Keanu Reevs has established himself as one of the top stars after working in the industry for over 35 years. Today as he turns a year older, let’s revisit his most iconic roles!

During the 1990s, Keanu Reeves was one of the most captivating movie actors, and he continues to dominate the cinema even more today. Over the years, Reeves struggled to break free from the stereotype of a dapper yet amiable character.

Nevertheless, the Canadian heartthrob has proven his versatility with three successful and unique franchises under his belt. He can play the role of a deadly hitman, a time-traveling kid, or a cyber-superhero.

Although Reeves still produces sophisticated heroes in the current stages of his illustrious career, a few iconic roles stand out because they encapsulate some of his greatest qualities. As Keanu Reeves turns 60 today, let’s take a look at his top 10 roles as an actor!

1. John Wick in John Wick Franchise (2014-Present)

Through John Wick, Keanu became a killing machine and a new hit franchise was born, freed from the weight of having to prove himself as an action hero all over again. Reeves gives John Wick depth by skillfully handling sensitive situations and tender connections with furry friends. reevs also did most his stunts byhimself in the film to make scenes look more relaistic. 

The most poignant performance of Reeves’ career underpins the action scenes. He portrays a man mourning the loss of his wife, who simply wants to feel connected to someone. After adopting a beagle that his wife had given him before she passed away, he eventually makes new friends. John embarks on a brutal quest for vengeance when his dog is killed by a group of vicious thugs.

2. Neo in The Matrix (1991)

The Matrix, in 1999, was a unique combination of superhuman kung fu and cyberpunk aesthetics that simply blew everyone’s friggin minds. Reeves played Neo, a hacker who joined forces with a group of liberation warriors under the leadership of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) after discovering that the world was only a sophisticated computer simulation.

Reeves masterfully conveys a complex fusion of unease, wonder, and an unquenchable thirst for the unknown. Neo is distinguished by this genuine representation, which makes him the most interesting character in Reeves’ work.

3. Shane Falco in The Replacements (2000)

The Replacements’ Shane Falco, played by Keanu Reeves, is the epitome of the underdog hero. Reeves brilliantly captures Falco’s quiet determination and hard-won redemption. His rigorous football preparation pays off, resulting in an incredibly authentic portrayal on screen.

Despite differing opinions on the movie, Reeves receives universal acclaim for his commitment to the part and ability to convey Falco’s believable resolve.

4. Ted in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Ted is a Californian wannabe rock star who defies the stereotype of the high school slacker. His readiness to set out on a time-traveling expedition for an intensive education in global history demonstrates a special fusion of youthful zeal and sincere curiosity. Ted is expertly portrayed by Reeves with a carefree enthusiasm that is relatable.

5. Jack Tavern in Speed (1994)

Jack Tavern is one of f Reeves’ greatest and impactful characters. . Tavern’s performance of a SWAT cop exudes a fierce and unwavering resolve on film, while skillfully navigating a suspenseful mad bomber storyline. Reeves displays his talent as an action hero by delivering snappy one-liners with skill.

But Jack Tavern’s relationship with Annie Porter, portrayed by Sandra Bullock, lifts the film. Their humor immediately heightens the sexual tension between them and adds another level of rush in adrenline.

6. Johnny Utah in Point Break (1991)

Johnny Utah exhibits Keanu Reeves’ talent for balancing many aspects into an engaging character. Utah is eager to impress himself in his risky covert FBI mission and possesses the competitive drive of a star athlete.

Also, he has an inquisitive and gregarious nature that helps him blend in with the laid-back surfing society. Utah is portrayed by Reeves as rugged but adaptable, ready for action from the start of Point Break to its conclusion.

7. Kevin Lomax in Devil’s Advocate (1998)

Reeves portrayed famous attorney Kevin Lomax in The Devil’s Advocate. Reeves’ understated ferocity is timeless, even if it was underappreciated when it was first released. Slowly, Reeves’s haughty confidence gives way to moral agony as Lomax gives in to temptation. His spectrum of emotions effectively conveys Lomax’s spiritual crisis, providing a tangible psychological tension to the supernatural plot.

8. Scott Favor in My Own Private Idaho (1991)

In My Own Private Idaho, Keanu Reeves gives a raw performance that exemplifies his artistic courage. In his portrayal of lost hustler Scott, Reeves exhibits a depth and rawness of emotion not seen in his earlier heroic parts. Gus Van Sant creates a striking portrait of a young man who is having identity and connection issues with his avant-garde vision.

My Own Private Idaho, an iconic film in the New Queer Cinema movement and a model of avant-garde filmmaking, demonstrated that Keanu didn’t hesitate to push limits and did so with ease.

9.  John Constantine in Constantine (2005)

In the 2005 movie based on the DC Comics John Constantine series, Reeves plays a smoker who is terminally ill and cynical, fighting against his imagined damnation. His trademark deadpan and habit of coughing up his lungs for dramatic effect both contribute to the picture of the hesitant exorcist-turned-superhero bearing the weight of banishing demons to Hell.

Despite being a box office disappointment upon release, Reeves’ darkly macho portrayal of this sorcerous investigator solidifies Constantine as a career-defining performance.

10. Sgt. Paul Sutton, A Walk in the Clouds (1995)

Reeves received nominations for both his second MTV Award for Most Desirable Male and his second Razzie Award. Reeves plays an attractive World War II veteran in this period drama who returns home, experiences heartbreak, and boards a train to another city in search of work.

He encounters a stunning college student who is returning to her family’s vineyard along the route. When he finds out she’s expecting, he offers to pose as the baby’s father so she can face her controlling father. They unexpectedly fall in love.