Not many actresses have built a legacy as strong as Whoopi Goldberg. Since the 1980’s, Goldberg has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s detectives solving murders, authors or slave owners, Goldberg has portrayed several characters. Given the number of movies she has made in her career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Colour Purple
The Colour Purple is a legendary novel that my mother always considered special. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of a novel she considered timeless literature. She would always speak fondly about a book capturing racism in 1960’s America. Fond of Celie, she would always love discussing a book that shaped her identity. My mother often yearned to see the book about women wearing colour purple dresses depicted on the big-screen. In 1985, Whoopi Goldberg honoured the legendary novel in her movie “The Colour Purple”. In the greatest role of her career, Goldberg portrayed an African-American woman in an abusive marriage experiencing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. Goldberg has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines with strong personalities. With “The Colour Purple”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a legendary literary heroine. Working alongside Oprah Winfrey who is also amazing, Goldberg honoured a book about black women that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Celie stands up to Mister accusing him of being an abusive husband causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Colour Purple” Whoopi Goldberg’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about women wearing colour purple facing racism that’s painful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured movies audiences consider special.
2. Ghost
It’s challenging to face loss. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a sad low when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of murder. Following her sad passing, I would be haunted by ghosts of my housekeeper that were frightening. As someone haunted by a housekeeper that became a sad ghost, I adored “Ghost”. Released in 1990, Whoopi Goldberg’s movie captured a woman haunted by ghosts of her deceased lover causing tragedy. In the most comical role of her career, Goldberg portrayed an eccentric psychic facing despair. Goldberg has always excelled at playing women under stress, and “Ghost” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Demi Moore who is also amazing, Goldberg created a portrait of grief that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Oda first becomes aware of the presence of a ghost causing despair is one of the finest moment of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Ghost” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a bold message about grief which resonates with everyone. A bold portrait of ghosts causing lovers to face despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress making movies about which audiences care.
3. The Lion King
“The Lion King” is a legendary animated film that my cousin always appreciated. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. Nearly 30 years after its release, “The Lion King” remains one of Whoopi Goldberg’s greatest movies. In the most villainous role of her career, Goldberg portrayed an evil hyena seeking to dethrone a famous king causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for creating a compelling animated character through her commanding voice. Working alongside Jeremy Irons who is also amazing, Goldberg created an animated film about lions that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Shenzi and her hyenas first encounter Simba in the elephant graveyard causing fear is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Simba’s desire to become a king, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
4. The Player
Hollywood producers are figures that always fascinated my father. During my childhood, I formed a strong bond with a father that adored Hollywood. Fond of L.A., he would often marvel at the way actors would prepare for roles in every way. As someone cherishing fond memories of a father that would treasure Hollywood producers, I admired “The Player”. Released in 1992, Whoopi Goldberg’s movie captured the lives of Hollywood producers seeking success. In the most anxious role of her career, Goldberg portrayed a dedicated detective investigating a gruesome murder in a town facing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Tim Robbins who is also amazing, Goldberg created a portrait of Hollywood that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which detective Avery becomes aware a murder has been committed causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Player” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Griffin’s desire to become a successful Hollywood producer, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured movies which audiences treasure.
5. Toy Story 3
Stories about toys have shaped my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve always enjoyed playing with toys that I’ve grown up to treasure. I recall the joy that I felt visiting the store to buy a toy as a young boy. Toys became a part of my childhood that I have always valued highly. As someone treasuring fond memories of toys that shaped my identity, I adored “Toy Story 3”. Released in 2010, Whoopi Goldberg’s movie did an extraordinary job of bringing the franchise about toys to a satisfying conclusion. In the most animated role of her career, Goldberg portrayed a comical toy that is mistreated by owners causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase her talent for playing animated characters through her commanding voice. Working alongside Tom Hanks who is also amazing, Goldberg honoured a franchise about toys that are captivating. For instance, the scene in which Stretch becomes aware that she is going to be thrown causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Toy Story 3” an animated classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies in the franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Woody’s desire to become a beloved toy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress making movies throughout her career which audiences enjoy.
6. Till
When it comes to the most inspirational African-American activists in history, it’s worth discussing Mamie Till. An inspiring women, Till pursued justice for the murder of her son during the 1950’s. In 2022, Goldberg honoured the iconic woman in her movie “Till”. In the most compassionate role of her career, Goldberg portrayed the mother of the iconic African-American activist facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a renowned woman that’s well-known. Working alongside Danielle Deadwyler who is also amazing, Goldberg honoured an activist that’s inspiring. Nearly 60 years after Mamie Till sought justice for her son’s murder in America, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with charisma that has made commemorated movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
7. Sister Act
Whoopi Goldberg is one of those actresses that has always had an aptitude for comedy. Goldberg has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing heroines in comedies with courage. Goldberg’s strength for playing women with a comedic act is clearly evident in her movie “Sister Act”. Released in 1992, Emile Ardolino’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most comedic role of her career, Goldberg portrayed a religious nun that questions her faith causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Maggie Smith who is also amazing, Goldberg created a comedy that’s engaging. A hilarious portrait of nuns that are religious, it’s a fantastic reminder of a courageous actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences consider precious.
8. The Long Walk Home
Racial segregation is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided confronting a dark era in American history that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding addressing an issue without a home, it’s worth praising “The Long Walk Home”. Released in 1990, Whoopi Goldberg’s movie captured racism in American history. In the most outspoken role of her career, Goldberg portrayed a woman that becomes victim of racism in segregation causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing women under stress. Working alongside Sissy Spacek who is also amazing, Goldberg created a portrait of racism that’s compelling. As strong as Odessa’s desire to overcome racism, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made engaging movies achieving stardom.
9. Girl, Interrupted
Few books ever written about mental health are as celebrated as Girl, Interrupted. Since its publication in 1993, Susanna Kaysen’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, Whoopi Goldberg honoured the celebrated book about women whose lives are interrupted in her movie “Girl, Interrupted”. In the most intellectual role of her career, Goldberg portrayed a compassionate nurse seeking to care for mentally disturbed women at a hospital causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing compassionate women with success. Working alongside Angelina Jolie who is also amazing, Goldberg honoured the book. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about women whose lives are interrupted, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making engaging movies which deserve to be appreciated.
10. 9/11
Whoopi Goldberg hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “9/11” falls into the latter category. Released in 2017, Martin Guigui’s terrorism thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Goldberg portrayed a cell phone operator that becomes victim of terrorism causing despair. Goldberg brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “9/11” is a bad movie, it honoured Goldberg’s legacy. As strong as Metzie’s desire to prevent a terrorist tragedy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies which I will always treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value highly.
The Film Buff 
You must be logged in to post a comment.