Top 10 Outstanding Angelina Jolie Performances

Ok, so perhaps the film by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck didn’t connect with most critics. However, as an enigmatic British woman framed against the backdrops of Paris and Venice, Angelina Jolie’s Elise beholds an exotic charm - and certainly so for the assuming Midwestern teacher played by Johnny Depp. She’s a mysterious woman that conveys power with a knowing glance, and within the narrative, the adroitly dressed Elise naturally attracts both danger and long stares. For an international romance caper, Angelina embodies many ideals that appeal to casual moviegoers, but it’s her elegant subtleties that sell the performance that ultimately earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

For any film adaptation of a video game, fans will surely have something to say about the lead performer. Even so, Angelina mostly silenced any skepticism with her commanding presence in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” First of all, there’s the English accent of the inquisitive female explorer, which can easily be undervalued by those who take it for granted. While the Illuminati-based plot allows for character versatility, the framing of Angelia drifts between romanticism and sexuality, with Lara taking on both a hypnotic and physically intimidating vibe. Perhaps it was all that yoga in preparation for the role. Although the screenplay is filled with clever one-liners, Angelina slyly engulfs herself into the persona rather than giving a corny, hyper-sexualized interpretation.

As the Hollywood career of Angelina progressed in the late ‘90s, this role as an edgy, hopeless romantic showcased the full range of her skill set. “Playing By Heart” features an all-star cast, although it’s Angelina who not just steals every scene, but also manages to convey that lived-in feel more than others. Joan lives in the moment, and though she speaks fast, her words trulymean something. When paired with Ryan Phillippe, the extended conversations shed light on the actions and motivations of the sassy Joan. It’s a genuine performance fueled by heart, and featuring all the characteristics that would make Angelina such a versatile performer across various genres.

Evelyn Salt knows something that her enemies don’t fully understand, as she’s a highly-trained agent with a unique origin story. And without spoiling the specifics of the narrative, let’s just say that Jolie slays once again with the action sequences, and yet still infuses some genuinely affecting moments to complement the structural framework of her character. Sure, the film itself contains plenty of questionable plot points, but the experience of watching Evelyn overcome the odds highlights what movies are all about: entertainment. By this time in her career, Jolie had learned the nuances of physically and emotionally demanding moments, which only enhances her undeniable charisma as an actress.

For an awkward pushover turned assassin named Wesley, Angelina Jolie’s Fox represents the ideal teacher for a specialized course in killing. Considering the contrasting personalities of Fox and her new student, Jolie’s tutelage has a distinct effect on Mr. Gibson. Meaning, the contrived gestures are meant to manipulate the mind of James McAvoy’s character while providing entertainmentfor the viewers. So, it’s a double whammy of Angelina. Compared to the typical action flick, the sequences of “Wanted” are bigger and more bizarre. And so, when Fox takes the wheel or picks up a weapon, all bets are off. Only a seasoned professional like Angelina can successfully balance such a combination of camp and pure surrealism.

As an early 21st century example of exceptional on-screen chemistry, the meta relationship of Mr. and Mrs. Smith famously transferred over into real life. But from a character perspective, Angelina hilariously communicates the paradoxical mentality of Jane, both tapping into the repetitive behaviors of a bored romance and the joyous feeling of taking pride in one’s work. The plot itself is somewhat ridiculous, yet it still affords the two leads to have fun with the varying degrees of intimacy that husband and wife share. Not quite tied down by usual genre trappings, Jolie provides a heavy amount of sex appeal and action star bravado - and, of course, plenty of comedy - to satisfy various demographics in this role.

Well, it was only a matter of time until Angelina reached the Disney universe. Following her evolution as a woman, she ceremoniously steps into the garb of an iconic character with “Maleficent.” Since the film is told from her character’s point of view, Angie livens up the narrative by inviting audiences into her world. And it’s a world full of striking visuals that complement the very presence of a genuine movie star like Jolie. For such a story, most viewers bring preconceptions to the cinematic experience, and Jolie fulfills expectations with her interpretation. Furthermore, “Maleficent” reminds us of Angelina’s expertise in choosing characters that expand her legacy rather than accepting typecast and watered-down roles.

In a breakthrough role, Angelina went back in time for a challenging HBO film about the life of supermodel Gia Carangi. Still in her early 20s and not quite known for her edgy persona, Jolie produces an authentic and revealing performance, almost as if the film was part documentary. In such a difficult role, especially considering the untimely death of the subject, Angelina manages to capture the endearing ways of Gia and ensures a level of sympathy. And for her work, Jolie ultimately won a Golden Globe. Incidentally, “Gia” established a certain persona for the fiercely talented rising star and created a persistent buzz about the name Angelina Jolie.

For the casting of Clint Eastwood’s 1920s drama, the director enlisted Angelina partially for the expressive nature of her face. Playing the mother of a boy who disappears and then mysteriously remerges, Jolie zeroes in on the inner turmoil of such an experience. When compared to other noteworthy roles, Angie’s interpretation of Christine is all about expressing the reality of her conflict, as there’s little sexuality or sly lines of dialogue to communicate. As a result, “Changeling” allows for Angelina to show a different side, representing the fears and challenges that women faced during a more bleak time in America. Along with earning an Oscar nomination for the performance, she also earned even more respect from her peers and critics alike.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Police Officer Amelia Donaghy
“The Bone Collector” (1999)

Kate Libby “Hackers” (1995)

Mary Bell
“Pushing Tin” (1999)

Whereas a film like “Gia” staged Angelina Jolie as an emerging starlet, James Mangold’s adaptation of Susanna Kaysen’s memoir gave the actress a platform to dig even deeper. “Girl, Interrupted” takes place in an American mental institution, with Jolie playing a manipulative yet charismatic patient. For many viewers, the film represents a first discovery of Angelia Jolie, and the vicious dialogue of Lisa Rowe complements Angie’s domineering non-verbal behavior. She reportedly stayed in character throughout filming, which she was known to do for her earlier roles. While that’s quite the methodical approach, it was one that paid off, as the Oscar-winning performance instantaneously made Angelia Jolie a mainstream movie star.


Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite Angelia Jolie performance? For more cinematic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo