Diane Keaton’s Greatest Movies To Watch In Memory Of The Iconic Actress

Across the weekend, we were saddened to hear the news that beloved Oscar-winning actress, Diane Keaton, had passed away, aged 79. Best known for her breakthrough performance in The Godfather Trilogy (1972) and consistent collaborations with Woody Allen – see, Annie Hall (1978), Manhattan (1979), Love and Death (1975) – her career spanned over five decades in which she rose to a household name during the New Hollywood movement. Her broad variety of roles consistently display her great talent, in which she played each character with sensitivity and wit. In Diane Keaton’s memory, here are a collection of her greatest films.

The Best of Diane Keaton

Firooz Zahedi, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Godfather Trilogy (1972)

While not her first on-screen debut, Diane Keaton rose to fame playing Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972). In the classic gangster movie based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, the story follows the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), in which Keaton plays the role of wife to Don’s youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino) as he reluctantly joins the Mafia. Often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, Keaton reprises her role of Kay in the complete Godfather trilogy.

Available to watch on Prime Video 

Annie Hall (1978)

An automatic classic for any fan of Diane Keaton is Annie Hall (1978). A textbook romcom from the mind of Woody Allen, Annie Hall would go on to be the first of eight films directed by Allen that Keaton stars in, and the one that gained her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film follows comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and his relationship with aspiring actress, Annie Hall. From their first encounter to their eventual break-up, the story reflects on how Alvy’s flaws contributed to the failure of their relationship.

Available to purchase on Apple TV 

Marvin’s Room (1996)

Another movie that got Keaton an Academy Award nomination is Marvin’s Room (1996). With a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, the movie follows estranged sisters Bessie (Keaton) and Lee (Streep) upon Bessie receiving a Leukemia diagnosis. The story follows their reconnection and the revaluation of their relationship in the wake of unfortunate circumstances.

Available to purchase on Prime Video 

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Keaton’s highest grossing film will be familiar to most fans – Something’s Gotta Give (2003). Set in the Hamptons, it stars Jack Nicholson (Harry Sanborn), Keanu Reeves (Julian Mercer) and John Favreau (Leo). While Harry continues to play out his younger playboy lifestyle despite being 63 years old, unavoidable circumstances lead him and Erica to live under one roof despite being polar opposites.

Available on Netflix 

The First Wives Club (1996)

Based on Olivia Goldsmith’s novel of the same name, The First Wives Club follows Elise (Goldie Hawn), Annie (Diane Keaton) and Brenda (Bette Midler) as three divorcees who seek retribution on their ex-husbands who have since left them for much younger women, despite helping them to climb the corporate ladder. The film also stars Sarah Jessica Parker and the late Maggie Smith.

Available on Prime Video 

Father of the Bride (1991)

A classic feel-good film starring Steve Martin (George Banks) and Kimberly Williams (Annie Banks). Keaton and Martin play the proud parents of Annie who, upon returning from a study abroad trip, announces she is getting married. The second movie (1995) then follows George coming to terms with the fact that his daughter has since announced she is having a baby. He then must digest the even bigger news that his wife (Keaton) has also announced her pregnancy. 

Available on Disney+ 

Christmas With The Coopers (2015)

If you are already looking to get into the Christmas spirit, then Christmas With The Coopers is a good place to start. Following four generations of the Cooper family as they reunite for Christmas, the film unpacks the trials and tribulations of the family attempting to get back home in time for the celebrations. John Goodman and Diane Keaton play parents separating after 40 years of marriage, trying to keep the peace on Christmas Eve.

Available to purchase on Prime Video

Hampstead (2017)

A likely lesser-known film of Keaton’s, yet still one to watch is Hampstead. Set on Hampstead Heath, with plenty of iconic locations to spot, the story follows an American widow, Emily (Diane Keaton) who encounters Irish loner, Donald (Brendan Glesson) when his home is under threat by real estate developers. When she begins to help him, an unlikely romance between the two begins to blossom.

Available on Netflix 

Book Club (2018)

One of Diane Keaton’s later films follows four friends (Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen) whose lives change when they read the infamous 50 Shades of Grey as part of their book club. Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023) then sees the friends take to Italy in the wake of COVID-19, turning their holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Available to purchase on Prime Video