The Essential Robin Williams

This past week the world lost one of the greatest actors and comedians of all time. Robin Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 63. As I sat at my computer screen stunned and saddened about his passing, I started to think about what would make up my Robin Williams Essential Movie Collection. His body of work is huge and varying from comedic genius to dark and thrilling. Picking a favorite ten movies from his body of work is near impossible. I also know that it is highly subjective and would be different for every fan. But I wanted to share what works touched me most during his amazing career. Instead of a musical Top 10 this month, I decided in honor of Robin Williams to do a Top 10 Robin Williams Films.

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10. Flubber
This may be because I attended a pre-screen of this movie as a kid, but Flubber stands out to me as a remake that was better than the original and genuinely goofy and lighthearted. This Disney remake was everything you loved about Robin Williams. He was endearing as the professor and just scatterbrained enough to make you giggle while not losing respect for him.

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9. One Hour Photo
Honestly, this movie felt like a major departure for Williams from his other work. I always loved him in both his dramatic and comedic roles, but this role was something different. It was haunting and a little scary and yet he was perfect in it. Way outside his repertoire, Williams played the creep to perfection and I think is one of the movies that has to be on my list for the range of his talents that it shows.

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8. Patch Adams
This is the movie that tears at your heart and makes you laugh simultaneously. As the doctor with a heart of gold and goofy, lighthearted side, you find yourself laughing through tears. Robin Williams would be the doctor I would want for any sick child. He would make you forget you were even sick.

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7. Aladdin
The Genie. Enough said. No one's voice is more linked to a character than Robin Williams and the Genie. Aladdin was one of my favorite movies growing up and so much of that had to do with Robin's portrayal of the Genie. I also love that he remained on to voice sequels, TV spinoffs and video games. It always felt like there was only one Genie, Robin Williams.

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6. Dead Poets Society
One of his first dramatic roles, Williams showcased his range with Dead Poets Society. He also headlined a dramatic film, which was a break from his other dramatic roles, where he was part of an ensemble cast. This is a movie I keep coming back to over the years.

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5. Hook
Who else could possibly play an Adult Peter Pan. It goes without saying. Hook is absolutely a cult favorite of my childhood and one that I find myself hooked to anytime I see it on TV.

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4. Good Morning Vietnam
Another dramatic role for Williams, Good Morning Vietnam was also a great showcase for his comedic nature as he hosted a morning radio program for GIs overseas. It solidified the power of his voice alone. I can still hear him shout "Good Morning Vietnam" in my head when I think of him.

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3. Mrs. Doubtfire
Another cult classic for my generation, Mrs. Doubtfire had Williams in drag and making us laugh. While tackling the challenging topic of divorce and the pain it brings to families, Williams danced delicately between humor and seriousness throughout the movie. He let you feel his pain as a divorced father and his joy at being in his children's lives.

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2. The Birdcage
Does it get better than Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as owners of a nightclub in South Beach and partners in life. The script is witty and quick paced, the cast is full of excellent cameos (hello Hank Azaria as the pool boy/butler) and costumes and sets are visually perfect.

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1. Good Will Hunting
The role he finally won his Oscar for was so well deserved. While we all remember his comedic genius, I can't help but put this dramatic performance as my favorite of all time. Good Will Hunting was my first rated R movie in the theatres (my mom took me) and it remains one of my favorite movies of all time. Williams's performance is fragile, poignant and inspiring.