Keanu Reeves has cemented himself as a pop culture icon, blending action, heart, and a touch of mysticism into some of the most unforgettable roles. Whether he's bending reality, battling demons, or leading humanity’s final stand against our mechanical overlords, Reeves brings a unique depth to his characters, making them both relatable and legendary.
Here are Keanu Reeves' seven most riveting sci-fi and fantasy roles, ranked by their impact, performances, and sheer awesomeness factor.
7. Klaatu – The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
In this remake of the 1951 classic, Reeves plays Klaatu, an alien sent to Earth to determine whether humanity deserves to survive. His signature calm demeanor and otherworldly presence make him a believable extraterrestrial observer. While the movie received mixed reviews, Reeves’ portrayal of the detached, emotionless visitor added an eerie weight to the film’s apocalyptic stakes.
6. Johnny Mnemonic – Johnny Mnemonic (1995)
Before The Matrix, Reeves took on another cyberpunk role as Johnny Mnemonic, a data courier who literally stores secret information in his brain. The film, based on William Gibson’s short story, is a chaotic, neon-drenched glimpse into a dystopian future, and Reeves sells the role of a man struggling with both his identity and his overloaded cybernetic mind. It’s a cult favorite today, especially with how cyberpunk aesthetics have taken off in modern gaming and film.
5. Kai – 47 Ronin (2013)
Reeves brings his signature stoic intensity to this fantasy-infused retelling of the legendary samurai tale. Playing Kai, a half-Japanese, half-demon warrior, Reeves finds himself caught between loyalty and destiny, battling supernatural foes and wielding a blade in honor of his fallen master. While the film wasn’t a massive success at the box office, it has since gained a following for its stunning visuals and unique twist on historical legend.
4. Kevin Lomax – The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
Okay, this one leans more into supernatural horror than sci-fi or fantasy, but Reeves vs. Al Pacino as the literal Devil? That’s a showdown worth talking about.
Playing hotshot lawyer Kevin Lomax, Reeves delivers one of his most compelling performances as a man slowly realizing his entire career is a carefully crafted hellish trap. The mix of courtroom drama, eerie supernatural elements, and one of the most memorable final confrontations in film history make this a standout role.
3. John Constantine – Constantine (2005)
Despite deviating from the source material (Hellblazer fans were skeptical about a dark-haired, American Constantine), Reeves’ take on the cynical, chain-smoking demon hunter has aged beautifully. His version of John Constantine is weary, bitter, and yet still coolly defiant in the face of hell itself. The film blends noir, supernatural horror, and religious mythology into something utterly unique, and fans have been begging for a sequel for years — one that finally seems to be happening.
2. Ted "Theodore" Logan – Bill & Ted Franchise (1989-Present)
It might be goofy, but Ted “Theodore” Logan is Keanu Reeves at his most iconic. The Bill & Ted films are a perfect blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and pure, unfiltered fun. Whether he’s traveling through time, visiting the afterlife, or saving the universe with the power of rock, Reeves’ performance as the eternally optimistic, endearingly dumb, but genuinely kind Ted remains a fan favorite. The 2020 sequel, Bill & Ted Face the Music, proved that even decades later, Keanu can still bring the Wyld Stallyns energy.
1. Neo – The Matrix Trilogy & The Matrix Resurrections (1999-2021)
You simply can’t talk about Keanu Reeves and sci-fi without mentioning Neo, the hacker-turned-messiah who reshaped cinema forever. The original Matrix is not only my favorite film of all time, but it revolutionized visual effects, action choreography, and cyberpunk storytelling.
Reeves’ performance as the chosen one grounded the film’s philosophical depth with his natural charisma. The sequels expanded the world (to varying degrees of success), and while The Matrix Resurrections was divisive, Reeves’ return as an older, more uncertain Neo gave the character new emotional weight.
Honorable mention: Johnny Silverhand – Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
Though not a movie role, Reeves' portrayal of Johnny Silverhand in one of my favorite games, Cyberpunk 2077, deserves a shoutout. As the rebellious, ghostly rockstar haunting the player’s mind, Johnny is chaotic, charismatic, and deeply flawed — a digital antihero with a tragic past. It’s another cyberpunk role that plays to Reeves’ strengths, and his presence alone helped sell the game.
Keanu Reeves has built an impressive sci-fi and fantasy legacy, blending heart, action, and existential dread across multiple iconic roles. Whether he’s saving the world, battling demons, or just trying to be excellent to each other, he continues to shape the genres in ways that keep fans coming back.
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