Top 10 Robin Williams movies that will melt your heart

Robin Williams movies have entertained the audiences worldwide and he has been an integral part of my childhood. Whether it was the fun loving genie from Aladdin or the wise shrink from Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams always managed to put a smile on my face. No doubt his improvisational skills and boundless creativity made him one of the most unforgettable performers of his generation.

Beyond his on-screen talents, Robin Williams was known for his generosity and kindness. He used his fame to support various charitable causes and was a strong advocate for mental health awareness. Tragically, Williams struggled with his own mental health issues, which led to his untimely death in 2014. Here are top 10 Robin Williams movies that’ll melt your heart.

Top 10 Robin Williams Movies

10. JUMANJI (1995) – Judy (Kristen Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce) move into Parish mansion with their aunt Nora after their parents death. One fine day the kids find a spooky board game called “Jumanji” in one of the room and this leads to the adventure of their lifetime.

Wild lion, giant wasps, monkeys, a mad hunter and all the natures fury comes to realty as they roll the dice. Furthermore, the only way to end this madness is by finishing the game. And the only person who can help them is Alan Parish (Robin Williams) who is trapped in this board game for 26 years.

Jumanji is classic adventure movie where Williams brings a mix of humor and vulnerability to his role. Even though there have been remake of this movie, this one stands out for me and I love watching it with my kids.

9. BICENTENNIAL MAN – (1999) – Based on 1992 novel “The Positronic Man” by writers Issac Asimov and Robert Silverberg, this is a sci-fi drama. Robin Williams plays a robot named Andrew, who lives for 200 years.

As time goes by, Andrew’s conscious grows and he starts evolving rapidly. He starts experiencing emotions, creative thoughts, love, jealousy and everything that a human desires. This is a heartwarming story which explores the humane side of a artificial intelligence. Robin is charming and sincere as an android and he effortlessly plays this complex character. This is an underrated Robin Williams movie which is must watch for his fans.

8. THE BIRDCAGE – (1996) -Directed by Mike Nichols, this is a story about a gay cabaret owner Armand Goldman (Robin Williams) and his partner Albert (Nathan Lane), who put up a false front so that their son can marry the senators daughter.

This is an out an out comedy from start to end, and it is also one of Robin Williams movie to cross $100 million mark at the box-office. Co-staring Gene Hackman, Hank Azaria, Calista Flockhart and Dan Futterman, this family saga will surely cheer you up and brighten your mood.

7. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP- (1982) -Based on John Irving’s novel by the same name, this is dark comedy which talks about the struggles of life. Williams plays T.S Garp who is a son of a feminist writer Jenny (Glen Close), and it is through his point of view the entire story is presented.

The is an existential film that is worth watching, especially if you love comedy series like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Louie.”

6. PATCH ADAMS – (1998) – Directed by Tom Shadyac this film is based on a true story of Hunter “Patch” Adams who is a doctor, comedian and a social activist in real life. Williams plays “Patch Adams” a guy who wants to be a medical doctor as he loves helping people. But hey he isn’t just your regular doctor, he is witty, charming and unconventional when it comes to treating the patients.

He faces a lot criticism and personal loss during his medical journey but he never ceases to make people laugh. Something that Robin did in his real life too with all his struggles. Co starring Monica Potter and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the supporting cast, this medical drama will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

5. Aladdin -(1992) – Aladdin is a street hustler in the city of “Agrabah” who falls in love with the beautiful princess Jasmine. But hey love ain’t that easy. Before he can marry the princess, he should prove himself to be a worthy suitor.

On his quest to a cave of wonders Aladdin finds a magic lamp and his luck changes forever. The lamp summons a fun loving genie, who is hitched to his new master. The plot thickens when Sultan’s wicked advisor Jaffar, who is also a sorcerer, makes an entry. Jaffar wants to rule “Agrabah” and gain control of the genie. This is a classic tale of an underdog who fights the evil and rescues the beautiful princess in the end.

Robin Williams, who has voiced the character of genie, is pure delight and I cannot imagine any other actor who could justice to this role.

4. Mrs. DOUBTFIRE- (1993) -In this film Williams takes up the challenge to entertain the audience disguised as a woman. Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is a struggling voice artist married to Miranda (Sally Field). They have three beautiful kids and Miranda is the bread winner in the family. Things turn bad after an extravagant birthday party and Miranda decides to get separated.

Daniel leaves the house and now he is allowed to see his kids only once a week. Miranda who is now managing the job and three kids all by herself, puts up a job application for a nanny. And that’s when enters Mrs. Doubtfire aka Daniel, disguised as an old woman. This is a complete family entertainer and a blockbuster hit from Robin Williams.

3. GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM – (1987) -Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams) is a disk jockey who is sent to Vietnam in 1965, to boost the morale of American soldiers. At the Armed Forces Radio station Adrian encounters a mean officer Dickerson (J.T Walsh) who disapproves his unorthodox nature and wants him discharged ASAP.

However, Adrian is a tough guy and he believes in his mission. Through his voice and his innate comedic talent Adrian provides a moment of joy in the lives of these young soldiers. And he doesn’t stop with them, he befriends local Vietnamese and help them go through the difficult times of war.

For this role Williams was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award in 1988. Unfortunately he didn’t win that year but his performance is nothing less than phenomenal.

2. DEAD POETS SOCIETY – (1989)– By now you must know that Robin has a penchant for playing roles that are unconventional. In this movie he plays John Keating, an English teacher, at a prestigious boarding school in England. John has an unusual style of teaching which attracts criticism but he likes to march to the beat of his own drum. He meets students who are shy, lack courage, and are at stage where life looks messy.

In his own style he instills hope, bravery and a power to believe in his pupils. Every time I watch this movie I feel like, I wish I had a teacher like John during my school. And that’s the beauty of Robin’s performance in this iconic film.

1.GOOD WILL HUNTING -(1997) – Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a young fella who works as a janitor at MIT. He is a mathematical genius but he has his downside. He is careless, highly self-opinionated, gets involved in petty fights and spends his time drinking with his friends. An incident leads Will to a prison and furthermore to a psychotherapy session with Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

Initially Sean finds it hard to talk to Will as he refuses to open up. Will in his usual manner demeans the process and puts up a strong defense mechanism. However, Sean, in his unusual style gains his trust and they both exchange their personal struggles. In time Will overcomes his inner demons and in the process he somehow challenges Sean to overcome his loss as well.

This is a beautiful film which talks about facing one’s fear and overcoming the hardships in life. Williams received his first Oscar as the Best Actor in a supporting role for this movie and I think he truly deserved this award for his memorable act.

Today Robin Williams has left behind a rich body of work that showcases not only his comedic genius but also his deep understanding of the complexities of the human spirit. The actor did his last movie called “Absolutely Anything” in early 2014, in which he did a voiceover of a dog named Dennis.