Few actors have achieved the iconic status of someone like Michael Keaton. Many audiences grew up watching Keaton in some of his most famous roles. Though his career went into decline for a period, he had one of the most impressive comebacks in recent memory and is frequently seen in some of the most acclaimed modern films.
Keaton is also one of those rare actors who seems to effortlessly jump back and forth between dramas and comedies while being excellent in both kinds of roles. His filmography is filled with classic films that bring a smile to many faces.
Cars (7.1)
Keaton first joined the magical and massively successful world of Pixar in Cars. The film is set in a world populated by automobiles and follows the journey of Lightning McQueen, a famous race car that finds there is more to life than winning. Keaton plays McQueen’s rival Chick Hicks.
Cars may not be one of the more well-regarded entries in Pixar’s collection, but it is still a great bit of family-friendly fun. The world is interesting and clever and there are plenty of great voice performances, including Paul Newman in one of his final roles.
The Founder (7.2)
Keaton has always had an undeniable charm, but he also excels at showing his darker side. He was able to do both in the engrossing real-life story of the founding of McDonald’s. Keaton plays Ray Kroc, who took a burger stand started by two brothers and turned it into a massive franchise.
Keaton is excellent in the lead role as a man whose ambition can be admired even as the audience is disgusted with his ruthless tactics. It is a fascinating look at the beginnings of one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Much Ado About Nothing (7.3)
Kenneth Branagh assembled an all-star cast for this highly entertaining adaptation of one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Much Ado About Nothing plays with misunderstandings and rouses as various characters come together for a wedding.
Keaton has a small yet scene-stealing role as a dim-witted lawman caught up in the shenanigans. He joins the likes of Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves in this light and charming romp that does a wonderful job of bringing Shakespeare’s witty dialogue to life.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (7.4)
Keaton might be best known for playing a superhero, but he seemed to have a lot of fun with the supervillain role in Spider-Man: Homecoming. The film marks Spidey’s first solo adventure in the MCU as the wall-crawler tries to prove himself a worthy member of the Avengers while taking on a new bad guy, The Vulture (Keaton).
Tom Holland continued to prove he was the perfect choice to bring this iconic hero to life. the high school setting also sets it apart from other superhero movies, along with its great sense of humor.
Jackie Brown (7.5)
Quentin Tarantino is one of those filmmakers most actors would love to work with and Keaton got the chance in Tarantino’s most underrated film. Jackie Brown stars Pam Grier as the titular character, a flight attendant who is arrested and recruited by an ATF agent (Keaton) to take down her arms dealer boss.
Based on an Elmore Leonard novel, the film is filled with the sharp dialogue and colorful characters you’d expect from Tarantino. It also boasts an outstanding cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forrester, and Robert De Niro.
Batman (7.5)
One of the most iconic pop culture characters was brought to life on the big screen with Tim Burton’s Batman. Keaton plays the Caped Crusader as he protects Gotham from the latest threat, a deranged criminal named Joker (Jack Nicholson).
Though he wasn’t the obvious choice for the role, Keaton is still many fans’ favorite cinematic Batman. The movie is given an extra boost thanks to Nicholson’s wild performance and the gothic feel from Burton. It helped prove comic book movies can be a success.
Beetlejuice (7.5)
Before Batman, Keaton and Burton teamed on a much wilder protagonist with Beetlejuice. The film stars Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin as a couple who suddenly die and become ghosts. Seeing a new family move into their home, the couple enlists the help of a deranged ghost named Beetlejuice (Keaton) to scare them off.
Keaton gives an epic comedic performance as the eccentric, dark, and hilarious lead. It is a zany and hugely entertaining fantasy comedy that allows Burton and Keaton to do what they do best.
Birdman (7.7)
Keaton began his amazing comeback with the lead role in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Birdman. The film takes place behind the scenes of a Broadway play that is about to open. Keaton plays the star, writer, and director of the play, a washed-up actor best known for playing a superhero.
Though there are obvious similarities to Keaton’s real life, he really disappears into the role of this man gradually losing grip of his sanity. The film is shot to look like one take who adds to the tension of the story.
Spotlight (8.1)
Keaton’s comeback continued with the Best Picture winner Spotlight. The film is a real-life story of the Boston Globe’s breaking of the story of the widespread abuse by clergy members in Boston’s Catholic churches. Keaton plays the head of the investigation team.
Keaton and his co-stars like Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams bring a grounded energy to this dark and captivating story. The movie avoids being flashy and instead tells the story with the respect and truth it deserves.
Toy Story 3 (8.3)
The Toy Story franchise closed one big chapter with its third film. With Andy heading to college, the toys are unsure of their future. They find a new home in Sunnyside Daycare but soon find that it is not as perfect as it seems. Keaton steals the show as a Ken doll named Ken.
The movie is a heart-warming and hilarious adventure with all of the characters audiences have come to love. It is also a clever and thrilling ride that caps off with one of the most emotionally satisfying endings in recent memory.
