Finding the right actress can make or break a role — and sometimes an entire film. Jena Malone is one of those performers who seem to lift up just about every project she appears in. The talented actress started acting at a young age, with the heartbreaking drama Bastard Out of Carolina showing her potential. That was quickly followed up by the sci-fi drama Contact and the Julia Roberts tearjerker Stepmom; both rank as some of the best Jena Malone movies among fans as well as critics.
As an adult, the actress has extended her filmography with big-budget blockbusters. All the while, she's never forgotten the indie films that continue to embrace her thirst for intriguing projects. Jena Malone's best movies often allow the actress to show off her versatility and comfort with the material.
10 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
Book adaptations have long been a go-to source for studios, but The Hunger Games became a phenomenon. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay represented a phase where major releases would be split into two parts — leaving audiences wanting more. This addition to the franchise follows Katniss after she learns of District 12's destruction. The popular heroine aims to free Peeta from the Capitol while ensuring a brewing revolt takes down the sinister President Snow. Part 1 keeps viewers guessing as the equally entertaining Part 2 follows up on some of the biggest questions.
What Makes The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 Great
The Hunger Games gives Jena Malone the chance to appear in a popular franchise. Her portrayal of Johanna Mason quickly became a fan favorite thanks to an unwavering dedication to the book series. Malone portrays Johnana with all the strength and determination readers come to expect from the beloved books. This cinematic appearance may be short, but it packs a powerful punch as she delivers on the character's potential.
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9 Inherent Vice
Inherent Vice
R
- Release Date
- December 12, 2014
- Director
- Paul Thomas Anderson
- Cast
- Jena Malone , Reese Witherspoon , Josh Brolin , Joaquin Phoenix , Benicio Del Toro , Sasha Pieterse
- Main Genre
- Crime
Acclaimed directors seem to recognize Jena Malone's acting abilities, working with her in a host of challenging roles. Paul Thomas Anderson is yet another skilled filmmaker attached to Jena Malone's best movies. Inherent Vice adapts Thomas Pynchon's novel with all the '70s-styled vigor Thomas Anderson brought to Boogie Nights. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Doc, a private investigator with a flare for the laid-back lifestyle. The eccentric investigator finds himself pursuing several cases — each one a unique take on the mystery genre. While it might not be Thomas Anderson's most celebrated project, the film embraces all of the filmmaker's hallmarks with a few memorable moments scattered in for good measure.
What Makes Inherent Vice Great
Malone stars as Hope Harlingen, a wife in search of her missing husband; a former drug addict, Harlingen doesn't have many outlets for help in her quest. The actress' subtle but intriguing performance draws the viewer into the story. Her presence also lends an air of believability to the role and is crucial to advancing this complicated plot.
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8 Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko
R
- Release Date
- October 26, 2001
- Director
- Richard Kelly
- Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , Mary McDonnell , James Duval
- Main Genre
- Drama
Donnie Darko has become a cult hit thanks to its unique approach to coming-of-age stories. The film follows a teen who must unravel whether he's had a devastating premonition, grappling with the possibilities of destruction on both a personal and global level leaves him aloof to those who inhabit his world. Donnie Darko put Jake Gyllenhaal on many critics' radars thanks to his memorable performance as Donnie. The admired cult classic also offered an opportunity for other young actors to show off their talents.
What Makes Donnie Darko Great
Jena Malone was far from an industry newcomer when she got the role of Gretchen Ross. Nevertheless, it represents an important time for the actress as she transitioned to adult roles. She skillfully portrays Ross with an innocence that could be shattered at any moment; her tone makes for a nuanced approach to the film's darker themes of isolation and hopelessness in the face of loss.
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7 Into the Wild
Into the Wild
R
- Release Date
- September 11, 2007
- Director
- Sean Penn
- Cast
- Emile Hirsch , Marcia Gay Harden , William Hurt , Jena Malone , Brian H. Dierker , Catherine Keener
- Main Genre
- Adventure
Christopher McCandless' harrowing journey and resulting fight for survival is chronicled in the drama Into the Wild. This true story doesn't choose the salacious paths of other similar projects — instead, it focuses on the complicated life of its protagonist. The film ranks as one of Jena Malone's best films thanks to a subtle, haunting attitude toward the screenplay. While the film is mostly carried by its star, Emile Hirsch, her contribution is no less effective.
What Makes Into the Wild Great
Malone portrays McCandless' sister Carine in this excellent film about survival as well as mortality. Her brief narration provides a glimpse into the adventurous McCandless and the pain his family endured. The character's own confusion at her brother's actions gives way to pain as she brings his ashes back to their family. Malone offers a performance that doesn't overshadow the material, all the while expressing a host of unspoken emotions during every moment on screen.
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Contact (1997)
PG
- Release Date
- July 11, 1997
- Director
- Robert Zemeckis
- Cast
- Jodie Foster , Matthew McConaughey , Tom Skerritt , John Hurt , Jena Malone , David Morse , William Fichtner
- Main Genre
- Drama
A message from the stars guides this sci-fi drama from acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis. Jodie Foster stars as brilliant astronomer Ellie Arroway. The SETI scientist's life is turned upside down after a mysterious message arrives, and various groups want to co-opt it for themselves. Foster delivers a brilliant performance that gives Arroway vulnerability and depth. It's no enviable task to match Foster's work, but Jena Malone does just that with unrelenting dedication.
What Makes Contact Great
Contact easily ranks as one of the best Jena Malone movies thanks to her impressive role as a young Ellie. The character's time with a deceased father, played by veteran actor David Morse, offers a poignant tribute to the parent/child bond. Fitting in with Foster's nuanced performance also helps establish a believable reason behind the adult astronomer's dedication. Together, they create a nuanced character whose motivations and methods are clearly set out for viewers.
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5 Saved!
Jena Malone movies cover a myriad of genres and Saved! is by far her best foray into black comedy. This satirical project sees Malone star as Mary, a young woman who thinks life is perfect. Everything falls apart for Mary when her boyfriend reveals he is gay and a last-ditch attempt at winning him over fails. To make matters worse, Mary discovers that she is pregnant and the suburban religious followers who surround her are not happy.
What Makes Saved! Great
This starring role gives the actress a chance to lead a cast full of well-known names and her leading lady status is cemented by this surprisingly complex part. Instead of pursuing the usual tropes for the character, she chooses to focus on subtly over shock. Jenna Malone's best movies allow her to explore minimalism and keep the performance perfectly balanced — something director and screenwriter Brian Dannelly understands with every key scene. He focuses on the quiet moments where her expressions speak volumes to viewers.
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4 Stepmom
Jena Malone's best movies often feature a tearjerker element and Stepmom fits that description perfectly. The Julia Roberts vehicle sees the Pretty Woman actress star as a young stepmom. At first, her new step-children are less than welcoming, but their biological mother's terminal diagnosis changes everything. Soon, the family must pull together as they deal with an impending tragedy and an uncertain future. Susan Sarandon co-stars as the ex-wife who continues to be at odds with her husband's new wife until the devastating news brings them together for a common cause — the children they love.
What Makes Stepmom Great
Anna presents a role that Malone handles well as she navigates the character's changing emotions. She adds just the right touch of resistance at first, failing to fall into the usual trap of overplaying the anger, resentment, and fear. One of her best moments comes from the scene in which Anna discovers her mother's diagnosis — showing everything the audience needs to know without saying a word.
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3 The United States of Leland
The United States of Leland
R
- Release Date
- January 18, 2003
- Director
- Matthew Ryan Hoge
- Cast
- Don Cheadle , Ryan Gosling , Chris Klein , Jena Malone , Lena Olin , Kevin Spacey
- Main Genre
- Crime
Many Jena Malone movies give the actress a chance to delve into social issues, something she relishes. The United States of Leland sees the actress co-star with Ryan Gosling in this story of a murder and its consequences. Gosling's character, Leland Fitzgerald, is jailed for killing his girlfriend's brother. The film's central tragedy is only compounded by the fact the deceased was intellectually disabled. What follows is a critical examination of the lives altered by the event and their various ways of coping with such a horrific act.
What Makes The United States of Leland Great
The role of Becky might have been intimidating to other actresses, but it proves why Jena Malone is so well-received by critics. Becky's addition to drugs only fuels her grief over the murder — something the actress uses to full effect. She doesn't use it as a crutch, instead giving the character a true sense of humanity that many addiction portrayals overlook.
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2 The Neon Demon
Neon Demon
R
- Release Date
- June 8, 2016
- Director
- Nicolas Winding Refn
- Cast
- Elle Fanning , Karl Glusman , Jena Malone , Bella Heathcote , Abbey Lee , Desmond Harrington
- Main Genre
- Horror
The Neon Demon explores the perils of chasing dreams in a world of nightmares. This horror film follows a young woman who comes to LA in hopes of becoming famous. Her star begins to rise as she encounters a disturbing cast of characters — including three unique women. The suspicious trio soon poses a danger to the virginal model, and she painfully learns the cost of crossing these fickle friends. The gory third act gives viewers something to talk about as they ponder digesting and taking over the lives of others.
What Makes The Neon Demon Great
Jena Malone stars as the complicated and intriguing Ruby; the character's darker side comes through as the story progresses, but it's quickly asserted that she is capable of anything. Her acting skills are put to the test in a wild scene involving Ruby's work with the dead. She makes the scene memorable and is unrelenting in presenting a character that viewers can't look away from.
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1 Bastard Out of Carolina
A mother and daughter's relationship is at the forefront of the heartbreaking drama Bastard Out of Carolina. The pair's troubles only grow when a stepfather does the unthinkable — abusing the young girl. This film ranks high among Jena Malone movies thanks in no small part to director Angelica Huston. The actress-turned-helmer handles the most difficult of sequences with care, always conscious of how these key moments will impact audiences.
What Makes Bastard Out of Carolina Great
A young Jena Malone, age 11 at the time of filming, carries the project with a performance that rises above her adult cast members. She surprises with an authentic Southern accent that adds even more realism to this rural nightmare. It's all the more impressive that such a young actress not only works through traumatic scenes but knows just how to elicit emotional depth. The actress is especially brilliant in her interactions with Ron Eldard, who portrays abusive stepfather Glen.
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