Diane Keatonis an American actress whose career has spanned more than six decades. Known for her work alongside Woody Allen in films likeAnnie Hall,Sleeper,andPlay It Again, Sam, Keaton made a name for herself through herAnnie Hallpersona before branching out into more dramatic roles likeLooking for Mr. Goodbar. At 77 years old, this award-winning actress continues to work, with hernewest filmBook Club:The Next Chapterset to be released in May 2023.
With such a long-running career, Keaton has been party to numerous films, both good and bad. Between the cheesy rom-comslikeBecause I Said Soto Academy Award-winning films likeThe Godfather, the actress Keaton takes on what she feels is worth her time. That being said, some films are more worthy of praise and attention than others. Here are the best Diane Keaton movies, ranked.
10Crimes of the Heart
Based on the stage play of the same name,Crimes of the Heartfollows the lives of sisters Meg, Lenny, and Babe, who are reunited by an untimely family tragedy. While Lenny relentlessly complains about her useless ovary, Meg mourns her career and Babe comes to terms with having just shot her husband. Keaton, who plays the role of Lenny, brings life to a frumpy character that is the opposite of her typical typecast.
Related:Diane Keaton Says She Knew Nothing About The Godfather When She Was Cast in Her Role
9Looking for Mr. Goodbar
Looking for Mr. Goodbartells the story of Theresa, a teacher of deaf children who spends her nights cruising for fun, uninterested in any sensible relationships and enjoying the thrill of sex with random strangers. Theresa even goes so far as to choose a dangerous man (played by Richard Gere) over a well-meaning one, willing to put her life at risk for the thrill of such dangerous encounters. Keaton plays the role of Theresa, a performance that earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
8Play It Again, Sam
One of Keaton’s more underrated films isPlay It Again, Sam, which revolves around film critic Allan who struggles to stay afloat after his wife leaves him. Longtime friends Dick and Linda encourage him to meet someone, but despite Allan’s attempts to be like Humphrey Bogart, he is unable to keep any women interested, and he eventually develops feelings for Dick’s wife Linda. The first collaboration between Diane Keaton and Woody Allen,Play It Again, Samis a joy to watch, especially thanks to Keaton’s performance.
7Shoot the Moon
Shoot the Moontells the story of writer George and his wife, Faith, whose relationship is on the decline. This leads to George carrying on with another woman and Faith beginning a romance with another man. The mutual infidelity only raises tensions between them, wreaking havoc on their relationship and their four daughters. Keaton plays the part of Faith, a wife and mother who struggles to maintain her sanity through all the emotional upheaval she’s experienced.
6Love & Death
Love & Deathis a unique film that takes on 19th-Century Russian philosophy in the classicWoody Allen manner. Boris, yet again played by Allen, pines after his cousin Sonja before being forced to serve during the Napoleonic Wars and accidentally becoming a war hero. Sonja is played by Keaton, who herself is a patriot and has plans of her own to assassinate Napoleon. What sets this role apart from other roles she’s taken on in Allen films is that Keaton is responsible for driving the plot forward and isn’t just a passive character along for the ride.
5Something’s Gotta Give
Keaton’s prime may have been in the 80s, but she still continues to act in some lighthearted films. A perfect example of one of her best later works isSomething’s Gotta Give. Keaton stars as playwright Erica Berry whose home in the Hamptons is suddenly occupied by her daughter’s much older boyfriend Harry (Jack Nicholson). One thing leads to another, and Harry and Erica find themselves falling in love despite their very different views on life. Keaton’s performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
Related:Book Club 2 Trailer Reunites Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen
4Manhattan
Considered Woody Allen’s masterpiece,Manhattantells the story of writer Isaac (Allen) after his wife Jill leaves him for a woman. Faced with spending the rest of his life alone, Isaac begins dating an underage girl, but wonders if the mistress of his best friend, Mary, is a more appropriate match for him.Manhattanis considered one of the best films ever made, and with good reason. Keaton plays the role of Mary, Isaac’s other love interest. While her role is merely a supporting one, she brings the classic chemistry to her performance with Allen, adding to the realism of the relationship between Isaac and Mary.
Redsis a film that tells the story of the Russian Revolution, specifically surrounding converted revolutionaries and activists. Directed by Warren Beatty,Redsis a complex storytelling within a very specific setting that makes the film truly one-of-a-kind. Keaton plays Louise Bryant, a feminist journalist who, despite being married, begins to have a number of affairs. The actress received her second Academy Award nomination and recognition from the Golden Globes.
2Annie Hall
Without a doubt, Keaton’s most iconic role that made her a household name in Hollywood is her performance inAnnie Hall. Keaton plays the title character of Annie, the interesting girlfriend of Alvy Singer, whose unique personality hooked audiences. While Annie’s behavior throws audiences for a loop, Keaton manages to make her a complex and intriguing character that many have come to know and love. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and her first Golden Globe, making her mark in Hollywood.
1The Godfather Franchise
Considering that Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Godfatheris one of the best crime trilogies ever made, it only makes sense that Keaton’s performance meets this claim to greatness. Keaton plays the part of Michael’s girlfriend and eventual wife Kay, who despises the criminal underworld and wants out after reluctantly marrying Michael. Kay is the only character that is willing to fight against the Corleone family, wanting more for herself and her children, which is why she ends up leaving Michael.
