ALMA! Check Your Battery: the Best Films of Whoopi Goldberg

When you have as impressive a filmography as Whoopi Goldberg does, it’s hard to narrow down your favorite films. I mean it’s easy to pick your least favorite; I’m looking at you Theodore Rex, I mean, who really thought it was a good idea to pair Goldberg and a T-Rex up for a buddy cop movie? But over the last 35 years, Theodore Rex aside, Goldberg had been turning in amazing and unique performances that will stand the test of time. Here is our list of the top 10 Whoopi Goldberg films.

Soapdish (1991)

I am an unashamed fan of the schlock-fest that is Soapdish. The film is stacked with talent; in addition to Goldberg, the film features Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Robert Downey Jr., Elisabeth Shue, Teri Hatcher and Garry Marshall. The film centers around a fictional soap opera and all the back stage shenanigans that ensure after the cameras stop rolling. Goldberg plays head writer Rose Schwartz, who is desperately trying to keep the show together.

The Lion King (1994)

The only thing keeping this film so low on the list is the limited screen time for Goldberg. The actress is fantastic voicing Shenzi, one of the three hyena villains. Even better, one of the other hyenas is voiced by fellow cannabis icon and former CULTURE cover celebrity Cheech Marin. They’re funny, they’re scary, and they may be slightly off their rockers.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1988-1993 and 2 films)

As far as intergalactic bartenders go, Guinan is pretty great. Aside from dishing out sage wisdom to the likes of Captain Picard and team, her hat game is on point. She made sporadic appearances as the proprietor of Ten Forward, a lounge where officers and Starfleet personnel could blow off some steam and maybe partake in some Romulan Ale. Her role was expanded for the first film featuring the new cast, but the less said about the abomination that is Star Trek: Generations, the better.

Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986)

Back in 1986, internet security was not the everyday concern that it is today. Jumpin’ Jack Flash was one of the first films to use the new advent of the computer for nefarious purposes. When Goldberg’s Terry is contacted by the titular Jumpin’ Jack Flash she enters a world of espionage and international diplomacy. This film is a great action comedy in the vein of Beverly Hills Cop and 48 Hours, and one that seems to have been lost in the zeitgeist of female led action films.  

Made in America (1993)

Made in America is a great comedy with heart. Sarah (Goldberg) is a strong and proud African-American woman whose life is turned upside down when her daughter discovers that her biological dad/sperm donor  is white… and played by fellow comic icon Ted Danson. Seeing Goldberg and Danson do the “will they/won’t they” dance is a true delight, and the film features Will Smith, Nia Long and Jennifer Tilly in the early years of their careers.

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)

You down with G-O-D? Blending popular music with religious undertones was one of the touchstones of the first Sister Act, and that melding is turned to 11 in the follow up. Showgirl-turned-protected witness turned nun Deloris (Goldberg) returns to the faith to help a failing school and community find their civic pride and help inner-city kids overcome the adversity that is laid out before them. If you don’t want to watch the whole film for whatever reason, I implore you to at least go to YouTube and watch the final performance that features some tremendous mashups of modern (for the time) songs and religious hymns.

Rat Race (2001)

Haters come at me! This take off on the classic It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and features an all-star ensemble cast and follows them as they race across Nevada for a $2 million prize. Eccentric Vera (Goldberg) races with her uptight, estranged daughter Merrill, who have to overcome their differences, as well as a crazy squirrel salesperson played by Kathy Bates, to reach the goal, the film also features comedy superstars John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, Seth Green, John Lozitz, Amy Smart, Breckin Meyer and Cuba Gooding Jr.

Ghost (1990)

The film that netted Goldberg an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and reintroduced the world to the Righteous Brothers is a tragic tale of loss and love. When Sam (Patrick Swayze) is killed, his spirit remains to warn his lover Molly (Demi Moore) that she is in danger. His conduit to the living is Oda Mae Brown (Goldberg), a questionable psychic who can commune with Sam’s spirit. What follows is a touching love story that has some great comedic moments thanks to the talent of Goldberg.

The Color Purple (1985)

Easily Goldberg’s best dramatic role. Her portrayal of Celie during the first half of the 20th century in rural Georgia is both uplifting and heartbreaking. She is forced to not only deal with racism and violence from the outside, but must also overcome an abusive relationship at the hands of her overbearing husband. She is forced to persevere through violence, threats and even the loss of children. Celie never gives in, and by the end there is significant progress and old wounds begin to heal.

Sister Act (1992)

A lot of this list was hard to narrow down, but Sister Act is a slam dunk for number one on this list. It is the ultimate fish out of water story when showgirl Deloris (Goldberg) witnesses a murder and is forced into the witness protection program. Her hiding spot, a convent, where she lays low as a nun. Of course you can’t keep an entertainer cooped up for too long, and she eventually begins to jazz up the church choir, which in turn revitalized a crime ridden, impoverished community. It’s a great tale overcoming your limitations, and becoming the best you possible.