Top 10 Best Hilary Duff Roles
#10: Olivia Burke “Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
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There was basically a revolving door of recurring characters on “Gossip Girl”. But few are as memorable or believable as Duff’s Olivia Burke, a celebrity who enrolls at NYU in a bid to experience some normalcy. It goes without saying, but with Vanessa Abrams as her roommate and Dan Humphrey as her boyfriend, things get pretty interesting. The trio is well remembered for their involvement in one of the series’ most controversial storylines. Of course, we’re referring to that infamous episode that sparked outrage among parents. Hilary Duff’s time on the series may have been short, but she definitely managed to leave her mark!
#9: Tanzie Marchetta “Material Girls” (2006)
This movie sees real-life sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff play on-screen siblings Tanzie and Ava Marchetta. The two wealthy young women are slated to take over their late father Victor’s company, Marchetta Cosmetics. But their lives are turned upside down when claims that the products damage peoples’ skin emerge. They have to get to the truth, figure out who’s in their corner, and embrace who they are along the way. What’s more, they do all this while adjusting to life without money. Watching the duo bicker is hilarious, especially considering their off-screen bond. And while the girls start out naive and entitled, they grow into well-rounded and capable people. Come for the fun premise, but stay for the heart the Duff sisters bring.
#8: Wendy the Good Little Witch “Casper Meets Wendy” (1998)
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Witches and ghosts aren’t supposed to get along. Yet when Casper and Wendy meet, they realize they actually have a lot in common - especially when it comes to their families. It’s an unlikely alliance, but that’s what makes it so powerful. Their friendship helps bridge the divide between witches and ghosts, which ultimately brings everyone together to defeat the evil warlock. It’s a wholesome, funny, and all-around entertaining ride. Plus, watching Hilary Duff do her thing at such a young age is a treat. She’s just a child in this movie, but she acts the house down with plenty of style. Speaking of which, does anyone know where we can find an outfit as cute and cozy as Wendy’s?
#7: Natalie Connors “Agent Cody Banks” (2003)
Doctor Connors is a scientist who’s fallen into the clutches of ERIS, an organization that wants to use his technology for less than noble purposes. The CIA’s plan to stop them involves sending in their teenage agent, Cody Banks. In order to gain access, he must earn the trust of the doctor’s daughter, Natalie. And despite the young boy’s awkward tendencies, they start to develop feelings for one another. She’s in the dark for the majority of the movie and gets caught in the crossfire in a major way. But by the end, Natalie plays a big part in defeating the bad guys. We just wish she would’ve gotten in on the action sooner, which is a testament to Duff’s talent.
#6: Kelly Collins “Cadet Kelly” (2002)
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This iconic Disney Channel original movie follows a unique teen named Kelly as she goes to military school. Did we mention her soon-to-be step-dad runs the place? Let’s just say it’s not an easy adjustment. Kelly’s artistic, somewhat clumsy, and marches to the beat of her own drum. Meanwhile, the establishment runs firmly on rules, discipline, and order. The protagonist could have easily been a frustrating character. But Duff plays her as a kid who’s just trying to find her place in the world without sacrificing who she is. And we can all understand that struggle! In the end, everyone learns a little from each other, proving that individuality and community aren’t mutually exclusive.
#5: Holly Hamilton “The Perfect Man” (2005)
What do you do when your mom’s unlucky in love and keeps uprooting your life as a result? If you’re teen blogger Holly Hamilton, you invent someone who can’t hurt her! While she’s behind the catfishing scheme, she bases the “perfect man” on someone who exists. Naturally, the lies pile up and chaos ensues. But her heart’s in the right place - even though her actions are somewhat misguided. Ultimately, the mother-daughter duo bonds in ways they never had before. Plus, Holly slowly lets her guard down and opens her heart to the possibility of love and happiness. This film is perfectly cast, and Duff’s portrayal of a well-meaning teenager who’s at her wit’s end is spot-on. In other words, it’s a must-watch!
#4: Terri Fletcher “Raise Your Voice” (2004)
After her brother Paul dies in a tragic car crash, Terri’s life is turned upside down. So when she’s accepted to the music program of her dreams, she’s reluctant to go. Yet unbeknownst to her extremely overprotective father, her mom and aunt persuade her to take the leap. After all, it’s what her brother would have encouraged her to do. And thank goodness they do, because not only does she find love, but the journey also helps her family connect and heal. The film’s nothing if not touching, thanks in no small part to Duff’s portrayal of Terri. The way she embodies the character’s grief with honesty and nuance is enough to drive anyone to tears.
#3: Sam Montgomery “A Cinderella Story” (2004)
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There have been numerous versions of "Cinderella", but this one takes the cake. Sam Montgomery doesn’t quite fit in at school - or at home. Her stepmother and stepsisters do everything in their power to stop her from shining. But her life changes thanks to an anonymous online romance with quintessential popular guy Austin Ames. Her quest for a happy ending is tumultuous, but it crucially teaches her to stand up for herself. Hilary Duff has an uncanny ability to make her characters feel real, and that’s exactly what she does here. We understand Sam, and never get tired of rooting for her as she figures things out. It’s no wonder the film is one of the actress’ most beloved works.
#2: Kelsey Peters “Younger” (2015-21)
This is definitely one of the star’s more mature roles. After all, many are used to seeing her play a teen. But she proved that she could tackle adulthood on screen with just as much humor and relatability on “Younger”. Her character is layered, with ambitious career goals. And watching her work to achieve them while fighting a system that often puts women down is nothing short of inspiring. She’s also a friend that anybody would be lucky to have in their corner. Kelsey is so amazing that there were even talks surrounding a spin-off centered on her. Sadly, that didn’t work out. But it just goes to show that we could always use more Hilary Duff on our screens!
#1: Lizzie McGuire “Lizzie McGuire” (2001-04) & “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” (2003)
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Hilary Duff won everyone over when she became the one and only Lizzie McGuire. She made the quirky and relatable role feel grounded, fresh, and incredibly magical at the same time. Plus, she kept that spark alive not just throughout the series, but in the film as well. There’s not a fan out there who doesn’t know Lizzie and Isabella’s duet by heart. An entire generation of kids grew up alongside the character, and she means a lot to so many people. We would’ve given anything to see Lizzie again all these years later, but unfortunately, the reboot wasn’t meant to be. At least we’ll always have Rome!
