Keanu Reeves, also known as the internet’s boyfriend, is celebrating his birthday on September 2nd. And because we’ll look for any opportunity to celebrate Reeves, we’ve put together a list of our picks for must-watch movies. Because Reeves has done it all, from rom-coms to action, and we’d like it no other way.
1. The Matrix
The Matrix is without a doubt a cultural touchstone that has influenced individuals, other movies and shows, and truckload after truckload of memes. And while Reeves was already known in the movie industry, this was also the movie that shot him to stardom and made him a household name.
2. John Wick
John Wick redefined Reeves and introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. Sure, he was an action star already. But this was like a soft reboot that gave him a chance to explore a grittier side of his acting capabilities and proving how much we love a grump with a heart of gold.
3. Constantine
Look, we know there are other versions of John Constantine, but it’s the movie with Keanu Reeves that really made this character. Combine that with the visual world building of this movie and the other actors chosen, and you’ve got an unforgettable movie. Plus there’s Rachel Weisz. Dear lord, what a combo.
4. Destination Wedding
We love the fact that Reeves looks exactly like this John Wick character in Destination Wedding. He’s just grumpier, kicks less ass, and falls in love with a woman played by the supremely underrated Winona Ryder. We would like a sequel of this rom-com, weird bits and all.
5. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a wild ride that introduced fan to Reeves when it premiered in 1989. And to this day, people refer to this movie in TV, movies, and books. Don’t forget how adorable Reeves looked as Ted alongside a young Alex Winter as Bill. Classic.
Here is our birthday wish for him and the story of his life
But Keanu Reeves is not only about his movies.
Keanu’s reputation as one of the loveliest souls in Hollywood goes back many years, to when he established a fund to help children suffering with cancer, after his younger sister Kim was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Despite donating millions of dollars, the actor hasn’t put his name to the foundation, which supports families going through cancer, but instead anonymously allows the fund to help families.
Keanu shows mega generosity to people he works with as well. It is reported that he gave the stunt team on the Matrix Reloaded their own Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and gifted Rolex watches worth thousands to people who worked on the latest John Wick film.
According to Reddit, the actor heard about some money troubles that a person working on the set for The Matrix was having, and gave them a $20,000 Christmas bonus to help him out.
It’s not just financially that the Bill & Ted star is generously-spirited either. He recently posed for pictures at a couple’s wedding in Northamptonshire, when it turned out he was staying at the same hotel as them.
And then there are the other acts of kindness that aren’t always synonymous with A-listers. For instance, he regularly rides the New York subway and, a few years ago, was filmed giving up his seat for a lady with a large bag.
He also took a road trip with fellow passengers after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing. The bogus journey turned into an excellent adventure when the icon helped arrange transport for passengers and entertained them by sharing facts with them and playing tunes on his phone.
Happy 58th birthday then, to the nicest man in Hollywood!
