Robin Williams Movie Quotes That Have Helped People With Depression

This Friday August 11 is the third anniversary of Robin Williams’ death. For fans and people who may be struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts or loss, anniversaries like this can be really tough. 

For many, Williams consistently shared messages of hope, especially in his movies. As a tribute to his memory, we asked our mental health community to share movie quotes that have helped them through depression. Williams may not have written these lines himself, but his delivery of them always appeared genuinely heartfelt. Though he is no longer with us, his memory lives on, and the impact he had on the world will stay with us always.

Here’s what they shared with us:

1. “We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” — John Keating, “Dead Poets Society”

“It reminds me what I stay alive for. Art was one of the things that got me through it when nothing else was. Movies, art, poetry. They’re all important and I think it truly is one of the reasons we stay alive.” — Becky R.

2. “To live will be an awfully big adventure!” — Peter Banning/Peter Pan, “Hook”

“This was his last line in the movie ‘Hook,’ which I grew up watching, and still do watch it regularly. I got it tattooed on my shoulder years ago, before he passed. Robin Williams has always reminded me of my dad, so I guess that’s why I’ve had an extra love for Williams. I think the quote speaks for itself.” — Morticia A.

3. “It’s not about understanding. It’s about not giving up.” — Chris Nielsen, “What Dreams May Come”

“I, like most humans, want to have it all figured out. I want my dreams to become plans with little to no obstacles, and that just isn’t the reality of life. This is a reminder that although it may be hectic, I am not meant to understand life, but to enjoy it and live it.” — Jazmyn K.

4. “I believe in destiny. There must be a reason that I am as I am. There must be.” — Andrew, “Bicentennial Man”

“It reminds me that although I battle depression and suicidal thoughts, it must be for a reason. Even if I don’t quite know what that reason is yet, it’s what keeps me going and helps me get through my worst days, almost like a beacon of hope amidst darkness and despair.” — Katy F.

5. “But oh, to be free!” — Genie, “Aladdin”

“I feel chained and trapped by my illness, it feels like it’s been 10,000 years…” — Shannon D.

6. “But if there’s love, dear… those are the ties that bind, and you’ll have a family in your heart, forever. All my love to you poppet, you’re going to be alright.” — “Mrs. Doubtfire”

“Whenever I watch ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and hear this line at the end, something about the way it’s said truly resonates with me. It does give me hope things will get get better, no matter what mental hardship I’m going through.” — Rachel S.

7. “It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.” — Sean Maguire, “Good Will Hunting”

“The whole movie but these specific lines [especially].” — Tania B.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741.