Top 20 Angelina Jolie's Movie Roles From Worst To Best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 9th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Angelina Jolie appears, no matter how small her role is. So, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Gone in Sixty Seconds — 20. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Jolie plays Sara "Sway" Wayland, and her chemistry with Nicolas Cage adds some extra sizzle to this heist film. It’s all fast cars and flashy stunts, and while the plot is pretty straightforward, Angelina brings a bit of edgy cool to the action. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped Life or Something Like It — 19. Life or Something Like It (2002)

Jolie plays a TV reporter questioning her life choices after a strange prediction, and while the movie leans into rom-com clichés, her performance is full of wit and vulnerability. It’s not a career-defining role, but it’s fun seeing Jolie tackle lighter fare, complete with a platinum blonde look. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow — 18. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

Jolie’s brief but impactful appearance as Commander Franky is a highlight in this visually ambitious sci-fi film. The movie might not always hit the mark, but Jolie’s eye-patch-wearing, tough-talking character is a delight. She’s there to kick butt, look cool, and she does exactly that. | © Paramount Pictures

Angelina jolie alexander — 17. Alexander (2004)

Jolie’s portrayal of Olympias is fierce – maybe too fierce for some. She’s got snakes, an accent, and a whole lot of screen presence, even if the movie itself is a bit of a mess. Love it or hate it, Jolie made sure Alexander’s mother was anything but forgettable. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Angelina jolie playing by heart — 16. Playing by Heart (1998)

As part of an ensemble cast, Jolie plays a young woman navigating love and heartbreak. It’s a sweet, sometimes sappy drama, but Jolie adds an edgy charm to her character. She’s the stand-out among an already talented cast, and you find yourself rooting for her, despite the clichés. | © Miramax Films

Cropped Pushing Tin — 15. Pushing Tin (1999)

Angelina spices up this dark comedy about air traffic controllers with her role as Billy Bob Thornton's quirky wife. The movie’s oddball humor works in places, but it’s Jolie’s carefree, wild spirit that adds the unpredictability it desperately needs. Plus, you can't take your eyes off her whenever she's on screen. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Beowulf — 14. Beowulf (2007)

Jolie plays Grendel's seductive mother, and while it’s all motion-capture, you can still sense her presence. The movie itself is a CGI spectacle – some good, some bad – but Jolie’s haunting, otherworldly vibe steals her scenes. Let’s be honest, it’s her digitally-enhanced entrance that everyone remembers. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped By the Sea — 13. By the Sea (2015)

Written and directed by Jolie herself, this artsy drama lets Angelina and Brad Pitt navigate a rocky relationship against a beautiful French backdrop. The pacing is slow, and the plot isn't exactly thrilling, but there’s something intimate about Jolie’s direction and the rawness of her performance. It’s personal, and you feel it. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Lara Croft Tomb Raider — 12. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Jolie brings the iconic video game heroine to life with pure charisma, plenty of acrobatics, and a British accent that... well, she gave it a good go. The story may be a standard treasure hunt, but who cares when Angelina is raiding tombs in style? She made Lara Croft into a pop culture phenomenon. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Gia — 11. Gia (1998)

Playing real-life supermodel Gia Carangi, Jolie delivers a raw, no-holds-barred performance that grabs you by the heart. The film can feel a bit melodramatic, but Jolie’s depiction of Gia’s rise and fall is magnetic. It’s the role that put her on everyone’s radar, and for good reason – she’s fearless here. | © HBO Films

Cropped The Tourist — 10. The Tourist (2010)

Jolie as the mysterious Elise is elegant, poised, and very well-dressed. The movie itself might be a bit all over the place – do we even know what genre this is? – but her charm alongside Johnny Depp keeps it engaging enough. Let's just say it’s a scenic trip, thanks mostly to Jolie’s grace. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Original Sin — 9. Original Sin (2001)

This erotic thriller pairs Jolie with Antonio Banderas, and honestly, it's all about the chemistry. The movie’s plot takes more twists than a soap opera, and while it’s not always coherent, Angelina’s allure is undeniable. She makes betrayal look so good, you almost forget how over-the-top the whole thing is. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped The Bone Collector — 8. The Bone Collector (1999)

In this suspenseful thriller, Jolie plays a rookie cop assisting a paralyzed Denzel Washington. The plot is your typical serial killer hunt, and while the movie isn't groundbreaking, Jolie’s portrayal of the vulnerable yet determined detective is spot-on. Plus, it’s a pleasure watching her hold her own next to Denzel. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Salt — 7. Salt (2010)

Jolie plays a CIA operative who may or may not be a Russian spy, and she pulls off the action hero role with ease. The twists come at you fast, and sure, they might make you dizzy, but Jolie’s all-in commitment to her character keeps it fun. Who needs subtlety when you have Angelina saving the world? | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Wanted — 6. Wanted (2008)

Angelina as Fox is basically a masterclass in “cool assassin vibes.” The movie’s premise might make you want to roll your eyes (curving bullets, really?), but her effortless action sequences and intense stare sell every ridiculous moment. Plus, her tattooed badassery is just peak Jolie. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Mr Mrs Smith — 5. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

The movie that gave us Brangelina! It’s flashy, full of plot holes, and completely bonkers, but who cares? Jolie’s chemistry with Brad Pitt sizzles off the screen, and their bickering-turned-action-packed warfare is pure fun. Let's be real, the movie wouldn't be half as entertaining without her perfect mix of danger and charm. | © Regency Enterprises

Cropped A Mighty Heart — 4. A Mighty Heart (2007)

A deeply emotional and gripping performance, Jolie takes on the role of Mariane Pearl, portraying her resilience during unimaginable tragedy. The movie leans heavily on Jolie to carry its weight, and she does it with poise. It's one of those roles that remind you Angelina can do more than just wield guns – she can make you feel. | © Plan B Entertainment

Cropped Changeling — 3. Changeling (2008)

Directed by Clint Eastwood, this movie has “serious Oscar bait” written all over it. Jolie plays Christine Collins, a mother who won’t stop searching for her missing son, and her acting is hauntingly raw. The film itself can be heavy-handed at times, but Jolie delivers an emotional powerhouse that’s hard to forget. | © Imagine Entertainment

Cropped Maleficent — 2. Maleficent (2014)

Who knew the "Sleeping Beauty" villain could have such a compelling backstory? Angelina gives Maleficent both wickedness and depth, and we totally understand why she cursed that baby. Sure, some plot points are a bit fluffy, but Jolie’s majestic cheekbones and her layered performance make this a Disney classic worth watching. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Girl Interrupted — 1. Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Angelina Jolie as the chaotic Lisa steals the spotlight, and even poor Winona Ryder can't keep up. The film may have its uneven moments, but Jolie's Oscar-winning performance as the fierce and unpredictable patient is pure gold. It’s no wonder she overshadowed everyone – she was unhinged in the best possible way. | © Columbia Pictures

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Angelina Jolie is undeniably one of Hollywood's most iconic stars, known for her striking presence, versatility, and powerful performances. From thrilling action heroines to deeply nuanced dramatic roles, Jolie has built a career filled with unforgettable characters that have resonated with audiences worldwide. In this list, we're diving into her top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best, exploring the highs and lows of her storied filmography.

Whether she's wielding pistols as a tomb raider or delivering a heartfelt portrayal in a gripping drama, each role showcases a unique side of her immense talent. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these roles some of her most memorable – and a few that perhaps didn't hit the mark quite as strongly.