15 Must-Watch Diane Keaton Movies That Show Why She’ll Always Be Iconic

Diane Keaton lit up the screen for over five decades with her unmistakable blend of humor, heart, and timeless style. From romantic comedies to deeply emotional dramas, she brought something extraordinary to every role she took on. Her performances earned her an Academy Award, countless nominations, and a permanent place in Hollywood history as one of cinema’s most distinctive and beloved talents.
1. Annie Hall (1977)

Winning an Academy Award for Best Actress, Keaton created a character so memorable that she changed fashion forever. Annie Hall’s quirky wardrobe of oversized blazers, vests, and ties became a cultural phenomenon that people still copy today.
Her chemistry with Woody Allen feels genuine and raw, making their love story both funny and heartbreaking. The film revolutionized romantic comedies by showing relationships as messy and imperfect rather than fairy tales.
Keaton’s natural, unpolished delivery made Annie feel like someone you’d actually meet in real life. Her effortless authenticity not only defined a generation of storytelling but also cemented Annie Hall as one of the most influential films in modern cinema.
2. The Godfather Trilogy (1972–1990)

Kay Adams starts as an innocent outsider dating Michael Corleone, completely unaware of the darkness waiting ahead. Watching her transformation across nearly two decades of storytelling is absolutely gripping.
Keaton holds her own against powerhouse actors like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Her evolution from naive girlfriend to disillusioned wife trapped in a criminal empire is haunting.
The final confrontation scene where she stands up to Michael remains one of cinema’s most powerful moments. Her quiet strength throughout these films proves she can handle any dramatic role.
3. Manhattan (1979)

Shot entirely in gorgeous black and white, this love letter to New York City features Keaton as Mary, a sharp-tongued intellectual. She’s confident, neurotic, and completely fascinating to watch.
Her character’s complicated relationship with Woody Allen’s Isaac creates some of the film’s most memorable dialogue. Keaton delivers witty one-liners with perfect timing while showing vulnerability underneath the sophisticated exterior.
The museum scene where she discusses art reveals layers of insecurity behind her confident facade. It’s a performance that balances intelligence with emotional honesty beautifully.
4. Reds (1981)

Portraying real-life journalist Louise Bryant, Keaton tackles a sweeping three-hour epic about love and revolution. Her fierce independence and passion for social justice shine through every scene.
Opposite Warren Beatty’s John Reed, she creates a complex romance set against the Russian Revolution. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for capturing Bryant’s spirit and determination.
Keaton researched extensively to understand this groundbreaking feminist journalist from the early 1900s. Her performance shows a woman fighting for equality in both her career and personal life.
5. Shoot the Moon (1982)

This brutally honest film about divorce might be Keaton’s most emotionally raw performance ever. Playing a mother watching her marriage crumble, she captures devastating pain without melodrama.
The scenes with Albert Finney as her unfaithful husband feel uncomfortably real and intense. Keaton shows how love can turn to anger and confusion when trust breaks down.
One dinner scene where tensions explode remains difficult to watch because it feels so authentic. Critics praised her ability to convey years of disappointment and hurt through subtle expressions.
6. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Playing successful playwright Erica Barry, Keaton proves that romantic comedies aren’t just for twentysomethings. Her chemistry with Jack Nicholson sizzles, creating one of cinema’s best late-in-life love stories.
The famous crying scene showcases her incredible range, moving from heartbreak to humor within seconds. She earned an Oscar nomination for showing that women over fifty can be sexy, funny, and complicated.
Keaton’s fashionable wardrobe in the film influenced style trends for mature women everywhere. Her character’s journey toward opening her heart again feels both relatable and inspiring.
7. Baby Boom (1987)

As J.C. Wiatt, a high-powered Manhattan executive nicknamed the Tiger Lady, Keaton’s life gets turned upside down overnight. When she unexpectedly inherits a baby from distant relatives, her perfectly organized world collapses into chaos.
The comedy comes from watching this control freak navigate diapers, tantrums, and sleepless nights. Keaton makes the transformation from career-obsessed workaholic to loving mother feel genuine rather than forced.
Her comedic timing shines when dealing with rural Vermont life after leaving the city behind. It’s a feel-good film about redefining success and finding unexpected happiness.
8. Father of the Bride (1991)

While Steve Martin gets most of the laughs as the panicking father, Keaton provides the emotional anchor. Her character Nina Banks keeps the family grounded with warmth, wisdom, and gentle humor.
She perfectly balances excitement about her daughter’s wedding with understanding her husband’s emotional meltdown. Keaton makes even small moments memorable, like calming Martin down or sharing quiet mother-daughter talks.
Her natural maternal energy makes you wish she was part of your own family. The role showcases her ability to elevate ensemble comedies without stealing every scene.
9. The First Wives Club (1996)

Reuniting with college friends after their marriages fall apart, Keaton joins forces with Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler for revenge. Playing Annie, the insecure divorcée finding her confidence, she delivers both laughs and empowerment.
The trio’s chemistry makes this comedy about middle-aged women reclaiming their lives absolutely delightful. Keaton’s transformation from doormat to strong woman who stands up for herself feels triumphant.
The film became a cultural touchstone for discussing how society treats aging women differently than men. Her performance reminds viewers that reinvention is possible at any age.
10. Marvin’s Room (1996)

Bessie has spent twenty years caring for her dying father when she receives her own devastating diagnosis. Forced to reconnect with her estranged sister Lee, played by Meryl Streep, she faces difficult family dynamics.
Keaton brings incredible warmth and quiet strength to a woman who’s sacrificed everything for others. Her performance earned an Oscar nomination for showing selfless love without becoming a saint or martyr.
The scenes exploring forgiveness and family bonds will make you reach for tissues. Keaton proves that sometimes the smallest gestures carry the most emotional weight.
11. The Family Stone (2005)

Sybil Stone fiercely protects her tight-knit family during what might be her last Christmas together. Keaton brings emotional depth to a mother facing terminal illness while trying to keep everyone happy.
Her character’s unconditional love for her children creates the heart of this holiday ensemble drama. Keaton handles both comedic family chaos and heartbreaking vulnerability with equal skill.
One powerful scene where she breaks down alone shows the weight of keeping up appearances for loved ones. She anchors the talented cast with grace and authenticity.
12. Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

Taking a major risk, Keaton plays Theresa, a teacher who lives a double life exploring the dangerous singles bar scene. This dark, provocative film shows a completely different side of her talent.
By day she’s a dedicated educator, but at night she seeks out risky encounters with strangers. Keaton fearlessly portrays self-destructive behavior and sexual liberation with unflinching honesty.
The film’s shocking ending stays with viewers long after the credits roll. It remains one of her boldest career choices, proving she could handle complex, troubled characters.
13. Interiors (1978)

Woody Allen’s serious Bergman-inspired drama features Keaton as Renata, a poet dealing with her mother’s mental breakdown. Gone is the quirky humor from their other collaborations, replaced by raw emotional pain.
Keaton’s restrained performance reveals depths she hadn’t shown before in dramatic roles. Playing the responsible daughter trying to hold her fractured family together, she conveys years of repressed feelings.
The film divided critics but showcased Keaton’s ability to handle heavy dramatic material without comedy. Her subtle expressions speak volumes about family obligation and personal sacrifice.
14. Love and Death (1975)

Satirizing Russian literature and philosophy, this comedy showcases Keaton’s impeccable deadpan delivery. She plays Sonja, discussing war, death, and existence with hilarious philosophical absurdity.
Her timing in delivering ridiculous dialogue with complete seriousness makes every joke land perfectly. Keaton proves she can handle both physical comedy and witty wordplay with equal skill.
The film parodies everything from Tolstoy to Dostoevsky, and Keaton matches Woody Allen joke for joke. It’s one of her funniest early performances, showing the comedic genius that would define her career.
15. Morning Glory (2010)

As veteran news anchor Colleen Peck, Keaton brings feisty charm to this behind-the-scenes look at morning television. Her character’s rivalry with Harrison Ford’s grumpy co-anchor creates sparks and laughs.
Keaton shows that older women can still command the screen with sharp wit and personality. She steals scenes from younger stars with her impeccable comedic timing and refusal to fade into the background.
The role celebrates professional women who’ve earned their place through decades of hard work. Keaton makes Colleen both funny and formidable, someone who won’t be pushed around.
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