One of the Most Underrated (and Weirdest) Robin Williams Movies Is Now Streaming for Free
Robin Williams created some of the most memorable films of the 1980s, yet one early gem often slips under the radar: Popeye. Surrounded by classics such as Dead Poets Society, Good Morning, Vietnam, and The World According to Garp—along with the hit show Mork & Mindy—his chaotic energy and emotional depth made him an instant phenomenon.
Popeye (1980) was Williams’ first lead role and only his second film, yet it remains overlooked. The movie’s eccentric and dreamlike atmosphere, sometimes described as a mix between a fever dream and a musical adventure, gives it a distinctive charm.
For children, it delivers lively slapstick and the exaggerated physical humor that Williams embodied perfectly, complete with Popeye’s trademark oversized forearms. For adults, its appeal lies in its absurdist humor, surprising emotional layers, and the whimsical songs that tie it all together.
“Popeye is strange, I’ll give you that,” notes the writer. “But that’s all part of its charm.”
With original music by the late Harry Nilsson, the film feels playful and inventive. Though it rarely appears on lists of Williams’ best films, his quirky, mumbled performance and cartoon-like expressiveness make his portrayal of the sailor unforgettable.
Author’s Summary
Robin Williams’ eccentric, heartfelt debut in Popeye blends slapstick, surreal charm, and music into one of his most overlooked yet fascinating performances.