10 Best Action Movies Starring Keanu Reeves

Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush-inducing experience of watching a good ol’ action movie. Especially if said action movie features the treasure that is Keanu Reeves. For every iconic action sequence, there is a Keanu flick that put it on the map. From Neo in The Matrix films to John Wick in the exhilarating John Wick instalments, he has time and again reinvented himself as the go-to assassin, the rookie cop and the occasional undercover FBI agent. His charm and his physicality make him the perfect addition to high-octane action movies. It’s a gift that keeps giving.

While we can go on about the cultural significance of the actor, here are some of Keanu Reeves’ best action movies: 

The Matrix (1999)

In the first The Matrix film, Keanu Reeves’ Thomas Anderson/Neo gloriously dodges bullets and the action genre hasn’t been the same since. The Wachowski’s sci-fi epic about a man who realises that what the human race believes to be the real world is a simulation created by machines while their actual bodies are mere batteries is a classic. It features some of the finest action sequences that would earn an iconic stature over the years. The film has Keanu bringing his A-game in wonderfully choreographed martial arts sequences. This is also the action movie that put gun fu – a combination of hand-to-hand combat and gunfights, on the map. The Matrix is arguably one of Hollywood’s best action movies of all time and a lot of the credit goes to its lead star.

Point Break

Point Break isn’t just a great Keanu Reeves movie, it is also one of the best action thrillers out there. The film, which was released almost three decades ago, revolves around an undercover FBI agent in California. Reeves’ Johnny Utah goes on the field to investigate a group of pro surfers suspected of heists. The film also starred Patrick Swazye and the camaraderie between the two became the talking point of the film. Over the years, Keanu has aced the art of playing the mysterious, charming yet rough around the edges persona and one can say that it all started with this movie. Moreover, it sees the actor on a surfboard. Need we say more?

Speed

Keanu Reeves can always save the day and Speed – one of the best Hollywood action movies to come out of the ’90s, is proof. The film sees him play Jack Traven, a cop tasked with saving himself and the passengers on a bus with a bomb that will go off if the vehicle goes under 50 mph. The tension in this film doesn’t let up for the entirety of its runtime and it’s a remarkable triumph in action choreography. Reeves’ act is supported by Sandra Bullock who came in and turned it into a two-hander that elevated the film. With its high-speed set pieces and high-stakes storytelling, the film is a well-rounded hit in the actor’s filmography.

The Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix Reloaded was a worthy sequel of The Matrix, if not as groundbreaking as the original. The film doubles down on the action and it’s a thrilling ride with several notable action sequences. Who can forget the epic chateau fight scene with Keanu single-handedly (literally) holding off a barrage of bullets in the air? Or the one with the Agent Smith clones? Or the freeway chase? The film sees Reeves’ Neo use his powers for good and it helps that he looked great doing it.

Constantine

The petition for another Constantine movie featuring Keanu as John Constantine never lost steam. And the best part is that Reeves himself wants to reprise his role. Based on a popular DC comic book series, the 2005 film saw him play an exorcist with the power to see angels and demons. The plot is basically a trench-coat-wearing Keanu kicking demonic ass and that has to be some kind of pop culture renaissance.

John Wick

John Wick marked an interesting culmination point for Keanu Reeves. The neo-noir action thriller has the actor playing an ex-hitman who is forced back into action as he sets out to avenge the death of his puppy. John Wick saw him do what he does best – play the lone wolf action hero and the world is a better place for it. Fans fell back in love with Keanu and they came back for more when the franchise expanded, as we can see over four action-filled instalments.

John Wick Chapter 4

The John Wick movies really kept getting better. Keanu Reeves outdid himself with the recently released John Wick: Chapter 4. The film had a fight scene at a techno rave party, a seemingly never-ending flight sequence at a stairway and some great sword fight moments. Wick got thrown off from heights, off cars and down the aforementioned stairs and it just kept going. Chapter 4 was perhaps the most satisfying ending to a franchise and a perfect send-off for the now-iconic character.

SEE ALSO: John Wick: Chapter 4 ending and post-credits scene, explained: What’s next?

The Matrix Revolutions

The Matrix Revolutions suffered the trilogy curse like any other movie franchise out there. Think Spider-Man 3 or The Godfather Part III. The film wasn’t the finest offering from the Wachowskis but in the ranking of Keanu movies, it still deserves a mention. The third part saw Reeves’ Neo go up against the big bad – Agent Smith to save Zion. There are many cool moments in this movie and one of them has Neo fighting Smith mid-air in the rain.

47 Ronin

47 Ronin, a film inspired by the Japanese legend of the titular 47 Ronin is a slightly odd addition to Keanu’s credits list. In the film, the actor plays Kai, a half-English Samurai who joins a group of samurai who are out to avenge their master’s death. While the film was a mix of whimsical visuals, fantasy and folklore, Keanu stole the show with his unique approach. The actor combined his martial arts skill set with his signature mysterious air to create a memorable moment in cinema.

Street Kings

Street Kings is an underrated gritty crime thriller and a great Keanu Reeves action movie. In the 2008 flick, Keanu plays a troubled undercover L.A. detective Tom Ludlow. Things take a dark turn for Tom after he is implicated in the execution of a fellow police officer. He then goes up against the system and it opens up a can of worms that has him questioning his career and life. The film had a layered plot and highlighted the widespread corruption within the police department. Keanu is seen peeling off one layer after another, getting confronted with many ugly truths. He battles his way out of all the traps and makes sure the masterminds meet their end.