Jennifer Aniston’s Best Roles

Jennifer Aniston became one of the most recognizable television stars in the world with her career-defining role in a legendary sitcom. Her performance not only earned her numerous awards but also turned her into a global fashion and cultural icon. While that role could have easily defined her entire career, she successfully navigated the transition from television superstar to a respected and highly successful film actress, proving her incredible staying power in a notoriously tough industry.

Over the decades, Aniston has built a diverse filmography that showcases her exceptional comedic timing and her surprising dramatic depth. She has headlined blockbuster comedies and romantic films, but has also consistently taken on challenging roles in independent dramas that allow her to stretch her acting abilities. Now also a successful producer, she continues to take on interesting projects in both film and television that demonstrate her evolution as a performer.

‘Rock Star’ (2001)

In this music-filled drama, Jennifer Aniston plays Emily Poule. The film tells the story of a rock music fanatic who gets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to become the lead singer of his favorite heavy metal band. The story follows his meteoric rise to fame and the subsequent pressures and temptations that come with the rock and roll lifestyle.

Emily is his girlfriend and manager who is with him from his early days in a tribute band through his journey to stardom. Her character serves as his emotional anchor and a voice of reason as he gets swept up in the excesses of his new life. The role shows her supporting a protagonist on a dramatic journey of fame and self-discovery.

‘Just Go with It’ (2011)

Jennifer Aniston stars as Katherine Murphy, a dedicated single mother who works as an office manager for a successful plastic surgeon. Her boss frequently pretends to be in an unhappy marriage to attract women without commitment. When he finally meets a woman he thinks could be the one, he enlists Katherine to pose as his soon-to-be ex-wife to maintain his lie.

The elaborate charade spirals out of control during a group trip to Hawaii, which includes Katherine’s children. Aniston’s character must navigate a series of increasingly absurd and comical situations while pretending to be someone she is not. The film is a romantic comedy that relies on the chemistry and comedic timing between its lead actors.

‘The Good Girl’ (2002)

In this independent dark comedy-drama, Jennifer Aniston takes on the role of Justine Last, a retail worker who is unhappily married and bored with her small-town life. She works at a big-box store and feels trapped in a monotonous and unfulfilling existence. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she begins an affair with a new young co-worker who sees himself as a misunderstood literary figure.

The role was a significant departure from the comedic television work she was known for at the time. Her performance as the deeply melancholic Justine was praised for its subtlety and emotional depth. She portrayed a complex woman making desperate choices in an attempt to find a spark of passion and meaning in her life.

‘Cake’ (2014)

Jennifer Aniston delivered a widely acclaimed dramatic performance as Claire Simmons. Her character is a woman suffering from debilitating chronic pain following a tragic car accident that also took the life of her son. Abrasive and emotionally scarred, she pushes away everyone who tries to help her as she struggles with her physical agony and psychological trauma.

To portray the character authentically, Aniston altered her physical appearance and movements to convey the constant pain Claire endures. The film is a raw and unflinching character study of a woman navigating the depths of grief and loss. Her performance was a powerful demonstration of her capabilities as a dramatic actress.

‘Derailed’ (2005)

In this thriller, Jennifer Aniston plays Lucinda Harris, a successful financial executive. The story follows a man whose life is turned upside down after he misses his train and meets Lucinda in a chance encounter. The two married professionals begin an affair that takes a dangerous and violent turn when they are brutally attacked by a criminal.

The initial attack leads to a tense and complicated situation involving blackmail and deception. Aniston’s character is a key part of the film’s twisting plot, which is full of suspense and unexpected developments. The role allowed her to work within the thriller genre, a departure from her more frequent comedic and romantic parts.

‘Bruce Almighty’ (2003)

Jennifer Aniston plays Grace Connelly in this high-concept comedy. The film’s protagonist is a television reporter who, after a particularly bad day, complains to God about his misfortunes. In response, God temporarily endows him with all of his divine powers to see if he can do a better job running the world.

Grace is his loving and patient girlfriend who is often bewildered by his increasingly strange and miraculous behavior. Her character acts as the emotional center of the story, grounding the fantastical premise with a sense of reality. She represents the protagonist’s personal life, which he risks losing as he becomes consumed by his newfound abilities.

‘Storks’ (2016)

In this animated family comedy, Jennifer Aniston lends her voice to the character of Sarah Gardner. The film is set in a world where storks have stopped delivering babies and have instead become package couriers for a massive online retailer. The story kicks into gear when a stork and his human partner accidentally create an unauthorized baby and must deliver her before their boss finds out.

Sarah Gardner is the workaholic mother of a lonely young boy who wishes for a baby brother. Her character’s journey involves learning to balance her career with spending more quality time with her family. Aniston’s voice performance brings warmth and humor to the maternal character in this story about family and friendship.

‘Dumplin” (2018)

Jennifer Aniston plays Rosie Dickson, a former beauty queen who now runs the local teen pageant in her small Texas town. Her plus-size teenage daughter, who feels overlooked by her pageant-obsessed mother, decides to sign up for the pageant as a form of protest. Her rebellious act inspires other unconventional contestants to enter as well.

The film explores the complex relationship between a mother and daughter who have different values and perspectives on beauty and self-worth. Aniston’s character must confront her own traditional views when her daughter’s actions challenge the very institution she holds dear. The role shows her as a loving but flawed mother on a journey of understanding.

‘Horrible Bosses’ (2011)

In this dark comedy, Jennifer Aniston portrays Dr. Julia Harris, a dentist with a dangerously aggressive and unprofessional demeanor. The film follows three friends who are fed up with their abusive and manipulative employers. They drunkenly decide to conspire to murder each other’s bosses to free themselves from their miserable jobs.

Aniston’s character is one of the titular horrible bosses, who relentlessly harasses her dental assistant. The role was a notable departure for her, as she played a villainous and overtly predatory character. Her performance was a comedic highlight of the film, showcasing a completely different side of her acting range.

‘Marley & Me’ (2008)

Jennifer Aniston stars as Jenny Grogan in this heartfelt comedy-drama based on a best-selling memoir. The film follows a young married couple who, as a trial run for parenthood, adopt a mischievous and untrainable yellow Labrador named Marley. The story chronicles the next decade of their lives as they build a family alongside their chaotic but lovable dog.

The film explores the highs and lows of marriage, family, and the unconditional love of a pet. Aniston’s character journeys from a newlywed to a mother of three, navigating career changes and the challenges of raising a family. Her performance provides much of the emotional heart of this story about the joys and sorrows of life.

‘We’re the Millers’ (2013)

In this road trip comedy, Jennifer Aniston plays Sarah “Rose” O’Reilly, a cynical exotic dancer who is deep in debt. Her neighbor, a small-time drug dealer, needs to smuggle a large shipment of marijuana across the Mexican border. To create an inconspicuous cover, he hires Rose and two local teenagers to pose as his wholesome, all-American family on an RV vacation.

The film follows the fake family as they encounter a series of mishaps and run into dangerous criminals and quirky fellow travelers. Aniston’s character must reluctantly play the role of a conservative suburban mom, a stark contrast to her real personality. Her comedic performance is a key part of the film’s raunchy and chaotic humor.

‘Office Space’ (1999)

Jennifer Aniston plays Joanna in this cult classic satire of corporate work culture. The film centers on a disillusioned software programmer who, after a hypnotherapy session goes awry, adopts a carefree and rebellious attitude towards his soul-crushing job. His new outlook inspires his co-workers to also stand up to their monotonous careers and micromanaging boss.

Joanna is a waitress at a nearby chain restaurant who is similarly fed up with the absurd rules and lack of respect she faces at her job. She becomes the love interest of the main character, and they bond over their shared frustration with their work lives. Her role is a memorable part of this widely beloved workplace comedy.

‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)

Jennifer Aniston provided the voice for Annie Hughes in this critically acclaimed animated science fiction film. The story is set in 1957 during the Cold War and follows a lonely young boy who discovers and befriends a giant alien robot that has crash-landed on Earth. He must protect his new friend from a paranoid government agent who wants to destroy it.

Annie is the boy’s widowed mother, a kind and hardworking diner waitress who is initially unaware of her son’s giant secret. She is a caring and protective parent who is struggling to raise her son on her own. Aniston’s voice work gives the character a warm and maternal presence that is essential to the film’s emotional core.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–)

In this high-stakes drama series, Jennifer Aniston stars as Alex Levy, the longtime co-anchor of a popular national morning news program. Her world is thrown into chaos when her on-air partner of 15 years is fired amidst a workplace misconduct scandal. She must fight to maintain her position and navigate the ruthless politics of television news.

The series explores the power dynamics of the media industry and the personal and professional lives of the people who bring the news to the world each day. Aniston’s role is that of a complex and ambitious woman who must reinvent herself in a constantly changing landscape. The performance has earned her significant praise for its dramatic intensity.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Jennifer Aniston’s breakout role was playing Rachel Green in this globally beloved sitcom. The series follows a close-knit group of six friends navigating their careers, relationships, and daily lives in New York City. The show began with Rachel running away from her own wedding and finding a new life and independence with her friends.

Rachel’s journey from a spoiled but good-natured runaway bride to a successful fashion executive and mother was a central focus of the series. Her on-again, off-again romance with one of the other friends became one of the most iconic storylines in television history. The role made Aniston a superstar and created a character cherished by millions.

Let us know which Jennifer Aniston role is your all-time favorite in the comments.