Although audiences may know the actress for her iconic layered hairstyle inFriends, where she played the ever-stylish, iconic protagonist, Rachel Green,Jennifer Anistonactually got her kickstart working as an actress at an early age with an uncredited role in the 1988 movieMac and Me. In 1993, shestarred in her first major film role, a horror comedy movienamedLeprechaun.
Throughout the years, the star has partaken in several projects of different genres; although comedy and rom-coms remain the most recurring in her filmography, Aniston has also taken some interesting turns by filming dramatic movies and even animated ones. FromWanderlusttoThe Iron Giant, these are some of the actress' most memorable performances so far.
10’Wanderlust' (2012)
Directed byDavid Wain, this2012 romantic comedystarsPaul Ruddopposite Aniston, a pairing that many loved seeing together. When the Manhattan couple confronts sudden unemployment, they decide to give living in a rural commune a chance, with hilarious results.
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Even if Wain’s film is not a comedic masterpiece, it may be one of the filmmaker’s best works and still provides audiences with a fun time in front of the screen. Rudd and Aniston’s humorous performances are undoubtedly the big stand-out inWanderlust, which also benefits from a light but thought-provoking critique regarding our complicated outlook in life.
9’Life of Crime' (2013)
Set in 1978 Detroit,Life of Crimemakes for an entertaining Daniel Schechter film that blends the crime, drama, and comedy genres. It tells the story of a socialite (Aniston) who becomes the target of a kidnapping plot performed by two ex-cons (JohnHawkesandYassinBey). In hopes of getting rich quickly, the two ask Mickey’s real-estate developer husband (TimRobbins) for ransom money. Nevertheless, a series of twists unfold when he refuses to do so.
Based on anElmore Leonardstory,The Switch, which features some of the same characters asRum Punch(which was adapted asJackie Brown, starring the iconicPam Grier),Life of Crimeis anchored by Aniston’s “confused hostage” performance, staying true to its source material, even if weaker than theQuentinTarantinofilm of the same saga.
8’Marley & Me' (2008)
On the topic of Aniston’s filmography, it would’ve been a crime not to mention the heartbreakingMarley & Me, a truly unforgettable dog film that will have any animal lover reaching out for the tissues.Based on the autobiographical bookbyJohn Grogan, the movie starsOwen Wilsonalongside theFriendsstar and tells the story of a couple who adopts a dog to test their preparedness to raise a family of their own.
Given its memorable premise and the sensitive themes it tackles,David Frakel’s movie is undoubtedly a fan favorite. And even if Marley is undoubtedly the true star, both Aniston and Wilson wonderfully excel at delivering convincing performances. All in all, it is a compelling watch that is equal parts fun and devastating.
7’We’re the Millers' (2013)
Ten years later,We’re the Millersremains one of Aniston’s most iconic movies, as well as one of the actress' most comical. InRawson Marshall Thurber’sR-rated comedyaction, a small-time pot dealer (Ted Lasso’sJason Sudeikis) packs a fake family with the help of his three neighbors (Aniston,Will Poulter, andEmma Roberts) in order to smuggle drugs from Mexico.
Even if it isn’t on the top of the list, this road movie will appeal to anyone who likes the genre.We’re the Millersis packed with great punchlines and a talented cast, featuring Aniston playing a stripper who successfully attempts to embody an ordinary suburban mother.
6’Dumplin' (2018)
InDumplin', the plus-size teenage daughter (DanielleMacDonald) of a former beauty queen (played by Jennifer Aniston) decides to participate in her mom’s Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant as a form of protest. As other contestants follow her lead, the pageant and their small Texas town are transformed.
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Anne Fletcher’s dramatic comedy, based on the bestselling 2015 young adult novel byJulie Murphy, is an inspirationalfilm that sends a positive message on body image, especially for young audiences. It is not a perfect feature, but surely is a lighthearted and generous one, making for a great mother-daughter watch featuring a great Jennifer Aniston performance.
5’Friends With Money' (2006)
Friends With Moneyis an intriguing comedy-drama byNicoleHolofcener, featuring fantastic lead performances and a well-crafted script. The movie portrays the comfortable lives of four best friends (Aniston,JoanCusack,CatherineKeener, andFrancesMcDormand) who are thrown off balance as they face the realities of early middle age.
Holofcener’smovie perfectly tackles consumerismwith the help of excellent acting, painting a funny portrayal of contemporary life in the class-sensitive West side of Los Angeles. It is undeniably a real-life movie, and while it occasionally cracks up, other times it is terribly accurate.
4’Horrible Bosses' (2011)
Directed bySeth Gordon, the 2011 comedyHorrible Bossescenters on three friends (Jason Bateman,Charlie Day,and Jason Sudeikis) who plot to murder their awful bosses. Aniston plays Dr. Julia Harris, the head woman who makes unwelcome sexual advances on one of her assistants.
Even if not necessarily an original story,Horrible Bossesis nonetheless worthwhile. The ensemble cast is undoubtedly part of what makes it worth checking, but its solid comedic premise also plays a part in the film’s watchability. At parts, Gordon’s feature strongly resembles the 1980 workspace comedy9 to 5, making for a good pick for those who enjoyed the movie.
3’Office Space' (1999)
Easily one of Aniston’s most high-rated projects,Office Spacesatirizes the life of a 1990s software company by following three mundane engineers (Ron Livingston,David Herman, andAjay Naidu) who have grown resentful of their jobs, deciding to rebel against their boss. In the meantime, one of them starts dating charming waitress Joanna (Aniston).
Even if Aniston’s role in theMike Judgefilm is not huge, the actress still managed to stand out inthis hilarious knockdownon work culture. The cult classic movie is entertaining, consistently humorous, and has endured a great addition to the genre all these years later.
2’The Good Girl' (2002)
With an inventive premise,The Good Girlfinds Aniston playing a discount store clerk. She sees herself in a relationship with a stock boy (Jake Gyllenhaal) who thoroughly believes he is the incarnation of Holden Caulfield, the narrator and main character ofJ. D. Salinger’s novelThe Catcher in the Rye.
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Written and directed byThe White Lotus' creator,Mike White, this slice-of-life romantic drama is refreshing and engaging, featuring Aniston’s best, most heartfelt, and three-dimensional live-action performance in a film. Although it isn’t everybody’s cup of tea,The Good Girlis a fantastic portrayal of ordinary life.
1’The Iron Giant' (1999)
ThoughThe Good Girlis Aniston’s best performance,The Iron Giantis arguably her best film. This great animated feature byBrad Birdtells the story of a young boy named Hogarth Hughes (voiced byEli Marienthal) who discovers and later befriends a giant alien robot.
Aniston gives voice to the protagonist’s mother and widow, Annie, in this compelling and highly-regarded superhero film, which makes for an enjoyable family watch for people of all ages,delivering a tender and heartwarming storywith a thoughtful, all-around wonderful message to reflect on in the meantime.
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