Diane Keaton has been one of the most loved, funny and talented actresses to grace the Hollywood scene for a long time. An inspiring career spanning five decades, Keaton has been known for her quirky charm, emotional depth, and fearless authenticity. Her work has ranged from gripping dramas to witty comedies; her characters often blend humour, intelligence and vulnerability. While her demise has left a dent in Hollywood’s hall of fame, we can certainly celebrate Keaton’s brilliant talent. We bring you her Top 10 best movies from her filmography, because even if the artist may cease to exist, their art and their talent live on.
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The Godfather Trilogy (1972, 1974, 1990)
Keaton’s role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather trilogy remains one of her most defining performances. As the outsider drawn into Michael Corleone’s dark world, Kay becomes the audience’s moral lens — the one who sees the human cost of power and crime. Her heartbreak, quiet dignity, and eventual disillusionment gave the mafia epic its emotional gravity, marking Keaton as one of the few female characters to leave a lasting impact in a male-dominated saga.
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Play It Again, Sam (1972)
In this early collaboration with Woody Allen, Keaton plays Linda Christie, a woman navigating love and confusion in modern relationships. Her effortless charm and humour balanced Allen’s neurotic energy, creating a natural and endearing chemistry that would define their later collaborations. The role showcased Keaton’s gift for blending warmth, wit, and spontaneity — a trademark she would refine throughout her career.
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Annie Hall (1977)
The film that made her a legend. As Annie Hall, Keaton embodied a generation of independent, self-aware women who were funny, flawed, and real. Her performance — both vulnerable and sharp — earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. More than a love story, Annie Hall became a cultural milestone, and Keaton’s androgynous fashion sense (vests, ties, and trousers) became instantly iconic, influencing style and redefining what femininity could look like on screen.
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Looking for Mr Goodbar (1977)
Keaton’s daring turn as Theresa Dunn, a schoolteacher living a double life in New York’s nightlife scene, revealed her fearless range. The film’s dark, psychological tone allowed her to explore danger, sexuality, and alienation — a striking contrast to her romantic comedies. This bold performance solidified Keaton as an actress unafraid to take risks.
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Reds (1981)
In Warren Beatty’s sweeping political epic, Keaton portrays Louise Bryant, a real-life journalist and feminist who becomes entwined in the Russian Revolution. The role demanded passion, intellect, and emotional depth — all qualities Keaton delivered with precision. Her portrayal of Bryant’s independence and ambition earned her an Academy Award nomination and proved her mastery of historical drama.
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Shoot the Moon (1982)
As Faith Dunlap, Keaton dives into the emotional chaos of a disintegrating marriage. The film’s realism and raw emotion gave her the chance to portray heartbreak with rare honesty. Critics hailed her performance as one of her most powerful — a study in quiet pain, frustration, and maternal devotion.
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Father of the Bride (1991)
Keaton’s role as Nina Banks, the grounded and loving mother in this family comedy, reminded audiences of her warmth and impeccable comedic timing. Alongside Steve Martin, she captured the bittersweet humour of parenthood — the love, nostalgia, and chaos of letting go. Her natural empathy and relatable energy made Nina one of her most beloved characters of the 1990s.
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Marvin’s Room (1996)
In this moving drama, Keaton plays Bessie, a selfless woman caring for her ill father while facing her own terminal diagnosis. Her nuanced portrayal of forgiveness, family bonds, and mortality earned her another Oscar nomination. With emotional restraint and quiet dignity, Keaton gave one of her most profound performances — a masterclass in empathy and humanity.
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First Wives Club (1996)
Keaton joins Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler as Annie MacDuggan, one of three women reclaiming their power after being abandoned by their husbands. Equal parts sharp and heartfelt, Keaton’s role brought humour and poignancy to a story celebrating sisterhood and reinvention. The film became a cultural touchstone for female empowerment and remains a fan favourite.
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Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
As Erica Barry, a successful playwright who unexpectedly falls for an older man (Jack Nicholson), Keaton delivered a career-best romantic comedy performance. Her portrayal of a woman rediscovering love later in life was funny, elegant, and deeply human. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination and proved that charm, sensuality, and emotional intelligence transcend age.
