Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood's most beloved actors. With a very diverse career that varies between roles in action, drama and science fiction features, the actor demonstrates his excellent talent through iconic characters that continue to mark pop culture over time, securing a place in the hearts of the public and in the taste of critics.
In today's article, we have selected thirteen of Keanu Reeves' best films so that you can learn more about the career of this actor who is known for his charisma and versatility in the scenes in which he appears. To do this, we've taken into account the popularity of the titles according to their IMDb rating in ascending order. Are you ready to embark on this journey with us?
A Scanner Darkly (2007)
Among Keanu Reeves' best films, A Scanner Darkly is a dystopian thriller set in the near future, where the United States is facing an almost lost war against illicit substances. Keanu Reeves plays Robert Arctor, a police officer who becomes addicted when he infiltrates the drug trafficking underworld. He tries to persuade drug dealer Donna to reveal her supplier while dealing with orders to spy on his own housemates.
Released in 2007, the film grossed US$ 7.7 million, below its budget of US$ 8.7 million. Despite this, it was praised for its distinctive filming technique, which gave the feature an innovative aesthetic. With a score of 7 on IMDb, the title offers a profound reflection on addictions and identity. The film is available in the Prime Video catalog and is an excellent choice for those looking for something different.
Constantine (2005)
Constantine is one of Keanu Reeves' best films, combining mystery, action and the supernatural. The film adapts the Hellblazer comic books and features Keanu in the role of John Constantine, an exorcist who has already faced hell. Together with Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz), he investigates the mysterious elimination of his twin sister, which ends up taking them on a dangerous journey through a dark world where angels and demons clash.
With a budget of US$ 100 million, Constantine grossed US$ 230 million worldwide, a success that is reflected in its popularity with fans of mystery and action films. The production features immersion in a supernatural universe and an outstanding performance by Keanu. With a 7.0 rating on IMDb, the movie is available on Max, perfect for those looking for an intense story full of twists and turns.
Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The Matrix Reloaded is considered to be one of Keanu Reeves' best films, continuing the plot of the struggle between humans and machines. Neo (Keanu Reeves), after defeating the machines in the first movie, now finds himself on a mission to the last human city. He sets off with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) on a journey to find the Keychain, a mysterious being who can help defeat the machines.
With a budget of US$ 150 million, Matrix Reloaded was a box office success, raking in an impressive US$ 742 million worldwide. The production features innovative action scenes and a plot full of twists and turns, making it one of the great sequels of the 2000s. The movie has a 7.2 rating on IMDb and is available on Max, for those who want to dive back into the Matrix universe.
Point Break (1991)
In Point Break, Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), a former college athlete, infiltrates the Southern California surfing community to investigate a gang of bank robbers. The gang disguises themselves as ex-presidents of the United States and have an impeccable record, with no victims or shootings during their robberies. Johnny begins to get close to Tyler Ann (Lori Petty), who teaches him to surf, and to the leader Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), a charismatic surfer.
As the investigation progresses, Johnny finds himself increasingly involved with the criminals and the gang's radical lifestyle. This dilemma between his duty in the FBI and his friendship with the robbers brings tension to the film, making it a thrilling story of action and adrenaline, which is often cited among Keanu Reeves' best films.
Considered one of Keanu Reeves' best films, Thrill-seekers grossed US$ 83 million at the box office, beating its budget of US$ 24 million. With an IMDb rating of 7.3, the film is available on Prime Video. Its success with audiences and critics has cemented the film as a cult classic in the action-adventure genre.
Much ado about nothing (1993)
Much Ado About Nothing is a film adaptation of William Shakespeare's famous play, directed by Kenneth Branagh. Prince Don Pedro (Denzel Washington) and his entourage arrive in an Italian village after a battle. There, they become involved in a series of events that mix love and intrigue. The romance between Benedick (Keanu Reeves) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson) is highlighted by exchanges of barbs and misunderstandings.
Considered one of Keanu Reeves' best films, his interpretation of Benedick is light and charismatic, winning over audiences. With an income of US$ 22.5 million, the film exceeded its budget of US$ 11 million. With a score of 7.3 on IMDb, Much Ado About Nothing remains one of the most praised Shakespeare adaptations. Available on Prime Video, it's a great option to check out the talent of Keanu Reeves.
Speed (1994)
In Speed, police officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) takes on a terrorist who places bombs on moving buses. After thwarting an attack in the elevator, Jack finds himself in a race against time when a second bus is threatened. The bomb in the vehicle is triggered to explode if the speed drops below 50 mph. Accompanied by Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock), Jack must keep his speed up to avoid tragedy.
With a budget of US$ 30 million, Speed became a huge success, raking in US$ 350 million at the box office. This is definitely one of Keanu Reeves' best films, with a 7.3 rating on IMDb. Available on Disney+, it's an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping production that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
In Bram Stoker's Dracula, Keanu Reeves plays Jonathan Harker, a lawyer who becomes involved with the enigmatic Vlad Tepes, also known as Dracula (Gary Oldman). When Dracula discovers that his beloved Elisabeta is no longer among the living, he renounces God and becomes a vampire, seeking revenge and wanting to rescue her soul. The story unfolds with a mixture of gothic romance and horror, as Dracula searches for his true passion, bringing chaos into the lives of Jonathan and his friends.
Its budget was US$ 40 million and Bram Stoker's Dracula grossed US$ 215 million at the box office. Critically acclaimed, the film has a 7.4 rating on IMDb and is considered by many to be one of Keanu Reeves' best films. Available on Max, it's a visually impressive adaptation that mixes elements of horror with romance and action.
John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)
John Wick 3: Parabellum follows the story of John Wick (Keanu Reeves), who is on the run after being the victim of a US$ 14 million global contract. He becomes a target for every assassin in the world after breaking a sacred rule: taking a life inside the Continental Hotel. The victim, Santino D'Antonio, a crime lord, created the contract and so John is expelled from all association services. Now he struggles to survive and escape New York, with time running out.
Considered one of Keanu Reeves' best films, John Wick 3: Parabellum grossed US$ 327 million at the box office, beating its budget of US$ 55 to 75 million. This is one of the Keanu Reeves movies on Netflix and it stands out for its action and the depth of the assassins' universe. If you're a fan of all the John Wick films, this sequel will grip you with intense fight scenes and action. With a score of 7.4 on IMDb, the film is another milestone for the franchise.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
John Wick: Chapter 2 begins with John Wick (Keanu Reeves) believing he can finally retire after recovering his car. However, his plans are interrupted when Santino D'Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) reappears, collecting an old debt. Santino, who has a promissory note signed by Wick, demands that he kill his own sister, Gianna (Claudia Gerini). Faced with this threat, John is forced to return to the world of crime and carry out his mission.
Also considered one of Keanu Reeves' best films, John Wick: Chapter 2 grossed US$ 171 million at the box office, beating its US$ 40 million budget. With a score of 7.4 on IMDb, the film is an intense continuation of the saga, with breathtaking action scenes. Available on Max, John Wick: Chapter 2 maintains the fast pace and depth of the story, making it a great choice for those who like action and adrenaline.
John Wick (2014)
John Wick tells the story of a former assassin for hire, played by Keanu Reeveswho loses his wife, Helen (Bridget Moynahan), to a terminal illness. As a parting gift, she leaves him a beagle puppy called Daisy. After an encounter with a trio of Russian gangsters, led by Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen), John is forced to resume his violent activities. The movie follows his relentless quest for revenge after his car is stolen and his dog dies.
This, by far one of Keanu Reeves' best films, had a budget of US$ 20 million and grossed US$ 86 million at the box office. With a 7.4 rating on IMDb, the film stands out for its intense action and precisely choreographed scenes. Available on Max, John Wick is one of the productions that solidified Keanu Reeves as an action movie icon, becoming a cult classic of the genre.
Devil's Advocate (1998)
In "The Devil's Advocate", Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), a lawyer from a small town in Florida, is hired by John Milton (Al Pacino), owner of one of the largest law firms in New York. He begins to earn a high salary and enjoy a luxurious life, but his wife, Mary Ann (Charlize Theron), begins to suffer from disturbing visions. Kevin, focused on his work, ignores her problems while getting involved in increasingly dark cases.
Among Keanu Reeves' best films, "The Devil's Advocate" stands out for its gripping plot and complex characters. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the film grossed US$ 153 million at the box office, exceeding its budget of US$ 57 million. Available on Max, the film delves into questions of morality and the sacrifices made for success. IMDb rating: 7.5.
John Wick 4: Chapter 4 (2023)
In John Wick: Chapter 4, legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) finally finds a way to bring down the High Dome and win his freedom. However, before he can achieve his goal, he faces a new enemy with powerful alliances and ruthless forces that turn old friends into adversaries. The plot maintains the tension with intense action scenes and an even more dangerous journey for the protagonist.
John Wick: Chapter 4 grossed an impressive US$ 432.2 million at the box office, surpassing its US$ 100 million budget, showing that it deserves to be among Keanu Reeves' best films. Released on March 23, 2023, the film was initially postponed due to the pandemic and Reeves' commitments to The Matrix Resurrections (2021). Available on Prime Video, the film is a thrilling action piece that has delighted fans around the world. Its IMDb rating is 7.6.
The Matrix (1999)
The IMDb gold medal for best Keanu Reeves movie goes to The Matrix! Here, Neo (Keanu Reeves) leads a double life as a programmer and hacker. He tries to understand the mystery behind the "Matrix" and ends up being contacted by Morpheus, the leader of a group of hackers. After a series of chases and encounters, Neo is introduced to the truth about reality, awakening to a world controlled by machines, and accepts his mission as the chosen one to fight against this oppressive system.
The Matrix is widely recognized as one of Keanu Reeves' best films, and rightly so, thanks to its innovative story and memorable action scenes. The film grossed US$ 467 million, beating its budget of US$ 63 million, and became a cultural landmark. Available on Max, it's one of the great science fiction hits, with an impressive 8.7 rating on IMDb.
These are the thirteen best Keanu Reeves movies. Did you know them all? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Also check out our article on the best Dwayne Johnson movies and the video we've put together for you below on the subject! It's sure to be very interesting!
Questions that might interest you
Keanu Reeves does his own action scenes?
In an interview, Keanu Reeves revealed that he does most of his action scenes without the need for a stunt double.
What was the most recent movie in which Keanu Reeves took part?
His most recent movie appearance was in John Wick 4: Baba Yaga.
In which romance movies has Keanu Reeves acted?
He appeared in the feature films The Lake House and A Walk in the Clouds.