A best-supporting-actress Oscar followed soon after, for her take on the charismatic, sultry, and rebellious sociopath Lisa in James Mangold’s psychiatric ward-set ensemble drama. Despite the presence of Winona Ryder, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy, Elisabeth Moss, et al, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the volatile live wire that is Jolie.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Racing through the jungle, swinging through ancient temples on ropes, firing shotguns, and beating her enemies to a pulp, the actor established herself as a formidable—and, crucially, bankable—action star, too, in Simon West’s bombastic blockbuster, as well as Jan de Bont’s explosive 2003 franchise sequel, The Cradle of Life.