Though she has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, there was a time when Cameron Diaz was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. While she first got a lot of attention for her beauty, Diaz quickly proved she was a very talented and versatile actor as well.
She was largely known for her rom-coms in which she displayed so much charm and comedic abilities. She also took on a variety of dramatic roles which expanded her range as a performer and she also proved to be an effective action star. While fans are still hoping she will return to acting someday, she has left behind a long list of entertaining films we can still enjoy.
Any Given Sunday (1999) – 6.9
After taking on intense subjects like the Vietnam War and the JFK assassination, Oliver Stone decided to tackle the NFL in this hard-hitting drama. Al Pacino stars as a football coach struggles with personal issues while also dealing with a new quarterback and a boss who wants him gone, played by Diaz.
Any Given Sunday is not the typical sports drama that inspires fans but is rather a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this insane world. The all-star cast adds a lot of energy to the film while Stone directs in his usual vibrant style.
Vanilla Sky (2001) – 6.9
Diaz teamed with some big names for the tripping drama Vanilla Sky. Tom Cruise stars as a self-involved playboy whose life is thrown into surreal chaos following an accident caused by an angry ex-partner (Diaz).
While some audiences are still trying to wrap their heads around this strange journey, others found it a riveting and complex ride. The wild story builds as it goes until it reaches its stunning end. Diaz gets the chance to play a character with a sinister side and is quite effective in the role.
The Holiday (2006) – 6.9
Diaz has been a big name in the romantic comedy genre so it was only a matter of time before she got around to appearing in a Christmas-themes rom-com. Diaz plays a Los Angeles woman fresh off a messy breakup who decides to swap houses with a similarly jilted Englishwoman (Kate Winslet) for the holiday season.
The Holiday is a light and fun film for anyone who enjoys this genre. Diaz and Winslet make for likable leads while Jude Law and Jack Black are also effective as their respective love interests. It has become a Christmas classic for many fans.
The Mask (1994) – 6.9
Given how memorable she is in the film, it’s amazing to think that The Mask was Diaz’s first film. The wild comedy stars Jim Carrey as a mild-mannered banker who finds an ancient mask that transforms him into a manic superpowered being. Using the new powers, he tries to woo a beautiful lounge singer (Diaz).
Carrey gives one of his most off-the-wall performances in a part he seemed born to play. It is a lot of fun seeing him become a live-action cartoon character. Diaz makes a fantastic debut in her standout role.
There’s Something About Mary (1998) – 7.1
After being in some very notable films, Diaz became a genuine star playing the titular role in the massively popular rom-com There’s Something About Mary. Ben Stiller plays a sad-sack man who hires a private investigator to track down his high school crush who got away.
Diaz is wonderful as the object of every man’s affections. She is charming and funny even when surrounded by some less likable characters. The film’s gross-out humor is outrageous and hilarious, separating it from the typical rom-com fare.
Shrek 2 (2004) – 7.2
Diaz returned to one of her most popular roles in the animated sequel Shrek 2. The film follows Shrek and Fiona as they settle into their new relationship and take a trip to meet Fiona’s parents. However, their new union is not as well-received as they had hoped.
The sequel continues the charm of the first film and adds plenty of laughs as the franchise continues to have fun with the fairy tale tropes. It also adds in some very memorable new characters who steal the show.
My Sister’s Keeper (2009) – 7.4
Though not one of Diaz’s biggest hits, My Sister’s Keeper is a film that struck a chord with many fans. Based on the best-selling novel, Diaz plays the mother of two daughters. One suffers from a rare disorder who needs constant transplants. When the younger sister discovers she was born to be a donor to her sister, she fights against her parents.
The family drama might be a bit melodramatic for some people, but many audiences found it to be a moving and heartbreaking story. Diaz gets a chance to show off her dramatic skills in the complex lead role.
Gangs of New York (2002) – 7.5
Fulfilling a dream of many actors, Diaz had the chance to work with Martin Scorsese in Gangs of New York. The period epic stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an Irish immigrant who sets in motion a plan to kill the racist gang leader who killed his father years ago. Diaz plays a pickpocket who forms a relationship with DiCaprio.
The huge and ambitious film is stunning to see with Scorsese exploring New York City in a new way. It is a violent and brutal depiction of these times and deals with many larger historical stories that center around the main plot. It also features a stunning and unsettling villain performance from Daniel Day-Lewis.
Being John Malkovich (1999) – 7.7
Charlie Kaufman introduced the world to his surreal storytelling in the mind-bending comedy Being John Malkovich. John Cusack plays a struggling puppeteer who finds a portal into the mind of acclaimed actor John Malkovich. Diaz plays Cusack’s frustrated partner.
The strange premise is just the beginning of this unforgettable film. It is a thrilling, hilarious, and clever comedy unlike anything else out there. Diaz is great in the unrecognizable role and the rest of the cast does a wonderful job with the bizarre material.
Shrek (2001) – 7.8
As hand-drawn animation was beginning to go out of style, DreamWorks proved Pixar still had some competition. Shrek was a wildly successful take on the fairy tale world as it followed the titular ogre who teams up with a talking donkey to rescue a princess (Diaz) and get his swamp back.
The film is a hilarious comedy featuring wonderful voice performances from the famous cast, including Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy. While the sequels might have overstayed their welcome, the first film was a totally original and entertaining animated adventure.
