AtanariaAngelina Jolie is more than just a Hollywood star—she’s a cultural phenomenon. With a career that spans decades, Jolie has inhabited roles that are as diverse as they are unforgettable. Whether portraying a fierce warrior, a troubled soul, or a loving mother, Jolie’s performances have resonated with audiences worldwide. Here, we embark on a journey through her ten best films, celebrating the artistry, depth, and sheer charisma that she brings to the screen.
10. “Maleficent” (2014)
In Disney’s reimagining of the classic “Sleeping Beauty,” Jolie doesn’t merely play Maleficent—she redefines her. The film’s dark yet enchanting aesthetic complements Jolie’s magnetic presence, as she transforms the traditionally one-dimensional villain into a multifaceted character brimming with pain, vengeance, and ultimately, redemption. Jolie’s ability to convey Maleficent’s complexity—simultaneously fearsome and vulnerable—makes this role one of her most memorable.
9. “A Mighty Heart” (2007)
In “A Mighty Heart,” Jolie steps into the shoes of Mariane Pearl, the widow of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was tragically kidnapped and murdered by terrorists. Jolie delivers a performance of restrained yet palpable emotion, capturing the intense grief, strength, and resolve of a woman thrust into unimaginable circumstances. Her portrayal earned widespread acclaim, demonstrating her ability to tackle real-life roles with authenticity and respect.
8. “Girl, Interrupted” (1999)
This role won Jolie her first Academy Award, and it’s not hard to see why. As Lisa Rowe, a sociopathic patient in a mental institution, Jolie is both terrifying and mesmerizing. She dominates every scene with a raw, electric energy, turning what could have been a supporting role into the film’s most compelling character. Jolie’s Lisa is wild, unpredictable, and heartbreakingly real, embodying the chaos of a mind teetering on the edge.
7. “Salt” (2010)
Jolie is no stranger to action, but “Salt” showcases her as the ultimate spy—intelligent, lethal, and enigmatic. As CIA officer Evelyn Salt, Jolie navigates a labyrinth of deception and conspiracy with steely determination. The film’s relentless pace and thrilling action sequences are elevated by Jolie’s fierce commitment to the role, making Salt a character that lingers long after the credits roll. Her ability to blend physical prowess with emotional depth sets her apart in the action genre.
6. “The Bone Collector” (1999)
In this gripping thriller, Jolie plays Amelia Donaghy, a young police officer who teams up with a quadriplegic detective (Denzel Washington) to track down a serial killer. Jolie’s performance is subtle yet impactful, balancing vulnerability with an emerging toughness as her character is thrust into increasingly dangerous situations. The film benefits from her quiet intensity, making it a standout in her early career.
5. “Those Who Wish Me Dead” (2021)
Angelina Jolie’s performance in Those Who Wish Me Dead stands out for its intense emotional depth and physicality. Portraying Hannah Faber, a smokejumper grappling with her past trauma while trying to protect a young witness from deadly assassins, Jolie delivers a nuanced portrayal that combines vulnerability with fierce determination. Her ability to convey both the psychological scars of her character and the relentless physical demands of the role underscores her versatility and commitment. Jolie’s compelling presence and emotional range elevate the film, making her performance both gripping and memorable.
4. “Wanted” (2008)
In “Wanted,” Jolie plays Fox, a member of a secret fraternity of assassins. The role is a perfect blend of Jolie’s action chops and her ability to play characters who live in moral gray areas. With her lithe physicality and cool detachment, Jolie turns Fox into an iconic action hero, capable of performing death-defying stunts while exuding an effortless sense of danger. The film’s stylized violence and adrenaline-pumping narrative are punctuated by her electrifying performance.
3. “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005)
The on-screen chemistry between Jolie and Brad Pitt is the heart of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” a film that blends action, comedy, and romance with explosive results. As married assassins who are unaware of each other’s secret lives, Jolie and Pitt play off each other with razor-sharp wit and sizzling intensity. Jolie’s performance is particularly noteworthy for its playful unpredictability, as she oscillates between domesticity and deadly precision, all while keeping the audience utterly captivated.
2. “Changeling” (2008)
In “Changeling,” directed by Clint Eastwood, Jolie delivers one of the most emotionally wrenching performances of her career. Based on a true story, she plays Christine Collins, a mother whose son goes missing, only to be handed back a child she knows isn’t hers. Jolie’s portrayal of a woman fighting against systemic corruption and personal despair is nothing short of extraordinary. Her performance is both powerful and devastating, earning her an Academy Award nomination and solidifying her status as a dramatic powerhouse.
1. “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001)
“Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” is where Angelina Jolie became a global icon. As the titular character, Jolie not only brought a beloved video game heroine to life but also set a new standard for female action stars. Her portrayal of Lara Croft is a perfect storm of charisma, athleticism, and wit, making the character both larger-than-life and relatable. The role catapulted Jolie into the Hollywood stratosphere, and it remains a defining moment in her career, emblematic of her ability to dominate the screen with sheer force of will.
From her early days as a daring and enigmatic actress to her reign as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and compelling stars, Angelina Jolie has carved out a legacy that few can match. These ten films are not just a testament to her talent—they are a journey through the myriad facets of her cinematic soul, each performance adding a new layer to the enigma that is Angelina Jolie. Whether she’s wielding weapons or words, Jolie’s presence is always formidable, her performances unforgettable.
