The 5 best Jennifer Aniston TV shows and movies
Jennifer Aniston has a whole new look.
The actress has had her share of iconic haircuts and famous TV and film roles, and she slides easily into a new archetype with Netflix’s “Dumplin’” (now streaming and in theatres), in which she plays a former pageant queen horrified when her plussize daughter enters the competition.
In honour of the new movie, we rounded up our five favourite Aniston performances across film and TV that are available to stream. Some are obvious, some are less so.
If you want to go with the obvious: “Friends”
It’s impossible to mention Aniston’s filmography without touching on the TV show that made her a star. For 10 seasons she was a central part of the success of “Friends,” from being the much better half of the “Ross and Rachel” dynamic to making terrible desserts at Thanksgiving. If you are on Netflix to watch “Dumplin’,” it’s just a few clicks away to put on your favourite season of “Friends” (it’s Season 4, by the way).
Stream it on Netflix.
If you want to sob endlessly: “Marley and Me”
Aniston and Owen Wilson may play the two human leads in this book adaptation, but everyone knows the real stars are the pups that brought the lovable Marley to life in the film. A story of one dog’s life and the effect he has on a family, it’s full of warm cuddles, adorable escapades and an absolutely devastatingly sad ending even though you see it coming. Watch with a box of tissues while clutching your furry best friend.
Rent or buy it on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu or YouTube.
If you want a cult classic: “Office Space”
You’ll be forgiven if you forgot that Aniston appears in this seminal parody of the boredoms of the modern office. But when you revisit this film, you’ll also be surprised by how fantastic she is. Aniston’s true comedic chops get shown off in her role as a waitress at a kitschy restaurant who gets involved with a group of office ne’er-do-wells.
Streaming on Starz.
If you’re nostalgic for childhood: “The Iron Giant”
Although Aniston is relegated to voicing the mom, Annie, it’s worth revisiting this beautiful animated film. The 1999 film, directed by Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”), is overflowing with talent in its vocal cast, from Aniston to Vin Diesel as the titular giant to Harry Connick Jr. as Annie’s love interest.
Stream it on Netflix.
If you want to see the movie that almost broke her into the Oscar race: “Cake”
Although Aniston’s performance in 2002’s “The Good Girl” (unfortunately not currently streaming) is her best, her 2014 performance as a woman with chronic pain in “Cake” got Oscar pundits’ attention. Although she was able to break into the Golden Globes field, she didn’t make it all the way to Oscar night. But that doesn’t change the fact that her raw, emotional and dark performance is an achievement and far from the Aniston you think you know.