Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars and a significant pop-culture figure, with 1994's John Wick franchise as his primary vehicle. What makes him unique is his years of training in martial arts and weapons. You don't need to suspend any disbelief to see this man as a badass.
But much like some not so great. Here are 10 of his biggest non-action hits, ranked according to their IMDb ratings. Beware spoilers lie ahead.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure - 6.9/10
In the film, a duo of underachieving teen "musicians" are given a time machine to help them their history final and fulfill their destiny by saving the world with their music. The movie's entertainment value is off the charts, and Keanu Reeves as Ted is pitch-perfect casting.
Parenthood - 7/10
all sorts of films in the 80s, these were the roles that caught the world's attention.
His role was less pivotal in Parenthood and saw him as part of an impressive ensemble cast, headed by Steve Martin and Rick Moranis. The familial comedy is as heart-wrenching as it is gut-busting, and masterfully explores the traditional roles of husbands and wives. Keanu shows up as the gormless boyfriend, an archetype he's simply too good at.
My Own Private Idaho - 7.1/10
Keanu's role as Scott opposite River Phoenix in My Own Private Idaho is among his most dramatic performances. The movie was directed by Gus Vant Sant and follows a journey of self-discovery undertaken by two young street hustlers in a modern take on Shakespeare's Henry IV through Henry V.
The movie was critically acclaimed, and was a significant milestone in the New Queer Cinema movement, and remains a cult classic, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community.
Much Ado About Nothing - 7.3/10
Many will be surprised to learn that Keanu earned his stripes in numerous period pieces, including more than one Shakespeare adaptation.
Thor, one of the most underrated entries in the MCU.
Bram Stoker's Dracula - 7.4/10
Point Break as go-to evidence that Keanu Reeves can't act. While this statement doesn't give the screen legend nearly enough credit, it's hard to argue that he wasn't miscast as Jonathan Harker.
In the novel, Jonathan Harker's time alone with Dracula in his mansion is immersive and thrilling. Unfortunately, the screen adaptation of this section is disappointing.
The Devil's Advocate - 7.5/10
The Devil's Advocate is a cracker, with plenty of hamminess, and pairs Keanu with Al Pacino dialed up to 11.
While his turn as (spoiler alert) son of the devil isn't particularly vibrant, the chemistry between Keanu and Pacino drives the film beautifully. The film is a fine example of what makes Keanu Reeves such a great movie protagonist.
Anyone Can Quantum - 7.5/10
Keanu's Cornflakes and Coca-Cola commercials are excluded from this list, but Keanu has appeared in plenty of non-fiction works with more substance, often playing himself.
One such occasion was his showing up by phone in Anyone Can Quantum, the 2016 short featuring Stephen Hawking and Paul Rudds' game of Quantum Chess that took the internet by storm.
Paula Abdul: Rush Rush - 7.5/10
Way back in '91, Keanu was already becoming a pop culture legend beyond the medium of cinema.
It's always fun to see a movie star show up in a music video, and though he wasn't the Keanu we know today when he appeared in Paula Abdul's Rush Rush video, in retrospect, it's pretty awesome. It's also less tacky than Danny DeVito's music video entry.
Dangerous Liaisons - 7.6/10
Another period classic, another stellar ensemble cast, and another of the lesser-spotted dramatic Keanu. The movie dropped in 1988 and was well-adapted, though it's kind of been overshadowed in history by the 1999 adaptation Cruel Intentions.
Keanu gives us a unique take on swashbuckling lothario Le Chevalier Raphael Danceny and does his own sword-fighting along with John Malkovich. This was definitely pre-Matrix Keanu though.
Toy Story 4 - 7.8/10
Toy Story 4 may not have held its shape as well as the previous three entries in the franchise, but it brought more emotion and humanity to the characters, whether plastic or flesh-bone. The inclusion of Keanu as Duke Caboom was a treasure and was the perfect gimmick for the kids who loved the first film who are now raising kids of their own.
While he still tends to lean towards action, it's doubtful we've seen the last of dramatic Keanu, and while his career has been a bumpy road performance-wise, more often than not he proves himself worthy to throw down with the greatest living actors the world has to offer.
