10 Keanu Reeves Cameos You Probably Missed—but Will Absolutely Love

There’s something almost mythic about Keanu Reeves. He’s the kind of actor who can disappear into a character or quietly steal a scene just by showing up. While most of us know him as the bullet-dodging Neo or the grief-stricken assassin John Wick, Keanu’s more surprising turns come in the margins—in cameos, guest spots, and voice roles where he doesn’t need to carry the film, but leaves an impression anyway. These appearances aren’t just footnotes; they’re little gifts, reminders of an actor who has never chased the spotlight but somehow remains lit by it. Here are ten such moments where Keanu Reeves appeared (cameo)—and made it count.

1. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Keanu walks into this Netflix rom-com like a divine interruption. Playing a satirical version of himself, he leans into every meme the internet has ever made of him—brooding, philosophical, wildly intense. He orders wine “that plays with time,” cries at dinner, and punches Randall Park in slow motion. What makes the cameo work is how game Keanu is to be laughed at, without ever feeling like he’s mocking himself. His few minutes on screen are a highlight reel of absurdity and charm, and they elevate the film from a sweet romantic comedy into a minor cultural event. Keanu doesn’t just appear—he detonates.

2. Toy Story 4 (2019)

Even in animated form, Keanu Reeves carries an unmistakable presence. As Duke Caboom—the Canadian stuntman action figure with a flair for the dramatic—he brings a blend of bravado and pathos that steals scenes from seasoned characters like Woody and Buzz. Duke is hilarious, yes, but also oddly touching—a plastic daredevil burdened by disappointment. Keanu voices him with a perfect mix of over-the-top gusto and genuine emotional weight. It’s the kind of role that reminds you how much fun he can have, and how seriously he takes even the most seemingly unserious parts.

3. SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge on the Run (2020)

In what might be the most surreal Keanu Reeves guest appearance, he shows up as “Sage,” a wise, mystical tumbleweed guiding SpongeBob and Patrick on a spiritual journey. Yes, you read that right—a floating tumbleweed with Keanu’s serene face glowing from its core. It’s a weird little role, but Keanu leans into it with full sincerity, playing it like he’s reciting Zen koans instead of cartoon dialogue. This funny Keanu moment became instantly meme-worthy, and yet there’s something oddly fitting about him in this universe. Like all great cameos, it works because he treats the ridiculous with reverence.

4. The Neon Demon (2016)

This isn’t a typical Keanu Reeves cameo—he plays Hank, a menacing motel manager who oozes threat with every line. It’s a brief role, but it’s jarring precisely because it’s so against type. There’s no charm, no redemption arc—just a deeply unsettling presence in Nicolas Winding Refn’s glossy nightmare of a film. Keanu’s casting here feels deliberate, even subversive. You walk in expecting warmth or stoicism, and instead, you get menace. It’s a rare dark Keanu moment that adds to his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most quietly versatile stars.

5. Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)

Zach Galifianakis has interviewed plenty of celebrities, but few handle his deadpan assault like Keanu Reeves. In this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Keanu Reeves guest spot, he parries insults with calm, passive-aggressive retorts that are funnier for how little effort they seem to take. “Do you ever get mistaken for a guy who can act?” Zach asks. Keanu pauses, then replies: “No, how about you?” It’s a masterclass in comedic restraint. In a movie packed with over-the-top celebrity cameos, Keanu’s works precisely because it’s so understated. It’s not just a funny Keanu moment—it’s a lesson in timing.

6. Swedish Dicks (2016–2018)

A little-known comedy series about two bumbling private investigators in Los Angeles, Swedish Dicks quietly featured one of the most unexpected recurring Keanu Reeves roles. He appears as Tex, a stoic ghost cowboy (yes, ghost cowboy) who serves as a spiritual guide to one of the leads. The show is offbeat and silly, and Keanu leans into that tone with dry humor and just enough gravitas to make it oddly believable. This obscure Keanu cameo shows how far he’s willing to go to support a friend (he’s long-time pals with the series creator) and a weird idea. A hidden gem in his career.

7. Keanu (2016)

Though he never physically appears on screen, Keanu—a buddy comedy about two men rescuing a stolen kitten—feels entirely built around Reeves’ cult aura. The titular kitten is named after him, and in a dream sequence, Keanu himself voices the cat in a hilariously earnest moment. “You’re stronger than you know,” the kitten says in a hushed, motivational whisper. It’s brief, bizarre, and somehow touching. The film riffs on action movie clichés, and having Reeves lend his voice—uncredited, no less—feels like a quiet blessing. A Keanu Reeves cameo that’s felt more than seen.

Also, Read – The 10 Best Keanu Reeves Movies, Ranked

8. A Happening of Monumental Proportions (2017)

Directed by Judy Greer, this ensemble comedy is messy but full of charming oddities—including Keanu Reeves playing a hilariously intense, pseudo-philosophical loser named Bob. His guest appearance is as unexpected as it is delightful. He rants about life, death, and masculinity in a way that feels both sincere and unhinged. You can tell Keanu is having fun with the part, and that makes all the difference. This is a funny Keanu moment for those who enjoy seeing him completely let loose. The movie may not have made waves, but his cameo is a small treasure.

9. Youngblood (1986)

Before he was The One, Keanu was… a hockey goalie? Yep. In Youngblood, a coming-of-age hockey film starring Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze, Keanu plays the French-Canadian netminder, Heaver. It’s a tiny part, but worth noting because it marked his big-screen debut. You can already see hints of the stoicism and quiet charisma that would later define his career. This early Keanu Reeves appearance is a fun trivia nugget for diehard fans—a reminder that even the biggest stars start somewhere humble, sometimes behind a goalie mask in a 1980s sports flick.

10. Freaked (1993)

In this cult sci-fi comedy directed by Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves takes on the uncredited role of Ortiz the Dog Boy—a half-man, half-dog sideshow attraction. Buried under layers of prosthetics and fur, his portrayal is both bizarre and endearing. This Keanu Reeves cameo showcases his willingness to embrace the absurd and support his friends’ creative endeavors. It’s a hidden gem that highlights his comedic timing and commitment to unconventional roles.