2.The Matrix(1999)
Always choose the red pill, folks.
But it’s still the smartest, most exhilarating movie on Reeves' resume.
Enter the sequels at your own risk.
Richard Foreman/20th Century Fox/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
The plot is ridiculous, by-the-numbers revenge flick pulp (They killed his dog big mistake!
), but Reeves' stoic, Easter Island-statue screen presence works like violent, whiplash gangbusters.
Plus, you getIan McShaneat his Ian McShane-iest!
Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity in 1999’s ‘The Matrix.'.Jasin Boland/Warner Bros.
4.Point Break(1991)
Has there ever been a better character name than Johnny Utah?
Reeves is essentially the straight man here, but he turns this hunk of early-’90s cheese into gourmetfromage.
The action is first-rate, too.
David Lee/Lionsgate
But it’s hard to imagine a comfier, more bespoke gilded cage.
Reeves and costarAlex Winter(a.k.a.
It’s a toke of pure daffy joy.
Everett Collection
But when it came to charting his career, the actor was remarkably canny.
He already had the inner compass to zig when others might zag.
This is a haunting and uncompromising film, and Reeves is hypnotically naturalistic in it.
Niko Tavernise/Lionsgate
Tas an emo bearded lady andRandy Quaidas a carny barker?
), but his throwaway presence proves the level of minute detail Winter was obsessively after.
Truly, one of the most bizarre underseen curios of the ’90s.
Everett Collection
When it first came out, I hated it.
Over time, I’ve come around.
The movie casts a spell and Reeves only adds to it with his mannered, all-in acting.
Everett Collection
How over the top is Pacino?
Well, he plays Lucifer, so you’re free to pretty much do the math.
Bonus: There’s a nice pre-fame performance fromCharlize Theronas Reeves’ sacrificial wife.
Everett Collection
Coming off the big-budget box office flameoutConstantine(Underrated?
But dupes and cuckolds need a sympathetic shout-out from time to time, too.
He’s the anti-Tom Cruise.
20th Century Fox
But holy s—, is this a terrible movie!
2.Johnny Mnemonic(1995)
This confounding William Gibson cyberpunk thriller has its fans, somehow.
Well, I don’t know what to tell you other than it…just…is.
Abigayle Tarsches/New LIne
4.The Day the Earth Stood Still(2008)
Klaatu barada nikt oh no!
Everett Collection
Everett Collection
Warner Bros.
Everett Collection
Everett Collection
Everett Collection
Everett Collection
Keanu Reeves in ‘The Matrix Revolutions’.
WETA
Peter Sorel/Warner Bros.
