Joey King is steadily making her mark in Hollywood, and on October 24, 2024, she will be honored at the Women in Film ceremony alongside Kate Winslet and Kerry Washington. Starting her acting career at a young age, King has grown into a versatile performer with roles spanning rom-coms, action thrillers, and heartwarming dramas. Whether you love her energetic performances or find her acting style polarizing, King has accumulated an impressive filmography. Let’s dive into her ten best films so far.
10. Smartass – Teenage Angst at Its Peak
Joey King’s performance in Smartass is raw, sarcastic, and unapologetic. The film captures the rebellious nature of a teenage runaway navigating the dark streets of Los Angeles, where humor and danger coexist.
- Why Watch: Fans of edgy films like Good Time or Uncut Gems will enjoy the tension.
- Highlight Scene: King talking about getting ice cream while getting arrested is unexpectedly hilarious.
This gritty indie may not suit everyone, but King’s charisma carries the film and leaves a lasting impression.
9. A Family Affair – Rom-Com Awkwardness at Its Best
Released in 2024, A Family Affair is a charming romantic comedy where King plays the daughter of Nicole Kidman’s character. The film’s plot revolves around a complicated relationship between a young actor (Zac Efron) and King’s on-screen mom, with King hilariously caught in the middle.
The film is packed with:
- Physical comedy that lets King shine.
- Classic rom-com awkward moments between parents and lovers.
King’s dynamic energy stands out even against Hollywood heavyweights like Kidman and Kathy Bates.
8. The Princess – A Fantasy Adventure with High-Octane Fights
In Hulu’s The Princess, Joey King plays a warrior princess determined to escape captivity and save her kingdom. The film’s over-the-top fight sequences provide an adrenaline rush, and King’s action scenes are surprisingly well-executed.
- Why It Works: King’s physicality and dedication to the fight choreography make the movie a fun watch.
- Standout Moment: The kitchen brawl, where King turns ordinary tools into deadly weapons.
It may not be a deep narrative, but it’s a solid family-friendly fantasy flick.
7. Bullet Train – A High-Octane Action Comedy
In David Leitch’s Bullet Train, King plays The Prince, a cunning assassin with a British accent that’s both ridiculous and entertaining. Sharing the screen with Brad Pitt and an ensemble cast, King delivers a playful performance.
- What Makes It Fun: King switches from devious to innocent within seconds, keeping viewers on their toes.
- Perfect for: Movie nights with friends where you just want to enjoy some wild action without taking things too seriously.
King’s role may be over the top, but it perfectly fits the film’s chaotic tone.
6. The Kissing Booth – Netflix’s Rom-Com Darling
The success of The Kissing Booth catapulted Joey King into the spotlight. The movie, a guilty pleasure for many, became so popular that it spawned two sequels.
- Cliché But Fun: It features forbidden love, sneaking around, and plenty of teenage drama.
- Highlight: King’s comedic timing makes even the cheesiest scenes enjoyable.
Though it’s filled with rom-com tropes, The Kissing Booth remains a fan favorite for cozy movie nights.
5. The In Between – A Paranormal Romance
In The In Between, King plays a high school photographer trying to reconnect with her boyfriend’s spirit after his untimely death. While the film leans more toward drama than paranormal thrills, it still offers an emotional narrative.
- What Stands Out: King’s portrayal of young love and loss feels authentic.
- Ideal For: Viewers who appreciate tearjerkers with a bit of supernatural intrigue.
Keep tissues nearby—this one tugs at the heartstrings.
4. Borealis – A Canadian Comedy with a Heart
Borealis tells the story of a father-daughter road trip to see the Northern Lights. King plays a sharp-witted teenager who uses dark humor to cope with her impending blindness.
- What Makes It Special: The chemistry between King and Jonas Chernick adds emotional depth to the quirky plot.
- Memorable Element: King’s sarcastic humor is both hilarious and heartbreaking.
This film showcases King’s ability to blend comedy and drama effortlessly.
3. Summer of ’03 – A Relatable Coming-of-Age Tale
Summer of ’03 captures the awkwardness of teenage love and family drama. King plays a young girl navigating her emotions after her grandmother’s death while falling for a seminary student.
- Real-Life Vibes: The film feels grounded, with moments that will resonate with anyone who remembers their teenage years.
- Highlight: King’s portrayal of an awkward first date is both cringy and charming.
It’s an underrated gem that reveals King’s talent for capturing the complexities of adolescence.
2. Radium Girls – A Story of Corporate Greed and Resilience
Based on true events, Radium Girls follows young women fighting for justice after being poisoned while painting radium watch dials. King plays Bessie Cavallo, delivering one of her most mature performances.
- What Makes It Powerful: King’s portrayal of Bessie’s determination and grief resonates deeply.
- Watch If You: Enjoy films that highlight historical events with modern relevance.
It’s a moving tribute to the brave women who fought against corporate corruption.
1. Ramona and Beezus – Childhood Charm at Its Best
King’s breakthrough role came in Ramona and Beezus, where she starred alongside Selena Gomez. Based on Beverly Cleary’s beloved book series, the film captures the ups and downs of sibling life.
- Perfect Pairing: King and Gomez’s chemistry brings the story to life.
- A Must-Watch: For families and anyone looking to revisit childhood memories.
This film showed early on that Joey King was destined for a bright future in Hollywood.
