Jennifer Aniston may forever be linked to her unforgettable portrayal of Rachel in “Friends,” but she has nonetheless carved out a successful and diverse career in the film world. Despite the shadow of her iconic TV character, Aniston has dedicated herself to a thriving thirty-year journey in cinema, distinguishing herself from her former castmates.
With a filmography of nearly 50 movies, Jennifer Aniston has proven her talent across various genres, from romantic comedies to independent films. She has received nominations at prestigious award ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards for her exceptional performances. Despite some films not being well-received by critics, Aniston always manages to shine through with her captivating and relatable acting style. Her on-screen presence is both captivating and endearing, solidifying her status as a standout film star. Check out the top 15 movies featuring Aniston, ranked by their watchability on Rotten Tomatoes, starting with “Cake” from Cinelou Releasing.
The film “Cake” explores the harsh realities of living with chronic pain, highlighting the vulnerability and challenges that accompany it. Jennifer Aniston delivers a powerful performance as Claire, a woman struggling to cope with the aftermath of a devastating car accident that took the life of her son. Aniston’s portrayal is raw and devoid of any glamour, revealing a side of her that is both cynical and deeply emotional. Despite Claire’s tough exterior, moments of fragility and warmth emerge, adding depth to her character.
In this role, Aniston moves away from her usual comedic persona, opting for a more restrained and intense approach that captivates audiences. She shares the screen with a talented cast including Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Chris Messina, and Anna Kendrick, who all contribute to the film’s exploration of themes such as grief, addiction, and trauma. While “Cake” may be a challenging watch, it remains one of Aniston’s most compelling performances.
On a lighter note, Aniston also showcases her comedic talents in the film “We’re the Millers,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
In the comedy film “We’re The Millers” released in 2013, Jennifer Aniston delivers a standout performance as Rose O’Reilley, a captivating stripper who surprises everyone with a hilarious and memorable striptease routine. While the movie may be considered somewhat average in terms of comedy, Aniston’s portrayal of Rose truly stands out, demonstrating her willingness to tackle diverse roles throughout her illustrious career. Supported by a talented cast including Jason Sudeikis, Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn, and Ed Helms, Aniston’s charm truly steals the spotlight.
Transitioning from her iconic role in the TV series “Friends” to the big screen was not without its difficulties for Aniston, especially in securing memorable roles in romantic comedies. Though she may not have attained the same level of success in the romcom genre as Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, Aniston’s talent shines through in unconventional roles like the quirky friend in the underrated 1996 film “Dream for an Insomniac”. Despite having a smaller role compared to the lead played by Ione Skye, Aniston’s sharp wit and charisma make her a standout in a movie that may have been forgotten over time.
In the movie “The Switch”, Aniston once again proves her versatility as an actress by portraying an engaging and relatable character that brings depth to the story.
Walt Disney Studios brought us the charming romantic comedy “The Switch” in the 2010s, which had an unconventional storyline. Inspired by a short story by Jeffrey Eugenides, the movie follows a man who accidentally swaps his friend’s sperm donor sample with his own, leading to unexpected paternity complications. Despite the heavy theme, the film maintains a light-hearted and upbeat vibe, thanks to the on-screen chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.
Aniston’s filmography also includes the underrated 2001 music drama “Rock Star” from Warner Bros. The story revolves around a cover band singer who gets the chance to replace the lead singer of his favorite band. Aniston shines in her role as Wahlberg’s understanding girlfriend, adding depth to the narrative with her performance.
In the 20th Century Fox film “The Object of My Affection,” Aniston’s character navigates love and relationships in the hustle and bustle of New York City, with a unique twist involving her close bond with her gay best friend. The movie dives into the complexities of friendship and romance, showcasing Aniston’s versatility beyond her usual romantic comedy roles.
Aniston reunites with Paul Rudd in the 2012 comedy “Wanderlust,” where they play a married couple who stumble upon a quirky hippie commune. Directed by David Wain, the film provides a comedic take on communal living and features a talented ensemble cast delivering memorable performances.
In the 1990s film “She’s The One,” the focus is on the dynamics of commitment and relationships between two brothers and the women in their lives. Aniston’s portrayal as the voice of reason adds layers to the story, alongside strong performances from the cast, making it a captivating watch.
“Marley & Me” by 20th Century Fox is a heartwarming tale of a mischievous family dog and the journey through its life. Aniston and Owen Wilson deliver authentic and charming performances, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of pet ownership.
Aniston showcases her comedic talent in the 2013 crime caper “Life of Crime” by Lionsgate, where she plays a kidnapped trophy wife in a story filled with pulp charm and witty humor. The film demonstrates Aniston’s versatility as an actress in a variety of roles, alongside a talented ensemble cast.
In a surprising twist reminiscent of a Leonard-esque plot, the husband in a shocking turn of events decides not to pay the ransom for his wife, revealing that he doesn’t actually want her back. At the same time, Jennifer Aniston’s character in the tense situation begins to manipulate the emotions and loyalties of the kidnappers, leading to a standstill. The cast, including John Hawkes and Yasiin Bey, delivers notable performances, with Bey’s role drawing comparisons to Samuel L. Jackson’s in “Jackie Brown.”
The 2011 Warner Bros. film “Horrible Bosses” challenges expectations with its bold comedy that may push the boundaries of today’s standards. The plot ventures from one event to the next, relying on a simple premise to engage viewers with its ensemble cast. This R-rated film, aimed at mature audiences, resonated with those seeking a break from overly complex comedy-dramas of its time.
Jennifer Aniston shines in a departure from her usual roles as the aggressive and suggestive character Dr. Julia Harris, one of the titular horrible bosses. While she had taken on raunchy roles before, this particular character pushed her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace a role that diverged from her typical repertoire.
The 2006 Sony Pictures Classics film “Friends with Money” draws comparisons to a memorable episode of “Friends” as it explores the impact of money on friendships, a topic often considered taboo. Aniston’s character Olive’s struggles with financial inequality among her friends offer insight into the complexities of adult relationships. Directed by Nicole Holofcener, the film takes a patient and introspective approach, delving deep into the inner lives of its characters. Alongside Aniston, Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand, and Joan Cusack deliver outstanding performances, creating a poignant exploration of everyday struggles in Los Angeles.
Fox Searchlight Pictures’ “The Good Girl” features Jennifer Aniston in a unique role as a quiet makeup counter worker in a small town. Aniston’s portrayal of an introvert trying to break free from her limitations is both convincing and compelling, especially in her ill-fated relationship with a younger man with questionable intentions. As Justine in this film, Aniston’s performance truly highlights her acting prowess, shedding her familiar TV persona for a more nuanced and complex character. Despite not receiving major accolades, “The Good Girl” remains a standout in Aniston’s film career.
In the Netflix film “Dumplin’”, Aniston shines as Rosie, a former beauty queen struggling to connect with her non-conforming daughter. The movie delicately mocks beauty pageants without veering into overly cynical territory, maintaining a perfect balance of heart and humor. Aniston’s role in this film showcases her evolution as an actress, tackling a challenging and emotionally resonant character.
Aniston’s role as Joanna in the beloved comedy “Office Space” from 1999 is also worth mentioning, as she brings depth to the film beyond being just a love interest. Her hilarious interactions with her boss over the number of “pieces of flair” she wears provide some of the movie’s most memorable moments. Joanna’s iconic scene of quitting her job and boldly flipping off her boss strikes a chord with audiences who have experienced workplace frustrations. By emphasizing Joanna’s growth and independence outside of her romantic relationship, the film highlights Aniston’s versatility and range as an actress.
Modern cinema has been home to many talented surrealists, but David Lynch stands out as a true master of the genre. Renowned for his explorations of the subconscious and his ability to create eerie and unsettling visuals, Lynch’s work is truly one-of-a-kind. From “Eraserhead” to the third season of “Twin Peaks,” his unique style is on full display. However, for those seeking the ultimate Lynch experience, “Mulholland Drive” is a must-watch.
Attempting to summarize the plot of “Mulholland Drive” is like trying to explain a deep and disturbing dream. The story follows aspiring actress Betty (Naomi Watts) as she arrives in Hollywood with big ambitions, only to become entangled in a mysterious narrative involving an amnesiac brunette (Laura Elena Harring). As Roger Ebert noted in his review, the film prioritizes evoking raw emotions over conventional storytelling, much like the power of music. Through surreal dream sequences, Lynch delves into a woman’s shattered psyche, exposing the harsh realities of Hollywood and the crushing weight of unattainable dreams.
Throughout the film, viewers are left contemplating the significance of mysterious elements such as the blue key and box. Lynch expertly keeps audiences captivated with mesmerizing scenes like the spellbinding Club Silencio musical interlude, Betty’s unforgettable audition, and the eerie encounter between a confident director (Justin Theroux) and a mysterious cowboy. One of the most chilling moments in Hollywood history unfolds at a nondescript diner, showcasing Lynch’s talent for building tension with minimal dialogue. With Naomi
