Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked

Key Takeaways

  • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sequel brings back cult characters like Betelgeuse, highlighting Keaton’s iconic portrayal.
  • Keaton shines as Ray Nicolette in Jackie Brown, Ken in Toy Story 3, Vulture in Spider-Man.
  • Keaton excels as Ray Kroc in The Founder, Walter Robinson in Spotlight, and Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman movies.

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for acting prowess, I must say that Michael Keaton’s career is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in comedy classics like Beetlejuice to his transformative role as Batman, Keaton has shown us time and again that he can master any character he takes on.


Back again after three decades: The classic horror comedy “Beetlejuice” by Tim Burton is making a comeback, bringing back beloved characters like Betelgeuse and the Deetz family in the long-awaited sequel. Since it was this film that first catapulted visionary director Burton to fame, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice revisits the legendary narrative, welcoming new talents like Jenna Ortega along with original stars such as Winona Ryder.

In the movie “Beetlejuice,” the unforgettable character is brought to life by Michael Keaton, a well-known and respected actor who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Betelgeuse. As the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” approaches, Keaton’s acting career has earned increasing respect, with many of his roles considered cinematic classics.

9 Ray Nicolette – Jackie Brown (1997)

Sharp And Stern Performance As Detective In Star-Studded Crime Drama

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Quentin Tarantino
Release Date December 25, 1997
Cast Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton

In the highly renowned movie “Jackie Brown,” directed by the celebrated filmmaker Quentin Tarantino during the 90s, Keaton assumes the character of Ray Nicolette, a police officer who disrupts Jackie Brown’s illicit activities as she carries out her criminal endeavors.

Starring actors like Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, and Pam Grier, Keaton excelled as one of the film’s villains, delivering a powerful performance that ultimately led Jackie to become agitated. In addition to his notable supporting role, Keaton later reprised his character Ray in Steven Sodenbergh’s “Out of Sight,” with both films being adapted from the same novelist.

8 Ken – Toy Story 3 (2010)

Keaton Voices Charismatic Doll In Iconic Franchise

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Lee Unkrich
Release Date June 18, 2010
Cast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Michael Keaton, Don Rickles

As a dedicated gamer, I eagerly waited for the release of Toy Story 3, the final installment that concluded the beloved franchise. Stepping into the scene as a fresh addition was Keaton, who breathed life into the charming and captivating character Ken. With Andy’s toys making their way to daycare, the dynamic duo of Buzz and Woody, along with their fellow playthings, found themselves among an array of new companions. Among this sea of faces, Ken stood out, capturing Barbie’s heart as he became her cherished love interest.

In one of Keaton’s finest vocal roles, the actor shines as the captivating doll, oozing self-assurance and sincere affection towards Barbie. This endears him so much that his loyalties shift drastically when Lotso betrays Andy’s toys.

7 Adrian Toomes/Vulture – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Cunning Villain That Opposes Peter Parker

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Jon Watts
Release Date July 7, 2017
Cast Tom Holland, Zendaya, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.

In the initial Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment of “Spider-Man”, Michael Keaton takes on the role of the infamous comic book antagonist, Vulture – a winged adversary for Tom Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man. Later in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, Keaton plays a caring and nurturing father to Liz, developing a strong bond with Peter Parker during their high school years.

Playing both the role of a good father and the antagonist Vulture, Keaton skillfully delivers a multidimensional performance. His character’s salvage company being shut down leads him to commit unscrupulous actions. This dual portrayal has earned him high praise for his nuanced performance, making him one of the most admired MCU villains to date.

6 Ray Kroc – The Founder (2016)

McDonald’s Biopic That Delivers A Magnetic Keaton Performance

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director John Lee Hancock
Release Date January 20, 2017
Cast Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, Laura Dern, John Carroll Lynch

The tale illustrates how Ray Kroc, portrayed by Keaton, became deeply involved with the McDonald’s brothers’ restaurant, eventually assuming control and expanding the chain into a globally successful enterprise, as depicted in this account.

In this biographical film, the Creator observes Keaton delivering an animated and spirited portrayal of his character’s ascent within the McDonald’s empire and his dedication to the brand. The movie shows Ray distancing himself from the McDonald brothers, which presents Keaton’s act of treachery and perseverance as an accurate representation of historical events. This intriguing depiction makes for captivating viewing.

5 Walter Robinson – Spotlight (2015)

Stoic Ensemble Performance Featuring Keaton

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Tom McCarthy
Release Date November 6, 2015
Cast Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber

In the Academy Award-winning film “Spotlight,” Keaton delivered an exceptional performance that earned him high praise from critics. The story unfolds around The Boston Globe newspaper and its reporters who uncovered instances of child abuse and misconduct within religious institutions.

As journalists uncover troubling facts about the situation, Keanu Reeves, joined by Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams, gives steadfast performances. In his role as Walter Robinson, Keanu demonstrates an impressive blend of resilience and complexity, showcasing his versatility as an actor while dealing with challenges and a crisis.

4 Bruce Wayne/Batman – Batman Returns (1992)

Moody Sequel That Sees Keaton Showing Strong Chemistry With Catwoman

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Tim Burton
Release Date June 19, 1992
Cast Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken

In his second appearance as Batman, Keaton altered his approach, and the film “Batman Returns” took on a darker, more somber tone compared to its initial release. In this sequel, Keaton confronted the infamous villain, The Penguin, but the standout feature of the movie was the intriguing dynamic between Batman and Catwoman, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer.

In this movie, the exceptional dynamic between the characters on screen is undeniably one of its most captivating aspects. Once more, Keaton delivers an outstanding performance as both the Caped Crusader and Bruce Wayne, setting a high standard for future Batman actors to aspire to in their portrayals.

3 Riggan Thomson – Birdman (2014)

Eccentric Performance As Washed Up Actor

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Release Date October 17, 2014
Cast Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis

The film “Birdman” not just leaves audiences in awe due to its stunning visuals and technical prowess, but it’s also celebrated for its exceptional acting, particularly its star-studded cast with Michael Keaton taking the helm as the main character.

The film centers around Michael Keaton’s character as a once-famous superhero actor struggling on Broadway, delivering a gripping and electrifying performance that showcases an actor at his wit’s end. In a standout moment for Keaton, he demonstrates his adaptability by deviating from his previous iconic roles.

2 Betelgeuse – Beetlejuice (1988)

Horror Comedy Classic That Put Keaton On The Map

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Tim Burton
Release Date March 30, 1988
Cast Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis

Beetlejuice marked a significant milestone in Keaton’s career, propelling him towards Hollywood fame. His collaboration with Burton resulted in an unforgettable portrayal of Betelgeuse. In this horror-comedy film, a pair of ghosts engage Betelgeuse to drive away a new family from their previously abandoned home. The movie showcases numerous humorous scenes, with Keaton’s Betelgeuse serving as the lifeblood and essence of Beetlejuice.

As a devoted admirer, I can wholeheartedly say that Keaton seamlessly immerses himself in the grandeur of elaborate makeup and costumes, delivering laughter and enjoyment that rivals his most impressive comic performances yet – a feat only a select few actors have managed to accomplish throughout their careers.

1 Bruce Wayne/Batman – Batman (1989)

Subtle Portrayal Of Batman And Bruce Wayne

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keatons Best Movie Roles, Ranked
Director Tim Burton
Release Date June 23, 1989
Cast Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Billy Dee Williams

In his career, Keaton is best recognized for his role in the 1989 film Batman. This performance catapulted him into international stardom as he took on Jack Nicholson’s Joker. Playing both Bruce Wayne and Batman, Keaton delivered a nuanced portrayal of the legendary comic book character, providing a stark contrast to the mysterious and flamboyant antagonist, the Joker.

Keaton’s intense portrayal of the Caped Crusader is widely recognized as a standout among superhero performances. The way Keaton played Bruce Wayne and Batman has significantly impacted subsequent generations of superheroes, leaving a lasting influence on them.

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2024-09-03 11:35