Few actors have captured hearts, sparked laughter, and told stories with as much grace and authenticity as Diane Keaton. With her trademark wit, timeless style, and ability to make every role feel effortlessly real, Keaton carved out a career that spanned decades and defined generations of cinema.
As we look back following her passing, it feels only right to celebrate the unforgettable performances that made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. From comedy classics to heartwarming dramas, here are 10 of Diane Keaton’s most iconic films — and the roles that remind us why we fell in love with her in the first place.
It’s impossible to talk about Diane Keaton’s legacy without starting here. As the quirky, endearing Annie Hall in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy, Keaton gave a performance so charming and natural that it not only won her an Oscar, but also redefined the genre itself. With her witty one-liners, offbeat style, and heartfelt vulnerability, Annie became one of cinema’s most unforgettable characters — and cemented Keaton as a household name.
Before Annie Hall, Keaton took on a very different role — Kay Adams, the moral compass and conflicted wife of Michael Corleone, in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece. Her nuanced performance brought depth and humanity to a world of power and corruption, proving early on that she could hold her own alongside the biggest names in film.
In this romantic comedy opposite Jack Nicholson, Keaton delivered one of the most beloved performances of her later career. As Erica Barry — a successful playwright navigating love and middle age — she was witty, vulnerable, and endlessly relatable. Her heartfelt portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination and reminded audiences that great love stories don’t stop at 50.
As Nina Banks, the endlessly patient and loving mother preparing for her daughter’s wedding, Keaton brought warmth and humour to this family favourite. Her chemistry with Steve Martin and her effortlessly graceful performance made the film — and its sequel — timeless classics that still resonate with audiences today.
In this career highlight, Keaton starred as J.C. Wiatt, a high-powered executive whose life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes a mother. The film is funny, heartfelt, and ahead of its time in exploring work-life balance — and Keaton’s performance captures every laugh, frustration, and moment of growth with sincerity and charm.
Keaton earned an Academy Award nomination for her deeply moving portrayal of Bessie, a woman facing terminal illness while trying to reconnect with her estranged family. It’s one of her most powerful dramatic roles, showing a quieter, more vulnerable side of her talent — and a reminder of her incredible range.
As journalist Louise Bryant in Warren Beatty’s sweeping historical epic, Keaton proved she was far more than a comedic actress. Passionate, intelligent, and fearless, her performance earned her yet another Oscar nomination and remains one of the defining roles of her career.
Reuniting with Woody Allen, Keaton showed off her impeccable comedic timing in this lighthearted mystery. As Carol Lipton, an ordinary woman who suspects foul play next door, she’s hilarious, charming, and endlessly watchable — a perfect example of the warmth and wit that made her so beloved.
This cult classic about friendship, revenge, and reinvention wouldn’t be the same without Keaton’s lovable and slightly neurotic Annie. Teaming up with Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn, she helped turn the film into a joyful celebration of resilience and sisterhood that remains just as fun today.
In one of her later-career gems, Keaton played veteran TV anchor Colleen Peck opposite Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams. Sharp, sassy, and full of energy, her performance was a delightful reminder that even after decades in Hollywood, Keaton could still steal every scene she was in.
Although we have sadly lost a legend, the joy, laughter and heart Diane Keaton brought to cinema will stay with us forever.
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