The Christmas Path (1998)
LaBeouf originally pursued acting purely as a way of getting money after seing other kids buy cool things he couldn't afford. Pretending to be an adult representing himself, he got an agent through the yellow pages and his first acting gig was on this small TV movie.
Rogue Rascal? Nahh, he's too cute. Even though his character does try a spot of burglary, he only did it to help his mum, so he's forgiven.
Dumb And Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
This was his second film project of that year, but unfortunately the prequel to the original Jim Carrey comedy turned out to be terrible. LaBeouf, who counts the 1994 classic as one of his favourite films was desperate to be in the cast and actually auditioned for Lloyd. Even though he didn't get the part (a lucky escape in hindsight), they offered him a supporting role based on his audition.
Dumb And Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
This was his second film project of that year, but unfortunately the prequel to the original Jim Carrey comedy turned out to be terrible. LaBeouf, who counts the 1994 classic as one of his favourite films was desperate to be in the cast and actually auditioned for Lloyd. Even though he didn't get the part (a lucky escape in hindsight), they offered him a supporting role based on his audition.
The Battle Of Shaker Heights (2003)
Shaker Heights came about after the script won the second season of Project Greenlight, a TV contest set up by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon showcasing upcoming directors. LaBeouf stars as Kelly, a young war-reenactment enthusiast who uses military knowledge to seek revenge against the school bully, while also having the hots for his friend's (engaged) older sister.
Transformers (2007)
Disturbia gave LaBeouf a boost after years of support parts, and here he bagged his star-making role in 2007's massive summer blockbuster. Based on the Hasbro toy line, it follows the adventures of Sam, a sheltered teen who becomes involved in the war between two alien robot clans.
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008)
LaBeouf was now on every director's wish list, and he bagged the part of Mutt Williams in Indy's fourth adventure. It should have been the role of a lifetime but unfortunately the film was panned by critics and franchise devotees who blasted the ludicrous alien plot line, CGI monkeys and lead lined fridges. The credibility of the franchise was left in tatters.
Eagle Eye (2008)
With a couple of fantasy epics under his belt, LaBeouf's next choice was a nice change of pace, focusing on 'the dangers of technology'. Co-starring with Michelle Monaghan, the pair play two young people brought together and coerced into making terrorist threats after each receiving an anonymous phone call. It sounded like a bold choice and a good idea in theory.
New York, I Love You (2009)
In a follow up to 2006's Paris Je'Taime , this ensemble piece consisted of 10 short segments following the lives of different couples in New York. With a strong cast of well established actors including Chris Cooper, Robin Wright Penn and Andy Garcia, this was a different kind of project for LaBeouf who shared scenes with Julie Christie and was directed by Elizabeth director Shekhar Kapur.
Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps
Time to shake off those teenage roles and have a stab at something more mature. LaBeouf's next film was the sequel to 1987's Wall Street playing Jake, a young protégé at a top investment company in New York. He also happens to be engaged to Gordon Gekko's estranged daughter, and he forms an uneasy alliance with his prospective pa-in-law.
The Wettest Country In The World (2012)
Next year LaBeouf stars in John Hillcoat's adaptation of Matt Bondurant's novel, which is based on the real life events of the author's grandfather and great-uncles. Set in Virginia during the early 1900s, it tells the tale of three brothers (played by Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke and LaBeouf respectively) as their business comes under threat during the Prohibition era.
