Robin Williams was one of the most beloved actors of all time, with a career spanning over four decades. He left an indelible mark on the film industry with his unique talent, energy, and charisma. In this article, we will explore the best movies on the Robin Williams movies list, celebrating his iconic performances and legacy.
Born in 1951, Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s. He made his film debut in 1980 with the comedy film Popeye and went on to star in numerous hit movies, including Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Good Will Hunting. The Ace American actor and comedian died on August 11, 2014.
Williams was known for his exceptional range as an actor and his ability to tackle dramatic and comedic roles masterfully. Selecting the best movies on the Robin Williams movies list is no easy task, as Williams had so many incredible performances throughout his career. Our criteria for selecting the top films include critical acclaim, box office success, cultural impact, and personal opinion. We’ll be taking all of these factors into account as we highlight the standout films in Williams’ filmography.
Top 10 Grossing Robin Williams Movies
In addition to critical acclaim and personal opinions, box office success is another important factor to consider when evaluating the impact of movies. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top-grossing movies on the Robin Williams movies list. These movies have not only made an impact on audiences but also earned a significant amount of money at the box office.
| Movies | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|
| “Jumanji” (1995) | $962.1 million |
| “Night at the Museum” (2006) | $574.5 million |
| “Aladdin” (1992) | $504.1 million |
| “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) | $441.3 million |
| “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” (2009) | $413.1 million |
| “Happy Feet” (2006) | $384.3 million |
| “Hook” (1991) | $300.8 million |
| “Robots” (2005) | $260.6 million |
| “Dead Poets Society” (1989) | $239.5 million |
| “Patch Adams” (1998) | $202.3 million |
Top 10 Best Robin Williams Movies
1. “Good Will Hunting” (1997)
“Good Will Hunting” is a drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams. The film follows Will Hunting (Damon), a young janitor at MIT who has a genius-level IQ but struggles with emotional and psychological issues that hold him back from achieving his full potential. With the help of a therapist named Sean Maguire (Williams), Will begins to confront his past and develop a sense of self-worth while also navigating a complicated romantic relationship with a Harvard student named Skylar (Minnie Driver).
The film received critical acclaim, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning two, including Best Supporting Actor for Robin Williams‘ performance as Sean. It was also a commercial success by every standard. The movie’s portrayal of a working-class hero and themes of self-discovery and redemption have made it a cultural touchstone.
His portrayal of Sean was praised for its depth and nuance, showcasing Williams’ range as an actor. He was able to convey both the character’s tough exterior and vulnerability, earning him widespread recognition and further cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 94%
2. “Dead Poets Society” (1989)
“Dead Poets Society” is a coming-of-age drama about an English teacher named John Keating, played by Robin Williams, who inspires his students to think for themselves and follow their passions. Set in an elite prep school in the 1950s, the film explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and individualism.
The movie was critically acclaimed for its strong performances, direction, and screenplay, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1990. It also had a significant cultural impact, inspiring a generation of young people to pursue their dreams and challenge authority.
In his role as John Keating, Williams demonstrated his ability to balance humor and pathos, and he delivered some of the film’s most memorable lines, such as “Carpe diem” and “O Captain! My Captain!” He brought a sense of warmth, intelligence, and tolerance to the character, earning him widespread praise and cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. “Dead Poets Society” is undoubtedly one of the most beloved films on the Robin Williams movies list.
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 92%
3. “Aladdin” (1992)
The Disney animated musical film “Aladdin” is about a young street urchin who finds a magical lamp and is granted three wishes by a genie. Along with his new friend, princess Jasmine, he tries to stop the evil sorcerer Jafar from taking over the kingdom. The movie received critical acclaim for its animation, music, and voice acting, including Robin Williams‘ unforgettable performance.
Williams’ voice casting as the Genie was a stroke of genius, as he brought the character to life with his signature humor, energy, and improvisation. His performance was a standout in an already excellent movie, and it helped solidify Aladdin’s place as one of the greatest animated films of all time. The movie was a commercial and cultural success, grossing over $500 million worldwide and inspiring numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. It remains a beloved classic on the Robin Williams movies list, cherished by fans of all ages.
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 94%
4. “Awakenings” (1990)
“Awakenings” is a drama film based on a true story. It tells the story of Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams, who discovers a new drug that awakens a group of catatonic patients who have been in a comatose state for decades. As the patients awaken, they must adjust to a world that has passed them by.
The film was a critical success and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor. It also had a significant cultural impact, raising awareness about the plight of patients with encephalitis lethargica.
In his role as Dr. Sayer, Williams delivers a nuanced and empathetic performance, capturing the character’s passion for his work and his deep sense of compassion for his patients. The film is a powerful addition to the Robin Williams movies list, showcasing his ability to tackle dramatic roles with grace and sensitivity.
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 89%
5. “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987)
“Good Morning, Vietnam” is a comedy-drama film based on the true story of Armed Forces Radio Service disc jockey Adrian Cronauer during the Vietnam War. The film follows Cronauer as he arrives in Saigon and shakes up the military radio station with his irreverent humor and unorthodox style. Cronauer’s broadcasts became wildly popular with the troops but also put him at odds with his superiors.
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Williams a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. It is considered one of the best films on the Robin Williams movies list, praised for its blend of humor and drama, as well as its commentary on the Vietnam War.
“Good Morning, Vietnam” had a significant cultural impact, with its soundtrack becoming a bestseller and the film popularizing the phrase “Good Morning, Vietnam!” as a catchphrase. His performance as Adrian Cronauer is considered one of his best, showcasing his talent for improvisation and his ability to infuse humor into the serious subject matter.
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 82%
6. “The Fisher King” (1991)
“The Fisher King” follows Jack (Jeff Bridges), a radio shock jock who is guilt-ridden after a listener’s violent act. Jack meets Parry (Robin Williams), a homeless man with a tragic past who is on a quest for the Holy Grail. Parry helps Jack find redemption and love. The film was critically acclaimed and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. It also explored themes of redemption and the power of storytelling, making a cultural impact. His performance as Parry was widely praised and considered one of his best on the Robin Williams movies list.
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 85%
7. “Insomnia” (2002)
“Insomnia” is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, featuring Al Pacino, Hilary Swank, and Robin Williams. Pacino plays a detective who travels to a remote town in Alaska to investigate a murder case. However, his lack of sleep due to the endless daylight causes him to unravel. Williams plays Walter Finch, a novelist who becomes a suspect in the case.
“Insomnia” received critical acclaim for its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and stylish direction. It was also notable for being Nolan’s first film after his breakthrough hit Memento. The film’s exploration of guilt and morality in a tense and isolated setting has made it a cult classic on the Robin Williams movies list.
Williams’ role as Walter Finch was a departure from his usual comedic performances, showcasing his range as a dramatic actor. His portrayal of the manipulative and disturbed character was praised by critics and audiences alike, earning him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Williams’ performance added a layer of complexity to the film’s exploration of the blurred lines between right and wrong. Undoubtedly, “Insomnia” is a must-see movie on the Robin Williams movies list.
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77%
8. “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
Mrs. Doubtfire is a comedy film on the Robin Williams movies list. The story follows a struggling actor, Daniel Hillard, who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper to spend more time with his children. The film received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Makeup. It was also a box office success, grossing over $441 million worldwide. Williams’ performance as Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire was praised for his ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic moments. The film has had a lasting cultural impact and remains a beloved classic to this day.
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77%
9. “Deconstructing Harry” (1997)
“Deconstructing Harry” is a dark comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. It follows the chaotic life of a writer named Harry Block (played by Allen) who draws inspiration from his real-life relationships. The film features a non-linear narrative structure and an ensemble cast, including Robin Williams as Mel, “the out-of-focus man,” a character who becomes increasingly blurry throughout the film.
“Deconstructing Harry” received mixed reviews upon its release, but it has since gained a cult following and is often praised for its bold storytelling and unflinching examination of the creative process. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and has been included on many “best of” lists.
While “Deconstructing Harry” may not be as well-known as some of the other movies on the Robin Williams movies list, it is still a noteworthy entry in his filmography. Williams’ performance as “the out-of-focus man” is a small but memorable part of the film and showcases his ability to bring humor and depth to even the most eccentric characters.
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 82%
10. “The Birdcage” (1996)
“The Birdcage” is a comedy film about a gay couple, Armand and Albert, who own a drag club in South Beach, Miami. When their son announces his engagement to the daughter of a conservative politician, they agree to meet the conservative family and pose as a traditional family to impress them. Chaos ensues as they attempt to keep up the charade.
The film was critically acclaimed for its clever script, sharp direction, and standout performances, including Williams as Armand Goldman. It also had a cultural impact by portraying a positive representation of LGBTQ characters and challenging traditional gender norms. Williams’ portrayal of Armand was praised for his comedic timing and his ability to infuse the character with depth and heart.
“The Birdcage” is a must-watch for fans of the Robin Williams movies list and fans of comedy.
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 81%
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Robin Williams was an extraordinary talent who left an indelible mark on the film industry with his incredible charisma. Whether he was making us laugh in comedies or breaking our hearts in dramas, he always delivered unforgettable performances that will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
We hope you enjoyed this Robin Williams movie collection. Keep visiting BuddyTV for more articles and updates on your favorite actors and films. Take a look at a few of our suggestions.
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