From action to drama, fantasy to biographical, Angelina Jolie has established one of the most popular careers in Hollywood. These iconic roles demonstrate how the Academy Award-winning actress has evolved from iconic performances to blockbuster films, maintaining her position as a global force in cinema.
Gia (1998)
In the HBO biographical drama, Jolie made a breakthrough as supermodel Gia Carangi. Her dramatic performance resonated with her emotions, winning a lot of critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award, making her one of Hollywood’s best young talents.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Jolie’s fearless performance took over almost every scene she was in with the unpredictable Lisa Rowe. The part won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and earned her a reputation as one of the best dramatic actors in the business.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Jolie turned into an international action star by playing the action-packed video game character Lara Croft. Her athleticism and the indomitable presence on the screen made the film a global success.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Jolie was cast alongside Brad Pitt as Jane Smith, a master assassin who keeps a secret from her husband. It was one of the biggest hits of the decade and is one of her most iconic movies.
A Mighty Heart (2007)
This is a heartbreaking true story of the life of Jolie as the wife of journalist Daniel Pearl, known as Mariane Pearl. She was well received by critics for her modest, intense presentation, which was both sincere and sensitive.
Changeling (2008)
The movie, helmed by Clint Eastwood, starred Jolie as a parent who was looking for her missing son. Her richly-acted performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim.
Salt (2010)
Jolie’s action bona fides were again established as CIA agent Evelyn Salt. The action-packed spy thriller highlighted her ability to direct a large-scale action property with stunts.
Maleficent (2014)
Jolie infused Maleficent with an air of depth and humanity as a reprieve from Disney’s iconic evil villain. Her magnetic acting ability played a pivotal role in making the character one of Disney’s most iconic characters from the modern era in live action.
First They Killed My Father (2017)
While she didn’t actually act in this historical drama, Jolie was recognized for her work as director in this very compassionate and authentic adaptation of Loung Ung’s memoirs, which showcased her talent behind the scenes.
Maria (2024)
In Pablo Larraín’s biographical drama, Jolie played the part of the great opera singer Maria Callas. Her subtle acting got her a lot of attention from critics, and she proved herself to be a good actor later on.
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