An impact resistant roofing shingle which includes an asphalt coated substrate whose unexposed surface is laminated to an organic film. A process of forming that shingle includes the step of applying an organic film, by spraying a latex, by applying a rubber polymer modified asphalt, by compressing a plastic film having a higher melting or decomposition temperature than the melting point of the asphalt coating or by applying an adhesive to which a plastic film is applied to the unexposed surface of the asphalt coated substrate.