News of Robin Williams' death on Monday, Aug. 11 hit the world hard. In a career that spanned 40 years, Williams starred in many iconic roles that will be a part of pop culture forever, such as the lovable alien Mork in "Mork and Mindy," inspirational teacher John Keating in "Dead Poets Society" and the Genie in "Aladdin." From dramas to comedies, TV to movies and kids' flicks to Oscar-winning films, there was nothing Williams couldn't do.
While we are all still reeling from this news, one of the best ways to cope is to celebrate the life of this accomplished actor. What better way to do that than to laugh, cry and be in awe of his enormous talent while watching some of his greatest performances?
You can find many of Williams' best movies, as well as some of his lesser-known gems, on Netflix. Stream these films right now and see Williams' genius at work.
"Popeye" (1980)
Playing the titular role in this live-action adaptation of the popular cartoon character was Williams' first major leading film role. Watch "Popeye" to see Williams' masterful physical comedy at its best.
"The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1989)
Williams starred in this film directed by Terry Gilliam, which was a fictionalized and hilarious account of the real-life German nobleman's stories. As the King of the Moon, Williams showed more talent performing as a floating head for much of his role than most actors do using their whole bodies.
"The Fisher King" (1991)
In this film, also directed by Terry Gilliam, Williams played a delusional homeless man named Parry who was taken under the wing of disgraced talk radio host Jack, played by Jeff Bridges. During the movie, you know that Parry speaks nonsense most of the time, but with Williams' portrayal, you just can't help but root for him.
"Hook" (1991)
Though this may not technically be Williams' best movie, it is beloved by '90s kids over the world. Williams played a grown-up version of Peter Pan who must return to Neverland to save his children from Captain Hook, also wonderfully portrayed by Dustin Hoffman. "Hook" will forever inspire the kid in all of us.
"Jumanji" (1995)
Based off of the Chris Van Allsburg book of the same name, "Jumanji" was another memorable movie for '90s kids. The special effects in this film about a magical board game that brings a jungle to life were pretty far out for the time it was made. However, deep down the film is really about dealing with loss and learning how to love again.
"The Birdcage" (1996)
"The Birdcage" is a delightful film about a drag nightclub owner named Armand, played by Williams, whose son Val is engaged to the daughter of a conservative Republican senator. When the parents of Val's fiancee want to meet Armand and his wife, who is actually his partner Albert, hilarity ensues in this 1996 comedy. Watch the whole movie and then watch the scene of him directing the dance number for as many times as you can stand after.
"World's Greatest Dad" (2009)
In one of Williams' more recent movies, he plays Lance, a single dad and struggling writer who also hopelessly teaches a high school poetry course. No matter how hard he tries, Lance doesn't seem to be able to get through to his son. Although it's worth it to watch "World's Greatest Dad" for Williams' acclaimed performance, the movie is a very, very dark comedy, so you might want to give yourself a bit more time before you stream this one.
"The Big Wedding" (2013)
Williams was one of the bright spots in this otherwise conventional romantic comedy. But let's be honest, in whatever he starred in, he usually stole the show.
