Keanu Reeves is easily among one of the most respected actors today. On top of his prestigious acting career, he's known as a genuine and lovable guy off-camera. With a career that reaches back to the 1980s, Keanu has played a huge amount of iconic roles, one of which he'll soon be returning to in the upcoming The Matrix Resurrections. To celebrate, here's a look back as some of his best performances put to screen.
Neo (The Matrix)
Arguably Keanu's most iconic role is Neo, "the chosen one," in the popular Matrix franchise. Starting off as a curious but mundane office worker, Neo's perspective is completely changed when he discovers the world he's been living in is a simulation. Though there are many theories and interpretations of the movies, Neo very much embodies someone going against "the system." And although it may feel overdone in cinema, watching him become "the chosen one" is satisfying to witness as he becomes more and more powerful.
The first The Matrix movie is highly regarded, and the sequel, The Matrix Reloaded, is enjoyed by many. However, the third movie, The Matrix Revolutions, received a much more mixed reception and was said to be an unsatisfying ending for many. But now, almost 20 years later, it seems Revolutions wasn't the end, as Keanu is reprising his role as Neo in The Matrix Resurrections, coming to cinemas in December 2021.
John Constantine (Constantine)
Certainly one of his more unique characters, Keanu Reeves plays supernatural exorcist John Constantine in the 2005 action mystery film Constantine. John's purpose in life is to send demons on Earth back to Hell, somewhere he knows he'll be going one day. But he finds a chance at redemption as he's tasked with discovering the true fate of a girl whose death has been falsely written off as suicide. The character can sometimes come across as uncaring, but deep down, it's clear he's a good man with compassion that the audience can't help but like.
Though the movie isn't for everyone, Constantine definitely stands out among other action mysteries. The movie's unique demon-hunting puts a fun spin on the detective work, and the over-the-top action is immensely entertaining with the use of supernatural powers and special demon weaknesses.
Ted (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure)
Being one of his more light-hearted roles, a young Keanu Reeves plays Ted in the 1989 movie Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Playing a dim-witted teenager, Ted and his best friend Bill are close to failing out of school, with a dream of starting their own rock band. However, little do they know that the fate of the world rests on them staying together. And so, with the aid of a time traveler, Bill and Ted travel across time to help write the best history paper they can, all so they're not kicked out of school.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is regarded as a great comedy by many, although the 1991 sequel Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey received a lot less praise. Still, Keanu returned to the role in 2020 with Bill & Ted Face the Music, which saw mostly positive ratings.
John Wick (John Wick Movies)
Being one of Keanu's most popular and most recent roles, the John Wick movies see Keanu starring as the retired assassin himself, John Wick. Trying to make a new life for himself, John keeps being forced back into his career of killing, something he excels at above all others. As much as John wants to settle down, his want for payback against people who wrong him is even higher. And despite not having the most complex of personalities, his skill and drive are certainly entertaining to watch. All three John Wick films are loved and praised for their action, and with John Wick: Chapter 4 currently filming and John Wick: Chapter 5 in pre-production, there's plenty more to come.
Duke Caboom (Toy Story 4)
While feeling like the odd-one-out on this list, Toy Story 4 is one of the highest-rated films that Keanu features in. Though a more minor role than usual, Keanu voices Duke Caboom, a toy stunt-man who isn't particularly good at stunts. While Duke can be clumsy, he helps Woody and the gang save their captured friend and aids in their escape, all while learning that it's okay to fail as long as you try your best. His over-the-top charisma but low self-esteem made him a fan favorite for many in the movie. And it'll be a big shame if the character isn't seen again.
The Toy Story movies are among the most highly regarded animated movies out there. And although Toy Story 5 has yet to be confirmed, Pixar plans to release their Buzz-Lightyear-focused movie Lightyear in 2022, which means the Toy Story characters are all open to receiving their own movies.