One of the Most Underrated (And Weirdest) Robin Williams Movies Is Available to Stream for Free
Robin Williams starred in many of the greatest movies of the 1980s, but one film that remains surprisingly overlooked is Popeye. While iconic roles in Dead Poets Society, Good Morning, Vietnam, and The World According to Garp made him a household name, his unique talent first shone in Popeye — his first starring film role and only his second movie ever.
The 1980 release is undeniably unusual. It plays out like a whimsical fever dream, mixing cartoonish slapstick with surreal energy. Yet that eccentricity is precisely what gives Popeye its lasting charm.
“Popeye is strange, I’ll give you that… but that’s all part of its charm.”
For children, the film’s humor and Williams’s exaggerated forearms bring to life the comic character’s spirit. For adults, the absurdist humor, expressive performances, and musical numbers offer a completely different experience — one that’s unexpectedly sophisticated and heartfelt.
The film is also a musical featuring songs written by the late songwriter Harry Nilsson. Though it’s rarely listed among Robin Williams’s best-known works, his portrayal of the sailor man feels absolutely authentic, combining his trademark mumbling delivery with spot-on physical comedy.
“His mumbly delivery and cartoonish facial expressions are amazing.”
Author’s Summary
Robin Williams’s debut lead in Popeye remains an eccentric yet charming film, blending surreal humor, heartfelt performance, and musical whimsy in unforgettable fashion.