Hollywood
What is Keanu Reeves’ highest-grossing film?
Keanu Reeves has appeared in numerous high-ranking films throughout his career
Actor Keanu Reeves made himself a household name, after making his first acting debut in 1984 for the sitcom “Hangin’ In”. The Canadian actor has since appeared in multiple multi-million dollar film franchises.
Reeves’ role as Neo in ‘The Matrix’ sequel ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ is his highest-grossing film to date. The film, which came out in 2003, grossed a whopping $519 million upon its worldwide release.
Thus far, Reeves has made more from ‘The Matrix’ franchise than any other actor in a film franchise. This includes Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission Impossible’ films and Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘The Avengers’ franchise, both of whom are also top earners for franchise films.
Reeves made an impressive $156 million from ‘The Matrix’ franchise alone.
Top 3 highest-grossing Keanu Reeves films
With the 2003 blockbuster sci-fi hit ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ taking the top spot for Keanu Reeves’ top-grossing film, it comes as no surprise that the original film in the franchise takes second place.
‘The Matrix’, which came out in 1999, features Reeves as Neo alongside co-stars Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) and Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus). The film earned 467.2 million USD at the global box office.
In third place for highest-grossing films, ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ (2003) earned an impressive $427.3 million USD worldwide. ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ was filmed simultaneously with ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ as the directors, the Wachowski siblings, envisioned the franchise as a trilogy.
Keanu Reeves’ humble beginnings
Despite Reeves’ immense Hollywood success and international acclaim, the Canadian actor’s initial forays into the industry were not quite as glamorous. Reeves initially wanted to become a pro hockey player, before shifting his goals towards acting.
The ‘John Wick’ star got his first big break in 1989, for his portrayal of Ted in ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’. He then went on to star in films with fellow actors Joaquin Phoenix (in ‘Parenthood’) and Sandra Bullock (in ‘Speed’) over the next five years.
Still, Reeves did not just stop at acting. He started an alt-rock band in the early 1990s called ‘Dogstar’. Though they disbanded a few years later, the actor still looks upon the experience fondly.
“I guess it would have helped if our band was better,” Reeves joked to GQ after admitting that he wished his acting success hadn’t had so much impact on the band.