Angelina Jolie Reveals Her Most Underrated Movie—And It’s Not What You Think!

Angelina Jolie has long been recognized for her remarkable talent and versatility on screen, with iconic roles in films like Girl, Interrupted and Mr. & Mrs. Smith earning her widespread acclaim. However, throughout her career, there have been several performances that didn’t receive the recognition they deserved, despite Jolie’s heartfelt portrayals and dedication. In a recent interview, Jolie named a few of her most overlooked films, shedding light on projects that didn’t quite receive the box office success or critical attention they deserved.

1. Beyond Borders (2003)

In Beyond Borders, Jolie portrays Sarah Jordan, a socialite who becomes deeply involved in humanitarian efforts across war-torn regions. The romantic drama, which explores themes of love, war, and selflessness, had a promising narrative but struggled commercially, earning only $11.7 million worldwide against a $35 million budget. Critics acknowledged Jolie’s passionate performance, but many felt the film’s execution lacked the depth to fully resonate with audiences. Despite this, the movie remains a notable entry in Jolie’s filmography for its attempt to tackle the complex issues of global conflict and humanitarian work.

2. A Mighty Heart (2007)

In this biographical drama, Jolie stars as Mariane Pearl, the wife of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by militants in Pakistan. Jolie’s portrayal of Mariane during her search for her husband earned her widespread critical praise, leading to nominations for both a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. While her performance was lauded, the film itself didn’t achieve significant box office success and remains lesser-known in Jolie’s body of work. A Mighty Heart is a deeply moving film that showcases Jolie’s ability to embody real-life figures with emotional complexity, yet it never reached the mainstream recognition it deserved.

3. In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011)

In the Land of Blood and Honey marked Jolie’s directorial debut, telling a poignant love story set against the harrowing backdrop of the Bosnian War. The film was ambitious and aimed to shed light on the human cost of war, but it received mixed reviews, with some praising its daring narrative approach while others critiqued its execution. Despite receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, the movie didn’t find a wide audience and remains one of Jolie’s more underappreciated works, particularly for its bold attempt to bring the realities of war to the forefront through a deeply personal narrative.

4. First They Killed My Father (2017)

In this historical thriller, which Jolie also directed, she tells the story of Loung Ung’s memoir about surviving the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity, with Jolie’s direction drawing praise for its sensitivity and insight into a tragic chapter of history. Despite critical acclaim, the film didn’t receive the mainstream attention it deserved, making it one of Jolie’s most overlooked directorial efforts. First They Killed My Father was an important contribution to storytelling about survival and resilience, but it didn’t make the waves it should have in global cinema discussions.

5. Maria (2024)

Jolie’s most recent project, Maria, is a biopic in which she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas during her final days in Paris. Despite her compelling performance, the film received mixed reviews, and notably, it was snubbed during major award season nominations. This lack of recognition sparked discussions about its underappreciation, with many critics questioning why such a powerful portrayal of a cultural icon was overlooked. Maria is a testament to Jolie’s range as an actress, but it’s another example of how certain projects, despite their emotional and artistic merit, sometimes fly under the radar.

Throughout her career, Angelina Jolie has taken on a variety of roles, showcasing her diverse talents in both acting and directing. While she has undoubtedly achieved immense success in many blockbuster films, these underrated gems in her filmography reveal the depth of her artistic pursuits and the emotional risks she takes with each project. As fans and critics continue to revisit her work, it’s clear that these overlooked films deserve more attention for the powerful performances and important themes they bring to the screen.