Janet Jackson filmography

American recording artist Janet Jackson has appeared in various films and television shows. She began her career as a child star in the sitcoms Good Times, CHiPsDiff'rent Strokes, and Fame. Jackson then starred in her debut film Poetic Justice (1993), directed by John Singleton. She portrayed Justice, who copes with her mother's suicide and boyfriend's murder through writing poetry. It opened at number one at the box office and has been considered iconic within popular culture. Throughout the decade, Jackson was initially cast in leading roles in several films, including Jerry Maguire (1996), The Matrix (1999), Scream 3 (2000), and X-Men (2000), but was unable to proceed with filming due to scheduling conflicts while touring.

Jackson's first three films have opened at number one, with her following two opening within the top three. She also has a minimum of three films to debut at number one on the DVD and Blu-ray charts, selling one to two million copies within their first week. Her film performances have garnered numerous accolades, which include MTV Movie Awards and Image Awards. Her film compositions have also received recognition, including Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for "Best Original Song from a Motion Picture." Critics have considered Jackson among the few child stars to successfully transition into a credible actress. She is also thought to have one of the most notorious film careers by a musician. Throughout her career, she has also filmed advertisements for Pepsi, Jaguar, Japan Airlines, KDDI, and The Trevor Project, among others.

Jackson began her career as a child star, performing a series of successful television roles before starring in feature films. Jackson stated, "I love acting—it was my first love. I had my first job at seven. I got a recording contract when I was 14, so I thought I was going to be an actress." Joan Morgan ultimately declared Jackson "a veteran thespian who also happened to sell more than 100 million records." DeMarco Williams placed Jackson among the few child stars who successfully transitioned into adult actors, along with Jodie Foster, Ron Howard, and Drew Barrymore. Ria Nevada observed her acting work to track Jackson’s evolution, "from the “girl next door” to sex-goddess, to the strong, powerful woman she is today." Of her standard acting rates, Phillip McCarthy declared her a "$3-million per-picture screen queen." Jackson has had three consecutive films open at number one, beginning with her debut role in Poetic Justice, and two additional films enter the top three. She also had a minimum of three consecutive films debut at number one on the DVD and Blu-ray charts, selling over one to two million copies within their first week.

Jackson made her film debut in Poetic Justice, directed by John Singleton. Jackson's character, Justice, finds romance after her mother's suicide and boyfriend's murder, writing poetry to cope with her pain. Her love interest, Lucky, is played by Tupac Shakur, considered an "unlikely but effective pairing." Although advised to do a musical, Jackson accepted the role to further unveil an edgier and rebellious image, in contrast to her formerly innocent persona. It removed her from her comfort zone, opting for a "harder exterior and a rougher neck." It opened at number one, with its cult significance considered to have "dominated the 90s." Diane E. Picard commended its plot, which "captures the sense of desperation felt by a young woman struggling with strong emotions and nowhere to turn." It was also declared "a surprising movie about coming of age in a time of violence and hatred." Several critics considered it a "classic" and iconic, in addition to one of the most notorious film debuts by a musician.

Jackson played Professor Denise Gaines in The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, opposite Eddie Murphy. Brian Grazer stated, "she's a superstar musician who acts. Getting Janet is a huge coup for us because she doesn't have to do movies, but she wants to do this one." Murphy commented, "I've known for years that she's a good actress. [...] She's a superstar and a really talented woman... It was like 'Wow, I'm with a superstar on the set.'" It opened at number one and grossed $175 million worldwide, also being the biggest opening week of Murphy's career. Jackson received praise among critics for her portrayal. Melissa Marschheuser of The Sentinel stated "she plays the role perfectly", while Variety commended her "improbable persuasiveness."

Jackson played Dr. Patricia Agnew in her third film, Why Did I Get Married?. Patrick Huguenin described her role as "a picture-perfect (but emotionally scarred) romance psychologist who corrals her now-married college friends into an annual retreat." Variety considered Jackson's presence to ensure its success. It opened at number one, grossing nearly $60 million worldwide. She also starred in Why Did I Get Married Too?, reprising her role as a "demurely clothed, deeply sentient, highly respected psychologist." It opened at number two, grossing over $60 million. A third sequel, Why Did I Get Married Again?, would have Jackson play the love interest of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jackson then co-starred in the drama For Colored Girls, an adaption of the stage play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. She portrayed Joanna, an abrasive fashion editor. It debuted at number three, with an intake of nearly $40 million.

In 2011, Jackson entered a production deal with Lionsgate, in collaboration with her company JDJ Entertainment. Michael Paseornek stated, "She is a powerful on-screen presence, with a vast audience, and we believe she will be an equally powerful presence behind the scenes." Jackson desires to pursue films with "a lot of energy," saying, "I love action films, I love Sci-Fi."