Top 10 Jennifer Lawrence Performances

Trying her hand at the horror genre, this psychological thriller may not have lit the world on fire, but Jennifer Lawrence’s performance in it was certainly nothing to trifle with. Playing a young woman who makes a connection with a mysterious young man that may be more dangerous than he seems, the actress did not treat her turn as Elissa as any cookie cutter role. Bringing believability to the character, she really knew how to make audiences feel her connection to her mother and crush, as well as her fear when things went awry.

Stepping into the role of the oldest of three children whose life has been rife with abuse and neglect, Lawrence yet again showed ample potential in terms of the acting skills that brought her such acclaim in the years that followed this 2008 drama. Falling for her mother’s pimp, her character Agnes believes that he loves her back, despite his highly abusive behavior towards her mother. Jennifer brought maturity to her first leading role, yet maintained just enough childish behavior to make her young teen role believable.

Sharing a role with Charlize Theron may have been a daunting task, but there is zero hint of self-doubt in this impressive turn. Even if she was still in her teens, J. Law was able to give a multi-faceted performance as a young woman whose anger at her mother’s infidelity motivates her to actions that haunt her for the rest of her life. Shifting from anger to guilt and self-loathing smoother than anyone, Jennifer steals the spotlight from everyone she shares scenes with in this drama.

A supporting role in a Mel Gibson Beaver puppet movie was likely never going to be a standout performance for most other actors, but in the hands of this accomplished actress, Norah does anything but fade into the background. A popular girl whose life is not as simple as it may appear; she turns to the son of Mel Gibson’s character to write her valedictorian speech. Ultimately culminating with her speech, the dramedy sees our actress not going for the theatrics that most movie speeches devolve into, and instead gives the impression that she was working out some sort of inner monologue.

Playing the other girl in another couple’s love story is often a thankless job, which is why giving Jennifer Lawrence the role of Samantha was a masterstroke for this film’s casting department. Starting a relationship with the male lead during an off period for the romantic drama’s main couple, she may not have been destined to keep the man, but we still think he must have been a little crazy not to try to make things work out with her.

Taking over a role that previously was most defined by smoldering looks and acrobatics, Lawrence took Mystique to a more nuanced and developed place in this prequel to the original “X-Men” trilogy. In fact we’d argue that it is her character arc that has defined the 2011 and 2014 “X-Men” movies, as she is ultimately the person whose loyalty Xavier and Magneto desire to win. Her character always keeps us guessing as she seems poised to fall on either side of the battle at a moment’s notice, and it takes a true actor to make that balancing act feel honest.

When the decision was made to adapt the “Hunger Games” books into a film series, it was apparent that above all else the woman chosen to play Katniss would be most responsible for their success or failure. Tapped to play the young woman who would serve as a symbol for the people of Panem to rally behind, thanks to these films, we’ve come to completely understand why Lawrence-as-Katniss would inspire so many people to stand behind her.

The unstable wife of a con artist who alternates between threatening to get him busted to jealousy at the budding relationship between her husband and his partner, Lawrence’s Rosalyn comes off as the kind of crazy that still manages to pull you in. Dangerous but enticing, her turn in the crime comedy-drama earned her another chance to ascend the stairs to the Oscar podium thanks to an Academy Award nomination, as well as a BAFTA award for Best Actress in a supporting role, both of which were well deserved.

A star-making performance that earned her an Oscar nomination and served as her introduction to most of the world, Ree was not a character for the weak of heart. A young woman who has spent her life caring for the family her father ignores, she bravely searches for her missing parent in a world of violence and fear. Bringing a tenacity and gravitas to a role that lives and dies on her ability to be taken seriously as a fierce spirit despite her young age, “Winter’s Bone” and Lawrence’s turn as Ree are not to be missed.

No honorable mentions this time around, but we’re sure J. Law will be able to fill this spot in no time!

Her sole role so far that has not only netted her an Academy Award nomination but also a trip to the winners circle, in this romantic comedy-drama, Lawrence plays a young widow and aspiring dancer who attracts both Bradley Cooper and audiences everywhere. A performance that seemed to earn her a permanent place in director David O Russell’s acting troupe as well, the actress reportedly said that it was an initial lack of understanding of the character that excited her about Tiffany Maxwell. Meanwhile, it was her outstanding performance that excited us most.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Jennifer Lawrence performance? For more acting Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.