Robin Williams was a virtuoso. His ability to go off on a ridiculously amusing comedic tangent is considered legendary, serving as a bible of sorts for countless comedians to follow him, including Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, and many many others. And above and beyond his comedic gifts, his talent as a present, sensitive and versatile dramatic actor were proven time and again in movies like Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets’ Society and The Fisher King. But much like the also-brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman, these fiercely creative talents were plagued with demons that unfortunately accompany artistic genius all too often.
When compiling this list of top ten YA Robin Williams moments, I was struck by a thought regarding my favorite performance by the actor, in Good Will Hunting. In the emotional and climactic scene where he finally breaks through to Will (Matt Damon), saying “It’s not your fault” over and over again, it occurred to me: if only he could have had someone do the same for him. It’s been said countless times, but again…Rest in piece Robin Williams, warm and wonderful joker of our generation.
Popeye
A truly nostalgic entry, this film features a young and burly Robin doing his best cartoon mug—and doing it well.
Night at the Museum
A cameo that was so funny, it ended up in the sequels (including the upcoming installment, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb)
Flubber
Who better than Robin Williams to take on a remake of a Walt Disney classic? Most would agree: Williams did an even better job.
Dead Poets Society
A defining film, watching Williams relate to these boys—especially the tormented character played by Robert Sean Leonard—is now doubly touching and heartbreaking.
Hook
Another one that is a simple joy to watch, William’s transformation from uptight adult (the biggest stretch for him) to boy who never grew up is astounding.
Aladdin
Perhaps the most successful voice-and-character creation to come out of Disney, Robin Williams as the Genie is simply the wackiest and most fun element in the film.
Mrs. Doubtfire
The premise of this film at first seemed really silly, but leave it to Robin to balance it out with just enough dramatic weight to work. His closing monologue about ‘all kinds of families’ is particularly well done.
Jumanji
This film is already veering on classic territory on its own, and watching Robin work with Bonny Hunt and Kirsten Dunst here is brilliant. The special effects might be impressive, but Williams still steals the show.
Patch Adams/Jack
Getting this actor to work with kids was always a great idea, and both of these movies worked incredibly well due to Williams’ innate sense of clowning and childishness.
Good Will Hunting
The one and only. In his career-defining (and Oscar-winning) performance, Williams lets us into the mind of a compassionate, sensitive and ultimately deeply loving therapist, the man who delivers the central message of the entire film.