Robin Williams’ 10 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
Even though Robin Williams has passed on, his films and characters continue to live. Here are 10 of his best movies, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.
The late Robin Williams was more than an actor and comedian. He was a great human being that focused on entertaining others, despite the personal cost it came it. Williams’ ability to understand and communicate human emotions was one of many great gifts that he shared with the audience, lighting up the screen with his warm and endearing presence.
Even though Robin Williams isn’t with us anymore, his films and characters will continue to live on for years to come. Here are some of his best films, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.
10The King Fisher (1991) – 84%
Playing on Williams’ penchant for humor and heartbreak, The Fisher King is a riveting tale about loss and redemption. The film revolves around Jack (Jeff Bridges), a radio jockey that turns to alcohol after his flippant comment leads to a shooting spree. Down and out, Jack bumps into Parry (Robin Williams), a homeless man in search of the Holy Grail. As the two men navigate life, they have a shift in perspective and find a sense of redemption.
Throughout the film, the chemistry between Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges is electrifying, as they play off against each other’s shades of vulnerability, making it seem like a Disney film but for adults.
9Dead Poets Society (1989) – 84%
Dead Poets Society is often regarded as one of Williams’ most prolific roles, where he plays an eccentrically positive English teacher that inspires his students to live their best life unapologetically. A must-watch for any writer, Dead Poets Society provides the perfect breeding ground for artists and fans alike, coaxing them to fall in love with the world of literature and poetry.
8Awakenings (1990) – 84%
Based on Oliver Sack’s memoir of the same name, the film sees Williams play the role of Dr. Malcolm Sayer, who closely works with catatonic patients. Realizing his patients have an extreme form of Parkinson’s Disease, Sayer uses an unconventional method of treatment, resulting in bittersweet outcomes.
7World’s Greatest Dad (2009) – 88%
World’s Greatest Dad is a dark, deadpan comedy that has a questionable plot that touches upon sensitive issues like suicide and the dark side of fame. Despite not doing well at the box office, World’s Greatest Dad was well received by critics, calling it one of Robin Williams’ best performances of recent years.
6Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) – 89%
Set in Saigon during the Vietnam War, Good Morning, Vietnam follows Robin Williams as he plays a radio DJ Adrian, posted in Vietnam to help boost the morale of the troops. His antics and disregard for the rules make him an instant hit with the troops, while putting him at odds with his seniors. Fueled by Williams’ innate awkwardness with authority figures, Good Morning, Vietnam addresses important issues like the frivolity of war with a dash of comedy and sarcasm.
5The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) – 89%
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a chaotic, fantastical adventure that’s too raunchy to be categorized as a children’s film while being way too gimmicky to work as a film for adults. Filled with Terry Gilliam’s trademark visual aesthetic and a plethora of loud performances, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen has an ensemble cast with John Neville, Eric Idle, and Uma Thurman in lead roles. Despite not having a lot of screen time, Williams plays the role of King of the Moon and manages to carve out a noteworthy performance that’s remembered.
4Insomnia (2002) – 92%
Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia paved the way for Williams’ to explore his sinister side as it saw him play the role of a creepy crime writer, Walter Finch, in Nolan’s neo-noir thriller. Williams really sunk his teeth into Finch’s character, as he played the creepy, docile-looking writer with an aura of insidiousness that’s hidden behind the garb of an everyday meek man.
3Hamlet (1996) – 95%
Based on Shakespeare’s play of the same name, Kenneth Branagh’s film has a star-studded cast of the who’s who of Hollywood. Branagh’s film is long and laborious, but not necessarily slow. Hamlet is another testament to Williams’ acting prowess, as the legendary actor takes up a role that doesn’t have much in it and manages to add some magic to it.
2Aladdin (1992) – 95%
Looking back, it feels like the Genie’s part was destined to be played by Robin Williams, as the late actor was the perfect embodiment of the Genie’s wisdom and mischief.
Though this wasn’t always the case, Directors John Musker and Ron Clements had Robin Williams in mind for the role of the Genie, but Disney wanted someone more convincing. In a last-ditch effort to convince the top brass at Disney, animator Eric Goldberg created an animated reel of Genie edited to one of Williams’ stand-up routines, and the rest, as we know, is history.
1Good Will Hunting (1997) – 97%
Robin Williams’ role as Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting saw him win his first and only Oscar. Possibly one of Williams’ most iconic roles along with John Keating from Dead Poets Society, Williams portrayed Dr. Maguire with a never-before-seen softness, going against the grain of roles he played back in the ’90s.
