10 Unforgettable Michael Keaton Performances Every Fan Should Watch

“Night Shift” is a comedy film directed by Ron Howard, set in a New York City morgue where two night workers, Chuck (Henry Winkler) and Bill (Michael Keaton), decide to start a prostitution business. Michael Keaton plays Bill “Blaze” Blazejowski, a hyperactive and eccentric morgue attendant with wild entrepreneurial ideas. His energetic and chaotic performance marked his breakout role, showcasing his comedic timing and improvisational skills, which helped launch his career in Hollywood.

“Mr. Mom” is a comedy about a stay-at-home dad navigating the challenges of domestic life after losing his job. Michael Keaton plays Jack Butler, a Detroit automotive engineer who switches roles with his wife when she reenters the workforce. Jack, initially clueless about managing household duties and raising the kids, comically stumbles through parenting and homemaking. Keaton’s relatable, funny portrayal of a man adjusting to unfamiliar territory resonated with audiences and solidified his reputation as a comedic lead in Hollywood.

“Beetlejuice”, directed by Tim Burton, is a dark comedy about a recently deceased couple who hire a mischievous bio-exorcist, “Beetlejuice”, to scare away the new inhabitants of their home. Michael Keaton plays the titular role, a chaotic, crude, and wildly unpredictable “ghost with the most.” His over-the-top, eccentric performance became an instant hit, transforming “Beetlejuice” into an iconic character in pop culture. The film’s success had a profound impact on Keaton’s career, showcasing his comedic range and creativity, and solidifying him as a versatile leading actor in Hollywood.

In “Batman” and “Batman Returns”, both directed by Tim Burton, Michael Keaton stars as Bruce Wayne/Batman, a dark and brooding version of the iconic superhero. In “Batman”, he faces off against Jack Nicholson’s Joker, while in “Batman Returns”, he battles Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the Penguin (Danny DeVito). Keaton’s casting initially sparked skepticism due to his comedic background, but his portrayal of a psychologically complex and intense Batman won over critics and audiences alike. These films were massive box-office hits and redefined the superhero genre, solidifying Keaton’s status as a serious leading actor and forever linking him to the “Batman” legacy.

“Much Ado About Nothing”, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is a film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy about love, deception, and miscommunication. Michael Keaton plays Dogberry, the bumbling, eccentric constable whose comedic incompetence ultimately helps uncover a key plot of villainy. Keaton’s portrayal of Dogberry is filled with exaggerated physical humor and quirky line delivery, bringing a unique comedic flair to the role. Though a supporting part, Keaton’s performance stood out in this ensemble cast, showcasing his ability to adapt to Shakespearean comedy while adding his own distinctive style.

“The Paper”, directed by Ron Howard, is a drama-comedy set in the fast-paced world of journalism. Michael Keaton plays Henry Hackett, an ambitious and harried city editor at a New York tabloid, struggling to balance the pressures of his job with his personal life. As Henry navigates a whirlwind day filled with breaking news, ethical dilemmas, and looming deadlines, Keaton brings a blend of intensity, humor, and humanity to the role. His energetic performance anchors the film, capturing the chaotic and often morally complex world of the newsroom.

“Jackie Brown”, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a crime thriller based on Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch. The film follows a flight attendant, Jackie Brown (Pam Grier), who becomes entangled in a scheme involving smuggling, double-crossing, and law enforcement. Michael Keaton plays ATF agent Ray Nicolette, who is determined to bring down the arms dealer (Samuel L. Jackson) Jackie is involved with. Keaton’s performance as Nicolette is sharp and understated, portraying a determined yet somewhat laid-back lawman. While a supporting role, it was a memorable part that added to Keaton’s diverse filmography, and he even reprised the character in Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight” (1998).

It is not often that a list goes from 1998 to 2014. But Keaton received a major career resurgence in the 2010s with success in films like “The Other Guys”, “Toy Story 3”, and “Birdman”.

“Birdman”, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is a dark comedy-drama about Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a washed-up actor famous for playing a superhero decades earlier, who attempts to revive his career by staging a Broadway play. Keaton’s role mirrors his own career in many ways, as he grapples with personal and professional insecurities, seeking artistic validation while haunted by the specter of his former superhero role.

Keaton’s performance earned widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, and marked a significant career resurgence. He won the Golden Globe for his performance in the film. “Birdman” not only revitalized his status as a leading actor in Hollywood but also showcased his dramatic depth and versatility.

“Spotlight” is a biographical drama that follows the Boston Globe’s investigative “Spotlight” team as they uncover a widespread child abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. Michael Keaton plays Walter “Robby” Robinson, the leader of the investigative team. Keaton’s portrayal of Robinson is grounded and compelling, capturing the tenacity and moral integrity required to pursue such a sensitive and challenging story. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Keaton’s nuanced performance was widely praised, solidifying his place in modern Hollywood as a versatile and respected actor.

“Dopesick” is a 2021 Hulu miniseries that explores the opioid crisis in the U.S., focusing on Purdue Pharma’s role in marketing OxyContin and its devastating effects on communities. The show examines the intersection of doctors, patients, and corporate greed, offering a harrowing look at how addiction spread across America.

Michael Keaton plays Dr. Samuel Finnix, a compassionate doctor who initially prescribes OxyContin, believing it to be a safe painkiller. He later becomes a victim of the opioid epidemic himself. Keaton’s powerful performance earned widespread acclaim, winning him an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series.

Michael Keaton’s career has been marked by his incredible versatility, from his iconic comedic turn in “Beetlejuice” to his powerful dramatic performances in films like “Birdman” and “Spotlight”. With “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” out in theaters now, Keaton continues to prove why he’s one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents, seamlessly balancing humor, intensity, and depth in every role he takes on. As audiences enjoy his latest work, it’s clear that Michael Keaton’s legacy as a cinematic chameleon remains as vibrant as ever.