10 Underrated Angelina Jolie Movies That Deserve More Credit

1. "Gia" (1998)

A raw tale of a supermodel's rise and fall. Angelina? Ah, she's Gia Carangi, a magnetic force from the wild 70s. Climbing to the pinnacle of the modeling world might seem glamorous, but here's the zinger: it's laced with heartbreak, addiction, and an HIV diagnosis.

This isn't just another "model tale"; it's a poignant glimpse into the perils of fame. Was Angelina lauded enough for this? Debatable. But perhaps Gia's journey needed just a touch more spotlight.

2. "Pushing Tin" (1999)

When air traffic controllers clash, boy, do sparks fly. Jolie's Mary Bell entices the screen as a free-spirited woman who stirs the pot in a rivalry between two air traffic controllers. Turbulence in the sky? Maybe not. But on the ground? Hell yes.

It's quirky, it's dramatic, but is it recognized as much as Jolie's other hits? Nah. Push this film up your watch list, and you won't be disappointed.

3. "Taking Lives" (2004)

Whodunit? That's the mystery in this gritty thriller. Jolie takes center stage as Illeana Scott, an FBI profiler with a knack for hunting down serial killers.

Quebec City paints a gloomy backdrop as a chameleon murderer assumes his victims' identities. A cat-and-mouse chase ensues. But hey, isn't it always about the thrill of the chase? While this flick may not have set the box office on fire, Jolie's intensity is, without a doubt, simmering.

4. "Beyond Borders" (2003)

Sweeping landscapes, humanitarian crises, and a love story? Sounds cinematic. Angelina's Sarah Jordan, a sheltered American, finds her life upended by a passionate relief worker.

From London's glitzy soirées to the rugged terrains of Ethiopia and Cambodia, we tread dangerous paths with them. It's about aid, love, and the fine line between the two. Romantic? Absolutely. Overshadowed by her blockbusters? Unfortunately so.

5. "The Good Shepherd" (2006)

Ah, the murky world of the CIA. A game of shadows and deceit. Jolie isn't the central figure, but her role as Clover, the wife of Edward Wilson (Matt Damon), a founding member of the CIA, is pivotal.

Their marriage, cold and distant, mirrors the complex labyrinth of espionage. While it's not a Jolie-centric narrative, she brings gravitas to every frame she graces. A little more applause for her, perhaps?

6. "A Mighty Heart" (2007)

In the bustling streets of Karachi, journalist Daniel Pearl goes missing. Panic, despair, hope—they all meld into one as his pregnant wife, Mariane Pearl (played with resilience by Jolie), searches for him.

It's harrowing, yes, but it's also a testament to human strength. While many recall the real-life tragedy, few commend Jolie's raw portrayal. Time to change that narrative, right?

7. "Changeling" (2008)

A mother's worst nightmare: her child disappears. But the horror deepens when a boy is returned to her and—get this—she's convinced he isn't her son.

Set in 1928 L.A., Jolie's Christine Collins is desperate, relentless, and broken, all at once. This film is a haunting maze of police corruption and a mother's unwavering love. Overshadowed by her other hits? Certainly. Deserving of more acclaim? Without a doubt.

8. "By the Sea" (2015)

Azure waters, French coastlines, and a marriage teetering on the brink. Jolie, donning both the director and actor hats, paints a languid portrait of a couple grappling with undisclosed trauma.

It's artful, introspective, and, dare I say, a tad indulgent. Some argue style over substance, but beneath the surface, there's an ocean of emotion. A hidden gem, or just an acquired taste? You be the judge.

9. "Original Sin" (2001)

When a wealthy Cuban businessman, Luis, receives his mail-order bride Julia, he's smitten. But Julia (Jolie at her sultriest) isn't who she seems. What unfolds is a tale of deception, passion, and danger.

While this erotic thriller didn't win critics' hearts, Jolie's performance sizzles. Should it have garnered more buzz? Well, as they say, beauty (and art) lies in the eyes of the beholder.

10. "Life or Something Like It" (2002)

Picture this: a blonde, vivacious reporter Lanie Kerrigan (Jolie in a different avatar) believes she has it all. But a street prophet's prediction turns her life topsy-turvy.

Success, love, and mortality—this rom-com dives deep. Yes, it's lighter than her usual fare, but Jolie's charm is undeniably magnetic. Lost amidst her iconic roles? Probably. Worth a watch? Absolutely.