Every Keanu Reeves Movie Performance, Ranked

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This article first appeared in 2019 and has since been updated with Keanu Reeves’ more recent films. Seriously!

Keanu Reeves has been a famous actor for over four decades, but it’s only recently that people have truly started recognizing his talent and the impact of his films. He’s starred in many successful movies, from comedies like *Bill & Ted’s* to action series like *The Matrix* and *John Wick*. However, for a long time, many critics seemed surprised by these successes, treating them as flukes. This is likely because it’s been hard to pinpoint exactly what Reeves does that makes his films so captivating.

One reason for this perception is that many people still remember Keanu Reeves as his character, Theodore Logan. Even in films like *Speed*, *Bram Stoker’s Dracula*, and *Something’s Gotta Give*, he maintains the youthful and approachable quality he first showed as Ted, famously captured in his signature exclamation, “Whoa!” This enduring sense of innocent wonder has, in a way, prevented audiences from fully appreciating his acting abilities and judging his work objectively.

Vulture’s Angelica Jade Bastién has brilliantly explained why Keanu Reeves is a remarkable action star and a key figure in *The Matrix* and modern blockbusters. She’s made two particularly insightful points about how he’s changed the image of on-screen toughness. In 2017, she observed that Reeves stands out because he allows a sense of vulnerability and loneliness to show through in his performances, connecting characters like the eager Johnny Utah, the destined Neo, and the battle-hardened John Wick. She also pointed out that most Hollywood action heroes embody a problematic, emotionally closed-off version of masculinity, which Reeves consistently avoids. His characters are often guided by skilled and experienced women, and he brings a genuine humanity to his roles, making them relatable even when they seem almost superhuman.

Honestly, I think people haven’t quite known what to make of him. He doesn’t fit the typical mold of a leading man – there’s a softness to his looks, and the way he delivers lines is a little unusual, almost like he’s still figuring out how we talk. It’s thrown some viewers, and even critics, because they weren’t sure if his unique approach was a deliberate choice or if he was just struggling. It’s been hard for them to take him seriously, and I think that’s a shame because I find his style really compelling.

Keanu Reeves isn’t perfect, and looking back at his entire film career, there are definitely some movies that didn’t quite work out – either because of the scripts or how they were directed. However, his consistently strong performances prove they weren’t just lucky accidents. From films like *Dangerous Liaisons* and *Man of Tai Chi* to *River’s Edge* and *Knock Knock*, he’s clearly dedicated to improving as an actor while maintaining a unique connection with audiences. Now, with his new film *Good Fortune* released, we’re taking a look back at all his roles, ranking them from the least to the most successful.

46.
Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

Johnny Mnemonic represents a low point for 90s cyberpunk films, and it’s remarkably poor – Keanu Reeves seems lost in it. It’s surprising the Wachowskis overlooked this and still chose him for The Matrix. The movie, based on a story by William Gibson, is incredibly simplistic and feels like it was made by people unfamiliar with computers. It’s truly something to behold – but not in a good way.

45.
The Watcher (2000)

The main appeal of this movie relies heavily on its casting choices – James Spader as the determined detective and Keanu Reeves as the obsessed serial killer. It’s a bit of a funny pairing, actually, because you’d expect those roles to be reversed. While Keanu might have eventually been able to pull off the villain, he looks out of place here, still sporting his signature hairstyle from *Speed*. The weak script doesn’t help matters. Disturbingly, Keanu has said he was contractually obligated to make the film due to his assistant forging his signature. It earned him his fifth of seven Razzie nominations – though he’s never won, and hasn’t been nominated in over 17 years. Ironically, the Razzies even gave him a “Redeemer” award in 2015, suggesting he needed to prove himself – a strange honor considering the film itself.

44.
Sweet November (2001)

It’s honestly painful to watch *Sweet November* knowing how amazing Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron are now. It’s wild to think the same director who made *Atomic Blonde* and *John Wick* also made this – they both seem so lifeless here! I really think it was a low point in both their careers, and it felt like the movie was playing to their weaknesses. When I watch it now, I can almost *see* them thinking, ‘If being a movie star means having to do *this*, is it even worth it?’ Thankfully, they both went on to find much better roles and figure things out.

43.
Chain Reaction (1996)

Okay, let’s talk about this thriller. The initial idea – scientists developing a water-to-fuel technology and then being mysteriously murdered, with Keanu Reeves wrongly accused – isn’t terrible. Honestly, it felt a little familiar, and after 23 years, you’d think someone would *actually* solve that energy crisis! But the movie quickly devolves into a pretty standard chase film. Reeves plays the wrongly accused man trying to clear his name, which feels a lot like *The Fugitive*. He wasn’t quite able to inject the kind of energy this project needed, and I kept wishing I was rewatching that classic instead. It just…lacked that extra *oomph*.

42.
47 Ronin (2013)

Keanu Reeves first directed a film in 2013 – a really good action movie inspired by Hong Kong cinema. We’ll talk about that one later. This current film, however, is a confusing mix of fantasy and sword fighting that’s more likely to give you a headache. And honestly, the wig Keanu wears in this movie might be the worst he’s ever had.

41.
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993)

Gus Van Sant’s movie version of Tom Robbins’s book is widely considered a failure, largely because it completely misses the mark in terms of mood and style. The film also wastes a talented cast, with Keanu Reeves particularly misdirected – it’s strange to cast such a relaxed actor and then have him constantly appear anxious and out of breath.

40.
Replicas (2019)

After the huge success of *John Wick*, Keanu Reeves has been able to take on roles in less impressive sci-fi action films, and this one is a prime example. While the premise – a neuroscientist (Reeves) trying to clone his family after a tragic accident – could have been a fresh take on something like *Pet Sematary*, the movie falls back on a tired and predictable plot involving a sinister corporation. *John Wick* has given Reeves more opportunities to work on various projects, and this film feels like one of those easier roles.

39.
Feeling Minnesota (1996)

To our knowledge, this movie is unique in being inspired by a Soundgarden song lyric – unless there’s a superhero out there called “Spoonman.” It tries to mimic the style of Quentin Tarantino, but ultimately feels unpolished, leaving you wishing the actors would just get a trim. While Keanu Reeves can play a laid-back character well, he deserves a much better script than this one.

38.
Little Buddha (1994)

It’s clear now that Keanu Reeves wouldn’t be the right choice to play Prince Siddhartha, the man who became the Buddha. Setting aside concerns about cultural sensitivity, it’s easy to see why Bernardo Bertolucci, director of *The Last Emperor*, was drawn to Reeves’ calm demeanor for this important role. However, *Little Buddha* ultimately offers a rather basic and simplistic portrayal of the origins of Buddhism, and the film’s special effects haven’t held up well over time. Still, Reeves does a good job of portraying stillness and serenity.

37.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

We remember seeing Kenneth Branagh’s film of Shakespeare’s play when it first came out. When Keanu Reeves, playing the villain Don John, said he wasn’t a man of many words, the audience actually applauded with sarcasm. It was a striking moment because it highlighted how audiences in the early 90s still saw him as just a carefree Californian guy. Sadly, his performance in *Much Ado About Nothing* didn’t really change that perception. He hadn’t yet developed the depth as an actor to convincingly play such a scheming character, and the film is noticeably stronger when he’s not on screen. Perhaps it’s a good thing his character doesn’t have much dialogue.

36.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

It’s easy to dismiss someone’s acting with a quick GIF. But acting is a difficult craft, and reducing a performance to a short, looping clip for a quick laugh feels unfair. Still…

Honestly, watching Keanu Reeves in *Bram Stoker’s Dracula* always feels a little off. It really highlights how uncomfortable he seemed as Jonathan Harker, especially knowing his boss was clearly a villain! The movie itself is amazing – the effects were groundbreaking for the time, and it’s just so dramatic and over-the-top. But Keanu just didn’t *fit* the gothic, spooky atmosphere. I always thought he seemed lost in the role. He even admitted it years later, calling it his biggest failure! He said the accent wasn’t the problem, which is… interesting. It’s clear now he’d probably kill it if he played Harker today, but back in 1992, he was still finding his footing and hadn’t quite found the right energy for that kind of role.

35.
The Neon Demon (2016)

Being a major celebrity has its benefits, like making a quick, quirky appearance in a strange, artistic film. That seems to be the case with Keanu Reeves’s role in this visually striking, but ultimately hollow, and increasingly bizarre psychological thriller from the director of *Drive*. He plays Hank, a sleazy motel manager who adds a bit of local flavor to the film’s depiction of the competitive Los Angeles fashion world. If you’ve been waiting to hear Keanu deliver lines like “Did she send you out for *tampons*, too?!” and “Real Lolita stuff… real Lolita stuff,” then *The Neon Demon* is for you. He’s only in it briefly, and it’s understandable if he barely remembers filming it.

34.
The Lake House (2006)

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock team up again, but this time with far fewer high-speed chases. In *The Lake House*, Bullock plays a doctor who discovers her lake house has a peculiar ability: she can exchange letters with the previous owner, a charming architect played by Reeves, who lived there two years earlier. This American adaptation of the South Korean film *Il Mare* is a sweet romance, though it doesn’t offer anything particularly new to the genre when it comes to themes of fate and love. And for those excited to see Reeves and Bullock share the screen again, be warned: they don’t have a lot of time together.

33.
Henry’s Crime (2011)

It’s important to avoid portraying Reeves as overly passive. He’s naturally calm, but if he simply reacts to events without taking initiative, the movie loses momentum. This happens in this heist film where Reeves plays an innocent man wrongly convicted, who then plots an escape with a fellow inmate (James Caan). The movie aims for a unique tone, but Reeves doesn’t quite deliver the spark it needs, leaving the film feeling stalled and unable to take off.

32.
The Bad Batch (2017)

Ana Lily Amirpour, the director of the highly praised *A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night*, delivers *The Bad Batch*, a survival story set in a harsh desert environment where a young woman (Suki Waterhouse) fights for her life. While visually striking, *The Bad Batch* doesn’t quite reach the heights of Amirpour’s previous film, often prioritizing style over a strong narrative. This is particularly evident in Keanu Reeves’s performance as the Dream, a cult leader who controls the only signs of order in this post-apocalyptic world. Reeves portrays the character more as a quirky persona than a truly menacing villain, making it difficult to fully grasp the extent of his evil.

31.
Hardball (2001)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=xrgGccehkKY

Keanu Reeves isn’t the typical choice to star in a feel-good sports movie like *The Bad News Bears*, and he doesn’t quite succeed in this one. He plays a gambler who reluctantly coaches an inner-city baseball team and, predictably, learns a lesson about life and love. The film is a very standard underdog story, highlighting that Reeves’s talents don’t automatically translate to every leading role. The real standout? A young Michael B. Jordan, at just 14 years old.

30.
Street Kings (2008)

David Ayer, the director known for gritty Los Angeles thrillers like *Training Day* (which he wrote) and *End of Watch* (which he both wrote and directed), falls short with this film starring Keanu Reeves. *Street Kings* relies too heavily on familiar police drama tropes, casting Reeves as Ludlow, an LAPD detective whose ethics are slipping. While the role demands Reeves play a tough character, he doesn’t quite pull it off convincingly. The movie is generally unremarkable and easily forgotten, even with a strong supporting cast including Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, and a young Chris Evans before his *Captain America* fame. Reeves doesn’t stand out, and the entire ensemble is ultimately lost in a predictable plot.

29.
Constantine (2005)

After his success with *The Matrix*, Keanu Reeves attempted to start a new film series with *Constantine*, a movie based on a DC Comics character who can see ghosts. The story follows a man trying to make amends for a past suicide attempt by acting as a bridge between the worlds of the living and the dead. While the concept isn’t bad and the film looks good at times, *Constantine* lacks the cleverness and charisma needed to showcase Reeves’s personality in the same way that the filmmakers behind *The Matrix* did.

28.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

Keanu Reeves’ unique look and slightly unusual way of delivering lines made him a natural fit for the role of Klaatu, an alien who appears human after landing on Earth. This new version of the 1950s science fiction film doesn’t feel entirely necessary—though its message about protecting the environment is relevant, it’s presented within a typical action movie structure—and even Reeves’ performance isn’t enough to make it truly stand out. However, the film does offer a glimpse of the self-assured actor he was becoming, a quality that would soon be recognized in *John Wick*.

27.
Knock Knock (2015)

Keanu Reeves tries something new in this erotic thriller directed by Eli Roth, and while the movie isn’t great, it’s fascinating to watch his performance. He plays Evan, a happily married man enjoying some alone time when his wife and kids are away. Two attractive young women unexpectedly show up during a storm, invite themselves in, and begin to seduce him. The film plays with the question of whether this is a dream come true or something sinister. It’s entertaining to see Reeves portray an ordinary suburban husband slowly realizing he’s in a dangerous situation, but the movie’s reliance on sensationalism ultimately limits its impact as a cautionary tale.

26.
The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

I remember when *The Devil’s Advocate* came out in 1997 – honestly, most people weren’t going to see Keanu Reeves as a lawyer. Everyone was there for Al Pacino! He was absolutely incredible playing the devil disguised as a New York attorney. But the story really centers on Keanu’s character, Kevin Lomax, a young lawyer who moves to Manhattan with his wife, Charlize Theron (who I would later see him with in *Sweet November*). He takes a dream job at a fancy law firm, only to discover the dark secrets behind it. Keanu plays the brilliant newcomer who quickly finds himself in too deep, and while I enjoyed the film, I have to admit he wasn’t entirely believable in the role, especially with that southern accent!

25.
The Prince of Pennsylvania (1988)

Rupert’s friend Carla, a free spirit played by Amy Madigan, playfully calls him a stray she shouldn’t have taken in, and it fits – especially considering Keanu Reeves plays Rupert, a teen who dropped out of school. This early film in Reeves’s career follows Rupert, Carla, and his dad (Fred Ward) as they attempt to escape their dead-end lives by kidnapping him and demanding a ransom. While *The Prince of Pennsylvania* isn’t a great comedy – it feels forced and is pretty average – it does offer a glimpse of the sensitivity and depth Reeves would later become known for. He comes across as a sweet, lost soul searching for a place to belong.

24.
The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997)

It felt like every cool actor in the ’90s had to try and emulate Jack Kerouac, so it’s fair to let Keanu Reeves have a turn. He plays the close friend and drinking companion to Thomas Jane’s character, and he clearly enjoys getting into the Kerouac spirit – though other actors have really leaned into that pose before. Despite being in the heaviest shape of his career, he still looks fantastic.

23.
A Walk in the Clouds (1995)

Looking back, Keanu Reeves’ performance isn’t as weak as people initially thought. While he wasn’t the best choice to play a troubled war veteran pretending to be the husband of a pregnant woman, he avoids overacting – which is good, because it’s better for an actor to not force a role they don’t quite fit. The film itself is visually stunning, and the beautiful vineyard setting is a definite plus. It’s not a movie you’d necessarily watch again, but it’s also far from the complete failure some claim it to be.

22.
The Replacements (2000)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=MJVxQhCJG_8

Keanu Reeves also stars in the sports comedy *The Replacements*, a perfectly fine movie to watch on a lazy Sunday. He plays Shane, a quarterback who was once destined for greatness but whose career fell apart after a bad game. Luckily, he gets another chance when professional football players go on strike, and team owners hire replacement players. While Reeves isn’t always convincing as an everyday guy—he usually plays characters who feel unique and special—he does a good job portraying a decent man dealing with past failures. *The Replacements* follows a familiar formula, but Reeves’ performance makes it more entertaining than it might otherwise be.

21.
Tune in Tomorrow (1990)

This sweet and occasionally delightful film centers on a soap opera writer (Peter Falk) who starts weaving a real-life affair – between a woman (Barbara Hershey) and her nephew – into his show, and then begins controlling the storyline. *Tune in Tomorrow* is a lighthearted, harmless comedy, and Reeves consistently delivers a cheerful performance, content to play a supporting role.

20.
I Love You to Death (1990)

This comedy from Lawrence Kasdan, released after a successful string of films like *Body Heat*, *The Big Chill*, *Silverado*, and *The Accidental Tourist*, isn’t remembered much these days, and understandably so. It relies heavily on slapstick and characters yelling, which doesn’t really work as comedy. However, Keanu Reeves is good in the role of a laid-back hitman, and it’s fun to watch him act alongside William Hurt. They would have made a wonderfully odd comedic duo!

19.
Youngblood (1986)

This Rob Lowe hockey comedy is exactly what you’d expect – a Rob Lowe hockey comedy. However, it’s worth mentioning because a young Keanu Reeves, age 21, delivers a surprisingly memorable performance as a lovable, but not very bright, hockey player. His French Canadian accent is so good, it’s truly something to experience. It’s almost unbelievable to think this could have been Keanu Reeves’ only role! He shouts “AH-NEE-MAL!” and it’s iconic.

18.
Destination Wedding (2018)

This quirky comedy follows two cynical wedding guests (Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder) who discover they share a mutual dislike for… well, everything. It sounds potentially depressing, and sometimes it is, but Reeves and Ryder have a charming chemistry that keeps you watching. With different actors, this pairing might be unbearable, but somehow, despite their negativity, they’re surprisingly likable.

17.
Thumbsucker (2005)

Mike Mills, the director of *20th Century Women* and *Beginners*, delivers a gentle and insightful coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Walter Kirn. The film has Mills’s signature warmth and genuine emotion. Keanu Reeves plays the dentist of the main character – it’s amusing to see him as “Dr. Perry Lyman” – and brings a perfect, down-to-earth perspective to both his profession and life in general. It’s a natural and humorous performance, suggesting Keanu Reeves can be a strong supporting actor when paired with a skilled director.

16.
Good Fortune (2025)

Aziz Ansari’s first time directing a feature film is uneven, but the best part is definitely Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, an angel who’s a bit underwhelmed with his job of preventing distracted driving. He decides to intervene in the life of Ansari’s character, a film editor who’s lost his spark, hoping to give him a reason to live. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go as planned, and Gabriel is sent to Earth as a human. Reeves perfectly captures the well-intentioned nature of the angel, and he’s particularly charming as Gabriel experiences being human for the first time. Seeing him enjoy simple pleasures like cheeseburgers and dancing is a delightful reminder of his playful side, even at 61. We’re lucky to have him!

15.
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Keanu Reeves starred in this Nancy Meyers rom-com at a perfect moment in his career. Coming just a month after the last *Matrix* movie, *Something’s Gotta Give* showed audiences a different side of Reeves – not the intense action star, but a relaxed and appealing love interest who played a supporting role. He portrays Julian Mercer, a doctor treating Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson), a man known for dating much younger women. Harry is currently with Amanda Peet, whose mother, Erica (Diane Keaton), is a famous playwright. While the romantic outcome of the film is predictable, Reeves shines as a romantic counterpart, bringing a mature and alluring quality that he hadn’t displayed earlier in his career. Many viewers, however, feel Meyers made the wrong choice with the ending – Erica would have been better off with Julian instead of Harry.

14.
Man of Tai Chi (2013)

Keanu Reeves has only directed one movie, and it reveals a lot about his tastes. It’s clear he’s a huge fan of Hong Kong action films and always dreamed of creating one himself. And he actually pulls it off well! The movie is technically solid, the story is easy to follow, and it features some impressive long-shot action scenes – a style consistent with his work in *John Wick*, where he prefers showing the full action rather than relying on quick cuts. Reeves also delivers a perfectly acceptable performance. While he’s not necessarily a groundbreaking director, it’s definitely a film we’d enjoy seeing again.

13.
Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Keanu Reeves’ character, Raphael Danceny, is a relatively innocent figure used by the manipulative Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, and it’s fitting that Reeves is somewhat overshadowed by his more experienced co-stars. Glenn Close and John Malkovich brilliantly lead this award-winning drama, bringing a sharp energy to the story of love, betrayal, and wounded egos. Danceny is portrayed as a naive young man, and Reeves captures that innocence well. While he doesn’t steal the show in *Dangerous Liaisons*, he delivers a solid performance, particularly in the film’s climax when he unexpectedly defeats Valmont and becomes one of the few to survive the characters’ ruthless schemes.

12.
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009)

Robin Wright delivers a stunning performance as a woman handling a challenging life with surprising strength and insight. Keanu Reeves appears later as a familiar character – a younger man who complements an older woman’s journey of self-discovery. He plays the role perfectly, adding just the right touch without overshadowing the story. Reeves proves that subtlety is his strength when it comes to romantic roles.

11.
Parenthood (1989)

In the movie *Parenthood*, Steve Martin plays a typical, somewhat anxious suburban father whose worst fear is his daughter dating someone irresponsible. Keanu Reeves plays Tod, who initially seems like a clueless slacker destined to mess things up. However, Tod turns out to be surprisingly kind and level-headed. Released shortly after *Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure*, *Parenthood* showed audiences a more mature side of Reeves, and he’s particularly charming in the film – especially when giving surprisingly honest advice to a young boy about… well, you get the idea. He simply told the kid it’s something boys do.

10.
Permanent Record (1988)

I recently rediscovered this really beautiful, but sadly overlooked, movie called *Permanent Record*, directed by a novelist named Marisa Silver. It stars Keanu Reeves as the best friend of a teenager who takes his own life, and it’s about how everyone deals with the aftermath. Now, Keanu is usually known for being pretty reserved, but he really lets go in this one. His character is absolutely heartbroken, and honestly, he portrays that grief so convincingly – you can *feel* it. Watching him in this film, it’s easy to see why everyone thought he was destined for stardom. It’s a very different performance than what we’re used to from Keanu now, but it’s not necessarily inferior – it’s just a raw, powerful piece of acting.

9.
Point Break (1991)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=KywiWyPjrOg

Like Keanu Reeves’s career, the reputation of *Point Break* has steadily increased over the years. Do people enjoy it now as a fun, over-the-top action movie, appreciating its exaggerated portrayal of men searching for meaning? Or do they recognize the genuine depth that director Kathryn Bigelow brought to the story of isolated characters seeking thrills – whether through surfing or crime? Keanu Reeves’s performance works on both levels. You can laugh at the dramatic moments if you want, but you can also be captivated by the connection his character, Johnny Utah, develops with Patrick Swayze’s Bodhi, a man who only feels truly alive when pushing his limits. *Point Break* offers something for everyone.

8.
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991), and Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)

Before iconic duos like Beavis and Butt-Head or Wayne and Garth, there was Bill and Ted – two carefree guys from California who loved to have fun. Keanu Reeves perfectly captured a laid-back silliness as Theodore Logan, playing wonderfully alongside Alex Winter’s equally clueless Bill. What stands out about Bill and Ted is that they’re genuinely good-natured – *Excellent Adventure* is remarkably cheerful and lighthearted. While Keanu Reeves later became known for more serious roles, he makes blissful cluelessness incredibly charming in *Excellent Adventure* and, though not as strong, its sequel, *Bogus Journey*.

7.
The Gift (2000)

Despite featuring a strong cast and a script by Billy Bob Thornton (inspired by his mother), Sam Raimi’s *The Gift* wasn’t a box office success – it’s likely not the first film with that title that comes to mind. However, Keanu Reeves delivers a standout performance as a potentially wrongly accused man, an abusive husband who’s unsettlingly complex. Reeves fully embodies a rough, almost bewildered villain, suggesting he’s driven by forces beyond his control. It’s a captivating portrayal, and we wish to see more performances like it.

6.
My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Gus Van Sant’s film is best known for River Phoenix’s incredibly raw and emotional performance as Mike, a lost young man working as a hustler. (The fact that Phoenix passed away just two years after the film came out makes his performance even more poignant.) However, his performance wouldn’t be as powerful without Keanu Reeves as his counterpart. Reeves plays Scott, another hustler and Mike’s close friend, and perfectly captures the attitude of someone who is simply drifting through life. While Mike is searching for meaning, Scott knows he’ll eventually come into money, and unlike Mike, he doesn’t reciprocate Mike’s romantic feelings. Phoenix rightfully received most of the praise, but Reeves is excellent as a desirable but ultimately unreachable figure – someone who is alluring and intriguing, yet remains distant and mysterious.

5.
Speed (1994)

Even now, we think *Speed* was a ridiculously fun movie. It shouldn’t have worked – the idea of a bomb on a bus that explodes if it slows down is completely over-the-top – but it really did! A big reason is Keanu Reeves. He played his cop, Jack Traven, with total seriousness, committed to saving the passengers no matter what. The movie’s charm comes from how it balances incredibly high stakes with a silly premise, and Reeves perfectly conveys that tension. He plays it so straight that the movie is both exciting and knowingly ridiculous. Plus, his chemistry with Sandra Bullock is fantastic. While it’s probably not a good idea to flirt while sitting on a bomb, their eventual happy ending makes it all worthwhile.

4.
River’s Edge (1987)

The film’s casting director chose Keanu Reeves for the role of a detached teenager who witnesses a murder – and does nothing – based on his natural posture and appearance. She noticed details like his untied shoes and clothes that seemed to fit someone transitioning into adulthood. This reflected Reeves himself at that time, and *River’s Edge* is arguably his most unsettling film. Unlike his later roles, Reeves isn’t playing ‘cool’ here; he portrays a genuine emptiness – a lack of intellectual, moral, and emotional engagement. It’s this void that makes his performance so chilling. While clearly a performance, it doesn’t feel contrived; his presence is almost mesmerizing and otherworldly.

3.
John Wick (2014), John Wick: Chapter Two (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum (2019), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), and Ballerina (2025)

Everything started when someone killed his dog. The *John Wick* movies fit into a trend of action films starring older actors playing tough, brooding heroes, much like *Taken*. These films give Keanu Reeves a chance to play a raw, intense character. He’s a highly skilled assassin who promised his late wife he’d retire, but when pushed too far, he breaks that promise – and the result is fantastic. While Reeves often seemed distant in his earlier roles, here he’s fully engaged, which is both enjoyable and slightly unsettling. The first *John Wick* movie was already incredibly over-the-top, and the sequels have only increased the action, but Reeves’ genuine anger and exhaustion feel fresh, exciting, and surprisingly convincing. It turns out Keanu Reeves is remarkably good at playing someone who can eliminate a lot of people.

2.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Looking back, it’s surprising Keanu Reeves and Richard Linklater have only collaborated once, given how well their relaxed styles seem to match. It makes perfect sense, though, that their single project is an adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s work. The film uses a unique, flowing animation technique – interpolated rotoscoping – to tell the story of an undercover cop (Reeves) battling his own drug addiction within a disturbing, oppressive system. This animation style perfectly captures the film’s anxious and paranoid mood, and interestingly, mirrors Reeves’s own detached performance. While he’s a hero who overcomes obstacles in the *Matrix* movies, here he’s up against forces too strong to defeat, leading to a rather sad ending.

1.
The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), The Matrix Revolutions (2003), and The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=fhrNgXJ__n8

Keanu Reeves felt he’d found something special when he read the script for *The Matrix*. It was unlike anything he’d seen before, yet it was exactly what he’d always wanted as an actor and a science fiction fan. Five years after his hit film *Speed*, he discovered the project that would become his most iconic role. The character of Neo combined the calm focus he’d shown in earlier roles with a new, intense physicality, creating a modern hero inspired by classics like Luke Skywalker and the energy of anime. *The Matrix* allowed Reeves to become a truly commanding presence on screen – serious, but still agile and cool. Even as the sequels became more complex and relied heavily on special effects, Reeves remained captivating. The films gave the actor, who always had a unique and laid-back persona, a chance to shine in a massive blockbuster.

Grierson & Leitch are frequent writers and podcasters about movies. You can find them on Twitter or at their website.

Or almost every film role; we’ve omitted some of his most obscure limited-release films, movies that went straight to VOD or streaming, documentaries, cameos, and voice-only roles. (Apologies to Toy Story 4’s Duke Caboom and Shadow the Hedgehog.)

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2025-10-18 19:03