Bad Teacher and the 10 top Cameron Diaz performances of all time

The 10 best Cameron Diaz movie performances of all time

Ever since making her film debut in 1994’s The Mask alongside Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz has owned her space as an iconic movie star and created an enviable career with each inimitable performance. Whether she’s starring in fan-favorite romantic comedies, award-nominated critical darlings, or franchise reboots that are legendary in their own right, she’s always a reliable scene-stealer.

Of course, Diaz has since retired from acting following her now-final role in 2014’s Annie remake. It’s an inconceivable loss in the entertainment industry, but since taking a step back from Hollywood, she’s become a best-selling author, an all-natural winemaker, and a mother with husband Benji Madden.

By all accounts, Diaz has continued to thrive behind the scenes in the absence of big box office numbers and bankable leading roles.

But in celebrating the personal victories of Cameron Diaz, it’s never too soon to look back at the movies that made us laugh, cry, and burst with excitement. Diaz has starred in more modern classic movies than most can realize, but some of her strongest performances were in lesser-seen flicks like In Her Shoes and The Counselor and Golden Globe-nominated turns in Being John Malkovich and There’s Something About Mary.

There’s something about Cameron, and that something is that she’s an on-screen chameleon who has done it all and done it all well. Who else could do The Sweetest Thing and Gangs of New York in the same year? Many have tried, but have they dazzled like Diaz?

Which blockbusters and beloved comedies made the cut, and which iconic role took the top spot? Here’s our celebration of Cameron Diaz’s top 10 best performances of all time!