What do you get when you cross one of the biggest tech companies in the world with Keanu Reeves? A film that the critics really, Really I don’t like it.
A dark comedy-drama about a washed-up actor named Reef (Reeves) whose life is turned upside down when he is blackmailed over a questionable video leak, Result is a new Apple TV movie that critics have roasted. Indeed, despite its obvious star power, it holds an approval rating of 26% from 31 critical reviews, and a paltry 32% from over 50 audience reviews, on Rotten Tomatoes. Not exactly the outcome Reeves or the tech giant had in mind, I imagine.
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Fortunately, Reeves’ catalog is filled with other films that are truly unmissable. Below I have selected four of his works that are available on one or more of the top streaming services and highly rated by fans and critics.
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Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
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Where to stream: MGM+, Fubo, The Roku Channel and YouTube (US), StudioCanal (UK) and Stan (Australia)
Widely considered Reeves’ breakout role in Hollywood, this 1989 sci-fi comedy sees the fan-favorite Canadian actor team up with longtime collaborator Alex Winter for a totally awesome adventure.
In it, the titular metalhead slackers travel back in time to persuade notable historical figures to appear in their high school presentation. Long story short: adolescent detours ensue throughout human history.
With 83% reviews and 75% audiences on Rotten Tomatoes (RT), Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a tumultuous adventure that’s, well, excellent from start to finish, and its eponymous characters are played to perfection by its protagonists.
Speed
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Where to stream: Hulu (US) and Disney+ (UK and Australia)
Eleven films separate the above suggestion from this one in Reeves’ film library, including the sequel to the aforementioned film, Breaking pointAnd Much ado for nothing. But it’s his role as heroic Los Angeles police officer Jack Traven that reserves this highly rewatchable action thriller a spot on this list.
For those who haven’t seen this masterpiece (no, I don’t use that word generously, shut up): Speed tells the story of a passenger bus rigged with explosives that will explode – and kill everyone on board – if its speed falls below 50 miles per hour.
Of course, this seems incredibly simplistic and, to some, probably quite boring. However, with its over-the-top ’90s settings, excellent performances from Reeves and co-star Sandra Bullock, and Dennis Hopper’s villainous Howard Payne chewing the scenery in every scene he appears in, I challenge you not to walk away from Speed with a giant smile on his face. Not convinced? Maybe its 95% reviews and 77% RT audience will change your mind.
The matrix
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Where to stream: HBO Max (US and UK) and HBO Max and Stan (Australia)
A dystopian sci-fi epic that needs no introduction. If you haven’t watched any of Reeves’ previous 26 cinematic outings, you’ve definitely seen this groundbreaking, groundbreaking film.
The Wachowskis’ seminal work sees Reeves play Thomas Anderson, a disenfranchised computer programmer whose worldview (and ours) is completely changed when he learns that humanity is trapped in the Matrix, a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss and Hugo Weaving are among its incredibly talented cast.
Film renowned for popularizing the so-called “bullet-time” visual effect, The matrix continues to exert its influence on the science fiction genre, pop culture and the entertainment industry at large to this day. The fact that it has been parodied by everyone since The Simpsons has Shrek this shows how universally known and adored he is.
John Wick
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Where to stream: HBO Max (US and UK) and HBO Max and Stan (Australia)
The R-rated action film franchise that coined the phrase “gun-fu” and introduced Reeves to a whole new audience, John Wick enjoyed unexpected success when it was released in 2014.
As Speedits premise does not initially lend itself to arousing the enthusiasm of moviegoers. Indeed, the story of a former hitman seeking revenge on the men who stole his prized car and killed the dog given to him by his late wife didn’t seem that appealing or original.
With its beloved lead actor firing on all cylinders, spectacular and violent action sequences, and a harrowing narrative, John Wick is an underdog story for the ages. The fact that it spawned a franchise dripping with mythology and spinoffs Ballerina And The Continental aside, has improved with each entry – and been more profitable than the last – is a testament to its incredible quality. To learn more about the various release plans for the film series, read my John Wick movies in the ordering guide.
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