Whoa: 20 reasons why the world loves Keanu Reeves

The Matrix was one of the hottest scripts of its day, with talks of everyone from Will Smith to Brad Pitt being considered for the lead role of Neo. Of course, it eventually went to the one and only Keanu Reeves, and today, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as the computer programmer who eventually made audiences ponder just about every aspect of reality.

There has yet to be a negative word uttered alongside Keanu Reeves’ name, from those who’ve worked with him to fan encounters.

Only in the ‘90s could an action movie be made about a bus that will explode if it drops under 50 miles per hour, and only in the ‘90s could the role of the officer who dares to board said bus be played by Keanu Reeves.

Unlike a lot of other celebrities, Keanu doesn’t put his whole life out there on social media or, really, in the press at all. Because of that, he’s remained one of the most drama-free people in Hollywood.

Who doesn’t love a man who’d do anything for a dog?

Dogstar is the band Keanu played in from 1991 until 2002. However, the band did get back together to play at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival in May 2023 for the first time in over two decades.

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is not only a cult classic but a reminder of how silly and fun cinema can be.

Some actors do certain projects earlier in their careers that they look back and down on, but not Keanu Reeves. He’s never shown an ounce of shame for anything he’s done — not that he should have. He returned to two of his most infamous roles years later, including Ted Logan for 2020’s Bill & Ted Face the Music and 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections.

Hardball was like if one were to take the basic plot of The Mighty Ducks and then add a lot of heartache. It’s not the most lighthearted of Reeves’ roles, but one that is undeniable to love.

Well, anyone would be lying if they said that part of the reason the world loves Keanu Reeves isn’t because of how handsome he is.

Many actors have gotten to step into the bat suit, but Keanu Reeves, well, it was more like he was drawn into it as Bruce Wayne in the animated world of DC League of Super-Pets when he became the Dark Knight that wound up taking in Bat-Hound, voiced by the hilarious Kevin Hart.

Having a loved one battling cancer often inspires people to want to do as much as possible to help others, and Reeves is no different. After his sister was diagnosed with leukemia, he started a private foundation that supports children's hospitals and research.

Reeves' first time in the role of a superhero, but since then, so many other comic book movies have come and gone, making fans wonder when he’ll step back into a live-action hero role again.

Late-night appearances usually revolve around a quick anecdote from the guest, some chit-chat, and a quick promotional plug. Keanu Reeves decided to lay down some sincere wisdom on — of all things — death when he appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert  in 2019. The spot went viral after he responded to the idea of what happens after we die: "I know that the ones who love us will miss us.”

While this was never officially called Speed 3 , that is what most should consider this movie. Yes, it has absolutely nothing to do with any sort of vehicle and the speed at which it traveled, but it was the on-screen reunion of Reeves and Sandra Bullock, which was more than enough to make fans giddy.

Keanu Reeves could very well say no to whatever project he wants, but when Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key approached him to voice the titular kitten in 2016’s Keanu, he showed up. Fans respect that kind of commitment.

Forky was the spirit animal for many while Woody’s story tugged at every heartstring, but what Reeves brought to Toy Story 4 was pure comedic gold as an Evel Knievel-like toy with serious unresolved issues.

What’s not to love about Reeves going undercover as a surfer to try and find bank robbers?

As of 2023, Reeves has his own fungi named after him: Keanumycin. How many other celebrities can say that?

There really could’ve been no one else as wise as Keanu Reeves to play a spiritual tumbleweed named Sage that SpongeBob and Patrick encounter.