The 5 Greatest Jennifer Garner Movies And TV Shows

From hilarious rom-coms to action-packed thrillers, Jennifer Garner has captivated audiences for over two decades. She’s a chameleon-like actress who seamlessly transforms into a wide range of characters, endearing herself to viewers with her wit, charm, and undeniable talent. Whether you know her as the quirky main character in “13 Going on 30” or the fierce CIA agent in “The Kingdom,” Jennifer Garner has a film for everyone. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to revisit (or discover for the first time) some of Jennifer Garner’s most entertaining and unforgettable movies!

The actress, who was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in West Virginia, was originally studying chemistry at Denison University when she swiftly switched her major to theater. While there, she spent a semester studying at the National Theatre Institute and spent her breaks performing in summer stock, cleaning venues, building sets, and selling tickets. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater performance, she set out to New York City, where she landed her most significant role yet, performing as an understudy for the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” However, it was in the early 2000s that her career started to take off. But which titles stand out when it comes to the actress’ filmography? Luckily, we at StudyFinds have researched across 11 expert sources to bring you the top five best Jennifer Garner movies of all time. Don’t agree with our list? No worries! We would love to hear from you in the comments down below. 

The List: Best Jennifer Garner Movies, According to Her Biggest Fans

1. “13 Going on 30” (2004)

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“Thirty, flirty, and thriving,” is the wish of the titular character in “13 Going on 30.” Though one must admit, 30 looks a lot less scary when you grow up to be Jennifer Garner. Ever wished you could skip straight to adulthood? Garner gets her chance (and the hilarious chaos that follows) in this classic 2000s rom-com, according to MovieWeb. This flick perfectly captures the essence of the early rom-com era, with a fun twist. Meet Jenna Rink, a middle schooler who’s utterly overwhelmed by the pressures of teenage life. In a desperate bid to escape the drama, she makes a birthday wish to be “30, flirty and thriving” – and poof! Suddenly, she wakes up as a full-grown adult (played by the ever-charming Jennifer Garner).

Now, Jenna has to navigate the unfamiliar territory of adulthood – career, relationships, the whole shebang – all while still holding onto the playful spirit of a teenager. PureWow describes the resulting situations as pure “hijinks,” and we have no doubt they’re laugh-out-loud funny. Imagine trying to navigate the office politics or a hot date with the heart and mind of a 13-year-old – recipe for comedic gold!

GameRanx points out the film’s clever twist on the classic “body-swap” trope. While movies like “Big” explored a similar theme from a male perspective, “13 Going on 30” flips the script. Seeing the adult world through the wide-eyed innocence of a teenager offers a refreshingly honest and humorous perspective. So, if you’re looking for a feel-good comedy with a dash of nostalgia and a whole lot of Jennifer Garner charm, “13 Going on 30” is a must-watch!

2. “Juno” (2007)

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A quirky and heartwarming teen comedy that took the world by storm and even picked up some award nominations (and wins) along the way! Starring an all-star cast headed by a newcomer at the time Elliot Page in the titular role.

Brace yourself for a coming-of-age story that’s anything but ordinary! Prevention dives into “Juno,” a film that follows the journey of a quick-witted teenager named Juno MacGuff who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. With a maturity beyond her years, Juno decides to place the baby up for adoption and sets her sights on a seemingly perfect couple: Mark Loring (Jason Bateman), a former rockstar, and his wife Vanessa (Jennifer Garner). But things get a little messy when Mark starts developing unexpected feelings for Juno, throwing a wrench into their adoption plans.

This isn’t your typical teen pregnancy movie, though. ScreenRant emphasizes that “Juno” is a clever blend of comedy and drama, tackling a serious subject with humor and heart. The film’s quirky script, penned by Diablo Cody, won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and the overall execution left audiences and critics alike raving. StyleCaster gives you a peek at the rest of the cast: Michael Cera takes on the role of Juno’s baby daddy, and J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney round out the picture as Juno’s supportive (and sometimes exasperated) parents.

3. “Dallas Buyers Club” (2013)

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“Dallas Buyers Club” is about as heartbreaking as we will get on this list. In a film that shows the struggles of those affected by AIDS/HIV and the importance of allyship, Jennifer Garner brings a much-needed balance to this beautiful film.

Buckle up for a powerful and thought-provoking true story. StyleCaster introduces us to “Dallas Buyers Club,” a heart-wrenching drama based on the real-life experiences of Ron Woodroof (played by the phenomenal Matthew McConaughey). The film follows Ron’s journey after a shocking diagnosis: HIV/AIDS, with a mere 30 days left to live. Refusing to accept his fate, Ron embarks on a relentless mission. He ventures across the border to Mexico, determined to smuggle unapproved medications that might offer a fighting chance against the disease.

This isn’t a one-man show, though. McConaughey is joined by a stellar supporting cast. MovieWeb says Garner plays Dr. Eve Saks, a compassionate doctor who treats both Ron and another key character, Rayon, played by the talented Jared Leto. Rayon, an HIV-positive transgender woman, adds another layer of depth and humanity to the story. ComingSoon applauds Garner’s performance for bringing a much-needed warmth and empathy to the film.

“Dallas Buyers Club” is more than just a medical drama. It’s a poignant exploration of resilience, courage, and the fight for survival in the face of overwhelming odds. With powerful performances and a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll, “Dallas Buyers Club” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a film that’s both emotionally moving and thought-provoking.

4. “Love, Simon” (2018)

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In this heartwarming coming-of-age story, “Love, Simon,” Jennifer Garner delivers a captivating performance as Simon’s supportive mother, Emily, who becomes a pillar of strength and acceptance in his journey towards self-discovery.

Picture this: you’re a teenager with a secret so big it feels like it will burst. SheKnows dives into “Love, Simon,” a heartwarming teen drama that explores the journey of Simon Spier (played by Nick Robinson), a 17-year-old grappling with his sexuality. Simon has a supportive family, including his loving mom played by the ever-reliable Jennifer Garner, but coming to terms with his identity and sharing it with the world feels like an insurmountable hurdle. Online, he connects with a mysterious classmate he can’t stop thinking about, but in the real world, secrets and anxieties threaten to tear his world apart.

PureWow describes the film as a sweet romantic comedy, but it’s more than just lighthearted laughs. While navigating the complexities of first love, Simon must also confront the challenges of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to be true to himself. The film resonates with audiences and critics alike, even receiving a GLAAD Award for outstanding film.

TVOvermind delves deeper into the emotional rollercoaster Simon experiences. Coming out in high school can be daunting, and for Simon, it takes a dramatic turn when his secret is exposed. Friendships are tested, and Simon has to fight to win back the trust he’s lost. But through it all, there’s a message of hope and resilience. As Simon learns to embrace his truth and finds the courage to be himself, he discovers the power of acceptance and the beauty of authentic connections.

5. “Catch Me If You Can” (2002)

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While she doesn’t have the biggest role in this Academy Award-recognized film, it certainly stayed in people minds. Leonardo DiCaprio and cat-and-mouse chases? Sign us up! StyleCaster gives us the lowdown on this Steven Spielberg masterpiece, a true story based on the exploits of notorious con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by the ever-charming DiCaprio). The film follows Frank’s elaborate schemes as he jets around the world, one step ahead of the determined FBI agent hot on his trail (Tom Hanks). But amidst the high-stakes chases and daring impersonations, there’s a fleeting moment of romance.

Enter Jennifer Garner. CinemaBlend says Garner plays her memorable role as Cheryl Ann, a model and call girl who crosses paths with Frank at a swanky hotel. Their encounter is brief but electric, leaving viewers wishing for more screen time between the two. However, AFrame reminds us that Frank’s life of deception extends to his relationships, and Cheryl Ann ultimately becomes another pawn in his game.

Even with a limited role, Garner shines in “Catch Me If You Can.” Her captivating presence adds another layer of intrigue to this fast-paced crime drama. So, if you’re looking for a film with thrilling twists, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of Leonardo DiCaprio charm, “Catch Me If You Can” is something you should see.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

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About the Author

Jilly Hite

New York raised and Florida-based Jilly Hite studied screenwriting and theatre at The Lee Strasberg Institute before becoming a full time content creator and podcaster. She loves old movies, musical theatre, and her pup Ted.

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