Diane Keaton is one of the most distinctive actresses in Hollywood. From her iconic performances to her offbeat, eccentric charm, she built a career unlike any other, defying the typical norms of glamour that dominated the industry. Even as she became romantically linked with some of Hollywood’s most famous men and starred in a number of hit films, Keaton never really played the part of the glamorous movie star. Instead, she carved out a unique niche—intellectual, quirky, and refreshingly down-to-earth, her career spans over five decades.
Keaton’s appeal isn’t just in her stellar performances but also in her relatability and vulnerability. While she’s often portrayed as self-deprecating, it’s clear that much of this stems from her own deep-seated insecurities. Despite battling eating disorders and struggling with feelings of inadequacy, Keaton was able to channel this inner turmoil into a diverse and impressive range of roles.
Here, we take a look at six essential Diane Keaton films, ranging from her early collaborations with Woody Allen to her later roles in romantic comedies, each showcasing her undeniable talent and unique presence. These films will give you a window into her versatility, charm, and ability to captivate audiences with her raw and honest performances.
1. The Godfather (1972)
Diane Keaton’s breakout role came in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams, the future Mrs. Michael Corleone. Though this could have easily been a background role, Keaton brought a depth to Kay that made her much more than just the “straight-laced” wife. In the world of the Corleone crime family, where everyone else is larger-than-life, Kay’s grounded and reserved character offered a contrast that proved essential to the film’s balance.
Keaton’s subtlety shines in the iconic final scene, where her character watches her husband’s transformation into the mafia don, realizing the distance that has grown between them. It’s a moment of pure emotional weight, and Keaton nails it without uttering a word.
In an Instagram exchange years later, Coppola reflected on his casting choice, saying that he saw something in Keaton beyond her character’s plain appearance—a “deeper, funnier, and very interesting” presence that he believed would perfectly complement the darker elements of The Godfather. It’s no surprise that this film remains one of Keaton’s defining performances.
Where to Watch: Available to rent on various platforms, including Prime Video.
2. Annie Hall (1977)
If there’s one role that truly encapsulates Diane Keaton’s career, it’s Annie Hall. Directed by and starring Woody Allen, the film revolves around the quirky relationship between a neurotic comedian (Allen) and a free-spirited, eccentric woman (Keaton). Keaton’s portrayal of the title character is a beautiful mixture of vulnerability, wit, and charming oddity.
Annie Hall’s fashion—khaki pants, vests, and ties—has become synonymous with Keaton’s personal style, and it all came about organically. Allen encouraged Keaton to dress how she wanted, leading to the now-iconic outfit, which she described as an homage to “cool-looking women on the streets of New York.” Keaton’s portrayal of Annie, with her unapologetic oddness and idiosyncratic nature, became a perfect reflection of the mid-70s feminist movement, at once introspective and progressive.
The film itself is a love letter to New York and romantic relationships, and Keaton’s performance, as always, is filled with warmth, vulnerability, and wisdom.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Fubo TV.
3. Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)
In a stark contrast to her role in Annie Hall, Keaton’s character in Looking for Mr. Goodbar is a deeply troubled woman named Theresa Dunn. A Catholic schoolteacher by day and a reckless party girl by night, Theresa’s life is a spiral of self-destruction as she searches for excitement and escape in dangerous relationships.
Keaton dives into the role with remarkable intensity, exploring the darker sides of the human psyche in a way few actresses were doing at the time. Her portrayal is raw, unsettling, and thoroughly compelling, showcasing a different side of her versatility. While the film was a critical success, it didn’t have the same commercial impact, and it wasn’t until years later that it gained cult status.
Where to Watch: Available to rent on various platforms.
4. Reds (1981)
In Warren Beatty’s historical epic Reds, Keaton plays Louise Bryant, a pioneering journalist and activist who documented the Bolshevik Revolution alongside John Reed, played by Beatty. The film delves into the turbulent political landscape of the early 20th century, but it also explores the personal lives and emotional struggles of its protagonists.
Keaton’s performance as Bryant is compelling, capturing the intensity of the era while also showing the internal conflict of a woman trying to balance personal ambition with love and loyalty. Behind the scenes, Keaton’s relationship with Beatty added another layer of complexity to their on-screen chemistry, as their real-life romantic involvement didn’t always make for the smoothest collaboration. However, this tension only enhanced the emotional depth of their performances.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Kanopy.
5. Baby Boom (1987)
In Baby Boom, Keaton stars as a successful Manhattan career woman who inherits an infant and begins a dramatic life change. When her character, J.C. Wiatt, is unexpectedly left with a 14-month-old baby, she decides to leave her fast-paced urban life behind for the slower pace of Vermont, where she finds herself unexpectedly starting a new chapter. Along the way, she meets a charming veterinarian played by Sam Shepard, but it’s not just romance that defines her transformation—it’s about reclaiming her sense of self.
Directed by Charles Shyer and written by Nancy Meyers, Baby Boom is a quirky, comedic exploration of the intersection between personal ambition and family life. It’s an early entry in the type of films Meyers would become known for—romantic comedies about women navigating career, motherhood, and self-identity. Keaton’s performance is both humorous and poignant, delivering a perfect mix of lightheartedness and deeper social commentary on the pressures of modern womanhood.
Where to Watch: Available to rent on various platforms.
6. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
In Something’s Gotta Give, Keaton plays Erica Barry, a successful playwright who has spent her life focused on her career, but finds herself in a romantic entanglement that challenges her assumptions about love and relationships. Keaton’s portrayal of Erica—someone finding love at an unexpected age—was a breakthrough in a genre that often sidelined older women in favor of younger love interests.
Keaton’s performance as Erica is sharp, self-aware, and emotional, especially in her interactions with Jack Nicholson and Keanu Reeves, both of whom vie for her affection. Keaton herself has said this was one of her favorite films, partly because she got to kiss Nicholson at the age of 57, something she never would have expected in her younger years. The film helped redefine how older women were portrayed in romantic comedies, and Keaton’s performance was a key part of its success.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on Netflix.
Diane Keaton’s filmography is a testament to her ability to create diverse and complex characters, each one as unforgettable as the last. Whether playing a mafia wife in The Godfather or a quirky, independent woman in Annie Hall, Keaton has continually captivated audiences with her authenticity and grace. These six films represent just a few of the highlights of her career, but they provide a great starting point for anyone wanting to explore her remarkable range as an actress.
