Angelina Jolie’s most acclaimed film roles and performances have shaped her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and admired actors. Rising from modest beginnings and early struggles, Jolie’s career has been defined by a series of remarkable turning points, with standout roles earning her multiple awards and recognition across the industry. This article ranks and explores her top 16 performances, reflecting on the breadth and depth of her talent from early breakthroughs to her latest work as Maria Callas.
Early Life and Path to Stardom
Angelina Jolie, now considered one of the most influential women in entertainment, embarked on her acting journey immediately after high school. Initially, she didn’t blend in at Beverly Hills High School, where her peers from affluent backgrounds teased her for her differences. Jolie lived with her mother in a modest apartment and their financial resources were limited, relying on her father Jon Voight’s child support, despite his own monetary issues. After moving to a different school, she embraced her image as a “punk chick with tattoos,” allowing her to find a distinct sense of self and confidence that would later become evident in her performances.
Breakthrough Roles and Industry Recognition
Jolie’s earliest film appearances, such as in “Cyborg 2,” received little notice. However, her career trajectory shifted dramatically after her compelling performance in the television mini-series “George Wallace,” where she portrayed Cornelia, the wife of Alabama’s controversial governor and presidential candidate. This role drew critical attention, followed by her tour-de-force as model Gia Carangi in HBO’s “Gia.” The film traced the tragic real-life story of Carangi, whose struggles with addiction made for a demanding and emotionally charged role. Jolie’s electric depiction in “Gia” brought her significant acclaim, leading Winona Ryder to invite her to join the cast of “Girl, Interrupted,” where Jolie delivered an unforgettable supporting turn as Lisa Rowe alongside Ryder’s Susanna.
These three roles led to consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Jolie: Best TV Supporting Actress (1998), Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actress (1999), and Best Film Supporting Actress (2000). “Girl, Interrupted” also brought her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jolie’s achievements joined her with her father, Jon Voight, and with Henry and Jane Fonda as one of the rare father-daughter pairs to each win an Oscar. In 2014, a new facet of her influence was celebrated when she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy, cementing her legacy beyond the screen.
Jolie’s filmography continues to evolve, with her 2024 title role in “Maria” as opera legend Maria Callas illustrating her continued commitment to complex, layered characters. The following list delves into the 16 most acclaimed film roles and performances of Angelina Jolie, spanning multiple genres and decades.
The Top 16 Angelina Jolie Performances
The following are ranked listings of Angelina Jolie’s most acclaimed film roles, each accompanied by a brief discussion of its unique impact and contribution to her storied film career:
16. By the Sea (2015)
Directed, written by, and starring Jolie herself, “By the Sea” pairs her with then husband Brad Pitt in a moody drama set against the coast of France. Their characters are a couple facing deep marital troubles, a theme that many audiences interpreted as reflecting their own publicly scrutinized relationship. Less than a year after the film’s release, Jolie and Pitt announced their separation, adding a layer of real-world poignancy to the onscreen narrative. Set in a French seaside resort, the story uses their characters’ fragile dynamic as its emotional core.
15. Alexander (2004)
In Oliver Stone’s historical epic about the rise and reign of Alexander the Great (Colin Farrell), Jolie portrays Queen Olympias, Alexander’s manipulative mother. Despite being only slightly older than Farrell, Jolie utilized her regal presence and striking looks to bring an enigmatic power to Olympias. While critical response to the film was mixed at best, her performance remains a highlight for its visual strength and character intensity. Scripted by Stone with Christopher Kyle and Laeta Kalogridis, the story transports viewers to the heart of the ancient Macedonian empire.
14. The Tourist (2010)
Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, “The Tourist” became notable as much for its unexpected Golden Globe comedy category nominations as for its content. Jolie stars opposite Johnny Depp in a caper involving an American traveler who becomes entangled in a complex international plot after meeting her character on a train in Italy. The actress herself found humor in this genre classification, signaling her flexibility as a performer. The film’s light tone and undertones of intrigue made it stand out amongst her more dramatic offerings.
13. The Good Shepherd (2006)
Robert De Niro directed this inside look at the origins and development of the CIA, with Matt Damon starring as the agency’s founding operative. Jolie takes on the role of Damon’s wife, a character based on the spouses of several real-life intelligence officers, navigating the challenges and distance created by his clandestine work. Though her character has less screen time, her presence adds depth and a sense of personal stakes to the macro-level intrigue of government espionage.
12. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
Kerry Conran’s visually ambitious science-fiction film required Jolie’s contributions over just a three-day shoot, but she made her role memorable. As a high-ranking commander in the Royal Navy, she displayed a fierce and commanding presence despite limited time onscreen. While “Sky Captain” initially struggled with audiences, its distinctive visual effects earned it a cult following and highlighted Jolie’s ability to make an impression, regardless of a role’s size.
11. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
In this high-speed action thriller directed by Dominic Sena, Jolie joins Nicolas Cage, playing a skilled car thief and former partner of Cage’s character. The film’s production coincided with the buzz around Jolie’s Oscar win for “Girl, Interrupted,” and she managed to maintain a grounded perspective even amid rising fame. Their characters join forces to pull off a high-stakes car heist, demonstrating Jolie’s flair for action roles, even in a supporting capacity.
10. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft brought the iconic video game heroine to theaters, establishing a new franchise and solidifying her place as an international movie star. Directed by Simon West and featuring Jon Voight as Croft’s father, the film balanced real-life family dynamics and globe-trotting adventure. Jolie would return for a sequel, making “Tomb Raider” synonymous with her image until Alicia Vikander later assumed the role.
9. Pushing Tin (1999)
As Mary Bell, the discontented wife in Mike Newell’s “Pushing Tin,” Jolie’s character finds herself at the center of a rivalry between air traffic controllers played by John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton. Offscreen, Jolie and Thornton’s connection became a focal point in Hollywood culture, lending their characters’ tension-added resonance. Jolie’s portrayal captures emotional vulnerability and dissatisfaction in the midst of a high-pressure world.
8. The Bone Collector (1999)
Marking Jolie’s emergence as a leading actor in mainstream Hollywood, “The Bone Collector” pairs her with Denzel Washington. She plays a novice homicide detective working under the guidance of Washington’s character, a brilliant investigator rendered quadriplegic. The two collaborate to solve a series of murders. Jolie’s performance proves her ability to carry a major film and hold her own alongside established stars.
7. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)
This Doug Liman-directed action film features Jolie and Brad Pitt as a married couple leading double lives as rival assassins, each hired to eliminate the other. Released at the start of their personal partnership, the movie became noted for its in-jokes and chemistry, intertwining fiction and reality. The blend of physical comedy, suspense, and romantic tension made it a box-office hit, and the off-screen intrigue further fueled the movie’s popularity.
6. Playing by Heart (1998)
Before her status as an A-list celebrity was cemented, Jolie stood out in Willard Carroll’s ensemble drama. She plays Joan, a compassionate and emotionally open young woman fond of rescuing injured animals. Her chapters with Ryan Phillippe’s character reveal layers of tenderness and insecurity as she wrestles with the complexities of love. “Playing by Heart” showcases Jolie’s subtlety and gentleness, emphasizing her versatility prior to more action-oriented roles.
5. Maleficent (2014)
Bringing depth to the infamous Disney villain, Maleficent, Jolie anchors this live-action fantasy with her striking poise and intensity. The film reframes “Sleeping Beauty” from the antagonist’s point of view, delving into Maleficent’s transformation from misunderstood fairy to formidable foe. Jolie’s performance elevates the character’s motivations and heartbreak, contrasting with the traditional animated version and elevating the film beyond standard adaptations.
4. Changeling (2008)
Clint Eastwood directed this haunting period drama, earning Jolie Best Actress nominations from the Academy, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and SAG. Her role as Christine Collins, a mother in 1920s Los Angeles who battles authorities after her son’s disappearance, required restraint and vulnerability. As Collins confronts police dishonesty and a public desperate for answers, Jolie’s measured performance stands apart from her typically fiery screen personas.
3. Maria (2024)
Jolie’s commitment to portraying the famed soprano Maria Callas is apparent in every detail of “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larrain. She spent months preparing, capturing Callas’s stage presence, private despair, and the grandeur of her final days. By embodying the legendary diva across different timelines and dreamlike scenarios, Jolie concludes Larrain’s revered biopic trilogy with grace and emotional truth, guided by the visual artistry of Edward Lachman and the costuming of Massimo Cantini Parrini.
2. A Mighty Heart (2007)
In Michael Winterbottom’s drama based on true events, Jolie assumes the role of Mariane Pearl, whose husband journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and killed in Pakistan. Jolie’s interpretation of Mariane’s strength, anguish, and resilience earned her nominations for both the Golden Globe and SAG awards. Her journey from disbelief to grief is portrayed with a raw, moving authenticity that anchors the film’s emotional gravity, despite being left out of Oscar contention.
1. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Jolie’s turn as Lisa Rowe in James Mangold’s adaptation of “Girl, Interrupted” remains her most acclaimed film performance. Playing a magnetic and volatile patient in a psychiatric facility, Jolie mesmerizes as she shifts seamlessly among ferocity, humor, insight, and menace. This portrayal earned her an Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress, and the film’s depiction of complex female relationships secured its enduring reputation. The sharply executed moments, including Lisa’s chilling interactions with Brittany Murphy’s character, represent some of Jolie’s finest work to date.
Enduring Impact and Cultural Significance
Angelina Jolie’s most acclaimed film roles and performances not only demonstrate her breadth as an actress, but also her willingness to embrace challenging, often unconventional characters. She has depicted complex women in emotionally demanding circumstances, brought comic timing to lighthearted films, and distinguished herself as a leading force in both action blockbusters and prestige dramas. Her ongoing evolution—from early acclaim in “Gia,” “George Wallace,” and “Girl, Interrupted” to contemporary achievements like “Maria”—ensures her continued place at the forefront of cinematic storytelling. As her filmography expands, so too does her influence on future generations of artists and her lasting presence across the global entertainment industry.
