Joey King's Best Movies: A Fan Guide

Hey movie buffs! Today, we're diving deep into the incredible filmography of one of Hollywood's brightest stars, Joey King. If you're a fan of compelling performances and diverse roles, you're in for a treat. Joey King has quickly become a household name, captivating audiences with her versatility and raw talent. From breakout performances in horror flicks to heartwarming romantic comedies and gripping dramas, she's done it all, and guys, she's only just getting started! We're going to explore some of her most iconic roles and why they've earned her a spot on our must-watch list. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get ready to celebrate the cinematic journey of Joey King. Her ability to embody such different characters, making each one feel authentic and relatable, is truly remarkable. Whether she's facing down supernatural threats or navigating the complexities of teenage life, King brings an undeniable presence to the screen. This article aims to highlight the films that truly showcase her range and have solidified her status as a leading lady in the industry. We'll be looking at the critical reception, audience impact, and, of course, what makes her performance stand out in each case. It's going to be a wild ride through some seriously good movies!

The Kissing Booth Series: A Rom-Com Phenomenon

Let's kick things off with a franchise that arguably catapulted Joey King into superstardom: The Kissing Booth series. If you've ever been on Netflix, chances are you've stumbled upon Elle Evans and her rollercoaster love life. This series, consisting of The Kissing Booth (2018), The Kissing Booth 2 (2020), and The Kissing Booth 3 (2021), became a massive global hit, especially among younger audiences. Joey King shines as Elle, a quirky and relatable high school student who finds herself in an unexpected romance with the school's resident bad boy, Noah Flynn, played by Jacob Elordi. The films perfectly capture the awkwardness, excitement, and drama of teenage relationships. King's performance as Elle is key to the series' success; she brings a genuine charm and vulnerability to the character, making viewers root for her, even when she's making questionable decisions. We see Elle grow and evolve throughout the trilogy, facing challenges in love, friendship, and her future aspirations. The chemistry between King and her co-stars, particularly Elordi and Joel Courtney (who plays her best friend, Lee), is palpable and adds to the romantic tension. While the series might lean into classic rom-com tropes, King's earnest portrayal elevates the material. She navigates Elle's journey from a shy, rule-following best friend to a more confident young woman discovering her own path with grace and humor. The dialogue is snappy, the settings are picturesque, and the soundtrack is on point, making these films incredibly binge-worthy. It's a testament to King's acting prowess that she could anchor such a popular series and connect with millions of fans worldwide. These movies are the definition of feel-good entertainment, and Joey King is undeniably the heart and soul of it all. The way she handles the emotional beats, from first crushes to heartbreaking misunderstandings, makes Elle feel like a real person we can all relate to in some way, shape, or form. It's no wonder these films are constantly talked about!

The Conjuring Universe: A Scream Queen Is Born

Before rom-coms, Joey King made waves in the horror genre, and her role in The Conjuring (2013) was a significant early achievement. Directed by James Wan, this supernatural horror film is a masterclass in suspense and jump scares. Joey King plays Christine, the daughter of the Perron family who moves into a notoriously haunted farmhouse in Rhode Island. Her character experiences some of the most terrifying events in the film, and King delivers a performance that is both believable and chilling. Even at a young age, she demonstrated an incredible ability to convey fear and distress convincingly, making the audience feel every bit of the terror. The Conjuring is renowned for its atmospheric tension, effective scares, and strong performances, and King's contribution is vital to its success. She holds her own against seasoned actors like Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. This role not only proved her acting chops in a demanding genre but also marked her entry into the incredibly successful Conjuring Universe, which has spawned numerous spin-offs and sequels. Her portrayal of Christine was a key element in making the haunting feel personal and urgent. The film doesn't just rely on external scares; it delves into the psychological impact on the family, and King's character is often at the epicenter of this. We see her childlike innocence gradually erode as she becomes the target of a malevolent entity. Her screams, her wide-eyed terror, and her quiet moments of dread all combine to create a performance that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a performance that cemented her as a talented young actress capable of handling intense and frightening material. For horror fans, The Conjuring is a must-see, and King's performance is a significant reason why it remains one of the most effective horror films of the last decade. It’s a testament to her talent that she could be so convincing in such a terrifying situation, making the audience genuinely concerned for her character's well-being. This early success in a major franchise set a high bar for her future roles and demonstrated her immense potential in the film industry, proving she could handle the pressure and deliver a memorable performance.

Slender Man: Embracing the Darker Side

Continuing her exploration of the horror genre, Joey King starred in Slender Man (2018). Based on the popular internet creepypasta, this film follows a group of friends who investigate the legend of the Slender Man, a tall, faceless figure who stalks and abducts people. King plays Wren, one of the friends who becomes increasingly entangled in the horrifying mystery. While Slender Man received mixed reviews, Joey King's performance was often cited as a standout. She effectively portrays the descent into paranoia and terror as the girls realize the legend might be all too real. Her character's journey is fraught with psychological distress, and King delves into this darkness with commitment. She skillfully conveys the mounting fear and desperation of a teenager targeted by an unseen force. The film itself presents a chilling premise, and King's dedication to her role helps to ground the supernatural elements in a sense of relatable dread. For fans of King, this movie offers a glimpse into her willingness to take on challenging roles that explore the darker aspects of human psychology and fear. It’s a performance that showcases her range, moving from the lighter tones of The Kissing Booth to the palpable terror required for a film like Slender Man. Her commitment to portraying Wren's escalating fear and the psychological toll of their ordeal is commendable, even within a film that didn't quite reach its full potential. It highlights her ability to commit to a character's emotional arc, making the supernatural horror feel more impactful through her human reactions. This film, despite its reception, is a valuable piece in understanding King's diverse career choices and her comfort in exploring a wide spectrum of genres and character types. She proves here that she can deliver a compelling performance even when the narrative surrounding her faces challenges, a mark of a truly dedicated actress.

The Act: A Chilling Transformation

For a truly jaw-dropping performance that earned Joey King widespread critical acclaim and award nominations, look no further than The Act (2019). This Hulu true-crime anthology series is based on the disturbing real-life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her manipulative mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Joey King takes on the role of Gypsy Rose, a young woman suffering from numerous mysterious illnesses, allegedly orchestrated by her overprotective and abusive mother, portrayed by the brilliant Patricia Arquette. This role was a radical departure for King, and she absolutely nailed it. Her physical transformation for the part was remarkable, but it was her deep dive into the character's complex psyche that truly stunned audiences. King portrays Gypsy's isolation, her physical frailty, her dawning awareness of her mother's abuse, and her yearning for independence with incredible nuance and power. The way she captures Gypsy's vulnerability, her pain, and her eventual desperate act is nothing short of mesmerizing. It's a performance that is both heartbreaking and terrifying, showcasing King's incredible talent for embodying deeply troubled characters. She earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for this role, a testament to the impact of her portrayal. The Act is not an easy watch, but King's performance makes it an unforgettable one. She brings a raw, unflinching honesty to Gypsy, making her journey incredibly compelling and profoundly disturbing. This role solidified her status as a serious dramatic actress, capable of tackling the most challenging and sensitive subject matter with maturity and intensity. It's a performance that demanded immense emotional range and a willingness to explore the darkest corners of human experience, and Joey King delivered spectacularly. Her ability to disappear into such a complex and controversial character is a hallmark of her extraordinary talent, leaving viewers deeply affected by her portrayal of Gypsy's tragic story.

White House Down: Action and Intrigue

In White House Down (2013), an action-packed thriller directed by Roland Emmerich, Joey King takes on the role of Emily Sutherland, the daughter of the Speaker of the House who gets caught in a terrorist takeover of the White House. While not the central protagonist, King’s presence adds a crucial emotional anchor to the high-octane plot. Her character finds herself in perilous situations, and King brings a sense of urgency and vulnerability to Emily. The film is filled with explosions, gunfights, and elaborate set pieces, typical of Emmerich's style, but King’s performance provides moments of genuine human drama amidst the chaos. She effectively portrays a young girl's fear and resilience when faced with extreme danger. Her scenes often involve her father, played by Richard Jenkins, or the heroic Capitol Police officer John Cale, played by Channing Tatum, highlighting the stakes of the unfolding crisis. King’s ability to convey fear and determination in such a large-scale action film demonstrates her versatility. It’s a role that required her to react to intense situations and contribute to the emotional core of the story, showing that she could hold her own in a blockbuster alongside established stars. This role, released the same year as The Conjuring, further diversified her portfolio, proving she wasn't just a horror ingenue or a budding rom-com star. She showed she could handle the demands of big-budget action filmmaking, bringing a believable emotional response to the extraordinary circumstances her character finds herself in. It’s a solid performance that adds a layer of personal stakes to the thrilling narrative, making the audience invested in the fate of the characters beyond just the political intrigue and action sequences.

Wish Upon: A Dark Fairy Tale

Joey King takes center stage in the supernatural horror film Wish Upon (2017). In this movie, she plays Clara Shannon, a shy and awkward middle schooler who is bullied relentlessly. Her life takes a dark turn when she discovers an old music box that grants her seven wishes. However, each wish comes with a sinister price, as the music box's magic involves the violent deaths of those closest to her. King delivers a compelling performance as Clara, portraying her transformation from a downtrodden victim to someone wielding dark power. She skillfully navigates the moral complexities of the wishes, showing Clara's initial joy and subsequent horror as she realizes the true cost of her desires. The film plays with the classic 'be careful what you wish for' trope, and King’s portrayal of Clara’s descent is central to its effectiveness. We see her struggle with the consequences, the guilt, and the temptation to continue using the box despite the horrific outcomes. Her performance captures the essence of a modern dark fairy tale, where innocence is corrupted by dark magic and forbidden desires. For fans looking to see King handle a role with significant emotional weight and a supernatural twist, Wish Upon is a great choice. She provides the necessary emotional grounding for a fantastical premise, making Clara's plight relatable even as things spiral into darkness. Her performance is key to selling the film’s premise and the escalating sense of dread. It’s a role that allowed her to explore themes of bullying, desire, and consequence, showcasing her ability to carry a film and engage audiences with a character facing dire supernatural circumstances. The film highlights her potential as a lead in genre films, offering a blend of suspense and emotional depth driven by her central performance.

Summer '03: A Coming-of-Age Story

In the indie coming-of-age film Summer '03 (2018), Joey King plays Jamie, a high school senior grappling with the death of her grandmother. The film explores themes of grief, identity, and sexual discovery as Jamie navigates the summer after her grandmother's passing. When Jamie discovers her late grandmother's secret marijuana stash and a mysterious pair of prescription pill bottles, she and her friends embark on a journey of self-discovery, experimenting with substances and exploring their burgeoning sexuality. King's performance as Jamie is nuanced and authentic, capturing the confusion, sadness, and tentative joy of navigating young adulthood during a period of intense emotional upheaval. She brings a raw honesty to Jamie's experiences, portraying her grief and her quest for understanding with a quiet intensity. This film allows King to showcase a more subtle and introspective side of her acting. It’s a departure from the high-concept thrills of her horror or blockbuster roles, focusing instead on realistic teenage struggles and the messy process of growing up. Her interactions with her friends and her reflections on her grandmother's life offer a poignant look at how loss can shape one's identity. Summer '03 is a valuable addition to her filmography, demonstrating her commitment to character-driven stories and her ability to portray complex emotional landscapes. It’s a performance that feels lived-in and relatable, capturing the often-unspoken anxieties and desires of adolescence. King proves here that she can deliver a grounded and moving performance in a more intimate setting, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

From charming rom-coms and terrifying horrors to critically acclaimed dramas and action blockbusters, Joey King has proven herself to be one of the most dynamic and talented actresses of her generation. Her ability to adapt to different genres and deliver captivating performances consistently makes her a joy to watch on screen. Whether she's making us laugh, cry, or scream, King’s dedication to her craft is evident in every role. With a career already filled with such impressive achievements at a young age, we can only imagine what incredible projects she'll tackle next. She’s a true star in the making, and we’re all just along for the ride. Keep an eye on this one, guys – the best is definitely yet to come!