Diane Keaton’s 10 Best Movies: Celebrating a Hollywood Icon’s Legendary Film Legacy

Diane Keaton wasn’t just an actress—she was a whole vibe. She was born in Los Angeles, not as Diane Keaton, but as Diane Hall. Before she stepped into the spotlight, she took her mother’s maiden name, and Diane Keaton, a star was born. She took on Broadway in Hair and Play It Again, Sam in the late ’60s. 1970s Lovers and Other Strangers was her start in film. However, The Godfather in 1972 catapulted Diane Keaton into movie stardom. She carved out a career that spanned over five decades and came to an end when she passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79 in California.

Though she is gone, she will always fill our screens with her signature style, charisma, and smile. Check out Diane’s 10 most iconic films.

Diane Keaton’s 10 Best Movies

1. Annie Hall (1977)

Annie Hall is the blueprint for the offbeat rom-com heroines. Keaton’s performance as the neurotic, lovable Annie won her the Oscar for Best Actress and redefined the genre. Also, the menswear? Iconic.

2. The Godfather Trilogy (1972, 1974, 1990)

As Kay Adams-Corleone, Keaton brought quiet strength and moral complexity to the mafia epic. Her scenes with Al Pacino are cinematic gold, especially that door-closing moment in Part I.

3. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Keaton plays a successful playwright who falls for Jack Nicholson’s aging playboy. It’s witty, warm, and gave her a fourth Oscar nomination. Also: kitchen goals.

4. Reds (1981)

In this historical drama, Keaton stars opposite Warren Beatty as journalist Louise Bryant. It’s intense, political, and earned her another Oscar nod. She held her own like a boss.

5. Father of the Bride (1991)

As Nina Banks, Keaton was the calm, stylish mom every bride wishes she had. Her chemistry with Steve Martin was pure magic—and yes, we still cry at the wedding scenes.

6. The First Wives Club (1996)

Revenge never looked so good. Keaton joins Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler to take down their exes in this hilarious, empowering classic. White suits and sass included. Remember, don’t tell her what to do!

7. Manhattan (1979)

Another Woody Allen collab, this time with Keaton playing a cerebral journalist. It’s moody, intellectual, and showcases her dramatic chops in a big way.

8. Baby Boom (1987)

Corporate queen becoming an accidental mom? Yes please. Keaton’s comedic timing and emotional range shine in this Nancy Meyers gem. Also, the Vermont farmhouse is a whole mood.

9. The Family Stone (2005)

In The Family Stone, Keaton plays the head of a topsy-turvy, loving family during the holidays. It’s messy, heartfelt, and her performance as Sybil Stone is both fierce and tender.

10. Book Club (2018)

In her later years, Keaton leaned into fun—and Book Club is proof. Playing a woman rediscovering love and friendship, she reminded us that life doesn’t stop at 70. It just gets sassier.

Final Thoughts

Diane Keaton wasn’t just a movie star—she was a cultural icon. She won an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017. But beyond the trophies, she gave us characters that felt real, flawed, and fabulous. She was a fashion trailblazer, a comedic genius, and a dramatic powerhouse. Her legacy isn’t just in the films she made—it’s in the way she made us feel. Rest in power, Diane. You were magic, and we’ll never stop watching.