Jane Fonda: From Fitness Queen to Hollywood Royalty – Which Career Made Her Richer?

1. Tall Story 1960，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 1258, ID: 0054367
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In ‘Tall Story’, Jane Fonda makes her film debut as June Ryder, a college student who is more interested in finding a husband than in studying. The movie is a light-hearted comedy that showcases Fonda’s early acting talent. However, it’s the film’s outdated gender roles and simplistic plot that make it less appealing to modern audiences. Despite its flaws, ‘Tall Story’ is an interesting look at Fonda’s early career and the societal norms of the 1960s.
2. Walk on the Wild Side 1962，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 3003, ID: 0056671
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‘Walk on the Wild Side’ is a drama set in the Great Depression, featuring Jane Fonda as Kitty Twist, a free-spirited character who joins a Texan on his journey to New Orleans. The film is known for its explicit overtones and subject matter, which was quite daring for its time. Fonda’s performance as Kitty Twist received positive reviews, showcasing her versatility as an actress. However, the film’s pacing and plot have been criticized for being too slow and oscillating.
3. The Chapman Report 1962，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 1049, ID: 0055841
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In ‘The Chapman Report’, Jane Fonda plays Kathleen Barclay, a young woman dealing with her own sexual hang-ups. The film, based on the Kinsey Report, explores the sexual lives of four different women. While the film attempted to tackle a controversial topic, it was criticized for its verbose screenplay and disappointing direction. However, it did contribute to the conversation about sexual mores in the 1960s.
4. Period of Adjustment 1962，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 1659, ID: 0056341
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‘Period of Adjustment’ is a Tennessee Williams play adapted into a film. Jane Fonda plays Isabel Haverstick, a newlywed who is dismayed to find that her husband, a Korean War veteran, is not the man she thought he was. The film mixes light comedy with intimate material, but has been criticized for its scattered plot and wooden performances. Despite these criticisms, it showcases Fonda’s ability to handle both comedic and dramatic roles.
5. Sunday in New York 1963，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 3426, ID: 0057543
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‘Sunday in New York’ is a romantic comedy where Jane Fonda plays Eileen Tyler, a 22-year-old woman who believes she is the last virgin in New York. The film is a light-hearted exploration of love and relationships in the 1960s. However, it lacks depth and fails to fully develop its characters. Despite its shortcomings, Fonda’s performance is commendable and adds charm to the film.
6. Cat Ballou 1965，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 16384, ID: 0059017
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Cat Ballou, a western comedy, is a delightful romp with Jane Fonda playing an outlaw set on vengeance. The film’s humor and playful subversion of Western tropes make it an entertaining watch. However, it’s the film’s ability to stimulate the visual sense while providing a formless mass of crazy one-liners and ridiculous situations that truly sets it apart.
7. Barefoot in the Park 1967，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 20660, ID: 0061385
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Barefoot in the Park is a romantic comedy that showcases Jane Fonda’s spirited performance. The film’s humor can be uneven, but its playful subversion of romantic comedy tropes and the effervescent chemistry between its stars make it an entertaining watch. However, some viewers may find it dated.
8. Barbarella 1968，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 38243, ID: 0062711
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Barbarella is a science fiction film that stimulates the visual sense but turns off the brain. It’s a mindless space orgy filled with scantily clad women, sinister villains, and fallen angels. Despite its campy nature, its sugary atmosphere, naiveté, and almost innocent exploration of sexuality are infectious.
9. They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? 1969，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 21076, ID: 0065088
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They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? is a psychological drama that provides a sordid spectacle of hard times. The film’s acting is strident and overblown, and the narrative technique is gimmicky and obvious. However, it’s the film’s ability to evoke a sense of agony, pain, and endurance that truly sets it apart.
10. Klute 1971，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 30388, ID: 0067309
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Klute is a thriller that showcases Jane Fonda’s performance as a prostitute, a role which won her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film examines the relationship between a prostitute with hang-ups and a square suburban cop. Despite its focus on plot, it’s the film’s ability to distill the conventions of film noir into something highly original and distinctly unsettling that truly sets it apart.
11. Fun with Dick and Jane 1977，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 4936, ID: 0076059
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A comedy that showcases Jane Fonda’s versatility, ‘Fun with Dick and Jane’ is a delightful romp that satirizes the American dream. Fonda’s performance as Jane is both charming and hilarious, demonstrating her ability to excel in comedic roles. However, the film’s broad characterizations and unsure tone make it a disappointingly uneven adaptation of Neil Simon’s episodic play.
12. Julia 1977，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 10481, ID: 0076245
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‘Julia’ is a film that explores the complexities of friendship and political activism. Jane Fonda delivers a compelling performance as Lillian Hellman, a playwright caught in a web of international intrigue. Despite its strong performances, the film has been criticized for failing to establish a convincing relationship between the two lead characters.
13. Coming Home 1978，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 14998, ID: 0077362
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‘Coming Home’ is a powerful drama that tackles the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Jane Fonda’s portrayal of Sally, a military wife who becomes involved with a paraplegic Vietnam veteran, is deeply moving. The film’s mature storytelling and strong performances make it an emotionally charged experience.
14. California Suite 1978，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 8225, ID: 0077289
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‘California Suite’ is a film that oscillates between comedy and drama. Jane Fonda’s performance stands out, but the film suffers from an unsure tone and broad characterizations. Despite its flaws, it offers a glimpse into the versatility of Fonda’s acting abilities.
15. The China Syndrome 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 33313, ID: 0078966
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‘The China Syndrome’ is a gripping thriller that raises unsettling questions about the safety of nuclear power plants. Jane Fonda’s performance as a tenacious reporter is commendable, and the film’s narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to Fonda’s ability to portray strong, determined characters in high-stakes situations.