Angelina Jolie’s Career: From ‘Lookin’ to Get Out’ to ‘Maria’

Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous and recognizable figures in Hollywood. As the daughter of actor Jon Voight, she grew up around the film industry, but she quickly carved out a unique and powerful identity of her own. Over the years, she has become known for her striking screen presence, her willingness to take on challenging and intense roles, and her transformation into a global superstar, director, and dedicated humanitarian. Her career is marked by a fearless approach to acting that has captivated audiences for decades.

This listicle traces Jolie’s remarkable journey through cinema, from her small debut as a child to her status as an Oscar-winning actress and action hero. Her filmography showcases an incredible range, moving from gritty independent dramas to massive blockbuster franchises and acclaimed biographical pictures. We will explore the key films that defined her career, highlighting the performances that cemented her place as a true Hollywood icon.

‘Lookin’ to Get Out’ (1982)

This comedy-drama film stars Jon Voight and Burt Young as two gamblers who flee New York City after one of them loses a significant amount of money to mobsters. They head to Las Vegas, hoping to win big and pay off their debt, but their misadventures continue as they get into more trouble in Sin City. The film is a story of friendship and desperation set against the backdrop of the Las Vegas gambling scene.

Angelina Jolie made her on-screen debut in this film at the age of seven, appearing alongside her father. She has a very small role as Tosh, the daughter of her father’s character, appearing briefly in one scene. Though a minor part, it marks the first cinematic appearance of a future global superstar, credited as Angelina Jolie Voight.

‘Cyborg 2’ (1993)

In this direct-to-video science fiction film, it is the year 2074, and two rival corporations are competing to dominate the cyborg market. One company has created a new, advanced cyborg model designed for corporate espionage and assassination. This cyborg is filled with a liquid explosive, making her a walking bomb.

Angelina Jolie stars in her first leading role as Casella “Cash” Reese, the cyborg who learns of her explosive destiny and decides to escape with the help of her combat trainer. Jolie has since expressed her dislike for the film, but it represents her first major part and an early step in her professional acting career, showcasing her screen presence even in a low-budget production.

‘Hackers’ (1995)

The film follows a group of gifted high school hackers who find themselves caught in a dangerous corporate extortion conspiracy. After one of them accidentally downloads a file containing the scheme, they must use their computer skills to clear their names and prevent a disaster, all while being pursued by the Secret Service and the villainous mastermind behind the plot.

Angelina Jolie plays Kate Libby, who goes by the hacker alias “Acid Burn.” She is a confident and elite hacker who becomes both a rival and a love interest to the main character. The film became a cult classic, and Jolie’s edgy and charismatic performance helped to establish her “cool girl” persona in the mid-90s.

‘Without Evidence’ (1996)

This thriller is based on the true story of the controversial death of a state’s prison system director. After his death is ruled a hit-and-run, his brother refuses to accept the official story and launches his own investigation. He uncovers a dark world of political corruption and conspiracy as he gets closer to the truth.

Angelina Jolie plays a supporting role as Jodie Swearingen, a friend who becomes involved in the brother’s dangerous search for answers. The film is a gritty and tense crime drama that explores themes of justice and the abuse of power.

‘Love Is All There Is’ (1996)

This romantic comedy is a modern-day, comedic retelling of William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The story is set in the Bronx and revolves around two rival Italian-American families who own competing catering businesses. The conflict escalates when the son of one family falls in love with the daughter of the other.

Angelina Jolie portrays Gina Malacici, the “Juliet” character of the story. Her performance is part of a large ensemble cast in this lighthearted take on the classic tale of forbidden love. The film uses humor to explore themes of family feuds and young romance.

‘Mojave Moon’ (1996)

A middle-aged man from Los Angeles is feeling dissatisfied with his life when he meets an attractive young woman in a diner. He agrees to give her a ride home to the Mojave Desert, but the journey quickly turns into a bizarre and dangerous adventure involving her strange family and a violent ex-boyfriend.

Angelina Jolie plays Ellie Rigby, the free-spirited and alluring young woman who draws the main character into her chaotic world. Her performance is both charming and unpredictable, adding to the film’s blend of road-trip comedy and offbeat thriller elements.

‘Foxfire’ (1996)

Based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel, the film follows a group of high school girls who feel overlooked and mistreated. Their lives are changed when a mysterious and rebellious drifter arrives in town. She inspires them to form a secret all-girl gang to stand up for themselves, but their acts of rebellion soon spiral out of control.

Angelina Jolie stars as Margaret “Legs” Sadovsky, the charismatic and fearless leader of the group. Her intense and magnetic performance was widely praised by critics, even in a film that received mixed reviews. This role was a key moment in establishing her as a powerful and compelling actress.

‘Playing God’ (1997)

A brilliant surgeon is stripped of his medical license due to his drug addiction. He ends up saving a man’s life in a bar shootout and is soon hired by a powerful crime boss to be his personal doctor, patching up his associates with no questions asked. The surgeon finds himself drawn deeper into the criminal underworld.

Angelina Jolie plays Claire, the girlfriend of the ruthless crime boss. Her character is glamorous but tough, and she forms a complicated relationship with the disgraced surgeon. The film is a stylish crime thriller that explores morality in a dangerous world.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (1998)

Five years after a robbery gone wrong led to the death of one of their friends, a group of young people in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City are still dealing with the consequences. The story follows one of them who, after getting out of prison, tries to start a new life as a boxer, but his past and the desire for revenge complicate his plans.

Angelina Jolie plays Gloria McNeary, the sister of the boy who was killed. Her character is filled with grief and anger, and she struggles to move on from the tragic events of the past. The film is a gritty urban drama about guilt, redemption, and the cycle of violence.

‘Playing by Heart’ (1998)

This ensemble romantic drama follows the interconnected lives and relationships of a diverse group of people in Los Angeles. The stories range from a long-married couple dealing with a secret, to a young man dying of AIDS, to a theater director trying to connect with a woman he just met.

Angelina Jolie plays Joan, a vibrant and talkative club-goer who forms a connection with a lonely young man. Her performance was a standout in the star-studded cast, praised for its energy and emotional depth. The role showcased her ability to be both funny and moving.

‘Pushing Tin’ (1999)

The film offers a comedic and dramatic look into the high-stress world of air traffic controllers in New York. The story centers on a hotshot controller whose confidence and marriage are tested when a quiet but talented new controller arrives, sparking a rivalry both at work and in their personal lives.

Angelina Jolie plays Mary Bell, the seductive and free-spirited wife of the new controller. Her character is a force of nature who disrupts the lives of both men. Jolie’s performance was noted for its charismatic and unpredictable energy.

‘The Bone Collector’ (1999)

A brilliant but quadriplegic forensics expert, who has been confined to his bed since an accident, is called back to help the police track down a sadistic serial killer. He must rely on a gifted rookie patrol cop to be his eyes and ears on the crime scenes, guiding her through the gruesome evidence via a headset.

Angelina Jolie stars as Amelia Donaghy, the young cop who becomes the forensics expert’s partner. Her character must overcome her own trauma to navigate the dangerous and disturbing world of the killer. The film was a commercial success and a major step in her career as a leading actress.

‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999)

Based on a memoir, the film tells the story of a young woman who, after a suicide attempt, is checked into a psychiatric hospital in the late 1960s. Inside, she is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and must navigate the strange and intense world of the institution and its troubled patients.

Angelina Jolie plays Lisa Rowe, a charismatic, rebellious, and manipulative sociopath who is a long-term patient at the hospital. Her powerful and electrifying performance was met with universal acclaim, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This role cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.

‘Gone in Sixty Seconds’ (2000)

A legendary car thief is forced out of retirement to save his younger brother’s life. To do so, he must assemble his old crew and achieve the impossible: steal 50 rare and exotic cars in one night. The high-stakes heist is complicated by a rival gang and a relentless police detective who is determined to catch him.

Angelina Jolie plays Sara “Sway” Wayland, a skilled mechanic, bartender, and the main character’s former love interest who rejoins the crew for the dangerous job. Jolie brought her signature cool and edgy persona to the role in this fast-paced and commercially successful action film.

‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ (2001)

Based on the popular video game series, this action-adventure film introduces the beautiful and athletic British archaeologist, Lara Croft. She embarks on a quest to find a powerful ancient artifact that allows its possessor to control time, racing against a secret society known as the Illuminati to find it first.

Angelina Jolie’s casting as Lara Croft was seen as perfect, and she fully embodied the iconic character, performing many of her own stunts. The film was a massive box office hit, establishing Jolie as a major international action star and a leading lady capable of carrying a blockbuster franchise.

‘Original Sin’ (2001)

Set in late 19th-century Cuba, this erotic thriller follows a wealthy coffee merchant who orders a mail-order bride from the United States. When she arrives, she is far more beautiful and mysterious than her photograph suggested. He falls deeply in love with her, but soon discovers she is not who she claims to be, drawing him into a dangerous world of deception and betrayal.

Angelina Jolie plays Julia Russell, the enigmatic and seductive woman with a hidden past. The film is known for its steamy scenes and twist-filled plot, with Jolie delivering a performance that is both alluring and dangerous.

‘Life or Something Like It’ (2002)

A shallow and ambitious television reporter believes she has the perfect life: a great career, a famous baseball player boyfriend, and a perfect apartment. Her world is turned upside down when a homeless street prophet tells her that she is going to die in one week. She is forced to re-evaluate her life, her choices, and her relationships.

Angelina Jolie stars as Lanie Kerrigan, the reporter who must confront her own mortality. The role was a departure for Jolie, allowing her to explore romantic comedy. The film examines themes of living life to the fullest and finding meaning beyond superficial success.

‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life’ (2003)

In her second outing as the adventurous archaeologist, Lara Croft must find the mythical Pandora’s Box before a maniacal bio-terrorist can get his hands on it. The box is said to contain the deadliest plague on Earth, and her quest takes her to exotic locations around the world, from Greece to Hong Kong and Africa.

Angelina Jolie reprises the role with the same confidence and athleticism that made the first film a success. While the sequel was not as commercially successful as the original, it was praised by many critics for having a more compelling plot and better action sequences.

‘Beyond Borders’ (2003)

The film follows a naive and sheltered American socialite living in London who, after a life-changing encounter with a passionate humanitarian doctor, decides to join his relief efforts in war-torn and famine-stricken countries. Spanning over a decade, their lives intersect in dangerous places like Ethiopia, Cambodia, and Chechnya.

Angelina Jolie stars as Sarah Jordan, the woman who dedicates her life to humanitarian work. The film’s themes mirrored Jolie’s own growing off-screen passion for global aid and refugee work, for which she would become a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

‘Taking Lives’ (2004)

An elite FBI profiler is called to Montreal, Canada, to help local police hunt down a particularly cunning serial killer. The killer’s method involves assuming the identities of his victims, living their lives for a period before moving on to the next one. The profiler finds the case becoming dangerously personal when she becomes involved with a key witness.

Angelina Jolie plays Illeana Scott, the brilliant but unconventional FBI agent. Her character must delve into the mind of the killer to predict his next move. The film is a dark and suspenseful psychological thriller with numerous twists and turns.

‘Shark Tale’ (2004)

This animated comedy is set in a bustling underwater metropolis. The story follows a small, fast-talking fish who tells a big lie, claiming he killed the son of a powerful shark mob boss. He is instantly hailed as a hero, but his lie gets him into deep trouble with both the shark mafia and his own community.

Angelina Jolie provides the voice for Lola, a beautiful and materialistic lionfish who becomes the main character’s love interest after he becomes famous. Her character is a classic femme fatale, adding to the film’s humorous, mob-movie-inspired world.

‘Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow’ (2004)

In an alternate 1939, a fearless newspaper reporter and a dashing aviator team up to investigate the mysterious disappearances of famous scientists around the world. Their adventure leads them to confront a mad scientist who plans to build his own “world of tomorrow” by destroying the current one.

Angelina Jolie has a memorable supporting role as Commander Francesca “Franky” Cook, the eyepatch-wearing leader of an all-female amphibious Royal Navy squadron. The film is known for its unique retro-futuristic visual style, having been shot almost entirely on a digital backlot.

‘Alexander’ (2004)

This epic historical drama, directed by Oliver Stone, chronicles the life of Alexander the Great, the King of Macedonia who conquered most of the known world by the age of 25. The film depicts his military campaigns, his personal relationships, and his vision of a multicultural empire.

Angelina Jolie delivers a powerful and intense performance as Olympias, Alexander’s ambitious and fiercely protective mother. Her portrayal of the manipulative and passionate queen was one of the most talked-about aspects of the film, showcasing her commanding screen presence.

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2005)

A bored, upper-middle-class married couple is shocked to discover that they are both secretly assassins working for competing agencies. Their mundane life is turned upside down when they are assigned to kill each other, leading to a series of explosive and darkly comedic confrontations in their own home.

Angelina Jolie stars as Jane Smith, the cool and efficient assassin. The film was a massive international box office hit, celebrated for its perfect blend of action, comedy, and romance. The undeniable on-screen chemistry between Jolie and her co-star Brad Pitt made it one of the most iconic films of the decade.

‘The Good Shepherd’ (2006)

This spy thriller, directed by Robert De Niro, tells the story of the birth of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) through the eyes of one of its founding members. The film follows his life and career, from his recruitment at Yale University into a secret society to his rise as a top counter-intelligence officer during the Cold War.

Angelina Jolie plays Margaret “Clover” Russell, the wife of the main character. Her character endures a lonely and difficult marriage as her husband’s dedication to the secretive and morally ambiguous world of espionage consumes his life and damages their family.

‘A Mighty Heart’ (2007)

Based on a true story, the film chronicles the efforts of Mariane Pearl to find her husband, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, after he is kidnapped by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. The story follows her desperate search for answers in the frantic and dangerous days following his abduction.

Angelina Jolie delivers a critically acclaimed performance as Mariane Pearl, capturing her courage, grace, and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The role earned her nominations for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, and was praised as one of the most powerful and restrained performances of her career.

‘Beowulf’ (2007)

This fantasy epic, created with advanced performance-capture technology, is an adaptation of the ancient Old English poem. It tells the story of a legendary Geatish warrior who travels to Denmark to defeat a monstrous creature named Grendel. After his victory, he must face an even more dangerous and seductive foe: Grendel’s mother.

Angelina Jolie portrays Grendel’s mother, a demonic and alluring water creature. Using motion capture, her performance is transformed into a visually stunning and terrifying character. She brings a seductive and villainous presence to the mythological tale.

‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008)

In this animated martial arts comedy, a lazy and uncoordinated panda who works in his family’s noodle shop is unexpectedly chosen as the “Dragon Warrior,” a prophesied hero destined to protect his valley. He must learn the art of kung fu from a group of legendary masters to defeat an evil snow leopard who is threatening his home.

Angelina Jolie provides the voice for Master Tigress, the most dedicated and powerful member of the Furious Five, the group of kung fu masters. Her character is initially skeptical of the panda’s abilities but becomes one of his most loyal allies. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, launching a major franchise.

‘Wanted’ (2008)

A frustrated and anxious office worker discovers that his estranged father was a member of the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins that has existed for centuries. He is recruited into the organization by a mysterious woman and trained to unlock his own dormant, superhuman abilities to become a deadly killer.

Angelina Jolie plays Fox, the skilled and enigmatic assassin who mentors the main character. She is a cool and commanding presence in this hyper-stylized action film, known for its “bullet-curving” visual effects and intense action sequences. The role reaffirmed her status as a top action star.

‘Changeling’ (2008)

Based on a shocking true story from 1920s Los Angeles, the film follows a single mother whose son is abducted. Months later, the police claim to have found him, but she insists the boy they return is not her son. When she challenges the authorities, she is branded as delusional and unstable and is institutionalized.

Angelina Jolie gives a powerful and emotionally devastating performance as Christine Collins, the mother who fights a corrupt system in her desperate search for the truth. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and was widely praised as one of the best performances of her career.

‘Salt’ (2010)

A highly respected CIA officer’s life is thrown into chaos when a Russian defector walks into her office and accuses her of being a dormant KGB sleeper agent. With her loyalty questioned and her superiors convinced she is a traitor, she is forced to go on the run to clear her name and uncover a vast conspiracy.

Angelina Jolie stars in the title role of Evelyn Salt, performing incredible stunts and showcasing her action-hero credentials. The film is a fast-paced and twist-filled spy thriller that keeps the audience guessing about the main character’s true allegiance until the very end.

‘The Tourist’ (2010)

An American tourist traveling through Italy finds his life in danger when he has a chance encounter with a mysterious and beautiful woman on a train. She is being pursued by both the police and a ruthless gangster, and she deliberately uses the unsuspecting tourist as a decoy to throw them off her trail.

Angelina Jolie plays Elise Clifton-Ward, the elegant and enigmatic woman at the center of the international intrigue. The film is a stylish romantic thriller set against the beautiful backdrop of Venice and Paris, and it relies heavily on the star power and chemistry of its two leads.

‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ (2011)

In this sequel, the panda Po is now the Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends, the Furious Five. His new life is threatened by the emergence of a formidable new villain who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu forever.

Angelina Jolie reprises her voice role as the fierce and disciplined Master Tigress. The film delves deeper into the characters’ backstories, including Tigress’s own, and was praised for its stunning animation, emotional depth, and exciting action sequences.

‘Maleficent’ (2014)

This fantasy film retells the story of Disney’s classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ from the perspective of the villain. It explores the backstory of a powerful and kind-hearted fairy who, after being cruelly betrayed by the man she loved, turns to darkness and places a curse on his newborn daughter, Princess Aurora.

Angelina Jolie stars in the iconic title role, delivering a complex and sympathetic portrayal of one of Disney’s most famous villains. The film was a massive box office success, praised for its visual effects and Jolie’s captivating performance, which perfectly blended menace with vulnerability.

‘By the Sea’ (2015)

Set in France during the mid-1970s, this intimate drama follows an American writer and his wife as they travel the country together. They arrive at a quiet seaside town and find their marriage is in a deep crisis. They begin to form a strange and voyeuristic relationship with a newlywed couple staying in the room next to them.

Angelina Jolie wrote, directed, and starred in the film as Vanessa, the grieving former dancer. The movie is a quiet, European-style art film that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of a long-term relationship. It was a deeply personal project for the actress.

‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ (2016)

The Dragon Warrior’s adventure continues when his long-lost biological father suddenly reappears. The two travel to a secret panda paradise, where Po must train a village of clumsy, fun-loving pandas to become the ultimate band of kung fu fighters to defeat a supernatural villain who is sweeping across China.

Angelina Jolie returns as the voice of Master Tigress, who remains one of Po’s most loyal and powerful allies. The film was celebrated for its beautiful animation and heartfelt story about family and identity, successfully continuing the beloved animated franchise.

‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019)

In this sequel, Maleficent’s peaceful life as the protector of the Moors is once again disrupted when Princess Aurora accepts a proposal from Prince Phillip. The impending marriage brings Maleficent into conflict with the prince’s mother, a cunning queen who secretly plans to use the wedding to start a war between the human and fairy kingdoms.

Angelina Jolie reprises her role as the powerful horned fairy, further exploring her complex character and her maternal bond with Aurora. The film expands the fantasy world with new creatures and epic battles, continuing the story of the misunderstood villainess.

‘Come Away’ (2020)

This fantasy drama serves as a reimagining of the origins of two classic literary characters, Peter Pan and Alice from ‘Alice in Wonderland’. In this version, they are siblings who live an idyllic life with their parents. After a family tragedy, they try to help their parents and escape their sorrow by embarking on fantastical journeys to Wonderland and Neverland.

Angelina Jolie plays Rose Littleton, the mother of Alice and Peter. Her character must cope with immense grief while trying to hold her family together. The film is a whimsical and poignant story that blends fantasy with real-world heartbreak.

‘The One and Only Ivan’ (2020)

Based on a true story and a children’s book, this film tells the story of a silverback gorilla who lives in a cage at a suburban shopping mall. He performs for a small circus show along with a wise old elephant and other animals. When a baby elephant arrives, he is inspired to remember his past and hatches a plan to escape captivity.

Angelina Jolie provides the voice for Stella, the gentle and wise elephant who has a deep friendship with Ivan. Her character’s kindness and dying wish are the catalyst for the main character’s journey of self-discovery and his quest for freedom.

‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ (2021)

A smokejumper, a specially trained wildland firefighter, is struggling with guilt after a failed mission. While stationed alone in a fire lookout tower in the Montana wilderness, she encounters a traumatized 12-year-old boy who is on the run from two assassins who murdered his father. She must protect him from both the killers and a massive forest fire they started as a diversion.

Angelina Jolie stars as Hannah Faber, the tough and resourceful smokejumper. The role marks her return to the action-thriller genre, showcasing her as a resilient and protective hero in a high-stakes survival situation.

‘Eternals’ (2021)

This Marvel Cinematic Universe film introduces a new team of superheroes. They are an immortal alien race who have been secretly living on Earth for thousands of years, protecting humanity from monstrous creatures known as the Deviants. After the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame’, they are forced to reunite to face their ancient enemy once more.

Angelina Jolie plays Thena, an elite Eternal warrior who can form any weapon out of cosmic energy. Her character suffers from a psychological condition that causes her to lose control of her memories, making her a danger to her own team. The role added a major superhero franchise to her diverse filmography.

‘Maria’ (2024)

This biographical drama, directed by Pablo Larraín, depicts a turbulent, beautiful, and tragic chapter in the life of the world’s greatest opera singer, Maria Callas. The film is set during her final years in 1970s Paris and explores her decision to give up her iconic career for a life with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, a relationship that ultimately left her heartbroken and isolated.

Angelina Jolie takes on the challenging lead role of Maria Callas, aiming to capture the essence of the legendary and complex artist. The film focuses on the woman behind the icon, exploring her profound loss and her search for a new identity after stepping away from the stage.

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