A beloved actor that filled the room with joy whenever he entered, Robin Williams is a name that everyone knew and their hearts warmed whenever he appeared on television or the movie screen. Starting his acting career in 1977, it wasn’t long before he landed a guest role in Happy Days appearing Mork. That character would go on to star in his own show Mork and Mindy and act as a launching pad for Williams career.
Everyone knew Robin Williams for his comedic presence and the ability to fire off jokes rapidly but when put to the test he proved that he can be taken seriously as a dramatic actor as well. With roles in Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting he left many questioning what can’t he do?
Without further adieu, here are my top 10 Robin Williams movies.
10. Flubber
Released in 1997, starring alongside Williams is Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher McDonald and Jodi Benson. Where Flubber didn’t score great on critical reception, it certainly was a financial success earning $178 million on a $80 million budget.
A science experiment with the hopes of saving Medfield college which Professor Philip Brainard (Williams) works, Flubber is a green glob of kinetic energy, with the potential to cause all sorts of havoc. As a kid watching this film in the 90s, everyone wanted their own Flubber to have alongside them.
A staple in any Robin Williams movie marathon, Flubber is a heartwarming story with many laughs along the way.
9. Patch Adams
Based off of the real life Hunter “Patch” Adams, this 1998 role saw Robin use his wide range of acting capabilities by displaying both dramatic acting as well as his always welcomed comedic abilities. Another financial success, earning $202 million against a $90 million budget, Patch Adams also starred another Hollywood legend in Philip Seymour Hoffman.
After admitting himself to a psych ward, Patch discovers that a fantastic way for recovery is nothing more than laughter itself. Wanting to spread his discovery he enrolls himself in the Medical College of Virginia. Questioning the approach taken by the existing medical professional, Patch begins to start helping patients with his own methods.
The payoff of this movie is worth the watch, seeing the titular character go on to earn his Doctor of Medicine warms the heart.
8. World’s Greatest Dad
Written and directed by the great Bobcat Goldthwait, Where 2009s World’s Greatest Dad was a financial, it was also one of Robin Williams more under appreciated roles as he received many praises for his performance. Working alongside Alexie Gilmore and Daryl Sabara, Williams' portrayal of Lance Clayton showed off his dramatic chops by displaying a wide range of emotion.
Being a single father to a bratty, completely unlikable teenager going through puberty at full force isn’t an easy take for anyone. Lance Clayton does his best to be a good father no matter how little respect he receives in return. After Kyle (played by Daryl Sabara) accidentally ends his own life, Lance does his best to salvage any dignity he can for his late son.
While it’s hard to feel bad for Kyle, seeing Lance go through all the emotions of a heart broken father, confused by the surprising reaction of his sons’ peers, eventually pulling away and finding some sort of happy ending is worth the watch.
7.What Dreams May Come
Hard to watch without feeling some emotions, What Dreams May Come was released in 1998. Using a budget of $90 million, it didn’t quite make it all back by only earning $75.4 million at the box office. Cuba Gooding Jr., plays Dr. Christopher Nielson (Williams) on screen counterpart in the role of a guiding hand.
Chris Nielson lives the seemingly ideal life. Beautiful wife, two children and a respectable career. Things take a turn in his life when his children are unexpectable killed in a car crash. After trying to continue on with life, things take another horrible turn which leaves Chris confused in what state he is in.
Watching Williams go through a journey to literal hell and back to rescue his wife leads to a cathartic ending.
6. Night at The Museum
With a star studded cast including Ben Stiller in the lead role, Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, Ricky Gervais as Mr. McPhee, Dick Van Dyke as Cecil and many more talented actors from throughout the ages, Night at the Museum didn’t have Robin Williams as the main role, but he surely did play a memorable one. Earning over $575 million, it was a box office smash! A fun ride for the entire family to enjoy.
The story starts with Larry (Stiller) picking up a job working as night security at The Museum of Natural History. While working his first night, Larry is completely caught off guard when the exhibits come to life. Lions, dinosaurs, giant talking heads and many historical characters are all brought to life. Confused, unsure of what’s going on and ready to quit his new job immediately Larry gets the guidance of Teddy Roosevelt through a heart warming, respectable performance from Robin Williams. A figure Larry easily looks up to in order to try to keep everything in order in his new role as night security.
5. Jumanji
Another classic from my childhood, Jumanji saw a board game brought to life. Released in 1995 Jumanji saw great success by earning $262 million against a $65 million budget. Eventually spawning a successful sequel/remake movie and even an amusement park ride, Jumanji was truly brought to life during this movie.
When Alan Parrish goes missing at a young age, it is thought that all hopes are lost in finding him. Many years later Judy and Peter Shepard portrayed by Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce move into their aunt Nora’s house and discover an old board game, Jumanji. Curious, they begin to play and realize it’s more mysterious than just a typical board game.
Williams appears later in the movie as the adult version of Alan Parrish who has been stuck living in the game for the last 26 years. For his portrayal of a guiding hand for Judy and Peter trying to clean up a mess the game has left through their new town Williams fits the role perfectly.
4. Aladdin
A true classic, Aladdin tells the story of a kind-hearted thief's’ journey to save a beautiful princess from having her throne taken away from Jafar, an evil sorcerer. This Disney classic was released in 1992 with a budget of just $28 million and earned $504 million in box office sales. No true Disney fans collection is complete without Aladdin.
Used in a supporting role, Robin portrays Genie, a magical creature that has been stuck in a lamp. Stumbled upon by Aladdin in a time of need, the two characters work with and against each other at times during this movie.
3. Dead Poets Society
One of Robin's first serious dramatic roles, Williams portrays John Keating, the new English teacher at Welton academy. Dead Poets Society saw its release in 1989, receiving highly positive critical success including 4 Academy Awards nomination which includes a win in best screenplay. The $16.4 million budget was put to good use and brought back $235.9 million at the box office.
Featuring a young cast of Hollywood notables including Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Josh Charles, Dead Poets Society is a coming of age story that depicts the lives and pressures of several young men attending Welton Academy, an all male boarding school.
Williams excels in playing a caring teacher who really wants to help his students grasp knowledge through unorthodox methods. The role landed him a nomination for best actor.
2. Mrs. Doubtfire
When people talk about Robin Williams, it's rare they leave the conversation without at least mentioning Mrs. Doubtfire.
A story about a well intentioned father just trying to spend more time with his children, this 1993 release features Williams as Daniel Hillard a.k.a. Euphegenia Doubtfire. His family is portrayed by Sally Fields as Miranda Hillard, Lisa Jakub as Lydia, Matthew Lawrence as Chris and Mara Wilson as Nattie.
Yet another commercial box office success, Mrs. Doubtfire earned $441 million and only spent $25 million on budget. The film itself had been nominated and won many awards. Robin himself winning awards such as The People's Choice Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Motion Picture.
1.Good Will Hunting
Launching the careers of Hollywood A-listers, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon came up with this original screenplay that saw 9 Academy Award nominations with 2 wins including a win in the Best Supporting Actor category for Robins' part in playing Dr. Sean Maguire.
With a budget of only $10 millions, Affleck and Damon saw a return on their investment with $225 million in box office sales.
Playing a vital role in Wills journey, Dr. Sean Maguire is a positive influence on Will. Often challenging him to outgrow his comfort zone and push himself to achieve the great success he is capable of.
If anyone had doubts of Robin's dramatic acting chops before Good Will Hunting they sure didn't after.
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informative.