Jennifer Aniston may never shake off her iconic role as Rachel from “Friends” to fully establish herself as a movie star. Despite this, she has managed to have a successful and varied film career when compared to her fellow cast members. While she will always be associated with her famous TV character, Aniston has devoted most of her thirty-year career to working in the movie industry.
She has appeared in nearly 50 movies, showcasing her versatility in both romantic comedies and independent films. Aniston has been recognized with nominations at prestigious award shows like the Golden Globes, Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards for her outstanding performances. Even in movies that were not well-received, she shines with her compelling and relatable acting style. Aniston’s on-screen presence is captivating and endearing, making her a standout film star in her own right. Here are the top 15 movies featuring Aniston, as ranked by watchability on Rotten Tomatoes.
1. Cake (Cinelou Releasing)
“Cake” delves into the challenging reality of enduring chronic pain, shedding light on the vulnerability and struggles that come with it. Jennifer Aniston delivers a standout performance as Claire, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a tragic car accident that resulted in the loss of her son. Aniston’s portrayal is raw and stripped of any glamour, showcasing a side of her that is both cynical and deeply emotive. Despite her character’s harsh exterior, there are glimpses of fragility and warmth that add layers to Claire’s complexity.
In this role, Aniston steps away from her usual comedic energy, opting for a more restrained and intense approach. She captivates audiences with her portrayal, playing off a talented ensemble cast featuring Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Chris Messina, and Anna Kendrick. Through themes of grief, addiction, and trauma, “Cake” stands out as one of Aniston’s most compelling performances, though it is undeniably a difficult watch.
On a lighter note, Aniston also shines in the comedy “We’re the Millers,” showcasing her comedic chops in a different light.
In the 2013 comedy “We’re The Millers”, Jennifer Aniston shines as Rose O’Reilley, a captivating stripper who surprises everyone with a hilarious and memorable striptease routine. Despite being a bit of a mediocre comedy, Aniston’s performance elevates the film, showcasing her willingness to take on diverse roles in her timeless career. Alongside a talented cast including Jason Sudeikis, Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn, and Ed Helms, Aniston’s charm steals the show.
Aniston’s transition from TV superstardom on “Friends” to the big screen was not without its challenges, particularly in finding iconic roles in romantic comedies. While she didn’t quite secure the romcom crown like Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, her talent shines through in unexpected roles like the quirky friend in the underrated 1996 film “Dream for an Insomniac”. Despite a minimal role compared to the lead character played by Ione Skye, Aniston’s sharp wit and charisma make her the standout in a movie that has faded from memory over time.
In “The Switch”, Aniston continues to showcase her versatility as an actress, taking on another engaging and relatable character that adds depth to the film.
Walt Disney Studios released “The Switch” in the 2010s, which is a quirky romantic comedy with a unique premise. The film, based on a short story by Jeffrey Eugenides, revolves around a man who swaps his friend’s sperm donor sample with his own, leading to unexpected paternity issues. Despite the heavy concept, the movie maintains a light and airy tone with a happy ending, thanks to the chemistry between stars Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.
Another underrated gem in Aniston’s filmography is Warner Bros.’s 2001 music drama “Rock Star”, which tells the story of a cover band singer who gets to replace the lead singer of the band he admired. Aniston plays Wahlberg’s patient girlfriend in the film, adding depth to the storyline with her performance.
In “The Object of My Affection” by 20th Century Fox, Aniston’s character struggles to find love in New York City, with a twist involving her attachment to her gay best friend. The film explores the complexities of friendship and romance, showcasing Aniston’s acting range beyond typical rom-com tropes.
Aniston reunites with Paul Rudd in the 2012 ensemble comedy “Wanderlust,” where they portray a married couple stumbling into a hippie commune. The film, directed by David Wain, offers a humorous take on communal living and features an all-star cast delivering memorable performances.
“She’s The One,” a 1990s film, delves into the dynamics of commitment and relationships between two brothers and the women in their lives. Aniston’s role as the voice of reason adds depth to the narrative, alongside stellar performances by the cast, making it an intriguing watch.
“Marley & Me” from 20th Century Fox tells the heartwarming tale of a beloved but mischievous family dog through its lifespan. Aniston and Owen Wilson shine in their roles, capturing the emotional journey of pet ownership with authenticity and charm.
In the 2013 crime caper “Life of Crime” by Lionsgate, Aniston portrays a kidnapped trophy wife in a story filled with pulp charm and witty humor. The film showcases Aniston’s comedic talent in a strong ensemble cast, proving her versatility as an actress in diverse roles.
In a surprising turn of events, the husband in a Leonard-esque twist refuses to pay the ransom for his wife, revealing that he doesn’t even want her back. Meanwhile, Jennifer Aniston’s character in the tense situation begins to manipulate the emotions and loyalties of the kidnappers as a stalemate unfolds. The cast also features notable performances by John Hawkes and Yasiin Bey, who takes on a role similar to Samuel L. Jackson’s in “Jackie Brown.”
“Horrible Bosses,” released by Warner Bros. in 2011, stands out as a comedy that defies expectations. It embraces unabashed raunchiness that may be considered too bold for today’s standards. The plot meanders from one event to another, relying on a simple premise to keep viewers engaged with the ensemble cast. An R-rated film targeted at mature audiences, it struck a chord with audiences tired of overly complicated comedy-dramas of the time.
Jennifer Aniston shines in a bold departure from her usual roles, portraying the aggressive and suggestive character Dr. Julia Harris, one of the eponymous horrible bosses. While she had appeared in raunchy films before, this role challenged her to break away from the norm and embrace a character that was far from her typical roles.
“Friends with Money,” released by Sony Pictures Classics in 2006, draws parallels to a memorable episode of “Friends.” The film explores the impact of money on friendships, a topic often considered taboo. Aniston’s character Olive’s struggles with financial disparity among her friends provide a glimpse into the complexities of adult relationships. The movie, directed by Nicole Holofcener, adopts a patient and introspective tone, delving deep into the characters’ inner lives. Aniston is joined by Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand, and Joan Cusack, who deliver stellar performances, making it a poignant exploration of everyday life struggles in Los Angeles.
“The Good Girl” by Fox Searchlight Pictures showcases Jennifer Aniston in a different light, as she plays a withdrawn makeup counter employee in a small town. Despite the bleak plot, Aniston’s performance as an introvert trying to break free from her limitations is believable. Her doomed affair with a younger man adds depth to the story, although his chosen name raises red flags. Justine in “The Good Girl” is a role that truly showcases Aniston’s acting skills, making viewers forget her bubbly TV persona. Although the film didn’t win major awards, it remains a standout in Aniston’s filmography.
In “Dumplin'” on Netflix, Aniston shines as Rosie, a former beauty queen struggling to connect with her rebellious daughter who doesn’t conform to traditional beauty standards. The film manages to mock beauty pageants without being overly cynical, balancing heart and humor effortlessly. Aniston’s role in the film shows her growth as an actress.
In the classic comedy “Office Space” from 1999, Aniston plays a crucial role as Joanna, adding depth to the film beyond being the love interest. Her interactions with her boss about the number of “pieces of flair” she wears provide some of the movie’s funniest moments. Joanna’s triumphant scene of quitting her job and flipping off her boss resonates with viewers who have experienced workplace frustrations. In showcasing Joanna’s growth outside of her relationship with the main character, the film proves Aniston’s versatility as an actress.
Surrealism in cinema has seen various champions throughout the years, with notable figures such as Luis Buñuel and Alejandro Jodorowsky paving the way. However, the contemporary maestro of the genre is undeniably David Lynch. Known for delving into the depths of the subconscious and crafting haunting nightmare-inducing visuals, Lynch’s work is truly unparalleled. Projects like “Eraserhead” and the third season of “Twin Peaks” showcase his unique style, but for the ultimate Lynch experience, look no further than his magnum opus, “Mulholland Drive.”
Attempting to summarize the plot of “Mulholland Drive” is akin to narrating a profound and unsettling dream. The story kicks off with aspiring actress Betty (portrayed by Naomi Watts) arriving in Hollywood with big dreams. She finds herself embroiled in a mysterious narrative involving an amnesiac brunette (played by Laura Elena Harring). As Roger Ebert highlighted in his original review, “Mulholland Drive” eschews conventional storytelling in favor of evoking raw emotions, akin to the impact of music. Most of the film unfolds as a surreal dream, delving into the depths of a woman’s shattered psyche as Lynch dissects the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the often crushing reality of lofty aspirations giving way to despair.
In the midst of navigating this dreamlike narrative, viewers are left pondering the significance of enigmatic elements like the blue key and box. Lynch expertly keeps audiences riveted with mesmerizing sequences such as the haunting Club Silencio musical interlude, Betty’s jaw-dropping audition, and the unnerving encounter between a cocky director (portrayed by Justin Theroux) and an eerie cowboy. Additionally, one of the most chilling sequences in Hollywood history unfolds at a nondescript diner, showcasing Lynch’s masterful ability to build tension with minimal dialogue. With Naomi Watts delivering a powerhouse performance, it’s no surprise that the BBC hailed this surrealist masterpiece as the greatest film of the 21st century thus far.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)