Few actors in Hollywood are as beloved as Robin Williams. Since the 1980’s, Williams has become an icon. Whether it’s therapists, teachers or housekeepers, Williams portrayed several strong characters. Williams shined a ray of light into movies until the day he sadly passed away. His devastating death came as a shock for the film industry. Listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are powerful figures that have a positive impact on people. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a therapist that delivered an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety in high school, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. An inspiring role model, he made me believe it was possible to achieve goals I was hunting. Through his wisdom, I managed to overcome pressure posed by a stressful school system. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the inspiring impact therapists have on people as powerfully as “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. In the greatest role of his career, Robin Williams embodies an inspiring therapist giving valuable advice to an adolescent in search for meaning. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Well-known for his comedic work, this film was the first time that Williams showcased his emotional range. For instance, the scene in which Sean advises Will that the abuse he suffered isn’t his fault is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” Robin Williams’ greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message that would resonate with everyone that has formed bonds with therapists at an early age. Nearly 30 years following the release of a film about therapists that guide janitors through valuable guidance, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that had a larger-than-life presence whose movies always attracted an audience.
2. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that have shaped my identity. I remember forming a bond with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a teacher that shaped my personality, I loved “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Robin Williams’ movie captured the positive impact teachers have in shaping students’ identities. In the most inspiring role of his career, Williams embodies a poetic professor that motivates his students to seize the day. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his larger-than-life presence as a teacher offering students valuable guidance. Williams has always had a way with delivering monologues in movies, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as an actor. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids emotional farewell towards his students standing atop chairs in a classroom is the most inspiring work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” one of Robin Williams’ greatest movies its message. The film delivers a touching message that would resonate with everyone bonding with teachers at an early age. A touching tribute towards poetic teachers that motivate students to seize the day, it’s a terrific reminder of an actor that thrived given opportunities to play inspirational characters whose movies are worth celebrating today.
3. Mrs. Doubtfire
Housekeepers are helpful people that have a positive impact on my family. I remember a housekeeper my family grew up to treasure. A dedicated housemaid, she was always devoted to doing her job regardless of how much money she was paid. A person my family came to adore, she would pour her soul into every chore. As someone that grew up to admire my housekeeper, I loved “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Released in 1993, Robin Williams’ comedy celebrated housekeepers that play a pivotal role in lives of families. In the most transformative role of his career, Williams embodies a divorced dad dressing up as a nanny to spend time with his family. It isn’t easy for actors to portray drag roles in movies. However, Williams pulled it off successfully. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for comedy. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Doubtfire puts cake icing on her face to avoid being caught when her house is inspected is the most hilarious work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Mrs. Doubtfire” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about roles housekeepers play in families. As powerful as chores performed by Mrs. Doubtfire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost abilities to inspire whose movies audiences always admire.
4. Awakenings
Mental health institutions are settings that have always fascinated me. Several years ago, I took trips to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. It was fascinating observing the way the hospital functioned in treatment of individuals with severe disabilities. I remember thinking it would be a difficult job to be a doctor taking care of patients. As someone that has always taken an interest in mental health institutions where patients face awakenings, I loved “Awakenings”. Released in 1990, Robin Williams’ movie did an extraordinary job of depicting mental health institutions on the big-screen. As Dr. Malcolm Sayer, Williams took a step out of his comfort zone in a dramatic role. Williams effectively uses his calming presence to capture a doctor assisting individuals that suffer from disabilities. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Sayer fights with a catatonic patient showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Awakenings” a masterpiece it its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which remains relevant. A powerful portrait of mental illness causing catatonic patients to deteriorate, it’s a profound reminder of an actor that thrived played dramatic roles in movies audiences appreciate.
5. Aladdin
“Aladdin” is an animated classic that has shaped my personality. As a child that grew up during the 1990’s, I valued the film deeply. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a cartoon that shaped my persona. Arguably, the main reason why “Aladdin” resonated with me deeply is because of Robin Williams. In his first ever animated role, Williams pours his heart and soul into a genie that makes granting wishes his main goal. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to create a cartoon through his colourful voice. For instance, the “Friend Like Me” musical number in which the Genie displays powers to Aladdin showcases the actor’s strength for melodies. Ultimately, what makes “Aladdin” one of Robin Williams’ greatest movies is its appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children, it’s one of those rare cartoons everyone would appreciate. It delivers a strong message about staying true to one’s self that would resonate with everyone. 30 years following the release of a cartoon about magical genies whose lamps offer fortune, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic actor whose movies won’t be forgotten soon.
6. Good Morning Vietnam
War is a serious subject matter that doesn’t lend itself towards humour. Due towards its depressing nature, war is a sensitive topic that doesn’t lend itself towards humour. It’s not easy to make a comedy about tragic wars that have occurred in American history. However, Robin Williams pulled it off successfully when he made his film “Good Morning Vietnam”. Released in 1987, Barry Levinson’s movie found the actor playing a war broadcaster with a sharp sense of humour. In the most energetic role of his career, Williams embodies a war broadcaster that provides light humour during the Vietnam War. It’s a role that gave Williams a chance to showcase his strength for improvisation. Nearly 50 years after the Vietnam War ended, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a gifted comedian whose movies deserve to be appreciated.
7. The Fisher King
Homelessness is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell realistic stories about homeless communities. In an industry that has often been afraid of tackling a subject that’s depressing, it’s worth discussing “The Fisher King”. Released in 1991, Robin Williams’ Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of capturing grief faced by homeless individuals on the big-screen. In the most emotional role of his career, Williams embodies a homeless man facing despair. It’s an emotionally demanding role that marked a stark departure for an actor famous for his sharp sense of humour. A heartbreaking portrait of hardships faced by communities that are homeless, it’s a heartfelt reminder of a timeless actor that never lost his abilities to make memorable movies leaving audiences speechless.
8. One Hour Photo
Robin Williams has established an image of playing heroic characters with courage. With his likeable personality, larger-than-life presence and sense of humour, Williams thrives at playing heroic characters. However, in 2002 the actor took audiences by surprise when he played a villain with bravado in his film “One Hour Photo”. In the most villainous role of his career, Williams embodies a diabolical photographer that evokes fear. Almost unrecognizable, the actor takes a step out of his comfort zone to play a villainous character that isn’t likeable. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to prove that he’s more than just a comedian. A captivating portrayal of creepy photographers taking photos of people, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters that aren’t unlikeable in movies audiences consider special.
9. Insomnia
Insomnia is a painful condition that has shaped my persona. Sleeping is an activity I’ve often found challenging. Ever since I was a child, I’ve come to appreciate the concept of staying up late. These days I can easily get by with little sleep. As someone impacted by insomnia, I loved “Insomnia”. Released in 2002, Robin Williams’ movie did an excellent job of depicting hardships that sleep-deprived detectives go through. In his most psychotic role, Williams embodies a sleep-deprived criminal whose life spirals out of control. With his droopy eyes, lack of awareness and dazed expression, Williams embodied a sleep-deprived person. As strong as detective Dormer’s Insomnia, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor with charisma playing characters which endure trauma whose movies are always worth watching in the Cinema.
10. Night at the Museum
Few films ever made about a museum are as beloved as “Night of the Museum”. Ever since its release in 2006, Ben Stiller’s film about wax figures in a museum has become a classic audiences adore. Arguably, the reason why the film is so beloved is because of Robin Williams. Although he only has a short role in the movie, Williams leaves a lasting impression. As president Teddy Roosevelt, Williams does an excellent job of honouring the legacy of a politician in American history. It’s a role that allows the actor the rare opportunity to showcase a sense of wisdom that he hasn’t shown in his previous movies. As captivating as wax figures in museums, it’s a rousing reminder of an actor that left behind a lasting legacy whose timeless movies I will forever treasure several years after his heartbreaking passing left the world mourning,
The Film Buff 
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