Angelina Jolie’s best action movies, ranked by popularity, put her at the top as one of Hollywood’s toughest female stars, with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider leading the pack thanks to its massive box office pull and lasting fan love[1][3]. Her action roles mix high-stakes chases, gunfights, and clever escapes that keep audiences hooked, showing off her skills in everything from tomb raiding to spy games.
Starting with number one, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider from 2001 stands out as the most popular by far. This movie turned Angelina into a global icon when she stepped into the boots of the video game hero Lara Croft. Fans flocked to theaters, making it a huge hit that raked in over $274 million worldwide on a $115 million budget. The story follows Lara as she hunts for a powerful artifact called the Triangle of Light, battling shadowy groups and her own father’s past. Angelina nailed the role with her sharp looks, tough attitude, and real athletic moves—she did many of her own stunts, like flipping through traps and firing dual pistols[1][3]. People loved how she brought heart to Lara, making her more than just a badass; she showed vulnerability too, like worrying about her missing dad. The film’s exotic locations, from ancient ruins in Cambodia to high-tech lairs, added thrill, and the gadgets like her motorbikes and holographic maps felt fresh. Even today, it’s the go-to Jolie action flick for newcomers, with endless rewatches on streaming. Critics were mixed on the plot, but fans rank it high for pure fun and Angelina’s perfect fit—everyone agreed she was born for it[3].
Coming in at number two is the sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, released in 2002. It kept the momentum going, pulling in $160 million worldwide, though not quite as big as the first. Here, Lara teams up with a shady adventurer played by Gerard Butler to stop a deadly virus hidden in Pandora’s Box, racing across Africa, Greece, and Shanghai. Angelina amps up the action with sword fights, shark dives, and a wild motorcycle chase through twisting streets. She wears even cooler outfits, like a sleek black catsuit, and her chemistry with Butler sparks real tension. The movie dives deeper into mythology, with glowing orbs and shadowy cults, keeping the adventure vibe alive. Popularity-wise, it rides the first film’s wave—fans adore the bigger stunts and Angelina’s commanding presence, even if some say the story wanders. It’s a solid follow-up that cements her as the ultimate tomb raider[1].
Number three goes to Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2005, which exploded in popularity with $478 million at the box office, outpacing both Tomb Raiders combined. Angelina plays Jane Smith, a deadly assassin married to another killer, Brad Pitt’s John, without either knowing the truth. When their paths cross on jobs, it turns into a marriage of mayhem—exploding houses, rooftop shootouts, and gadget-filled fights. The action shines in close-quarters brawls where Angelina wields knives and guns with precision, flipping over tables and dodging bullets like a pro. Off-screen buzz from her and Pitt’s real-life romance boosted it huge, but the film’s witty script and steamy tension made it a hit. Fans rank it high for blending action with romance, and Angelina’s cool-under-pressure style steals scenes. It’s the kind of movie that launched memes and still packs theaters for date nights.
Hacker from 1995, now a cult favorite, lands at number four in popularity, especially among sci-fi action buffs[4]. Originally called Cyber Bandits, it didn’t wow at first with just $177,000 in limited release, but it grew a dedicated following over time. Angelina stars as Sindi, a tough hacker in a cyberpunk world, teaming with a zero-gravity engineer to steal a deadly satellite weapon from arms dealers. The action mixes high-tech hacks, zero-G fights in space stations, and ground chases with exploding trucks. Angelina, just 20 then, brings raw edge—punching foes, cracking codes, and riding motorbikes through neon-lit streets. Its low-budget charm, wild effects, and early internet vibes give it retro appeal. Fans love it now for Angelina’s breakout intensity, ranking it above flops but below her blockbusters. Streaming revivals keep it alive as a hidden gem.
Salt in 2010 takes fifth spot, a spy thriller that earned $293 million worldwide and sparked talk of sequels. Angelina is Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper spy, leading to a cross-country chase full of brutal fights and disguises. She jumps trains, fights in elevators with broken bottles, and infiltrates bases in wild makeup. The action feels real—Angelina trained hard for hand-to-hand combat, making every punch land hard. Popularity surged from twisty plot and her fierce performance; fans debate if she’s hero or villain, boosting rewatches. It ranks solid for edge-of-seat thrills, though some wished for more closure.
Wanted in 2008 hits number six, banking $341 million and winning over comic fans. Angelina plays Fox, a elite assassin in a secret society that curves bullets and bends fate. She mentors a newbie played by James McAvoy, dishing out motorcycle assassinations, train wrecks, and weaving shots around corners. Her leather-clad look and emotionless kills make her iconic—fans quote her “What if?” line forever. The over-the-top action, like rats exploding into weapons, amps popularity, even if critics called it silly. Angelina’s icy charisma elevates it to must-watch status.
Taking seventh is Gone in Sixty Seconds in 2000, a car-heist classic grossing $237 million. Angelina is Eleanor Raines, the tough girlfriend of car thief Memphis played by Nicolas Cage. She handles garage brawls, chases cops in muscle cars, and stands up to gangs. The real star is the 40-minute finale chase with the elephant Shelby Mustang dodging trucks and semis. Angelina’s no-nonsense role adds spark—fans love her wrench-swinging fights and loyalty. It ranks well for adrenaline, pure escapist fun.
Eighth place belongs to The Tourist in 2010, more thriller than pure action but popular with $278 million haul. Angelina is Elise Clifton-Ward, a glamorous femme fatale luring Johnny Depp into a Paris chase against assassins. She drives speedboats through canals, fights on rooftops, and outsmarts cops in disguises. The action leans stylish—gown-ripping escapes and gondola shootouts—with her poise shining. Fans enjoy the chemistry and twists, ranking it for lighter action vibes.
Rounding out ninth is Taking Lives in 2004, a darker action-thriller with $65 million take. Angelina plays FBI profiler Illeana Scott hunting a killer in Canada, leading to intense pursuits and a brutal hand-to-hand finale. She wields guns and wits in snowy chases, her intensity drawing fans despite mixe
