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The popularity of Keanu Reeves only seems to grow. With the wild success of the John Wick series, fans are looking back at the high points of the actor. From goofy teen comedies to genre-defining sci-fi films, Reeves has done it all. His likable charm and charisma ensure he is one of the most well-liked people in Hollywood, and his martial arts skills make him a force to be reckoned with. So board your busses and take your red pills as we take a look at some of Keanu Reeves’s best movies.
10. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Before he was tearing through bad guys as John Wick, Keanu was time traveling with his best bud in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. This classic 80s comedy stars Reeves as Theodore Logan alongside Alex Winters as Bill S. Preston. The two friends long to form the greatest rock band ever, and they soon discover that is their destiny. Through various circumstances, they come into contact with a time machine that they use to gather various historical figures for a school project. The film spawned two sequels as well as two television shows. To this day, it remains one of Keanu’s most excellent roles.
9. Dracula (1992)
When most people think of Dracula on the big screen, they think of the classic Universal movie from 1931. While that is certainly the most iconic, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 version is a close second. Keanu Reeves is featured as Johnathan Harker, and it admittedly is far from his best performance. The role has been pickled on ever since the film was released, and it doesn’t seem like it will stop soon. Besides this, the film as a whole has become a cult classic and, to many, the best version of Bram Stoker’s classic story.
8. The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
The Devil’s Advocate sees Reeves as a promising young lawyer rapidly moving up the legal ladder. He lands a top spot at a New York firm run by John Milton, played by Al Pacino. It is quickly revealed that Pacino’s character is none other than the Devil himself, and Reeves is caught in the middle of his game. This supernatural thriller movie is one of the best in Keanu Reeves’ catalog, and it is frequently brought up when discussing his best works. However, this is far from the only horror-themed movie Keanu has been a part of.
7. Constantine (2005)
John Wick is far from the only hardened character Reeves has portrayed. Constantine is based on the DC comics series of the same name. Revees stars as the titular character, who is an exorcist and demonologist with a special gift. Constantine can communicate with angels and demons in their true forms, as well as travel between heaven and hell at will. The comic book character has been adapted several other times, including in a live-action series, but to many, Keanu is the definitive version. A sequel has even been greenlit, but the future is uncertain with the DC Studios shake-up.
6. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
This remake of the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood Still has split many fans. One thing they mostly agree on is Keanu Reeves and his performance as Klaatu. Klaatu arrives on Earth in a spaceship, and he claims he comes with a warning. He claims the planet is in danger of itself and is trying to protect them. Klaatu is accompanied by a giant robot who isn’t as friendly. This sci-fi thriller didn’t do incredibly well upon its original release, but it has developed a cult following with a dedicated fanbase.
5. Johnny Mnemonic (1995)
This sci-fi cult classic movie follows Keanu Reeves as the titular Johnny Mnemonic. Johnny is a courier with an important data package in his head. He is tracked down by the Yakuza, desperately trying to stop him from making his delivery. If this wasn’t bad enough, the burden of carrying the package could kill him. It is a race against the clock as he makes his delivery before it is too late. While this film is far from Oscar-worthy, it is still a fun time with a loyal fan base.
4. Point Break (1991)
John Wick requires Keanu to perform some pretty intense stunts. This is nothing new to the actor, as one of his best-known roles is all about surfing and stunt work. Point Break stars Reeves as federal agent Johnny Utah. Utah is sent undercover to investigate a surfing group that is responsible for high-profile robberies. Things become complicated when he not only falls in love with a team member but also with the sport of surfing and adrenaline. This intense crime thriller is frequently listed on Keanu’s best-of lists, and for good reason.
3. Speed (1994)
Keanu Reeves is becoming well-known for leading movies that leave audiences filled with adrenaline and on the edge of their seats. A key example of this is the crime thriller Speed. Reeves stars as LA police officer Jack Traven. After foiling a bomber’s plan, he places a bomb on a bus full of people. Once the bus hits 50mph, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it goes off. This intense action thriller is one of the best from the 90s and showed audiences that Keanu can be an action lead.
2. John Wick (2014)
Keanu not only redefined his career but the entire action genre with John Wick. The film about a former hitman drawn back into the game is filled with intricate action scenes and breathtaking martial arts. The fourth film is rapidly approaching, and fans are still eating it up. The movies manage to be familiar yet unique in their own ways. The world the franchise is building is interesting enough to keep fans returning and promises they will never grow bored. As of now, this is one of Keanu’s most iconic roles if not for one other.
1. The Matrix (1999)
To call The Matrix, a cultural phenomenon is an understatement. This mind-bending thriller changed the way effects were used in film forever. Keanu stars as Thomas Anderson, a programmer who discovers life isn’t what it seems. Keanu had worked hard to move past his goofy teen roles throughout the 90s, and this film cemented him as a star. The film received several sequels, but none have come close to the grip the original had. To this day, Neo is Keanu’s trademark role, and as possible as his Wick character is, that is unlikely to change.