Summary
- Angelina Jolie's action movies have solidified her legacy as a true action movie star, despite her recent shift towards drama.
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. and Mrs. Smith have left a lasting impact in the action movie genre, leading to reboots and adaptations.
- Although Jolie's projects seem focused on drama, the potential spy thriller Maude v Maude may offer a chance for her action side to shine once again.
Two years ago, I thought such as Lara Croft, Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent. However, through it all, I believe Jolie's best movies cemented her as a true action movie star.
Although Angelina Jolie's dramatic characters have impressed me, it is her action work that truly intrigues me. Furthermore, I think these films have the strongest legacy. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider may not have been a critical gem, but it brought to life a staple of early 1990s video games. Not to mention, it is one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations of all time. Mr. and Mrs. Smith has a similar reputation. Jolie's performance with Brad Pitt has remained significant enough that a television adaptation rebooted the franchise in 2024. Ultimately, Jolie's action roots are important.

How Tomb Raider’s New Lara Croft Compares To Angelina Jolie & Alicia Vikander
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Angelina Jolie Had Two Great Action Movie Roles In 2021
Jolie Starred In Eternals & Those Who Wish Me Dead
In 2021, I had hope that Angelina Jolie might return to action movies. At that time, Jolie's last Salt. That left the actress with a decade-long streak of no action movies. Therefore, I was thrilled to discover that she would star in two action films in 2021: Eternals and Those Who Wish Me Dead. Although Jolie hasn't taken on action again since these two movies, I have to it that they satisfied some of my craving. Through these movies, I got to see Jolie return to what she does best: intense, on-screen action sequences.
Though Salt was supposed to have a sequel, Salt 2 ultimately fell through. A television adaptation has also been reported, though no news has been released.
In Eternals, it was great to see Jolie embody a god-like hero character. It was even better to watch her do it alongside a star-studded cast. Jolie fit perfectly into the ensemble cast, which had a variety of distinct personalities. Of course, her most active moments were also her best. Those Who Wish Me Dead had the same effect. While more creepy and gripping than Eternals, Those Who Wish Me Dead fulfilled my dream of seeing Jolie's action comeback. Though both movies follow vastly different stories, they both offered me exactly what I wanted from Jolie.
None Of Angelina Jolie's Movies Are Action-Oriented
Jolie Is Mostly Sticking To Drama
Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I'll see Jolie's action side return any time soon. The actress has four movies slated for release in the coming years, and they look mostly like dramas. First, there is Every Note Played, which will see Jolie play a woman who takes care of her musically talented ex-husband after he is diagnosed with ALS. Next, Maria is a biographical film starring Jolie as opera singer Maria Callas. Then, Jolie is continuing her Disney villain franchise by reprising her role as Maleficent in Maleficent 3.
My only hope is a movie called Maude v Maude. At this point, there is no clear information about the movie's plot. However, it has been revealed that Jolie is teaming up with Halle Berry to make and star in this film. Furthermore, it is allegedly a spy thriller. With so little information at hand, it's impossible to say just how much action there will be in this movie, but I can't help but get my hopes up. A return to something like Mr. and Mrs. Smith would be just what I need to revive my Angelina Jolie action nostalgia.
Angelina Jolie Is Still A Great Action Movie Heroine
Jolie Will Always Be An Action Hero
Angelina Jolie may have taken a step back from action, but she will always remain a pillar of the genre. Action made up such a significant portion of her career that it would be impossible to forget about. Even as she explores other types of movies, I will always cherish those early Jolie movies that made me fall in love with her in the first place.
Plus, Jolie may return to action after all. There is no telling what the actress' future plans are. Though her next few movies seem to be on the more dramatic side, I am still holding out hope that she will return to action. It may be through Maude v Maude, or something else entirely. Regardless, I look forward to whatever Angelina Jolie does next.

Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, follows a group of ancient aliens who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. The film explores their reunion in the face of an unexpected tragedy and the threat posed by their age-old adversaries, the Deviants. Released in 2021, the film expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Writers
- Chloé Zhao, Patrick Burleigh, Ryan Firpo, Kaz Firpo
- Studio(s)
- Marvel
- Distributor(s)
- Disney
- Main Genre
- Superhero

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Those Who Wish Me Dead
- Release Date
- May 14, 2021
- Director
- Taylor Sheridan
- Writers
- Michael Koryta, Charles Leavitt, Taylor Sheridan
Cast
- Aidan Gillen
Those Who Wish Me Dead is a thriller directed by Taylor Sheridan, starring Angelina Jolie as a smokejumper who must protect a young murder witness while a pair of assassins pursue them through a forest fire in Montana. Co-stars include Finn Little, Nicholas Hoult, and Jon Bernthal. Based on the novel by Michael Koryta, the film blends high-stakes action with a tale of survival against both man and nature.
- Main Genre
- Thriller
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