Angelina Jolie stands as one of Hollywood’s most compelling and versatile actresses, with a filmography spanning action blockbusters, dramatic masterpieces, and fantasy epics. This curated list explores the top 10 movies Angelina Jolie has starred in, showcasing her range from thrilling action roles to profound dramatic performances that have earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Academy Award.
1. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
In this high-octane action thriller, Angelina Jolie plays Sway, the ex-girlfriend of Nicolas Cage’s character Memphis Raines. To save his brother, Memphis must steal 50 luxury cars in 3 days for a crime boss, reuniting his old crew including mentor Otto and Sway .
- Release Year: 2000
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Rating: PG-13
- IMDb Score: 6.5/10 (306K votes)
- Metascore: 35
- Director: Dominic Sena
- Co-stars: Nicolas Cage, Giovanni Ribisi
Jolie’s charismatic performance as the tough yet vulnerable Sway showcased her action star potential early in her career.
2. The Bone Collector (1999)
This gripping crime thriller features Angelina Jolie as Amelia Donaghy, partner to Denzel Washington’s quadriplegic ex-homic detective Lincoln Rhyme. Together they track down a serial killer terrorizing New York City .
- Release Year: 1999
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Rating: R
- IMDb Score: 6.7/10 (197K votes)
- Metascore: 45
- Director: Phillip Noyce
- Co-stars: Denzel Washington, Queen Latifah
Jolie’s performance demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside established stars, displaying intelligence and emotional depth.
3. Maleficent (2014)
Angelina Jolie delivers a commanding performance as the titular character in this Disney fantasy epic. Maleficent is a vengeful fairy who curses an infant princess, only to discover the child could restore peace to their troubled land .
- Release Year: 2014
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Rating: PG
- IMDb Score: 6.9/10 (419K votes)
- Metascore: 56
- Director: Robert Stromberg
- Co-stars: Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley
This role marked Jolie’s transformation into a fantasy icon, bringing depth and complexity to the classic Sleeping Beauty villain.
4. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
In this action-comedy romance, Angelina Jolie plays Jane Smith, a husband and wife who struggle to keep their marriage alive until discovering they’re both secretly working as assassins tasked with killing each other .
- Release Year: 2005
- Runtime: 2h
- Rating: PG-13
- IMDb Score: 6.5/10 (579K votes)
- Metascore: 55
- Director: Doug Liman
- Co-stars: Brad Pitt, Vince Vaughn
The chemistry between Jolie and Brad Pitt made this film a cultural phenomenon and one of the most memorable action romances of the 2000s.
5. Wanted (2008)
Angelina Jolie stars as Fox, a professional assassin who reveals to frustrated office worker Wesley (James McAvoy) that he’s the son of a professional killer with superhuman killing abilities .
- Release Year: 2008
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Rating: R
- IMDb Score: 6.7/10 (424K votes)
- Metascore: 64
- Director: Timur Bekmambetov
- Co-stars: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman
Jolie’s physical prowess and intense character work made Fox one of her most iconic action roles.
6. Changeling (2008)
This powerful drama features Angelina Jolie at her finest as Christine Collins, a mother whose son goes missing. When LAPD tries to pass off an impostor as her son to quiet public protests, she refuses to accept him or give up hope .
- Release Year: 2008
- Runtime: 2h 21m
- Rating: R
- IMDb Score: 7.7/10 (273K votes)
- Metascore: 63
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Co-stars: Gattlin Griffith, Michelle Gunn
Highest-rated film on this list, Changeling earned Jolie critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for her heartbreaking portrayal of a mother’s relentless fight for truth.
7. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
In this sci-fi adventure, Angelina Jolie plays Polly Perkins, a reporter who teams up with pilot Joe “Sky Captain” Sullivan (Jude Law) after New York City receives attacks from giant flying robots .
- Release Year: 2004
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Rating: PG
- IMDb Score: 6.1/10 (90K votes)
- Metascore: 64
- Director: Kerry Conran
- Co-stars: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Giovanni Ribisi
Jolie brought charm and determination to this visually innovative retro-futuristic adventure.
8. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Angelina Jolie became synonymous with the iconic video game character Lara Croft in this action-adventure film. The adventurer explores lost empires and discovers treasures, but a secret from her archaeologist father’s past leads to her greatest challenge .
- Release Year: 2001
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Rating: PG-13
- IMDb Score: 5.8/10 (228K votes)
- Metascore: 33
- Director: Simon West
- Co-stars: Jon Voight, Iain Glen
Jolie’s portrayal defined Lara Croft for a generation, combining physical athleticism with intelligence and wit.
9. Taking Lives (2004)
In this psychological thriller, Angelina Jolie plays FBI agent Illeana Scott investigating a murder spree in Montreal where the killer embraces victims’ identities. Her bond with an art dealer becomes crucial to solving the case .
- Release Year: 2004
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Rating: R
- IMDb Score: 6.2/10 (100K votes)
- Metascore: 38
- Director: D.J. Caruso
- Co-stars: Ethan Hawke, Kiefer Sutherland
Jolie showcased her suspense-building skills in this intense cat-and-mouse thriller.
10. Original Sin (2001)
Angelina Jolie stars as Julia Bonaldi, a woman who plans to con a rich man (Antonio Banderas) by marrying him, earning his trust, and running away with his money—but falls in love instead .
- Release Year: 2001
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Rating: R
- IMDb Score: 6.0/10 (63K votes)
- Metascore: 33
- Director: Michael Cristofer
- Co-stars: Antonio Banderas, Thomas Jane
This steamy period romance highlighted Jolie’s screen presence and ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Angelina Jolie’s Lasting Impact on Cinema
These top 10 movies Angelina Jolie starred in demonstrate her remarkable range as an actress—from action icon in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. & Mrs. Smith to dramatic powerhouse in Changeling. Her ability to transform into diverse characters, combined with her physical commitment to action roles and emotional depth in dramatic performances, has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most influential stars .
Jolie’s career trajectory shows evolution from early supporting roles to leading lady, ultimately earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Girl, Interrupted, not on this list) and establishing herself as both a box office draw and respected dramatic actress. Her work continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Ready to explore more? Dive into these films to experience Angelina Jolie’s incredible talent firsthand, then check out her directorial work and humanitarian efforts that have made her equally impactful beyond the screen.
References
IMDb. (n.d.). Top 10 Movies Angelina Jolie. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/list/ls000034578/