With the death of Diane Keaton in October 2025, Hollywood has bid farewell to one of its most distinctive and enduring talents. Her five-decade career produced roles that reshaped modern screen acting, comedy, and female representation in film. In honor of her legacy, here is a retrospective look at ten of her most celebrated films, remembered for their cultural impact, critical acclaim, and lasting influence.
1. Annie Hall (1977)
No role defined Diane Keaton more than Annie Hall. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and changed the tone of romantic comedy. The character’s naturalism, humor, and style made Keaton an icon and cemented the film as a landmark of American cinema.
2. The Godfather (1972)
As Kay Adams-Corleone, Keaton brought emotional grounding to a crime epic dominated by male power. Her performance opposite Al Pacino added quiet intensity and moral contrast that helped shape one of the most acclaimed film trilogies in history.
3. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Revisiting Kay in the sequel, Keaton deepened the character’s complexity. Her portrayal of a woman coming to terms with the darkness surrounding Michael Corleone delivered one of the film’s most powerful emotional blows.
4. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
In her later years, Keaton delivered a romantic lead performance that earned her another Oscar nomination. Opposite Jack Nicholson, she captured vulnerability and wit with a rare authenticity for actresses over fifty in Hollywood.
5. Reds (1981)
Starring alongside Warren Beatty, Keaton’s performance as journalist Louise Bryant showcased her dramatic range. The film earned her another Academy Award nomination and demonstrated her ability to command politically and emotionally charged material.
6. Manhattan (1979)
In this well-regarded ensemble film, Keaton delivered a sharp, intellectual, and charismatic performance that helped define a new type of modern romantic lead. Her character, Mary Wilke, remains one of her most memorable comedic roles.
7. Father of the Bride (1991)
Playing Nina Banks, Keaton brought warmth and relatability to a new generation of moviegoers. The film’s commercial success reintroduced her to family audiences, and its sequel cemented her place in 1990s pop culture.
8. The First Wives Club (1996)
As one of three wronged ex-wives seeking reinvention and revenge, Keaton helped lead a film that became a defining comedic hit of the decade. The movie remains a staple of female-led ensemble comedies.
9. Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)
In one of her earliest dramatic roles, Keaton delivered a raw and fearless performance as a woman leading a double life. The film shocked audiences at the time and demonstrated that she could move far beyond light comedy.
10. Marvin’s Room (1996)
Starring alongside Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio, Keaton portrayed a terminally ill woman reconnecting with family. The performance earned her another Oscar nomination and showcased her understated emotional power.
Diane Keaton’s filmography is broader than any single list can capture, but these ten films reflect the brilliance, individuality, and evolution that defined her career. From groundbreaking comedy to intimate drama, she remained an actress who shaped the culture rather than followed it. Her absence leaves a profound void, but the characters she created will continue to live on screen for generations to come.