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#7: I Yam What I Yam
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“Popeye” (1980) After everything Robin Williams achieved over the course of his career, Popeye seems so removed from his typical fare. Having seen success from his television career, it was the first time audiences got to experience his acting chops on the big screen in a starring role. Released in 1980, the movie wasn’t a huge success, but not for a lack of talent from Williams. One notable highlight is the “I Yam What I Yam” musical number. As passengers are watching the carnival horse game, we catch a few laughs as Popeye sings and fights his way through the crowd. It’s a comical number in an otherwise less than stellar movie carried by Williams’ spot-on impression.
#6: From Hero to Villain
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“The World According to Garp” (1982) When we think of Robin Williams and dramatic roles, “The World According to Garp” isn’t one that jumps out. However, this was one of the earliest signs that Williams could have a career beyond comedy. In his second starring film role, Williams’ T.S. Garp is certainly understated alongside powerhouse actors like Glenn Close and John Lithgow. Of course, we do get to see some of his signature, silly humor in a mock battle scene featuring his two sons. Dressed in garbage can lids and a welcome mat, we can’t help but smile as he “attacks” the bad guys, and eventually “dies” from his wounds.
#5: The Phone Call
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“The Survivors” (1983) Donald and Sonny are two New Yorkers who lose their jobs and cross paths in a diner. Played by Robin Williams and Walter Matthau, respectively, the two characters lives’ become intertwined when Donald’s failed attempt to thwart a robbery puts Sonny’s life in danger. It’s an interesting mix of comedy between these two great actors. Unlike our previous two entries, “The Survivors” gives us a Robin Williams we recognize in film for the first time. Our favorite scene is Donald talking on the phone to the man who’s threatening Sonny. From insults to quips, this is the kind of comedy we would come to recognize from the late actor.
#4: In the Grocery Store
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“Moscow on the Hudson” (1984) Unless you happen to be a die-hard Robin Williams fan, some of his earlier works may have eluded you. The lesser-known “Moscow on the Hudson” is worth seeing for this moment alone, though. The film tells the story of Vladimir Ivanoff’s decision to defect from Russia after coming to New York City with a circus troupe. As Vladimir, we see Williams play out a series of scenes as this conflicted Russian man. Airing more on the dramatic side, we do get to see a few drops of Williams comedic talents. We can’t help but laugh as Vladimir goes into the grocery store and is overwhelmed by the massive choices for something as simple as coffee. It’s subtle but still enough to give us a chuckle.
#3: The Wrong Kind of Air
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“Club Paradise” (1986) “Club Paradise” finds Williams living in the Caribbean islands as an eccentric resort owner named Jack Moniker. It’s a movie that did not do well with critics, and time has not yielded any further praise. A few quips here and there give us a laugh or two, but it’s the helium mishap that kills us. Jack is supposed to sneak onto a rival’s yacht by scuba-diving over to it. But he accidentally brings helium instead of oxygen in his tank. This leads to a hilarious bit where Jack’s frustration turns comedic with the help of a chipmunk toned voice.
#2: Got to Satisfy
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“The Best of Times” (1986) What is it with movies centered around bad football moves? Long before Ray Finkle missed a field goal in “Ace Ventura,” Jack Dundee missed the final pass in “The Best of Times.” Jack’s been obsessed with his missed opportunity from that fateful game. Robin Williams does his best as Jack to show us the lengths some folks will go to in order to right what they feel was a wrong from years gone by. Although the football game itself has some funny moments, we give our props to the pseudo-striptease. It’s not as over-the-top as Williams’ typical comedy, but it does give us a laugh when we need it.
#1: Adrian Hits the Airwaves
“Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987) Adrian Cronauer was a perfect role for Robin Williams to finally show the world his brand of manic comedy. We’d seen hints of it in the previous entries on this list. But “Good Morning, Vietnam” gave Williams the opportunity to really give us what we would come to associate him with, improvisational comedy. Director Barry Levinson gave Williams the latitude to use improv during the filming of the movie, particularly in the DJ booth scenes. Although there were specific beats the director wanted in the booth, much of what you see is Robin’s signature improv at work. It’s what he thrived on. It’s what we loved about him. And it’s why this is our number one pick.
