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For the past six decades, Michael Keaton has been delivering fearless and unforgettable performances – whether he plays a superhero, an addiction survivor or an investigative journalist. He continues to be one of the most celebrated actors of our time. His acting is what makes his films so memorable and entertaining. Whether action or drama, Michael Keaton’s films are always a treat. Here is a list of some of the best Michael Keaton movies you can watch:
Guide Title |
|
Debut Year/Appearance |
1975/Where the Heart Is |
Total Michael Keaton Movies listed |
10 |
Years Active |
1975-Present |
List of Michael Keaton Movies
1. Batman (1989)
Yes, before Christian Bale, it was Keaton who played Batman in an iconic superhero movie. Directed by Tim Burton, this film set a new standard for superhero movies and launched the career of Keaton as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. The film features Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Jack Nicholson as the diabolical Joker, and Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale. Batman was one of Keaton’s biggest roles to date, and it proved to be a success with critics and audiences alike.
Keaton further stood out in the role due to his physical performance. His portrayal of Batman was very physical, with him doing most of his own stunts, including some death-defying leaps off buildings and grappling through Gotham City’s dark alleys. Overall, this film was a huge success and is regarded by many as one of the best Michael Keaton movies ever made.
2. Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice follows Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), a young girl who has recently lost her parents, as she navigates her new life with her strange new family – the Maitlands. Her world is chaotic when a former resident of the house returns from beyond the grave to wreak havoc: Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton).
Keaton’s performance as the mischievous ghost is one of his best-known roles. His character is full of energy and boundless creativity, which makes him a joy to watch and perfectly balances out Lydia’s mopey nature. From the whimsical and imaginative special effects to the iconic soundtrack and memorable dialogue, Beetlejuice is a classic movie for all ages.
3. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Birdman is one of the renowned Michael Keaton movies, which tells the story of Riggan Thompson, a washed-up actor. Riggan tries to reclaim his lost fame by producing and starring in a Broadway play. The movie features an excellent performance from Keaton, showcasing his comedic and dramatic acting range. The cinematography and editing also help make this film stand out, as it appears to be filmed through one single take without any cuts or edits. In addition, the surrealist themes in Birdman add another layer of complexity that helps elevate it above other Michael Keaton movies.
4. Mr Mom (1983)
Mr Mom is an iconic 80s movie starring Keaton as Jack Butler, a stay-at-home dad who struggles to manage his young kids while his wife returns to work. The movie is full of laugh-out-loud moments and relatable predicaments that many parents can relate to. He does an excellent job playing the role of a father trying to balance work and parenting with humor and heart.
From mowing the lawn for cash to buying a banana costume for his daughter’s birthday party, Jack’s bumbling misadventures make this one of the best Michael Keaton movies ever made. It’s no wonder it became such an enduring classic.
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5. Multiplicity (1996)
It’s one of the best Michael Keaton movies and a fan favorite which follows Doug Kinney, who finds himself overworked and overwhelmed as he tries to juggle his job and family life. To make things easier for himself, Doug agrees to undergo a scientific experiment that clones him into four different versions of himself.
This classic film showcases Michael Keaton’s incredible range as an actor – playing multiple characters with various personalities. His comedic timing, dry delivery, and physicality all shine through in each of the clones, which helps to make this an entertaining and memorable movie.
6. Pacific Heights (1990)
Starring alongside Melanie Griffith, Matthew Modine, and Laurie Metcalf, Keaton plays a con artist who takes advantage of an unsuspecting couple by renting their dream home in Pacific Heights. With his charm and wit, he manages to trick them into paying for extensive renovations they can’t afford – all while dealing with some mysterious tenants upstairs. This film showcases how talented an actor Michael Keaton is, perfectly capturing his character’s sinister yet comical nature.
The movie also looks at themes like class disparity and power dynamics between landlord and tenant relationships in a very wise way. Overall, Pacific Heights is an underrated classic that deserves much more recognition for its unique story and great performances.
7. Desperate Measures (1998)
Desperate Measures follows the story of San Francisco police officer Frank Connor, played by Keaton, who will do anything to save his son’s life when he finds out that he is terminally ill with a rare form of leukemia and needs an experimental drug not available in the United States. The film combines suspense and drama as Connor goes against the law to get what he needs for his son.
It is a one of the exemplary Michael Keaton movies, as he can deliver a powerful and emotional performance. He brings such intensity to his role, which makes it easy to sympathize with Connor’s desperate situation.
8. The Paper (1994)
Released in 1994, The Paper is one of the popular Michael Keaton movies. Directed by Ron Howard, The Paper follows the daily grind and hustle at a New York City tabloid newspaper as they strive to publish a quality newspaper while keeping up with their competition. Keaton plays Henry Hackett, the editor-in-chief of the Paper, who has to deal with day-to-day editorial tasks and difficult decisions, such as whether or not he should fire a beloved and loyal employee.
Keaton’s performance in The Paper is truly outstanding, and he brings a genuine sense of humanity to the role. He brings humour and heartbreak to Hackett while also conveying his character’s depth and complexity. He perfectly balances delight and sincerity, making Hackett a three-dimensional figure viewers can easily relate to.
9. Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown, directed by Quentin Tarantino and featuring Michael Keaton in a supporting role, is one of the best films to feature this iconic actor. Set in Los Angeles, Jackie Brown follows career criminal Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson) and flight attendant Jackie Brown (Pam Grier), who are both caught in a web of crime, deceit, and corruption.
Michael Keaton plays Louis Gara, an ex-convict and friend of Ordell’s who has recently been released from prison. He brings a unique charm to his role as Louis Gara that makes it stand out among his many performances. While Jackie Brown may be known for its action scenes and captivating dialogue, it wouldn’t be nearly as effective without Keaton’s masterful performance. It’s no surprise it remains one of the best Michael Keaton movies ever.
10. My Life (1993)
My Life (1993) is one of the best films featuring Michael Keaton. The movie follows Bill Porter, a man dying of cancer who decides to make a film documenting his life experiences as he faces death. While the movie explores what it means to face mortality, it also shows us how important it is to appreciate every moment we share with our loved ones.
The movie also features strong supporting performances from Nicole Kidman, Frank Langella, and Robert Loggia. The cast can bring the story to Life in a way that engages viewers and makes them care about Bill Porter’s journey. Thanks to their performances, My Life stands out as one of the best Michael Keaton movies.
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Winding up
Michael Keaton is an actor who has proven he can easily tackle any role. From comedy to drama, his performances are always worth watching. This list of the best Michael Keaton movies features some of his iconic roles and unforgettable performances. So if you’re looking for a good ones, these films are worth checking out.