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J.Lo knows a thing or two about falling in love on screen while also playing strong, empowering female characters. For evidence, take a look at this list of the best Jennifer Lopez movies and TV shows. Hits like The Wedding Planner and Hustlers prove the actress can embody delightful rom-com heroines and con artists alike. In May of 2021, Lopez will treat us to more movie magic by starring in the rom-com Marry Me alongside Maluma. She's playing a music superstar (fitting) who decides to marry a stranger from the crowd (Owen Wilson) after she learns her fiancé is cheating on her.
Over the years, Hollywood has recognized Lopez's talent with awards and nominations. She received her second Golden Globe nomination (the first being 1997's Selena) for her role in Hustlers in 2019 and her first SAG nod as well thanks to her buzzy portrayal of a former exotic dancer. And many would argue that Lopez deserved an Oscar nod for her work in Selena and Hustlers.
In the days to come, Lopez will certainly continue to stun in music videos and TikTok challenges. But we hope more movies are on the way, too. In addition to her sheer athleticism and music talent, the 51-year-old multi-hyphenate is a remarkable acting talent, as this definitive ranking proves.
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29. Gigli
The 2003 rom-com is one of two films left behind from the "Bennifer" era, when Lopez dated actor Ben Affleck from 2002 to 2004. Even most die-hard J. Lo fans would agree the movie is the worst in her catalog. Los Angeles mobster, Larry Gigli (Affleck), becomes attracted to the beautiful lesbian Ricki (Lopez), who is hired to make sure he doesn't mess up a hit job. And frankly, everything in between is just filler.
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28. The Boy Next Door
One of Lopez's more recent films, The Boy Next Door has all the makings of a great thriller. Lopez plays the older, naive wife who starts having an affair with the younger, attractive—you guessed it—guy next door. Things quickly start to go off the rails when Lopez's character, Claire Peterson, decides to end things. Listen, who wouldn't obsess over J. Lo? However, the stalker vibes just aren't as disturbing as we saw in iconic movies like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle or Fatal Attraction. But, hey, a shirtless Ryan Guzman is great to ogle for two hours.
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27. Jersey Girl
You'd think after the box office bomb that was Gigli, Affleck and Lopez would've taken the hint that fans loved seeing them on the red carpet, not so much on the big screen. Thankfully, since J. Lo is only in the 2004 film for a hot second, we're ranking this one a tad higher than their first joint effort. It's skippable, unless you want to watch cutesy moments between Liv Tyler and Affleck.
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26. Second Chances
Many might not realize that J.Lo made her TV debut in 1993 in the series, Second Chances, as Melinda Lopez, a woman who marries into a powerful family. Soon, she discovers her fiancé cheated on her during his bachelor party. Lopez went on to star in the short-lived spinoff Hotel Malibu too.
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25. El Cantante
In Marc Anthony and Lopez's first on-screen pairing, they play late salsa singer Héctor Lavoe and Nilda Georgina "Puchi" Román, respectively. It's unfortunate the passion we're used to seeing with Anthony and Lopez on stage isn't translated in this 2007 biographical film. The best part about the movie is the salsa music and Anthony convincingly portraying a drug addict.
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24. Bordertown
A movie starring Martin Sheen, Antonio Banderas, and Lopez—how could it possibly be a dud? Well, we hate to break it to you, but even their star power can't save the 2007 crime drama. The kidnapping plot, which is loosely based on real-life events that took place in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is interesting. We, of course, celebrate Lopez venturing out from the typical romance genre to play the vulnerable character, Lauren Adrian. But for such a heavy subject, involving murder and trafficking, the film just barely scratches the surface of its potential.
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23. Blood and Wine
You can't go wrong with actors Jack Nicholson, Michael Caine, and Lopez, except when you box them into a predictable, yawn-inducing movie. The comedically dark 1996 film is categorized as neo-noir, but it's the same old betrayal and murder plot twists.
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22. U-Turn
This one definitely lives up to its name, as watching this 1997 suspense movie makes us want to do a complete about-face. It's certainly not the worst of the lot. But with Sean Penn, Lopez, Nick Nolte, Billy Bob Thornton, and Jon Voight featured, as well as famed director Oliver Stone behind the camera, it should be a cinematic masterpiece. Spoiler alert: It's not. There are too many twists and turns, and the lighting is terrible, even by late '90s standards.
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21. An Unfinished Life
Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Josh Lucas, and Damian Lewis round out this ensemble cast, with Lopez playing single mom Jean Gilkyson. After a string of bad luck, she moves in with her estranged father-in-law (Redford's character, Einar Gilkyson) and learns the importance of forgiveness. It'll give you all the feels, but it's missing the drama we've come to love from Lopez.
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20. Jack
The late actor Robin Williams starred in this 1996 feel-good comedy about a 10-year-old kid stuck in a grown-man's body. It's as goofy as it sounds, but Lopez is a welcomed addition in the role of his teacher, Miss Marquez. Though it's not great enough to crack the top 15, partly because Lopez isn't a major character, we love how she helps the title character navigate the pressure and bullying that comes with attending public school.
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19. Anaconda
Obviously, a horror film about a ridiculously massive snake that can swallow people whole would never earn an Academy Award. But it is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that both Lopez and Ice Cube shine in while avoiding being eaten alive. Lopez and Voight team up again here in this 1997 guilty pleasure. And if we could give you one incentive for watching, it's to see the badass Lopez show a reptile who's boss.
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18. Monster-in-Law
Don't judge us for the middle placement of this fan-favorite. We adore Jane Fonda as overprotective mom Viola Fields and Lopez as the hippie chic Charlie in Monster-in-Law. Plus, watching the two engage in a slap fest is certainly worthy of a top 10 ranking. But this one doesn't make the cut. Why? The pairing of Lopez and Michael Vartan as her fictional fiancé, Dr. Kevin Fields, just doesn't make us swoon.
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17. Angel Eyes
Recently, Lopez suited up to play a New York police officer in the NBC series, Shades of Blue, but she suited up before then for 2001's Angel Eyes. Perhaps more arresting than the criminals she catches is her performance as Sharon Pogue, a Chicago beat cop who develops feelings for the mysterious Catch (played by James Caviezel). It's an emotional rollercoaster you won't want to get off.
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16. Lila & Eve
Viola Davis and Lopez star in this 2015 suspense, and those two names should clue you in on why it ranks favorably on our list. Casting aside, both Davis and Lopez are brilliant in a movie that will keep you guessing. Lopez plays the titular Eve, who helps Davis's character, Lila, overcome her son's murder. The film could do a better job of resolving some unfinished storylines and cleaning up a lot of details, but we're all about Lopez acting in more gritty dramas.
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15. Shades of Blue
Lopez put her cop badge back on for the NBC series Shades of Blue from 2016-2018. In it, she played Harlee Santos, a single-mother and New York City police officer who is forced to work in the FBI's anti-corruption task force despite her entanglements in some shady business thanks to her partner, Matt Wozniak—played by Ray Liotta.
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14. Enough
With more and more women feeling empowered to come forward to recount their suffering of abuse, this film is even more timely today than it was in 2002. In it, Lopez plays battered wife Slim Hiller, who musters up the courage to leave her husband and make a better life for herself and her daughter. Lopez's transformation from a defenseless housewife to a strong woman is much appreciated. But, unfortunately, she can't kick and scream her way to the top 10 of this ranking.
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13. What to Expect When You're Expecting
Based on the original 1984 book of the same name, the funny 2012 movie follows the lives of five couples who have one thing in common: they're all about to be parents. Some, like Lopez's character, Holly Castillo, are taking on their new role in an unorthodox way. Other characters in this ensemble cast, however, are doing things more traditionally—birthing pains and all. We love Lopez playing a character that so many women struggling with infertility can relate to.
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12. Second Act
In December 2018, Lopez returned to form in the rom-com, Second Act. Starring alongside her real-life BFF, Leah Remini, Vanessa Hudgens, and This Is Us hottie, Milo Ventimiglia, the movie follows a 40-year-old woman name Maya (Lopez) who gets a second chance to fulfill her dreams. The premise isn't exactly groundbreaking, but there's something incredibly inspiring about Lopez's character never giving up.
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11. The Back-up Plan
Lopez tackles pregnancy again in this 2010 rom-com. Just as she's given up on love and finding a viable father for the baby she so desperately wants to have, Lopez's character, Zoe, decides to move on to plan B and get a sperm donor. Problem is, she meets the incredibly hot Mr. Right at the same time she realizes she's pregnant. J. Lo brings the pregnancy struggle, and actors Anthony Anderson and Melissa McCarthy bring the laughs.
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10. Parker
We never knew we needed Lopez and English action star Jason Statham in a movie together until 2013's Parker, a film derived from the 19th novel, Flashfire, by Richard Stark. Somehow, the duo works, with Lopez playing a depressed real estate agent still living with her mother. Things start to get a little more exciting, though, when she randomly links up with the title character, played by Statham. Of all the movies where Lopez gets to wield a gun at bad guys, this one is among her best. Or, we could just be suckers for an English accent.
