Jennifer Garner, once thought of as the quintessential girl-next-door with a squeaky-clean image, surprised audiences and critics alike by revealing a depth of strength and resilience that few had anticipated. Early in her career, Jennifer Garner built a solid foundation through a mix of TV movies, guest appearances on popular series, and small roles in films such as Washington Square (1997). She also made a memorable impression with a recurring role on the beloved drama Felicity (The WB, 1998–2002), which helped establish her presence in Hollywood.
It was clear early on that Jennifer Garner had a natural charm and relatability—qualities that began to shine even more in supporting roles. Her performances alongside Ashton Kutcher in the offbeat comedy Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000) and in the large-scale war film Pearl Harbor (2001), where she co-starred with future husband Ben Affleck, brought her wider recognition. But it was her transformative turn as Sydney Bristow in the high-octane spy thriller Alias (ABC, 2002–06) that truly redefined her trajectory. As Jennifer Garner took on this physically and emotionally demanding role, she evolved from a seemingly delicate presence into a powerful leading lady capable of carrying a major network series.
Eager to expand her reach, Jennifer Garner transitioned into action films, notably portraying the deadly Elektra in Daredevil (2003), again opposite Affleck. While the film didn’t resonate as hoped, fans responded much more warmly to her in lighter, heartfelt roles. This shift became evident with her charming performance in the romantic fantasy 13 Going on 30 (2004), which showcased her warmth and comedic timing—traits that would become hallmarks of her appeal.
Following her marriage and starting a family, Jennifer Garner embraced a broader range of projects, often appearing in ensemble casts where her versatility could truly flourish. She earned critical acclaim for her nuanced work in films like Juno (2007), where she delivered a standout supporting turn, and later in the gritty Dallas Buyers Club (2013). At the same time, she connected with family audiences through endearing roles in movies such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014) and Nine Lives (2016).
In a return to television, Jennifer Garner headlined the HBO comedy series Camping (2018–), further demonstrating her ability to adapt across genres and formats. Throughout it all, despite intense public scrutiny of her personal life, Jennifer Garner has remained a consistently respected and in-demand actress in Hollywood—proving time and again that her talent, authenticity, and quiet strength are what truly define her legacy.
When it comes to Jennifer Garner’s film career, there’s a clear standout in terms of critical acclaim. Jennifer Garner’s highest rated movie is undoubtedly Catch Me if You Can from 2002, a well-crafted thriller that earned widespread praise and showcased her early talent alongside big-name stars. The film holds up even years later, often mentioned as one of the stronger entries in her filmography. On the other end of the spectrum, Jennifer Garner’s lowest rated movie appears to be Mother’s Day (2016), which received mixed to negative reviews from both critics and audiences. While Jennifer Garner brought her usual charm to the role, the overall project didn’t resonate as strongly. So, when looking at Jennifer Garner’s body of work, it’s interesting to see how varied the reception has been—from a beloved classic like Catch Me if You Can to a less successful venture like Mother’s Day. Still, Jennifer Garner continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood, consistently choosing diverse roles despite the ups and downs.