Jennifer Lopez needs to introduction–an actor, singer, dancer, fashion designer, producer and businesswoman, there’s nothing she can’t do. In 2012, Forbes ranked her as the most powerful celebrity in the world, as well as the 38th most powerful woman in the world. Time listed her among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. So when did she go from being ‘Jenny From The Block’ to one of the most influential women in the world? Starting her career in 1991 as a dancer on the American comedy series In Living Color, she decided to pursue acting full-time in 1993. And it was certainly a good decision because she received a Golden Globe nomination for the first movie she ever starred in, Selena. She broke records for being the first Latin actress to earn over $1 million USD for a film and has never looked back since.
Also Read: Birthday Beauty: Counting Down Bronzed Goddess Jennifer Lopez’s Best Beauty Moments!
The 7 Best JLo Movies
Her acting career has had some misses but plenty of hits. If our beloved JLo is your favourite actor too, scroll on to read our picks of her must-watch movies.
1. Selena
In this Golden Globe-nominated movie, JLo portrays Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a recording artist popular in the Latino communities in the United States and Mexico. Selena was murdered by the president of her fan club at the young age of 23. This movie was the first film she did in a leading role and was it was considered her breakout performance as an actor. If you’re a J. Lo fan, this movie definitely needs to be on your must-watch list.
2. Hustlers
Despite her recent snub at the Oscars this year, critics and fans alike have hailed Hustlers, which stars Jennifer in the lead role. Completely doing away with the stereotype of over-sexualisation and objectification of strippers, the story humanises them and gives them agency. This black comedy crime drama film is based on a real-life story and will have you biting your nails by the end of it.
3. Second Act
In an age of romcoms that urge women to find ‘Mr Right’, this movie is a breath of fresh air. While we LOVED all of JLo’s earlier romcoms, this movie turns the rom-com genre over its head. While her character does have a love interest (and a handsome one, might we add), the movie isn’t about him or his pursuit. The focus instead, is on Maya (played by JLo) and her dreams. If you’re a woman who feels limited by society because you don’t fit into what is typically expected of women your age, do yourself a favour and watch this movie–it’s the pep talk you never knew you needed.
Also Read: J.Lo’s Fit Body In This Barely-There Dress Will Make You Green With Envy
4. Anaconda
This movie has become a cult-favourite among thriller/horror lovers. The movie revolves around a documentary crew travelling along the amazon river in search of a forgotten tribe. They chance upon a man who offers to help them, but they don’t know about the monster he is looking for and the horror it will unleash. Although the movie lacks depth, it is considered an entertaining monster-horror flick with just the right amount of jump scares.
5. Enough
This is our favourite suspense-thriller starring J Lo. Her character, Slim (yeah, we don’t understand that name either), is a young woman who gets married to her dream man. While most movies end in a happily ever after, this one shows that sometimes things can go very, very wrong. A few years into the marriage, Slim discovers that her husband isn’t the man she thought she was and goes into hiding with her daughter. Except he keeps pursuing them relentlessly. So she decides that there’s only one way to end it all. What’s that? We’re not going to spoil it for you. Watch the movie to find out!
6. The Wedding Planner
While Jennifer has starred in a number of romantic comedies, The Wedding Planner was the first (and also our favourite!). Don’t expect the characters in this movie to smash stereotypes or shatter glass ceilings–it’s a mindless rom-com but a fun one. And if the title doesn’t give it away, yes, JLo’s character does end up falling in love with her wedding planner, played by the dreamy Matthew McConaughey. Watch during a night in with your girls.
7. Maid In Manhattan
Released in 2002, is another one of Jennifer’s popular romantic comedies. The story revolves around the age-old concept of a rich, successful man falling in love with a poor woman. Chris, played by Ralph Fiennes, mistakes Marissa (Jennifer Lopez) as a fellow guest at the fancy hotel he’s staying in–when she’s actually an employee. Of course, they fall in love, and if you want to know more about the madness that ensues, you gotta watch the movie asap!
So there you have it…from romantic comedies to suspense to thrillers to biopics, JLo is an amazingly versatile actor and a pleasure to watch on screen. Who’s planning to ditch their weekend plans and binge watch her instead? We know we are!
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