Happy Birthday, Keanu Reeves!

Celebrate 5 Favorites from Keanu's Filmography

Keanu Reeves, a longtime cinema heartthrob, now known as the "internet boyfriend" is celebrating his 55th birthday today! That's right. Who says growing older makes you dull?

The fan-favorite actor is a Hollywood veteran with a total of 35 years to date since his first TV show, Hangin' In. Best yet, he has over 100 credits to his name, including the recently announced, all-new film set in the world of “The Matrix." 100 credits at 55, that is quite a feat.

My Own Private Idaho - Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves stars in My Own Private Idaho, a 1991 independent film written and directed by Gus Van Sant.

To celebrate this special occasion, we've selected our 5 favorite Keanu movies. And of course, what’s a renaissance if we aren’t surfacing rarely-seen behind-the-scene (BTS) shots from these films?

1. THE MATRIX TRILOGY (1999 - 2003)

The Matrix Trilogy stars machine battling truth-seekers Neo (Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) in all three of the Wachowski's ground-breaking monumental sci-fi feature films.

The Matrix BTS - Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves on set for The Matrix Revolutions.

The Matrix just celebrated 20 years since its initial release. This mind-bending movie and its two sequels redefined the science-fiction genre for the 21st century, showcasing Reeves' martial art skills and portrayal as the "Chosen One.” 

The Matrix - Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves stars as Neo in The Matrix Revolutions.

Reeves' list of awards and nominations are endless for all three films, some notable ones include:

  • Winner of "Best Fight" with Laurence Fishburne and "Best Male Performance" for The Matrix - MTV Movie Awards 2000.
The Matrix Fight -Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves and his character, Neo duel with Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) in The Matrix Revolutions.

Nominations:

For fans who want to re-watch The Matrix, special 20th-anniversary screenings are being held at select AMC Theater locations across the U.S. now through September 5.

2. CONSTANTINE (2005)

Constantine stars Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou, Tilda Swinton and Shia LaBeouf.

Constantine BTS Medium - Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves on the set of Constantine with director Francis Lawrence.

A notable cult classic, Constantine is an adaptation of DC Comics' "Hellblazer" with parts of the "Dangerous Habits" and "Original Sins" story arc weaved into the film. Constantine, as we know, branched into a video game adaptation and a popular TV Series.

Constantine BTS - Keanu Reeves
Behind-the-scenes look at Keanu Reeves as John Constantine.

Reeves noted in a Variety interview that he would love to play the character, John Constantine, again. “I just love that world too and I love that character,” said Reeves. “I just had a blast playing that character in that world.”

Constantine BTS 01 - Keanu Reeves
Wide shot of Keanu Reeves as John Constantine pulling rope, using bed as leverage in hoisting mirror over Jhoanna Trias as Possessed Girl.

Reeves was nominated for the "Best Hero" award for this film for MTV Movie Awards in 2005.

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Keanu Reeves as John Constantine in the film Constantine.

3. THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (1997)

The Devil’s Advocate stars Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, and Craig T. Nelson.

The Devil's Advocate - Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax with Al Pacino as John Milton in "The Devil's Advocate."

Loosely adapted from Andrew Neiderman’s novel of the same name, The Devil’s Advocate won the heart of Reeves, turned down the offer to star in the sequel to Speed, and took up this film instead.

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Keanu Reeves plays Kevin Lomax with Charlize Theron as Mary Ann Lomax in The Devil's Advocate.
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Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino star in The Devil's Advocate.

4. POINT BREAK (1991)

Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze star in the nonstop action thriller, Point Break, about an FBI agent lured by the rush when he goes undercover to unmask a band of thrill-seeking, bank-robbing surfers.

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Keanu Reeves as Johnny Utah and Patrick Swayze as Bodhi in Point Break.
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Gary Bussey, Keanu Reeves, and John C. McGinley star in Point Break.

Fun Facts:

  • When Reeves was first cast, the movie was originally called "Johnny Utah," the name of the character that he plays.
  • Reeves took up surfing as a hobby after learning the sport for his role as Johnny.
  • Reeves won "Most Desirable Male" for MTV Movie Awards in 1991.
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Keanu Reeves stars as Johnny Utah in the 1991 film Point Break.

5. THE LAKE HOUSE (2006)

The Lake House stars Reeves (as Alex Wyler) and Sandra Bullock (as Dr. Kate Forster) in this romantic tale of two time-crossed lovers who find a love strong enough to span the years separating the couple living in The Lake House. And for all you movie buffs, this movie is actually a remake of the 2000 Korean movie called "Il Mare."

The Lake House - Keanu Reeves
Full shot through trees of Keanu Reeves as Alex Wyler standing in lake house.

After all those action/crime centered movies, The Lake House shows a sweet and romantic side of Reeves that we have all come to love.

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Sandra Bullock as Kate Forster embracing Keanu Reeves as Alex Wyler.

The major excitement leading up to this film was the reunion of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock after their first appearance together in Speed. Of course, this celebration of on-screen chemistry won them the "Choice Liplock" award in the 2006’s Teen Choice Awards.

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Keanu Reeves as Alex Wyler reading a letter in The Lake House.

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Hope you enjoyed these 5 film highlights of Keanu!