Angelina Jolie‘s most acclaimed film roles and performances have spanned decades, earning her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most skilled and versatile actors. This ranking explores her standout filmography, with highlights from early critical breakthroughs to recent celebrated projects, showcasing the breadth of her on-screen achievements and the enduring impact of her talent.
A Journey from Outsider to Acclaimed Performer
Coming from a background far removed from the glitz that would soon define her, Angelina Jolie spoke openly about feeling like an outsider during her youth at Beverly Hills High School, navigating childhood with her mother in a modest apartment, and contending with financial difficulties linked to her father, Oscar-winner Jon Voight. These experiences shaped a determined persona that would later resonate in her gritty performances on screen.
Early in her career, Jolie tackled a series of minor films without much fanfare, but her portrayal of Cornelia Wallace in the TV mini-series about Alabama governor George Wallace brought her initial acclaim. That same year, Jolie’s electrifying turn as Giselle in HBO’s “Gia” earned widespread praise, portraying the intense highs and tragic lows of the real-life model. The attention that followed led to her iconic role in “Girl, Interrupted,” starring alongside Winona Ryder and depicting women in a mental institution, which proved formative for her path in film.
Her performances during this formative period captured the attention of critics and the industry alike, clinching three consecutive Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Girl, Interrupted.” With time, Jolie would also receive the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, placing her and her father in the company of Henry and Jane Fonda as the rare father-daughter pairs to both win Oscars. As of 2024, her latest acclaimed portrayal is as Maria Callas in “Maria,” underlining her constant artistic evolution and commitment to tackling complex roles.
Below is a ranked list of Jolie’s sixteen most lauded performances, spanning genres and character types, and reflecting the remarkable variety of her craft.
16. Reflections on Marriage in “By the Sea” (2015)
In a significant departure, Jolie took on the triple role of writer, director, and star in “By the Sea,” acting alongside Brad Pitt. The film, set in a tranquil French coastal village, explores a couple’s unraveling relationship, stirring much speculation about parallels to Jolie’s real-life marriage to Pitt. The subdued drama, shot before their split, delves into personal disquiet and emotional distance between the characters during their holiday. Brad Pitt and Mélanie Laurent also star in this introspective exploration of fractured relationships.
15. Evoking Royalty in “Alexander” (2004)
Oliver Stone’s sprawling historical drama about Alexander the Great featured Jolie as Queen Olympias, mother to the Macedonian ruler. Even though she was close in age to co-star Colin Farrell, Jolie’s regal presence brought gravitas and intrigue to the film. The story itself received mixed reviews at the time, but Jolie’s hypnotic characterization and visual command established her as a standout in an otherwise uneven epic, proving her ability to command attention amid an ensemble cast including Jared Leto and Anthony Hopkins.
14. Mystery and Laughter in “The Tourist” (2010)
“The Tourist” blended suspense with moments of humor—sometimes unintentionally—resulting in award nominations that surprised Jolie herself. As Elise, a captivating woman embroiled in a scheme across the Italian landscape, Jolie plays opposite Johnny Depp in a plot brimming with twists and stylized intrigue. Despite varied critical reception and being playfully mocked during awards season, Jolie’s performance stands out for her ability to comfortably embody glamour and intrigue in Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s caper, supported by Paul Bettany and Timothy Dalton.
13. Complex Loyalty in “The Good Shepherd” (2006)
Directed by Robert De Niro, this film provides an insider’s look at the formation of the CIA, following Matt Damon’s character from his early days to involvement in espionage. Jolie appears as Damon’s wife, a role that’s subdued in comparison to her more dynamic performances but reflects her ability to portray nuanced personal dramas within larger historical narratives. The film’s script, by Eric Roth, weaves together figures based on real intelligence operatives, with Alec Baldwin and Robert De Niro himself rounding out the cast.
12. Striking a Pose in “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” (2004)
Despite only working three days on set, Jolie made a memorable impression as a Royal Navy commander in Kerry Conran’s innovative sci-fi adventure. The film, also featuring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law, was initially a box office disappointment, but its unique visual flair and Jolie’s fierce, commanding cameo have since garnered a cult following. Her performance demonstrates a keen talent for making an impact even in brief roles within inventive, effects-driven filmmaking.
11. High-Octane Thrills in “Gone in 60 Seconds” (2000)
Jolie’s near-cameo turn in this adrenaline-fueled heist story—headlined by Nicolas Cage—coincided with her rising fame following “Girl, Interrupted.” Playing a skilled car thief and love interest to Cage’s character, Jolie jumped into the world of outlaws and high-stakes action. The role provided glimpses of her down-to-earth approach to acting; Cage once recalled that Jolie would take him grocery shopping to stay grounded amidst Hollywood’s pressures. The film, directed by Dominic Sena, also stars Giovanni Ribisi and Scott Caan.
10. Defining Action in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001)
This blockbuster adventure established Jolie as a formidable action star, as she embodied the iconic video game heroine Lara Croft. The film’s globe-trotting storyline and stunts placed Jolie at the center of a high-octane franchise, with her father Jon Voight playing Croft’s on-screen father in a rare collaboration. While later versions of the character would appear on screen, Jolie’s performance remains a defining pop culture moment for the series. Daniel Craig and Iain Glen co-star in this fast-paced adventure directed by Simon West.
9. Navigating Turbulence in “Pushing Tin” (1999)
Set in the world of air traffic controllers, “Pushing Tin” starred John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton as professional rivals, with Jolie as Thornton’s perplexed and unhappy wife, at the center of the dramatic tension. Following the film’s release, Jolie and Thornton married, becoming one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Their off-screen eccentricities, including their distinctive jewelry, added mystique to the movie’s legacy, which also features Cate Blanchett in a pivotal supporting role.
8. Breaking Out in “The Bone Collector” (1999)
Jolie took on her first major lead in a Hollywood feature with “The Bone Collector,” portraying a rookie homicide detective working with an experienced investigator (Denzel Washington), who is paralyzed and confined to his bed. The suspenseful thriller, directed by Phillip Noyce, features a tense hunt for a serial killer and draws parallels to celebrated crime films that preceded it. Jolie’s dynamic performance established her as a viable lead in dramatic action, working alongside Queen Latifah and Michael Rooker.
7. Sparks Fly in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (2005)
Blending action, comedy, and romance, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” launched the real-life partnership between Jolie and Brad Pitt. Cast as married assassins with secret lives, the stars’ on-screen chemistry captured audience curiosity as much as the film’s tightly choreographed stunts. Directed by Doug Liman, the movie spins intrigue around the characters’ dual assignments to eliminate each other, bringing together an energetic supporting cast including Adam Brody and Vince Vaughn.
6. Emotional Resonance in “Playing by Heart” (1998)
In this ensemble drama, Jolie stands out as a young woman with a passion for caring for wounded animals who navigates the complexities of budding romance. Released before her true rise to Hollywood stardom, the film garnered attention for its heartfelt performances and subtle storytelling. Ryan Phillippe, Gillian Anderson, Ellen Burstyn, and Sean Connery add depth to this Willard Carroll creation, with Jolie’s emotional openness and youthful vulnerability shining through.
5. Reimagining a Villain in “Maleficent” (2014)
Disney’s live-action retelling of “Sleeping Beauty” puts Jolie center stage as Maleficent, offering a layered understanding of the notorious fairy who curses the princess. Her striking appearance, underlined by distinctive makeup and costumes, infuses the mythical character with newfound complexity and magnetism. Co-starring Elle Fanning, Lesley Manville, and Imelda Staunton, the film directed by Robert Stromberg capitalizes on Jolie’s capacity to humanize even legendary villains, and cemented her as a standout among Disney’s adaptations.
4. Maternal Struggles in “Changeling” (2008)
Clint Eastwood’s somber drama showcases Jolie in one of her most understated yet powerful performances as the mother of a missing child in late-1920s Los Angeles. As she confronts disbelief from local police, played by John Malkovich, Jolie’s restrained intensity and vulnerability earned her nominations from the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild. This performance marked a notable shift, allowing her to explore a quieter, more introverted character while still conveying emotional complexity.
3. Transformation into an Icon in “Maria” (2024)
Jolie’s dedication to her craft is evident in “Maria,” where she stars as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Her preparation involved six months of rigorous training to inhabit the role fully. The biopic, guided by director Pablo Larrain and writer Steven Knight, covers Callas’s final week, as well as her life on stage and in the shadows, depicted through flashbacks and imaginative dream sequences. The film’s aesthetic is elevated by Edward Lachman’s cinematography and Massimo Cantini Parrini’s costumes, with Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee rounding out the cast. Jolie’s grounded portrayal enhances the conclusion to Larrain’s biopic trilogy, fusing elegance with heartbreak.
2. Courage and Grief in “A Mighty Heart” (2007)
In Michael Winterbottom’s “A Mighty Heart,” Jolie delivers one of her most affecting roles as Mariane Pearl, the wife of journalist Daniel Pearl, whose kidnapping and murder in Pakistan shook the world. Conveying a spectrum of raw emotion—from resolute hope to agonizing sorrow—Jolie was nominated for both Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, though notably overlooked by the Oscars. Her empathetic approach honors Mariane’s strength while depicting the impact of global tragedy. Dan Futterman co-stars in this tense and sensitive true story adaptation.
1. Oscar Glory with “Girl, Interrupted” (1999)
Jolie’s performance as Lisa, a charismatic yet deeply troubled patient in a mental hospital, remains her most celebrated. Opposite Winona Ryder’s Susanna, Jolie navigates a spectrum of emotion, adopting a frenetic and unpredictable energy that earned her a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild award, and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film, directed by James Mangold, also features Brittany Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg and solidifies Jolie’s reputation for immersing herself in psychologically complex characters. Her chilling confrontation with Brittany Murphy’s character is particularly noted for its haunting intensity.
The Enduring Legacy of Angelina Jolie’s Acclaimed Film Work
Angelina Jolie’s career, defined by her willingness to take risks and portray an array of distinctive characters, continues to evolve with each new project. Whether embodying historical figures like Maria Callas, bringing fresh nuance to classic icons such as Maleficent and Lara Croft, or reaching emotional depths in films like “A Mighty Heart” and “Changeling,” Jolie secures her legacy among the most esteemed performers in modern cinema. The diversity of her roles and her compelling screen presence ensure that her impact on the film industry endures for years to come.
