The 10 Most Underrated Jennifer Anniston Movies, Ranked (From Least to Most Underrated)

Jennifer Aniston has acted in all sorts of movies – from big comedies to smaller, more personal films, thrillers, and even animated projects. Many people don’t realize how versatile she is as an actress. Here’s a list of ten films that highlight the different sides of her career, including both funny ensemble movies and more serious, dramatic roles.

We’ve ranked these movies from number ten to number one, with the top spot going to the film that received the best audience score. For each movie, we’ll tell you who was behind the scenes, what role Jennifer Aniston played, and important details about when and how it was made – helping you see how it fits into her career.

‘She’s Funny That Way’ (2014)

Directed by Peter Bogdanovich and set in New York City, this comedy follows a chaotic stage production. Jennifer Aniston stars as therapist Jane Claremont, alongside Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Kathryn Hahn, Rhys Ifans, and Will Forte. The story centers on an escort-turned-actor whose rising fame disrupts the lives of the play’s married director and cast, with the humor stemming from scenes that jump between the backstage drama and therapy sessions.

Originally known as ‘Squirrels to the Nuts’, the film was produced by Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach. It was distributed in the U.S. by Lionsgate Premiere and Roadside Attractions, and filming took place in Manhattan theaters to create an authentic Broadway atmosphere.

‘Management’ (2008)

I recently watched ‘Management,’ and it’s a fun little movie starring Jennifer Aniston as Sue, an art sales rep. The story kicks off when she stops at a roadside motel and gets unexpectedly pursued by a quirky guy named Frank, played by Steve Zahn. It’s written and directed by Stephen Belber, and it follows Sue’s cross-country trip as she tries to avoid-and maybe eventually connect with-Frank. A lot of the movie is set in beautiful locations like Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, which adds a lot to the overall vibe.

The movie first screened at several film festivals before being released in a few U.S. theaters by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Filming took place in Arizona and Oregon, and the music is subtle and restrained, reflecting the film’s quiet and personal feel.

‘The Object of My Affection’ (1998)

Based on Stephen McCauley’s novel, the movie ‘The Object of My Affection’ stars Jennifer Aniston as Nina Borowski, a New York social worker. She and her gay best friend, George (played by Paul Rudd), decide to have a child together. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the film explores how their friendship evolves as they navigate parenthood and unexpected romantic feelings in New York City.

20th Century Fox released the film, which was filmed largely on location in New York City neighborhoods that reflect where the characters work and live. The movie stays true to the original story’s theme of finding family in unexpected places, and features strong performances from Alan Alda, Allison Janney, and Nigel Hawthorne.

‘Rock Star’ (2001)

“Rock Star” stars Mark Wahlberg as a singer in a cover band who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to become the lead singer of his favorite heavy metal band. Jennifer Aniston plays Emily, his supportive girlfriend and manager, helping him handle the challenges of life on tour. The movie, directed by Stephen Herek, is based on the true stories of fans who unexpectedly became the frontmen of famous rock groups.

Warner Bros. created the film, incorporating musicians like Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, and Jeff Pilson to make the concert scenes feel realistic. The soundtrack includes both newly recorded songs for the movie’s band and popular music from that era. Filming took place on a large scale, recreating the feel of a massive concert tour.

‘Cake’ (2014)

Jennifer Aniston stars in ‘Cake’ as Claire Bennett, a lawyer struggling with ongoing pain. Her intense focus on someone she meets in a support group forces her to confront past trauma, addiction, and feelings of loneliness. The film is directed by Daniel Barnz and also features Adriana Barraza, Sam Worthington, Felicity Huffman, and Anna Kendrick, all playing characters connected to Claire’s journey to heal and her history as a lawyer.

The film first premiered in Toronto, then had a limited release across North America. Cinelou Releasing distributed the film in the U.S., and the filmmakers worked with medical professionals to accurately portray Claire’s pain management, physical therapy, and medication. Jennifer Aniston’s performance earned her significant award nominations from various industry groups and media outlets.

‘Friends with Money’ (2006)

I absolutely love Nicole Holofcener’s ‘Friends with Money’! It’s a really relatable movie about a group of women in Los Angeles, and it honestly gets how tricky life can be when everyone’s at different places financially. You follow Jennifer Aniston’s character, Olivia – she used to be a teacher, but now she’s cleaning houses and trying to figure out her life and love. But it’s not just her story; the movie weaves together the lives of all her friends, played by amazing actresses like Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand, and Joan Cusack. It’s fascinating to see how each of them handles the everyday pressures and choices they face.

Sony Pictures Classics released the film following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. The script, by Holofcener, focuses on realistic, everyday life – things like charity events, school functions, and home improvements. Filming took place in Los Angeles, showcasing the Westside neighborhoods and homes that are key to the story.

‘Derailed’ (2005)

‘Derailed’ is a Chicago-based thriller directed by Mikael Håfström. It stars Clive Owen as an advertising executive who gets caught up in a dangerous extortion plot after a secret meeting with Lucinda Harris, played by Jennifer Aniston. The movie is based on a novel by James Siegel and cleverly uses the schedules of trains and corporate life to drive the story forward.

The film, distributed by The Weinstein Company, was filmed on location in Chicago, utilizing office buildings, Metra train platforms, and various neighborhoods to create scenes of spying and pursuit. Edward Shearmur’s music emphasizes the story’s back-and-forth dynamic, and Vincent Cassel and RZA deliver key performances as characters involved in a blackmail scheme.

‘The Good Girl’ (2002)

‘The Good Girl,’ directed by Miguel Arteta, stars Jennifer Aniston as Justine Last, a woman working at a discount store in Texas. Her life is turned upside down when she becomes involved with a younger colleague, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, impacting both her marriage and job. The film, written by Mike White, realistically portrays the everyday world of retail – from work routines and break rooms to local gossip.

After premiering at several film festivals, Fox Searchlight Pictures released the movie. The set design realistically depicted the inside of large retail stores, showing both the shopping aisles and back rooms. The film stars John C. Reilly, Zooey Deschanel, and Tim Blake Nelson, and Jennifer Aniston received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her acting.

‘Marley & Me’ (2008)

Based on John Grogan’s real-life story, ‘Marley & Me’ stars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson as a couple named Jenny and John. The movie shows how their lives are transformed when they get a very energetic Labrador retriever. Directed by David Frankel, it’s a heartwarming story that follows the dog’s upbringing, how the family adjusts to having him, and the impact pet ownership has on their lives.

Fox 2000 Pictures made the movie, and several Labradors were trained to play Marley as he grew. Filming took place in both Florida and Pennsylvania, just like the real family’s moves in the story. The filmmakers carefully managed the animals, included veterinary scenes, and recreated a newsroom environment to accurately reflect the book’s journalism setting.

‘Office Space’ (1999)

Mike Judge’s film, ‘Office Space,’ is a funny look at working life in a Texas software company. Jennifer Aniston plays Joanna, a waitress, and her interactions with Peter Gibbons (played by Ron Livingston) show the stresses people face in service jobs. The movie uses things like broken printers, annoying memos, and efficiency experts to capture what office life is really like.

The movie was released by 20th Century Fox and filmed primarily around Austin, Texas, using typical office buildings and restaurant interiors as locations. Its creators paid close attention to details like employee flair buttons and the covers of TPS reports, creating a memorable setting. The film features a talented cast including Gary Cole, Stephen Root, Ajay Naidu, and David Herman, and has become well-known for its realistic portrayal of office life.

Let us know in the comments which Jennifer Aniston movies you think people don’t talk about enough, and tell us which ones deserve more love!

2025-09-23 17:46