Angelina Jolie is renowned for her mesmerizing performances and global allure. She has graced the cinematic stage with an array of blockbuster successes. Yet, every illustrious career casts its share of shadows, and the 48-year-old’s journey is no anomaly. In the cinematic world, not every endeavor resonates as a resounding success.
Despite assembling an impressive ensemble cast, certain movies featuring the actress failed to carve a lasting impression at the box office. Jolie has been an enduring force in acting since her debut in 1982 and career kick-off in 1993.
She has navigated a diverse landscape, from peculiar independent films to high-budget spectacles. Explore Rotten Tomatoes’ comprehensive ranking of every Angelina Jolie movie for a nuanced perspective.
Brace yourself for surprises as some acclaimed Jolie classics find themselves at odds with critical acclaim.
1. Original Sin (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 12 percent
Set against the backdrop of 1800s Cuba, Original Sin unfolds the tale of Luis Antonio Vargas (Antonio Banderas), a coffee merchant ensnared by his mail-order bride, Julia Russell (Jolie), a cunning con artist.
Despite a star-studded cast, critics found the film inadvertently humorous, collectively sharing laughs at its expense.
2. Playing God (1997)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 16 percent
In the thriller Playing God, Dr. Eugene Sands (David Duchovny) loses his medical license due to drug use during surgery. Jolie assumes a supporting role as Claire, the girlfriend of Raymond Blossom (Timothy Hutton), who recruits Dr. Sands into the criminal underworld.
Despite Duchovny’s commendable performance, critics felt the film lacked focus, attempting to cater to multiple genres simultaneously.
3. Beyond Borders (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 14 percent
The romantic drama features Jolie as Sarah Jordan, whose life takes a humanitarian turn with Nick Callahan (Clive Owen) in Cambodia. Despite good intentions, Beyond Borders struck many reviewers as cloying and condescending.
4. Alexander (2004)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 16 percent
In Alexander, Jolie portrays Olympias, mother to Colin Farrell’s Alexander the Great. Critics asserted that the film exhausted its plot prematurely, leaving them unfulfilled before the credits rolled.
5. The Tourist (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 21 percent
The romantic thriller sees Jolie as Elise, entangled in a deadly plot with Frank (Johnny Depp). Critics struggled to accept the preposterous plot, with one noting a lack of engagement in performances and lamenting the absence of a Hitchcockian floor of reality.
These films, though stumbling blocks in Jolie’s illustrious career, underscore the capricious nature of cinema. Even revered actors must navigate occasional missteps, contributing to the diverse tapestry of their artistic journey.
As we applaud Jolie’s remarkable achievements, it’s vital to embrace the imperfections that have shaped her into the multifaceted artist she is today.
