MomSkoop
Diane Keaton has been lighting up movie screens for over five decades with her unique charm, quirky style, and incredible talent. From romantic comedies that make us laugh until we cry to serious dramas that tug at our heartstrings, she has done it all. Her performances have earned her countless awards and made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, inspiring generations of movie fans around the world.
1. Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen’s masterpiece turned Diane Keaton into a fashion icon overnight. Her character, Annie Hall, brought a fresh and authentic voice to romantic comedies that Hollywood had never seen before. The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Keaton.
Her quirky outfits with oversized blazers, ties, and vests started a fashion revolution that still influences style today. The film explores love, relationships, and heartbreak in New York City with humor and honesty. Keaton’s natural charm and comedic timing shine through every scene, making this her most memorable role.
Fun fact: Many of Annie’s outfits were actually Keaton’s own clothes from her personal wardrobe!
2. The Godfather (1972)
Playing Kay Adams, Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, Keaton held her own alongside Hollywood legends like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. This epic crime saga changed cinema forever and remains one of the greatest films ever made. Kay represents the normal world outside the dangerous mafia life that Michael gets pulled into.
Keaton brings warmth and moral strength to a movie filled with violence and corruption. Her character asks the tough questions and challenges Michael’s choices throughout the film. Watching her transformation from an innocent college student to a disillusioned wife is heartbreaking yet powerful.
This role proved Keaton could handle serious drama just as well as comedy.
3. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
Who says romance is only for young people? This delightful comedy proves that love can bloom at any age. Keaton plays Erica Barry, a successful playwright who unexpectedly falls for both an older bachelor played by Jack Nicholson and a younger doctor played by Keanu Reeves.
Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and showed Hollywood that older actresses deserve great romantic lead roles. The chemistry between Keaton and Nicholson crackles with wit and genuine emotion. Scenes of her crying and laughing became instantly iconic and relatable to audiences everywhere.
The film celebrates second chances and finding yourself again after heartbreak, making it inspiring for viewers of all ages.
4. Manhattan (1979)
Shot entirely in gorgeous black and white, this love letter to New York City features Keaton as Mary Wilke, an intellectual and somewhat neurotic journalist. Her character falls into a complicated romantic situation with Isaac, played by Woody Allen, creating tension and humor throughout. The film explores modern relationships with sharp dialogue and beautiful cinematography.
Keaton perfectly captures the contradictions of her character—confident yet insecure, smart yet sometimes silly. Her chemistry with Allen feels natural and real, making their conversations endlessly entertaining. The famous bench scene overlooking the Queensboro Bridge has become one of cinema’s most romantic moments.
This film showcases Keaton’s ability to blend comedy and drama seamlessly.
5. Father of the Bride (1991)
As Nina Banks, the calm and loving mother trying to keep her family together during wedding chaos, Keaton steals every scene she’s in. While Steve Martin’s character freaks out about his daughter getting married, Nina remains the voice of reason and warmth. Her performance reminds us that sometimes the quieter characters make the biggest impact.
The movie became a beloved family classic that perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of watching children grow up. Keaton brings grace and humor to a role that could have easily been forgettable in less talented hands. Her scenes with Martin Short’s over-the-top wedding planner character are comedy gold.
This film shows Keaton’s range beyond quirky leading ladies.
6. Baby Boom (1987)
Imagine being a successful businesswoman who suddenly inherits a baby from a distant relative—that’s exactly what happens to J.C. Wiatt in this charming comedy. Keaton’s character must choose between her high-powered career and unexpected motherhood, a dilemma many people still face today. Her transformation from workaholic to devoted mom feels genuine and touching.
The film tackles serious themes about work-life balance and women’s choices while keeping things funny and entertaining. Keaton’s physical comedy with the baby creates hilarious moments that parents everywhere will recognize. When she moves to the country and starts her own business, the story becomes even more inspiring.
This movie celebrates reinventing yourself and following your heart.
7. The First Wives Club (1996)
Revenge never looked so fabulous! Keaton teams up with Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn as three college friends reunited after their divorces from cheating husbands. Her character, Annie, is a timid woman who finds her inner strength and confidence throughout the film. The trio’s chemistry makes every scene sparkle with energy and laughter.
This comedy became an anthem for women everywhere who felt underestimated or overlooked. Keaton shows Annie’s journey from doormat to powerhouse with subtlety and humor. The famous musical number at the end has audiences cheering and singing along every time.
Did you know? The movie inspired real-life divorce support groups called First Wives Clubs across America!
8. Reds (1981)
Warren Beatty’s ambitious historical epic tells the true story of journalist John Reed and his involvement in the Russian Revolution. Keaton plays Louise Bryant, a writer and feminist who becomes Reed’s lover and intellectual equal. This three-hour epic demands patience but rewards viewers with powerful performances and stunning cinematography.
Keaton earned an Academy Award nomination for bringing complexity and fire to Louise’s character. She refuses to be just a supportive girlfriend, instead demanding her own career and independence. Their passionate yet troubled relationship forms the emotional heart of this sweeping historical drama.
The film features interviews with real people who knew Reed and Bryant, adding fascinating authenticity to the story.
9. Marvin’s Room (1996)
Rarely does Keaton tackle such heavy emotional material, but she absolutely nails it in this tearjerker. She plays Bessie, a woman who has spent twenty years caring for her sick father and now faces her own health crisis. When she reconnects with her estranged sister, played brilliantly by Meryl Streep, old wounds and new understanding emerge.
The film explores family dysfunction, sacrifice, and unconditional love with raw honesty. Keaton’s performance feels stripped down and vulnerable, showing a completely different side of her acting abilities. Her scenes with Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays her troubled nephew, are particularly moving and real.
This underrated gem deserves more recognition for its powerful storytelling and outstanding performances.
10. Love and Death (1975)
Before Annie Hall made them famous, Woody Allen and Diane Keaton created this hilarious spoof of Russian literature and epic war films. Set during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, the movie follows a cowardly soldier and his philosophical cousin through absurd adventures. Keaton’s comedic timing reaches perfection as she delivers ridiculous philosophical debates with complete seriousness.
The film parodies everything from Tolstoy to Bergman while creating genuine laughs from start to finish. Keaton proves she can handle physical comedy, wordplay, and satirical humor with equal skill. Her character’s obsession with finding meaning in life while pursuing various romantic interests creates endless comedic opportunities.
This early collaboration shows why Keaton and Allen became one of cinema’s greatest teams.