Career Timeline of Keanu Reeves: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Keanu Reeves built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Keanu Reeves is a highly acclaimed Canadian actor and musician, recognized for his impactful performances in action films over four decades. He's also known for his positive public persona and philanthropic endeavors. Reeves was ranked as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century by The New York Times in 2020 and named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2022.
1983: Coca-Cola Commercial Appearance
In 1983, Keanu Reeves appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial and in the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) coming-of-age, short film One Step Away.
1984: Television Debut in Hangin' In
In 1984, Keanu Reeves made his acting debut in the Canadian television series Hangin' In, marking his entry into the entertainment industry.
1984: Correspondent for CBC and Acting Debut
In 1984, Keanu Reeves was a correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) youth television program Going Great. In that same year, he made his acting debut in an episode of the television series, called Hangin' In.
1985: Keanu Reeves's film career begins
In 1985, Keanu Reeves began his prolific film career.
1985: Role as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet
In 1985, Keanu Reeves played Mercutio in a stage production of Romeo and Juliet at the Leah Posluns Theatre in North York, Ontario.
1986: Television and Motion Picture Appearances
In 1986, Keanu Reeves appeared in television films including Babes in Toyland, Act of Vengeance, and Brotherhood of Justice. He also made his first motion picture appearances in Youngblood and Flying.
1986: Feature Film Debut in Youngblood
In 1986, Keanu Reeves made his feature film debut in Youngblood, taking another step forward in his acting career.
1987: Release of River's Edge
In 1987, River's Edge, one of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, was released.
1988: Starring in Teen Dramas and Dangerous Liaisons
Towards the end of the 1980s, in 1988, Reeves starred in several dramas aimed at teen audiences, including The Night Before, The Prince of Pennsylvania and Permanent Record. His other acting efforts included a supporting role in Dangerous Liaisons.
1989: Release of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
In 1989, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, one of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, was released.
1989: Breakthrough Role in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
In 1989, Keanu Reeves achieved his breakthrough role in the science-fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, gaining wider recognition.
1989: Starring in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, in which he portrays a slacker who travels through time with a friend to assemble historical figures for a school presentation.
1989: Starring in Parenthood
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in the comedy-drama Parenthood directed by Ron Howard.
1990: Acting Performances in I Love You to Death and Tune in Tomorrow
In 1990, Keanu Reeves gave two acting performances; he portrayed an incompetent hitman in the black comedy I Love You to Death, and played Martin, a radio station employee in the comedy Tune in Tomorrow. He also appeared in Paula Abdul's music video for Rush Rush.
1991: Forming Dogstar and developing interest in music career
In 1991, Keanu Reeves developed an interest in a music career; he formed an alternative rock band called Dogstar, consisting of members Robert Mailhouse, Gregg Miller and Bret Domrose. Reeves played the bass guitar.
1991: Starring in My Own Private Idaho, Point Break and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey
In 1991, Keanu Reeves gained praise for playing a hustler in the independent drama My Own Private Idaho. He starred in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, a sequel to Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. He also established himself as an action hero with leading roles in Point Break.
1991: Starring in Point Break
In 1991, Keanu Reeves starred alongside Patrick Swayze, Lori Petty and Gary Busey in the action thriller Point Break. He plays an undercover FBI agent tasked with investigating the identities of a group of bank robbers.
1991: Release of My Own Private Idaho
In 1991, My Own Private Idaho, one of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, was released.
1993: Roles in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Little Buddha
In 1993, Keanu Reeves had a role in Much Ado About Nothing. In that same year, he starred in two more drama films, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Little Buddha, all of which garnered a mixed-to-negative reception.
1993: Release of Much Ado About Nothing
In 1993, Much Ado About Nothing, one of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, was released.
1994: Leading role in Speed
In 1994, Keanu Reeves established himself as an action hero with leading role in Speed.
1995: A Walk in the Clouds Release
In 1995, Keanu Reeves appeared in the romantic drama "A Walk in the Clouds", playing a young soldier returning from World War II. The film received mixed-to-negative reviews.
1995: Hamlet Performance
In 1995, Keanu Reeves played Prince Hamlet in a Manitoba Theatre Centre production of "Hamlet" in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His performance received positive reviews, with one critic calling him one of the top three Hamlets they had seen.
1995: Leading role in Johnny Mnemonic
In 1995, Keanu Reeves played the leading role in the cyberpunk action thriller "Johnny Mnemonic", directed by Robert Longo. The movie, set in 2021, revolves around a character who has a cybernetic brain implant and has to deliver a data package. The film received negative reviews with critics finding Reeves miscast.
1996: Starring in Chain Reaction
In 1996, Keanu Reeves starred in the science fiction film "Chain Reaction", playing a researcher framed for murder. The film received negative reviews. He also starred in the independent crime comedy "Feeling Minnesota", which was also critically panned. He turned down the offer to star in "Speed 2: Cruise Control".
1997: The Last Time I Committed Suicide and The Devil's Advocate
In 1997, Keanu Reeves appeared in "The Last Time I Committed Suicide", which received mixed reviews. He also starred in the supernatural horror film "The Devil's Advocate" alongside Al Pacino and Charlize Theron, taking a pay cut to allow Pacino to be hired. "The Devil's Advocate" garnered positive reviews.
1997: Performance in The Devil's Advocate
In 1997, Keanu Reeves's performance in the horror film The Devil's Advocate was well received, following several box-office disappointments.
1999: Role as Neo in The Matrix
In 1999, Keanu Reeves achieved greater stardom with his role as Neo in The Matrix, solidifying his status as a leading actor.
2000: The Replacements and The Watcher
In 2000, Keanu Reeves starred in the sports comedy "The Replacements". He also starred in the thriller "The Watcher", against his wishes. He also had a supporting role in Sam Raimi's thriller, "The Gift".
2001: Sweet November and Hardball
In 2001, Keanu Reeves starred in the romantic drama "Sweet November", which received negative reviews. He also starred in the sports comedy "Hardball", which received mixed reviews.
2002: Dogstar Disbanded
In 2002, Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar disbanded after a decade together. The band released two albums.
2003: Highest Paid Actor for The Matrix Sequels
In 2003, Keanu Reeves became the highest-paid actor for a single production for reprising the role of Neo in The Matrix sequels Reloaded and Revolutions.
2003: The Matrix Revolutions and Something's Gotta Give
In 2003, Keanu Reeves starred in "The Matrix Revolutions", which received mixed reviews. He also co-starred in the romantic comedy "Something's Gotta Give", which received generally favorable reviews.
2003: Harley-Davidson Gifts to Stunt Team
In 2003, as a wrap gift for the twelve-person stunt team of 'The Matrix Reloaded', Keanu Reeves purchased Harley-Davidson motorcycles for each member.
2005: Role as John Constantine in Constantine
In 2005, Keanu Reeves played John Constantine in Constantine, adding another notable role to his filmography.
2005: Starring in Constantine and Thumbsucker premiere
In 2005, Keanu Reeves played the title role in "Constantine", which garnered mixed-to-positive reviews. He also appeared in "Thumbsucker", which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews.
2005: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2005, Keanu Reeves received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the motion picture industry.
2006: A Scanner Darkly and The Lake House release
In 2006, Keanu Reeves appeared in "A Scanner Darkly", which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and garnered generally favourable reviews. He also starred in "The Lake House", which received highly critical reviews, and co-narrated "The Great Warming".
2008: Street Kings and The Day the Earth Stood Still
In 2008, Keanu Reeves collaborated on the crime thriller "Street Kings" and starred in the science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still".
2011: Co-founding ARCH Motorcycle Company
In 2011, Keanu Reeves co-founded ARCH Motorcycle Company with Gard Hollinger, which builds and sells custom motorcycles.
2013: Film Directorial Debut with Man of Tai Chi
In 2013, Keanu Reeves made his film directorial debut with Man of Tai Chi, expanding his role in the film industry.
2014: Release of John Wick
In 2014, John Wick, one of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, was released.
2014: Career Comeback with John Wick
In 2014, Keanu Reeves made a career comeback by playing the titular assassin in the action film series John Wick.
2016: Earnings from 'The Matrix' Franchise
In 2016, The Hollywood Reporter calculated that Keanu Reeves had earned $250 million for 'The Matrix' franchise.
2017: Release of John Wick: Chapter 2
In 2017, John Wick: Chapter 2, one of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, was released.
2017: Founding X Artists' Books
In 2017, Keanu Reeves, Jessica Fleischmann, and Alexandra Grant founded book publisher, X Artists' Books (XAB).
2019: Releases of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Toy Story 4
In 2019, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Toy Story 4, some of Keanu Reeves's most acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes, were released. He was also nominated twice for a People's Choice Award for his performance in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
2019: Voicing Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4
In 2019, Keanu Reeves voiced Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4, contributing to the popular animated film series.
June 2020: Volunteering for Camp Rainbow Gold
In June 2020, Keanu Reeves volunteered for Camp Rainbow Gold, an Idaho children's cancer charity.
2020: Portraying Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077 and Ted in Bill & Ted Face the Music
In 2020, Keanu Reeves portrayed Johnny Silverhand in the video game Cyberpunk 2077 and reprised his role as Ted in Bill & Ted Face the Music.
2020: Ranked Among Greatest Actors by The New York Times
In 2020, The New York Times ranked Keanu Reeves at number four on its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century.
2021: Co-writer and creator of the BRZRKR comic book
In 2021, Keanu Reeves co-wrote and created the BRZRKR franchise, which started with the original comic book and expanded to spin-offs like The Book of Elsewhere.
2021: Reprising Neo in The Matrix: Resurrections
In 2021, Keanu Reeves reprised his role as Neo in The Matrix: Resurrections, continuing his involvement with the iconic film series.
March 2023: Charity Auction for St. Jude
In March 2023, after filming 'John Wick: Chapter 4', Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski and Dave Camarillo signed an exclusive training uniform that was auctioned to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
2023: Release of Dogstar Album and BRZRKR Comic
In 2023, Keanu Reeves, as a member of the band Dogstar, released the album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees. He is also the co-writer and creator of the BRZRKR franchise, which started with the original comic book.
2023: Lipopeptide named 'keanumycin'
In 2023, a lipopeptide deadly to fungi, was named 'keanumycin' in honor of Keanu Reeves.
April 2024: Casting as Shadow the Hedgehog
In April 2024, Keanu Reeves was cast as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3', and in a DLC for the video game Shadow Generations (2024).
May 2024: Netflix Wins Litigation Over 'Conquest'
By the end of May 2024, Netflix won litigation over the rights to the Reeves-produced Conquest series. The footage reverted to their ownership alongside being reimbursed for $8.78 million worth of creator Carl Erik Rinsch's misused production money.
August 21, 2024: Release of 'The Lost Book of B'
On August 21, 2024, another BRZRKR Bloodlines spin-off, titled 'The Lost Book of B' was released.
December 20, 2024: Release of 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'
On December 20, 2024, 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' was released, featuring Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog.
2024: Thoughts on Mortality and Motorsport Debut
In 2024, Keanu Reeves reflected on mortality. On October 5, 2024, he made his motorsport debut in the Toyota GR Cup North America at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2024: Contract with Windsor Spitfires
In 2024, Keanu Reeves signed a one-day contract with the Windsor Spitfires, and signed items which were auctioned off in benefit of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor-Essex.
2024: Voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In 2024, Keanu Reeves voiced Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
January 2025: Uncredited role in 'Severance' Season 2
In January 2025, Keanu Reeves had an uncredited role voicing a stop-motion Lumon building in the second season of the television series 'Severance'.
June 2025: Reprising role as John Wick in 'Ballerina'
In June 2025, Keanu Reeves reprised his role as John Wick in the series spin-off film 'Ballerina', starring Ana de Armas.
2025: Upcoming projects in 2025
In 2025, Keanu Reeves is set to star in several films, including 'Good Fortune' alongside Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansari, 'Outcome' directed by Jonah Hill on Apple TV+, and 'The Entertainment System Is Down' directed by Ruben Östlund. He will also co-produce a documentary about Benny Urquidez and make his Broadway debut in 'Waiting for Godot'.
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