Robin Williams, a household name that brings cheerful memories to all ages. Whether he was playing an out-of-this-world alien on “Mork & Mindy,” a quirky, innovative scientist in “Flubber,” or a loving robot in “Bicentennial Man,” Williams always found a way to bring a gut-wrenching laugh out of anyone. Though he was an active actor for over four decades, the 1990s was a great reminder of how limitless his talent was. Here’s a few of his best 90s movies:
“Hook” (1991)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Hook” is arguably one of the best adaptions of Peter Pan. With an all-star cast including Dustin Hoffman, Bob Hoskins and Julia Roberts, this classic always reminds us to “think happy thoughts.” When Captain Hook, played by Hoffman, kidnaps Peter’s children, Peter must find his inner child to defeat Hook. With the help of the Lost Boys and Tinkerbell, played by Julia Roberts, Captain Hook stands no chance against the invincible Peter Pan.
“Aladdin”
Who can forget the jubilant personality of Genie in this Disney classic? Genie, played by Williams, was undeniably one of the most memorable characters in this movie. His enviable shape-shifting abilities, classic sing-a-long songs and loyalty to Aladdin certainly made him one of a kind. Improvising the majority of his lines not only showed how versatile his talent was, but also proved that Aladdin, in fact, “Ain’t never had a friend like him.”
“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
After a bitter divorce leaves Daniel Hillard in a severe custody battle, he goes to extreme measures to find a way to spend time with his children. After learning that his ex-wife intends to hire a nanny to help with the children, Daniel disguises himself as a middle-aged woman and acquires the job. Williams provides water-eyed laughs, tear-jerking family moments and gives a new meaning to the terms “scheming and conniving.” Mrs. Doubtfire is a reminder of how far a father’s love for his children will go.
“Jumanji” (1995)
A single rolling of dice traps Alan Parish, played by Williams in a jungle inspired game for 26 years. Decade’s later siblings Sarah, played by Kirsten Dunst, and Peter, played by Bradley Peirce, discover the game in an old attic, releasing Alan, along with many other wild animals. Between the monkeys driving police cars, the rhinos running rampant down the street and the lethally keen hunter played by Jonathan Hyde, this movie changed the way we looked at board games forever.
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
Williams plays an inspirational therapist Sean Maguire who helps Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon, overcome his troubled past. Will, an unrecognized genius and janitor at MIT, finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place when he is given the ultimatum of jail or therapy sessions. When Will chooses therapy, Sean helps him realize that he doesn’t have to let his troubled past affect his future.
Although Williams is gone, he will never be forgotten. Whether we’re “thinking happy thoughts” with him in “Hook,” or wishing to have a “friend like him” in “Aladdin,” his classic movies and bubbly personality will always hold a special place in our hearts.
