Cameron Diaz's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Cameron Diaz appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, 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!

| © Columbia Pictures

20. The Green Hornet (2011)

In The Green Hornet, Cameron Diaz plays Lenore Case, the secretary-turned-research guru who unknowingly helps Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) and Kato (Jay Chou) in their vigilante escapades. Unfortunately, Diaz’s character is mostly sidelined, reduced to a plot device rather than a fully realized role. While she brings her usual charisma to the screen, the movie doesn’t give her much to work with. It’s a rare misstep for Diaz, who deserved better than being the token female in this forgettable action-comedy. | © Columbia Pictures

19. What Happens in Vegas (2008)

Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher try their best to make this rom-com about two strangers who drunkenly marry in Vegas somewhat enjoyable, but let’s be real – this one’s more hangover than high stakes. The predictable antics and forced humor can’t quite cash in on the chemistry between its leads. Sure, it’s fun in a guilty-pleasure way, but it’s not exactly top-tier Diaz. At least the Vegas backdrop adds some sparkle. | © 20th Century Fox

18. Very Bad Things (1998)

Dark comedy can be fun, but Very Bad Things leans so hard into shock value that it forgets to be, well, good. Cameron plays a bridezilla in this chaotic tale of a bachelor party gone wrong, and while she’s entertaining, the movie’s relentless grimness drowns out her charm. It’s a bold role for Diaz, but this twisted mess feels more like a bad decision than a bad movie. | © PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

17. A Life Less Ordinary (1997)

This quirky romantic fantasy sees Diaz playing a spoiled heiress caught up in a bizarre kidnapping-turned-love story with Ewan McGregor. It’s ambitious and offbeat, but the movie’s uneven tone leaves it feeling more "less ordinary" than extraordinary. Diaz shines in moments, but the muddled plot holds her back from truly soaring. At least the soundtrack is great! | © 20th Century Fox

16. The Last Supper (1995)

Before she became a household name, Diaz starred in this satirical dark comedy about a group of liberal friends poisoning conservatives at dinner parties. It’s bold and weird, and Diaz brings a refreshing energy to the ensemble cast. However, the movie itself feels more like a heavy-handed political statement than an entertaining flick. Still, you’ve got to respect early-career Cameron for taking risks. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

15. Knight and Day (2010)

This action-comedy pairs Diaz with Tom Cruise in a globetrotting adventure filled with explosions, spy antics, and plenty of winks to the audience. While Diaz and Cruise have decent chemistry, the movie feels like it’s trying too hard to be fun. Diaz gets a few moments to shine, but the over-the-top plot and frenetic pacing make it forgettable in her filmography. | © 20th Century Fox

14. Bad Teacher (2011)

Cameron Diaz leans fully into her comedic chops as a hilariously terrible middle school teacher in this raunchy comedy. While her performance is bold and unapologetic, the movie’s humor is hit-or-miss. Some jokes land perfectly, while others feel like they’re trying too hard to shock. Still, it’s fun to watch Diaz embrace her inner antihero. | © Columbia Pictures

13. The Sweetest Thing (2002)

This raunchy rom-com about dating and friendships is full of over-the-top humor, and Diaz goes all-in as the fun-loving Christina. While it has its cult-favorite status, the movie doesn’t always hit the mark, with some jokes feeling cringeworthy rather than clever. However, Diaz’s chemistry with Christina Applegate and Selma Blair makes it worth the watch – if only for the hilarious karaoke scene. | © Columbia Pictures

12. Charlie’s Angels (2000)

Cameron Diaz helped redefine action heroines with her role as the bubbly Natalie in this campy, high-octane reboot. With her signature charm and surprising physicality, she fit right in alongside Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. While the plot is pure popcorn nonsense, the trio’s chemistry and energy make it endlessly entertaining. It’s a guilty pleasure, sure, but it’s a whole lot of fun. | © Sony Pictures

11. Any Given Sunday (1999)

In this testosterone-fueled football drama, Diaz holds her own as the ambitious and cutthroat team owner Christina Pagniacci. Surrounded by heavy hitters like Al Pacino and Jamie Foxx, she shows she can tackle dramatic material with grit. While the movie itself is a bit bloated, Diaz’s performance is a touchdown for her range. | © Warner Bros.

10. In Her Shoes (2005)

This heartfelt dramedy sees Diaz as Maggie, a free-spirited but troubled young woman navigating her relationship with her responsible older sister (Toni Collette). Diaz brings depth and vulnerability to the role, proving she’s more than just a comedic star. It’s not flashy, but it’s a touching film that lets Diaz shine in a more grounded story. | © 20th Century Fox

9. My Sister’s Keeper (2009)

Cameron Diaz trades her usual comedic charm for raw emotion in this tearjerker, playing a mother fighting for her daughter’s life. While the movie tugs relentlessly at the heartstrings, Diaz’s performance is surprisingly grounded, showing she can handle heavy material. However, the film’s melodramatic tone and controversial ending overshadow her efforts. Still, Diaz deserves credit for stepping outside her comfort zone. | © New Line Cinema

8. The Holiday (2006)

Diaz brings her trademark bubbly energy to this feel-good rom-com as Amanda, a high-strung workaholic looking for love. Her chemistry with Jude Law is charming, even if some of the plot points feel overly saccharine. The movie’s cozy vibes make it a fan favorite during the holidays, and Diaz shines as part of a stellar ensemble cast. Who wouldn’t want to swap homes in this scenario? | © Sony Pictures

7. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

As Kimberly, the sweet and slightly naive fiancée in this rom-com classic, Diaz is endearing and impossible not to root for. Sharing the screen with Julia Roberts, she holds her own in one of the most iconic love triangles in cinema. Her karaoke scene is both cringe-worthy and unforgettable, solidifying her place in rom-com history. | © Sony Pictures

6. The Mask (1994)

Cameron Diaz’s big-screen debut as Tina Carlyle in The Mask is the stuff of legend. She oozes charisma, confidence, and charm, stealing scenes alongside a wildly over-the-top Jim Carrey. While the role didn’t give her much depth to work with, it’s hard to deny the impact of her breakout performance. Hollywood took notice, and a star was born. | © New Line Cinema

5. Vanilla Sky (2001)

In this psychological thriller, Diaz plays Julie, a dangerously obsessed ex-lover, and boy, does she deliver. Her haunting performance balances charm with an underlying menace that keeps you on edge. It’s a departure from her usual roles, showcasing her range and intensity. This movie may be divisive, but Diaz’s work is undeniably captivating. | © Paramount Pictures

4. Gangs of New York (2002)

In Gangs of New York, Cameron Diaz takes on the role of Jenny Everdeane, a pickpocket navigating the chaos of Scorsese’s gritty 19th-century New York. Sharing the screen with heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis, Diaz holds her own as a thief with a soft side, but her character often feels like an afterthought in a story dominated by revenge and bloodshed.

While she brings warmth and vulnerability to the tough-as-nails Jenny, her presence is overshadowed by the film’s larger-than-life performances and sprawling narrative. It’s not a bad role, but it’s clear that Diaz was working against a script that didn’t fully tap into her potential. Still, she adds an emotional layer to an otherwise brutal epic, even if her character gets lost in the chaos of the Five Points. | © Miramax Films

3. Shrek (2001)

Cameron Diaz may not physically appear in Shrek, but her voice performance as Princess Fiona is one of the most iconic in animation history. Diaz brings humor, charm, and surprising depth to the character, transforming what could have been a typical damsel in distress into a layered heroine with wit and agency. Fiona’s arc – from picture-perfect princess to ogre-embracing warrior – delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance, and Diaz’s voice work is the heart of it all.

Her comedic timing shines, especially in scenes like her martial arts takedown of Robin Hood, and she balances the fairy tale absurdity with genuine emotional resonance. Fiona isn’t just an animated character; she’s a testament to Diaz’s versatility and ability to bring magic to any role. | © DreamWorks Animation

2. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Cameron Diaz delivers one of the most memorable performances of her career as Mary, the effortlessly cool, slightly quirky, and universally adored dream girl. Her radiant charisma anchors this chaotic rom-com, balancing the absurd humor (yes, the hair gel scene) with a grounded, relatable charm. Diaz’s Mary is the ultimate "cool girl," but not in a shallow way – she’s funny, warm, and refreshingly real, making it easy to understand why every man in the movie is head-over-heels for her.

Diaz’s comedic timing is impeccable, elevating the outrageous gags while keeping Mary endearing and authentic. This role catapulted her to superstar status and cemented her as a rom-com queen. With Mary, Diaz gave us a character who wasn’t just chased by the men in the movie but adored by everyone watching. | © 20th Century Fox

1. Being John Malkovich (1999)

In Being John Malkovich, Cameron Diaz completely transforms herself, both physically and emotionally, to play Lotte Schwartz, an unrecognizable and emotionally complex character. Gone are her trademark glamour and bubbly charm – Lotte is frumpy, neurotic, and quietly yearning for connection in this surreal dramedy. Diaz’s performance is layered and nuanced, bringing surprising depth to a character navigating identity, love, and existential crises through a mind-bending plot.

Whether it’s her awkward tenderness or her raw emotional vulnerability, Diaz proves she’s more than just a comedic or romantic lead; she’s an actress capable of true dramatic range. This role earned her critical acclaim and showed the world that Diaz was willing to take bold risks, shattering expectations of what she could achieve. | © USA Films