open a center for troubled young women. Even though Garp gets married and has children of his own, he still keeps an eye on his mother and the community surrounding her.
The World According to Garpis a comedy-dramabased on the 1978 novel of the same name written byJohn Irving, who has a minor cameo in the film as a wrestling referee. The film givesWilliams the opportunity to show off his dramatic acting chops for one of the first time, showcasing his immense range and talent as an actor.The World According to Garpearned two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Close and Best Supporting Actor forJohn Lithgow.
The World According to Garp
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13’The Butler' (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
After leaving the South and finding a job at a prestigious hotel in Washington D.C., Cecil Gaines' (Forest Whitaker) world completely changes when he’s hired as a butler at the White House. Over the course of several decades, Gaines witnesses history and the inner workings of the Oval Office, but as his job takes him away from his wife and angers his anti-establishment son, Gaines is presented with an external struggle of serving the First Family or his own family.
Lee Daniel’sThe Butleris based on the life ofEugene Allenwho was a longtime White House employee and was originally hired during the Eisenhower administration. The film gives audiences a behind-the-scenes view of some of the moments and American history andeven though Williams isn’t the lead character, he still gives a stunning performanceas the 34th President of the United States,Dwight D. Eisenhower, which deserves recognition.
The Butler
12’Moscow on the Hudson' (1984)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%
Vladimir is a musician in the Moscow circus who, during a trip to New York City, escapes from his handlers and publicly denounces the Soviet Union. Fearful of returning home, Vladimir meets an immigration lawyer (Alejandro Rey) who helps him gain citizenship and adjust to his new life in America.
Theidea forMoscow on the Hudsoncame to the film’s director,Paul Mazurskyafter hearing various stories from friends in Hollywood about their experiences coming from Russia to the United States.Williams prepared for the roleby learning to speak Russianand play the saxophone, which are not the easiest subjects to master.
Moscow on the Hudson
11’Happy Feet' (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%
An entertaining animated musical from the late 2000s,Happy Feetfollows the journey of Mumble (voiced byElijah Wood), a penguin who is often ridiculed because of his tap-dancing skills. Robin Williams lends his voice to two characters, Ramón and Lovelace, and is also the narrator of the fun film.
Williams' performance as Ramón is unique in the actor’s filmography, as the lovable and fast-talking penguin with a penchant for salsa dancing is instantly likable. Ramón’s hilarious one-liners and unwavering loyalty to Mumble make him an instant fan favorite. As Lovelace, on the other hand, Williams brings out a wise and mystic Rockhopper penguin with an eccentric personality.The actor’s dual roles inHappy Feetare a testament to his comedic talent that shows with just his voice. –Hannah Saab
