Hold on a minute! Before you start mourning, let's clear something up: Reports of Diane Keaton's death are FALSE. Thankfully, the iconic actress is still very much with us! But this near-miss serves as a stark reminder of her incredible legacy. So, in celebration of her life and career, let's dive into seven must-watch Diane Keaton films perfect for a weekend binge.
While the initial reports were inaccurate and distressing, they sparked a renewed appreciation for Keaton's contributions to cinema. Her performances have touched generations, and her films continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's explore some of her best work.
1/7
Father of the Bride: This heartwarming classic isn't just a wedding movie; it's a masterclass in family dynamics. Keaton shines as Nina Banks, the calm and collected wife to Steve Martin's George and mother to Kimberly Williams-Paisley's Annie. HELLO!'s Digital Content Director perfectly captures the film's timeless appeal: "I was born in 1987, so Father of the Bride came out when I was just four. I remember watching it when I was a teenager, and even then it hadn’t aged a bit. Now, in my 30s, I still find myself watching it—and it’s just as funny and heartwarming as ever. It’s one of those timeless feel-good movies that never gets old and always manages to make you laugh." It's a feel-good experience from start to finish, exploring themes of love, change, and the bittersweet feeling of letting go.
2/7
The First Wives Club: Revenge is a dish best served hilarious! The Guardian aptly described this gem as "the 9-5 of the 90s," and it's easy to see why. Keaton plays Annie Paradis, alongside Goldie Hawn as Elise Eliot and Bette Midler as Brenda Morelli Cushman. After Annie's husband leaves her for his therapist (ouch!), she reunites with her college friends at a funeral, where they discover they've all been betrayed by their ex-husbands. Thus, the “First Wives Club” is born, a sisterhood dedicated to reclaiming their power and self-worth. Perfect for a girls' night in, especially if anyone's nursing a broken heart! The film touches on important themes of female empowerment and the challenges women face in a male-dominated society. But here's where it gets controversial... Some critics argue that the film's portrayal of men is overly simplistic and unfair. What do you think?
3/7
The Family Stone: Get ready for some serious family drama (and a few laughs). Alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, and Clare Danes, Keaton embodies Sybil Stone, the matriarch of a wonderfully eccentric, tight-knit family. As they gather for Christmas, Sybil welcomes her son Everett’s (played by Dermot Mulroney) uptight girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), into their chaotic home. This is a movie about acceptance, tolerance, and the messy reality of family life. And this is the part most people miss... The film subtly explores the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of navigating different personalities and values.
4/7
The Book Club movies: Keaton plays Diane (yes, the character's name is also Diane!), a witty and independent woman navigating love, friendship, and self-discovery later in life. She and her three lifelong friends (Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen) decide to read Fifty Shades of Grey, sparking hilarious and insightful conversations about romance and their own relationships. Diane, initially cautious and reserved, gradually embraces adventure, romance, and spontaneity. It's a story about second chances, the enduring power of friendship, and the importance of staying young at heart. This is definitely one to watch with your mum! It sparks interesting conversations about female sexuality and aging.
5/7
Baby Boom: From corporate powerhouse to… baby food entrepreneur? Keaton is J.C. Wiatt, a driven Manhattan businesswoman whose life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits a baby girl. Initially overwhelmed, J.C. struggles to balance her career with motherhood. She eventually moves to Vermont and launches a successful gourmet baby food business, proving that women can have it all (sort of). HELLO!'s US Deputy Editor Hannah Hargrave remembers: "Even now looking back it gave a kind of fairy tale look at having it all, even though at the time I didn’t understand what it was all about. I’d love to go back and watch it now as a mum of 2." The film offers a somewhat idealized, yet still inspiring, look at the challenges and rewards of being a working mother.
6/7
Something's Gotta Give: A romantic comedy with a touch of maturity. Keaton plays Erica Barry, a successful playwright who finds herself unexpectedly entangled with Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson), a notorious womanizer who falls ill at her beach house. Initially resistant, Erica navigates humor, attraction, and emotional vulnerability as she confronts her own fears about love and aging. It's a witty and heartwarming story about finding love when you least expect it. This one is definitely a rom-com to watch with your partner or during a girl's night in! It challenges societal expectations about age and relationships.
7/7
Hampstead: Before Ariana Grande sang about it, Diane Keaton starred in a movie about Hampstead! She plays Emily Walters, a widow who befriends Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson), a reclusive man living in the London woods after losing his wife. When developers threaten to evict Donald, Emily helps him navigate the city's bureaucracy while encouraging a budding romance with her charming niece. It's a sweet and understated film about community, connection, and standing up for what's right. This is the perfect film to watch with your family on a Sunday afternoon.
So, there you have it – seven fantastic Diane Keaton films to celebrate her incredible career (and her continued good health!). Which one are you watching first? And what's your favorite Diane Keaton movie of all time? Let us know in the comments below! We'd love to hear your thoughts and spark some conversation. Do you think her earlier comedic roles are better than her later, more dramatic work? Or vice versa? Let's discuss!
