All 9 Keanu Reeves Sci-Fi Thrillers Ranked from Worst to Best

Keanu Reeves has carved out a legendary niche in sci-fi thrillers, blending his enigmatic presence with high-stakes stories that explore technology, identity, and human survival. From cyberpunk flops to genre-defining epics, his sci-fi catalog is a wild ride of ambitious ideas and intense action. Not every film lands, but when they do, they’re unforgettable.

I’ve ranked all nine of Keanu Reeves’ sci-fi thrillers—films that fuse science fiction with suspenseful, high-tension narratives—based on their storytelling, impact, and critical reception. These range from dystopian misfires to iconic masterpieces, each showcasing Keanu’s unique charisma. Here’s the countdown, with insights into what makes each film tick and why it ranks where it does.

9. Replicas (2018)

Keanu plays William Foster, a neuroscientist cloning his dead family in a high-concept sci-fi thriller. The premise had potential, but the execution is a mess—plagued by a silly script, clunky pacing, and unintentional laughs.

Despite Keanu’s earnest effort, the film feels hollow, earning a dismal 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s the kind of ambitious idea Keanu loves, but it collapses under its own weight, making it his weakest sci-fi outing.

8. Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

In this cyberpunk flop, Keanu plays a data courier with a chip in his brain, hauling sensitive info in a dystopian 2021. Directed by Robert Longo, it’s based on William Gibson’s story but stumbles with cheesy sets and a convoluted plot.

With a 14% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a relic of ’90s tech fears that hasn’t aged well, though Keanu’s intensity adds some charm. It’s a cult curiosity, but a misfire that’s tough to defend.

7. Chain Reaction (1996)

Keanu stars as Eddie Kasalivich, a scientist framed for murder after discovering a clean energy source. Morgan Freeman and Rachel Weisz join him in this chase thriller that echoes The Fugitive but with a sci-fi twist.

The film’s convoluted plot and generic action earn it a 16% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Keanu’s solid performance can’t save the messy narrative, landing it low despite some thrilling moments.

6. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

Keanu plays Klaatu, an alien warning Earth about environmental destruction in this remake of the 1951 classic. The modern spin adds slick effects but lacks the original’s soul, earning a 20% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Keanu’s stoic, otherworldly vibe fits Klaatu perfectly, but the film’s heavy-handed message and weak script hold it back. It’s watchable but forgettable, a missed chance to update a sci-fi staple.

5. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

The final chapter of the original Matrix trilogy sees Keanu’s Neo facing the machine war’s climax. The Wachowskis go big with action, but the dense philosophy and bloated plot divide fans, earning a 35% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Keanu’s gravitas anchors the spectacle, especially in the rain-soaked final fight. It’s ambitious but overstuffed, falling short of its predecessors’ magic. Still, it’s a bold, if flawed, sci-fi epic.

4. The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

Keanu returns as Neo in this meta-sequel, exploring a rebooted Matrix with Carrie-Anne Moss’s Trinity. Lana Wachowski directs a nostalgic yet fresh take, blending action with commentary on legacy sequels, earning a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Keanu’s older, wearier Neo adds emotional depth, though the film struggles to match the original’s spark. It’s a divisive but daring addition to the franchise, rewarding for fans.

3. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

The first Matrix sequel expands the world with Zion, new villains, and wild action like the highway chase. Keanu’s Neo evolves into a near-mythic hero, but the dense lore can feel unwieldy, earning a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Keanu’s stoic intensity and the groundbreaking effects keep it thrilling, even if it overcomplicates the story. It’s a bold step forward that still delivers iconic sci-fi thrills.

2. A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Keanu plays Bob Arctor, an undercover cop in a dystopian future battling drug addiction and surveillance. Richard Linklater’s rotoscoped adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s novel is a haunting blend of sci-fi and psychological tension.

With an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, Keanu’s understated performance, alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson, nails the paranoid vibe. It’s a criminally underrated gem that dives deep into identity and betrayal.

1. The Matrix (1999)

Keanu’s Neo redefined sci-fi as a hacker-turned-savior in the Wachowskis’ groundbreaking thriller. The film’s “bullet time” effects, philosophical depth, and cyberpunk style earned an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and a lasting legacy.

Keanu’s blend of vulnerability and coolness makes Neo iconic, with every scene—from the dojo fight to the subway showdown—electric. It’s a genre-defining masterpiece that remains Keanu’s sci-fi peak.

Which of Keanu’s sci-fi thrillers is your favorite, or did I miss a hidden gem in his catalog? Share your thoughts in the comments!