Keanu Reeves has been one of Hollywood's biggest stars for decades now, with his filmography including incredible action movies, some of which changed the game forever. From his unforgettable role as Neo in The Matrix to his legendary run in the John Wick franchise, Reeves has delivered performances that redefined the action genre. Keanu Reeves is known for being incredibly dedicated to his roles, and it is no different for his action-orientated characters.
Ranking Reeves’ best action movies is thus no easy feat, as his repertoire boasts a lineup that any star would envy. From high-risk stunts to perfectly timed headshots, his performances are the stuff of legend, making it no surprise that a couple of his action titles are considered to be some of the best movies of all time. Whether his characters are excelling in martial arts, riding motorcycles, or dropping great lines, Reeves’ career is a masterclass in staying true to oneself while still delivering blockbuster magic.
10
47 Ronin (2013)
Directed by Carl Rinsch
Based on a true story set in 18th-century Japan, 47 Ronin is a fantasy-action film that takes an extreme fantasy approach to the tale. A half-Japanese, half-English man named Kai is saved by a kindly ruler, only to be soon betrayed by those in his own hold. Kai and several other samurai are branded traitors for their loyalty to him. Seeking revenge, the 47 ronin band together, facing men and monsters alike.
Release Date
December 25, 2013
Runtime
128 Minutes
CastKeanu Reeves
, Hiroyuki Sanada
, Kou Shibasaki
, Tadanobu Asano
, Min Tanaka
, Jin Akanishi
Director
Carl Rinsch
While it received a disappointing 16% on the Tomatometer, reflecting largely negative critical reception, 47 Ronin’s terrible Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t even close to being Keanu Reeves’ worst on the platform. The plot is based on a Japanese legend of 47 ronins (masterless samurais), who joined forces to avenge the death of their lord. Reeves plays Kai, a half-Japanese, half-English outcast whom the group reaches out to for help.
47 Ronin ended up with a hefty $175 million budget, largely because of extensive re-shoots and a prolonged post-production phase. Keanu Reeves had to film additional scenes numerous times, mostly because the studio wanted more of him in the movie.
While 47 Ronin is an ambitious film that blends action, fantasy, and historical drama, it also struggles in key areas. Its weak plot, somewhat underdeveloped characters, and uneven direction ultimately prevented it from reaching its full potential and achieving the balance needed to make it truly memorable. Notably, it may very well still appeal to fans of fantasy-action films and those interested in samurai culture, but the 2013 title isn’t one of Reeves' strongest action films.
9
Chain Reaction (1996)
Directed by Andrew Davis
Chain Reaction: Released in 1996, Chain Reaction is a thriller directed by Andrew Davis. The film follows two researchers, played by Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz, who find themselves on the run after being framed for murder and treason in relation to a green energy project.
Release Date
August 2, 1996
Runtime
107 minutes
CastKeanu Reeves
, Morgan Freeman
, Rachel Weisz
, Fred Ward
, Kevin Dunn
, Brian Cox
, Joanna Cassidy
, Chelcie Ross
, Nicholas Rudall
, Tzi Ma
, Krzysztof Pieczyński
, Julie Pearl
, Godfrey
, Gene Barge
, Nathan Davis
, Aaron Williams
, Daniel H. Friedman
, Johnny Lee Davenport
, James Sie
, Joan Kohn
, Juan Ramírez
, Nydia Rodriguez Terracina
, Scott Benjaminson
, Ned Schmidtke
, Randall Arney
Director
Andrew Davis
In Chain Reaction, Keanu Reeves is Eddie Kasalivich, a young scientist who gets caught in a high-stakes conspiracy after his groundbreaking work on clean energy is sabotaged. The star brings his signature charm to the role, making Eddie a relatable and likable hero, even with the outrageous action sequences featured throughout.
Despite being a great blend of thriller and action, Chain Reaction is ultimately the product of its time. The plot quickly falls into a predictable formula, the villains are kind of unconvincing, and one can see the twists from a mile away. While it’s undoubtedly still an enjoyable watch for action fans, it simply doesn’t rise to the level of Reeves’ more notable action work, such as Speed or John Wick. So, even though it has a cult following, Chain Reaction remains a more niche entry in the actor’s filmography.
8
Street Kings (2008)
Directed by David Ayer
Street Kings is a gritty crime thriller that delves into the moral complexities of the Los Angeles Police Department. It follows a veteran detective as he navigates a web of corruption and betrayal while trying to clear his name. The film explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and justice amidst a backdrop of intense action and suspense.
Release Date
April 10, 2008
Runtime
109 Minutes
CastKeanu Reeves
, Forest Whitaker
, Chris Evans
, Hugh Laurie
, Naomie Harris
, Cedric the Entertainer
, Martha Higareda
, Common
, Angela Sun
, Jay Mohr
, Amaury Nolasco
, John Corbett
, Terry Crews
, Cle Sloan
, Game
, Michael Monks
, Kate Clarke
, Noel Gugliemi
, Clifton Powell
, Daryl Gates
, Kenneth Choi
, Wally Rudolph
, Garret Sato
, Kerry Wong
Director
David Ayer
Fans of Denzel Washington’s Training Day will undoubtedly appreciate Street Kings, the Keanu Reeves and Chris Evans’ underrated crime drama, as the perfect follow-up story. However, those who haven’t seen the former have nothing to worry about, as Street Kings comes with its own moments.
The gritty crime drama Street Kings ends with an explosive confrontation between Keanu Reeves' veteran cop and Forrest Whitaker's corrupt captain.
Stepping into one of his rare bad-guy roles, Reeves masterfully plays Tom Ludlow, a tough, corrupt LAPD cop struggling with personal demons. The movie offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, gritty action, and a stellar cast. Notably, despite some serious action-heavy moments, Street Kings has a slightly more cerebral edge compared to typical shoot-'em-up movies. However, while serving as proof of Reeves' acting range, the corrupt cop narrative is well-trodden. In the end, Street Kings struggled to break free from the genre limitations it set on itself, making it fall short compared to Reeves’ other movies and other crime dramas in general.
7
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Directed by Chad Stahelski
Following the events of Chapter 3 - Parabellum, John Wick Chapter 4 will see the titular character battle against some of his most dangerous foes yet. With a bounty on his head that continues to skyrocket, John decides to take the fight to the High Table on a global scale and battles across areas like Osaka and Paris to wipe out some of the strongest players in the underworld.
John Wick 4 is considered by many to be the best in the franchise, which is not what many fourth installments of a movie franchise can say. The 2023 movie scored an impressive 95% on the Tomatometer, standing out as one of the actor’s best movies ever. However, with several other action films starring Reeves that hold cult classic status or are simply instantly associated with his career, this one doesn’t quite belong among the actor's very best projects.
Nevertheless, Chapter 4 raises the bar for action, featuring breathtaking set pieces and creative combat sequences any high-intensity fan will rejoice over. Thanks to its visual grandeur, John Wick 4 is more of a visceral cinematic experience than a mere action spectacle some may have expected. It is truly a fitting, explosive chapter in the saga of one of cinema’s most iconic assassins.
6
Constantine (2005)
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Constantine, directed by Francis Lawrence and released in 2005, stars Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a supernatural detective. Based on the DC Comics Hellblazer series, the film follows Constantine as he battles against dark forces from the underworld with the help of a determined police officer, played by Rachel Weisz. The film meshes elements of horror and action as Constantine navigates a demonic landscape.
Release Date
February 18, 2005
Runtime
121 Minutes
CastKeanu Reeves
, Rachel Weisz
, Shia LaBeouf
, Djimon Hounsou
, Max Baker
, Pruitt Taylor Vince
Director
Francis Lawrence
Constantine stands out as a unique action-horror film, with Keanu Reeves delivering a memorable performance as a tormented antihero, John Constantine. While it did not receive the best reviews at the time of its release, thanks to its stylish take on the subgenre, it remains a fan favorite, as well as a standout in Reeves’ repertoire.
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The arguably underrated 2005 title seamlessly combines action-packed sequences with the dark supernatural, which is what sets it apart from typical action films. The character of Constantine was adapted from DC's Hellblazer comics but was criticized by some fans of the source material for not being authentic enough. However, for anyone else in the mood for intense scenes of demon-slaying and hellish landscapes, Constantine is still a must-watch and has aged incredibly well, especially compared to other superhero films.
5
Point Break (1991)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Point Break is a 1991 action film in which Keanu Reeves stars as an FBI agent going undercover to investigate a group of elusive bank robbers known as The Ex-Presidents. Suspecting the criminals are surfers, Reeves' character, Johnny Utah, immerses himself in the surfing culture to gather intelligence.
Release Date
January 31, 1991
Runtime
122 minutes
CastKeanu Reeves
, Patrick swayze
, Lori Petty
, Gary Busey
, John C. McGinley
, James Le Gros
, John Philbin
, BoJesse Christopher
, Chris Pedersen
, Julian Reyes
, Daniel Beer
, Vincent Klyn
, Anthony Kiedis
, Lee Tergesen
, Dave Olson
, Christopher Pettiet
, Sydney Walsh
, Tom Sizemore
, Dino Andino
, Michael Kopelow
, Julie Michaels
, Mike Genovese
, Jack Kehler
, Galyn Görg
, Raymond Forchion
Director
Kathryn Bigelow
Starring Keanu Reeves and the late Patrick Swayze, Point Break is a classic action movie well worth watching. The story follows an FBI agent, Johnny Utah (Reeves), who is tasked with investigating a series of unusual bank heists. As he sets out to nail the culprits, he gets enchanted with Bodhi (Swayze), a surfer who might be behind it all.
Point Break’s premise combined high-stakes crime with the world of extreme sports like surfing and skydiving, which is still a fresh take on the action genre. The adrenaline-pumping sequences, set against stunning natural backgrounds, give the film a unique energy and visual flair that separate it from most of its kind. Sure, it has its flaws, but Point Break is still a wild ride that’s bound to entertain. Additionally, it has one of Swayze’s greatest movie fight scenes of all time.
4
John Wick (2014)
Directed by David Leitch and Chad Stahelski
John Wick is the first entry in the action-thriller franchise directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves. Retired hitman John is brought back into the field when the dog his recently deceased life left him is murdered. Full of rage and equipped with unparalleled combat skills, John begins to track down the ones responsible for the act of violence and lays waste to any who dare to cross his path, sending panic throughout the criminal underworld.
Release Date
October 24, 2014
Runtime
101 Minutes
Director
David Leitch
, Chad Stahelski
Keanu Reeves completely transforms into the now legendary character of John Wick, a retired hitman seeking vengeance after the death of his dog, a final gift from his late wife. His emotional drive fuels the John Wick story, all while delivering some of the most impressive fight sequences of Reeves’ career.
"John Wick excels, unapologetically, at what it seeks to be: a fun, pulpy, violent B-movie action romp, built upon a cool mythology within a compelling Noir world." - Screen Rant's John Wick review
The first installment of what is now a billion-dollar movie series lifted gun-fu to new heights, popularizing the subgenre of martial arts movies like few have done before. Wick’s stylish quest for vengeance ultimately becomes a cathartic experience for both the character and the audience, showcasing what might be, according to many, the pinnacle of modern action cinema. Notably, a decade later and four movies in, no John Wick scene has ever beaten the Baba Yaga moment from the first film, and that alone speaks volumes about its quality.
3
Man Of Tai Chi (2013)
Directed by Keanu Reeves
Man of Tai Chi is a martial arts film directed by Keanu Reeves in his directorial debut. It stars Tiger Hu Chen as a skilled Tai Chi practitioner who is lured into an underground fight club. As he ascends through the ranks, he grapples with the moral implications and the potential corruption of his traditional values while combating ruthless opponents. Reeves also stars as the enigmatic organizer of the fight club.
Release Date
July 4, 2013
Runtime
105 Minutes
Cast
Tiger Hu Chen
, Keanu Reeves
, Karen Mok Man-Wai
, Hai Yu
, Ye Qing
Man of Tai Chi might not be the highest-rated action movie in Keanu Reeves’ portfolio, but it definitely deserves a spot near the top, if only for how it honors martial arts tradition. Not only does Reeves star in the movie, but it also marks his directorial debut, which itself makes it very special in Keanu Reeves' career. It's a love letter to the genre and a prelude to what Reeves would show in John Wick.
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Unlike many action films that focus solely on brute force, Man of Tai Chi digs into the philosophy of martial arts, with Tai Chi at its core. To top it off, Reeves takes on the role of the villain, giving fans a refreshing change of pace. Meanwhile, Tiger Chen, an actual martial artist, delivers action with precision and brings authenticity to the story. Reeves had a personal connection to the material, which is why Man of Tai Chi is one of those grossly underrated 2013 movies that really deserves a second look.
2
Speed (1994)
Directed by Jan de Bont
In Jan de Bont's 1994 action thriller Speed, LAPD officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) works alongside passenger Annie (Sandra Bullock) to safely stop a bus that will explode if it goes below 50 mph.
Release Date
June 10, 1994
Runtime
116 minutes
Cast
Dennis Hopper
, Sandra Bullock
, Joe Morton
, Jeff Daniels
, Keanu Reeves
Director
Jan de bont
When one thinks of Keanu Reeves' action movies, Speed is probably one of the first titles that comes to mind. This adrenaline-pumping thriller put him on the map as an action star, and it's easy to see why it’s still a fan favorite. Despite its at times formulaic premise, Speed offers incredible pacing, great action scenes, and brilliant performances from Reeves and Sandra Bullock, who make for the perfect duo.
Notably, Reeves’ action classic was not aiming for realism, but, in a world where action movies sometimes forget about the thrills that come with simplicity, Speed is a reminder that sometimes less really is more. It doesn’t need to be utterly convincing; it just needs to keep the excitement rolling, and this one absolutely does, even decades after it first hit the screens.
1
The Matrix (1999)
Directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski
The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who discovers that reality is a simulated construct controlled by intelligent machines. Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss co-star as Morpheus and Trinity, who help Neo navigate and ultimately challenge the artificial world. The film blends action, philosophy, and groundbreaking visual effects, establishing itself as a pivotal entry in the science fiction genre.
Release Date
March 31, 1999
Runtime
136 minutes
Director
Lana Wachowski
, Lilly Wachowski
The Matrix will always be the ultimate movie of Keanu Reeves' career. As one of the best movies ever made, the mind-bending sci-fi action flick didn’t just change the game, but it rewrote the rulebook for action movies. Ultimately, The Matrix isn’t just a movie. It's a cultural phenomenon that still serves as the blueprint for action and sci-fi films year after year.
Keanu Reeves' Notable Action Movies
Tomatometer
The Matrix
83%
Speed
95%
Man of Tai Chi
71%
John Wick
86%
Point Break
70%
Constantine
46%
John Wick: Chapter 4
94%
Street Kings
37%
Chain Reaction
18%
47 Ronin
16%
From the iconic bullet-dodging scene, a visual feat that’s been copied countless times since, to the "I know Kung Fu" moment, the fight scenes in The Matrix were groundbreaking for their time. Each character in the film has etched their place in pop culture, whether it's Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, or Hugo Weaving as the menacing Agent Smith. And of course, Keanu Reeves was born to play Neo. While the sequels weren’t as great, The Matrix remains a masterpiece movie everybody needs to watch at least once.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
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