Keanu Reeves chokes up as he reveals how The Matrix ‘changed his life’

Keanu Reeves is easily one of the most enjoyed action stars right now but the actor has reflected on how The Matrix franchise changed his life before John Wick.

For one generation, when they see Reeves, they think of ruthless killer and assassin John Wick from his namesake’s franchise.

However, for anyone who was aware of him before that, he is better known as ‘The One’, the 'Savior of Zion', Neo.

If you haven’t a clue what I'm talking about you had better return to the seminal film series that is The Matrix.

Now, while Reeves was an accomplished actor before this franchise thanks to movies like Speed and Point Break, when the first Matrix flick released in 1999 it took the world by storm and made him a global superstar.

The film’s influence was major, to the point you had kids in playgrounds trying to dodge (make believe) bullets by leaning back at impossible angles, myself included.

In Hollywood, TV shows and films would start referencing or emulating cool aspects from the franchise, most notably ‘bullet time’, and The Matrix cemented itself as an iconic piece of action film excellence.

Keanu Reeves paused as he thought of the right words to describe the impact of The Matrix films. (Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)

Reeves is well aware of the franchise’s massive influence and speaking recently on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the 59-year-old appeared to hold back tears as he reflected on its impact.

When the host brought up the fact that the first movie recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, Reeves had to pause before he spoke about how important it was to him.

What me and my friends thought we looked like emulating Neo. (Warner Bros.)

He said: “The Matrix changed my life, and then over these years, it’s changed so many other people’s lives in really positive and great ways.

“As an artist, you hope for that when you get to do a film or tell a story.

“So, when you say these years, the amount of people that I have met who have said to me and been touched by The Matrix in such a positive way… It’s the best.”

Fans loved Reeves's heartfelt response. (Warner Bros.)

Reeves then received thunderous applause from the audience.

On social media, fans also praised the actor for his heartfelt response.

“I appreciate your authentic, heartfelt, eloquence Keanu!” one user commented on YouTube.

Another commented: "Humbleness was defined by this guy. Such a gem, that matrix response got me."

While a third added: "His right, matrix change a lot of people point of view on life."

And someone else wrote: "To this day, The Matrix remains my favorite movie of all time. Full stop. It's amazing to see him get so emotional when he talks about it."