Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and versatile actresses, whose talents span across various genres, from drama to thriller, and, notably, action films. Over the course of her career, she has developed a reputation for her remarkable physicality, intense performances, and the ability to dive deep into a character’s psyche. Jolie’s action films have become iconic, blending her tough on-screen persona with complex emotional depth. Whether portraying a rogue spy, a resilient adventurer, or a heroic action star, she has consistently captivated audiences worldwide with her performances.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the six best Angelina Jolie action movies that showcase her prowess in the genre, exploring why these films stand out and how they have contributed to her legacy in action cinema.
1. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is arguably the film that cemented Angelina Jolie’s status as an action superstar. Based on the popular video game franchise, the movie features Jolie as the iconic treasure hunter Lara Croft, who embarks on a high-stakes mission to find an ancient artifact called the “Triangle of Light.” What makes this film stand out is not only the action-packed adventure but also Jolie’s embodiment of the beloved character.
The role required Jolie to undergo intense physical training, including martial arts, rock climbing, and weapons handling. Her portrayal of Lara Croft helped to redefine the action heroine, turning her into an empowered and fearless figure in Hollywood. Jolie brought depth to the character by balancing her tough exterior with moments of vulnerability, which made Lara Croft a relatable and multidimensional character. The movie was a box office success, grossing nearly $275 million worldwide and solidifying Jolie’s role as an action movie star.
What made Lara Croft: Tomb Raider stand out was not only its groundbreaking action sequences but also its female protagonist, who proved that women could lead blockbuster action films. The film was a cultural touchstone for early-2000s cinema and remains one of Angelina Jolie’s most iconic roles.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
In Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Angelina Jolie stars alongside Brad Pitt as a married couple, both of whom are secretly working as spies for competing agencies. The film’s unique premise blends comedy, romance, and high-octane action, as the couple discovers that they have both been hired to kill each other. As a result, they engage in thrilling and chaotic fight sequences while navigating their complex relationship.
Jolie’s portrayal of the skilled and deadly Jane Smith was a perfect fit for the film’s combination of action and humor. She skillfully balanced the tough spy persona with her character’s emotional vulnerabilities, making her both an action hero and a relatable woman. The chemistry between Jolie and Pitt added an extra layer to the film’s dynamic, elevating its appeal beyond just the action sequences.
The movie is filled with explosive gunfights, car chases, and hand-to-hand combat, with Jolie displaying her trademark agility and combat skills. It was a major commercial success, grossing over $478 million worldwide. The success of Mr. & Mrs. Smith also had a significant impact on Hollywood, proving once again that action films with strong female leads could be box-office hits.
3. Wanted (2008)
In Wanted, Angelina Jolie stars as Fox, a member of a secret society of assassins who trains a young man (James McAvoy) to become a killer. The film is known for its stylistic action sequences, including intense shootouts, car chases, and gravity-defying stunts. Jolie’s character, Fox, is cold, calculated, and incredibly skilled, offering a stark contrast to the film’s protagonist, who is initially weak and uncertain of his abilities.
Jolie’s role in Wanted is particularly noteworthy because it highlights her ability to play a strong, lethal character with a mysterious and somewhat morally ambiguous nature. She takes on a leadership role, guiding the young protagonist while also dealing with her own personal struggles. Her performance is both commanding and compelling, and she manages to hold her own in a film that is full of intense action sequences and visual flair.
The film’s action sequences, which include the famous “curving bullets” effect, were revolutionary for its time and contributed to its box office success. Wanted grossed over $340 million worldwide, further cementing Jolie’s status as a powerhouse in the action genre.
4. Salt (2010)
Salt is one of the films where Angelina Jolie truly shines as a high-intensity action hero. Jolie stars as CIA officer Evelyn Salt, who is accused of being a Russian spy and must go on the run to clear her name. The film is a relentless, edge-of-your-seat thriller, filled with twists, turns, and action sequences that showcase Jolie’s incredible physicality and acting chops.
What sets Salt apart from other spy thrillers is the complexity of Jolie’s character. Salt is a deeply conflicted character, constantly questioning her loyalty and struggling with her own identity. Jolie’s portrayal of this multifaceted character allows the audience to connect with Salt, even as she engages in breathtaking chase scenes, close combat, and daring escapes.
The movie is a non-stop adrenaline rush, and Jolie does much of her own stunt work, which adds an element of realism to the film. Salt was a commercial success, grossing $293 million worldwide, and it sparked rumors of a potential franchise. Jolie’s performance in this film is one of her best in the action genre, proving once again that she can lead a high-stakes action film with intelligence and skill.
5. The Tourist (2010)
While The Tourist may not be as action-packed as some of the other films on this list, it still features plenty of thrilling moments that highlight Jolie’s versatility in the genre. Jolie stars as Elise, a glamorous woman who becomes entangled in a high-profile international intrigue when she crosses paths with an American tourist (Johnny Depp) in Venice.
The film is a mix of mystery, romance, and suspense, with a number of action sequences that involve chases, escapes, and tense confrontations. Jolie’s performance is both sophisticated and strong, portraying a woman who is both mysterious and dangerous. The chemistry between Jolie and Depp adds to the film’s charm, making it more than just an action thriller.
While The Tourist was not a massive box office hit, it still performed well and showcased Jolie’s ability to blend action with a more nuanced, dramatic role. Her presence in the film is magnetic, and she delivers a performance that keeps the audience guessing about her character’s true motivations.
6. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
While Kung Fu Panda is an animated film, it remains an important part of Angelina Jolie’s action filmography. Jolie voices the character of Master Tigress, one of the kung fu masters who trains Po, the bumbling but determined panda, to become a hero. Her character, Master Tigress, is a fierce and disciplined warrior who is deeply committed to her training and her martial arts abilities.
Though the film is primarily aimed at younger audiences, Kung Fu Panda features a range of thrilling martial arts action sequences that are visually stunning and entertaining for viewers of all ages. Jolie’s voice work as Master Tigress is both commanding and compassionate, as she brings depth to a character that serves as both a mentor and a fierce protector.
The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $631 million worldwide and spawning sequels. Jolie’s role as Master Tigress is an integral part of the film’s success, and she helped bring a strong, action-oriented female character to a family-friendly franchise.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie has proven herself time and again to be one of the most dynamic actresses in Hollywood, with her roles in action films solidifying her status as an action star. From the iconic Lara Croft to the intense CIA operative Evelyn Salt, Jolie has delivered performances that are both physically demanding and emotionally resonant. Whether in live-action films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith or Wanted, or lending her voice to an animated character in Kung Fu Panda, Jolie has demonstrated a remarkable ability to make her characters come to life, leaving a lasting impact on the action genre.
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