Detailed Reviews of the Top 10 Joey King Movies and TV Shows

 

Why Joey King’s Screen Journey Captivates Audiences Worldwide

Joey King movies and tv shows span nearly two decades, showcasing one of Hollywood’s most versatile young talents. From her debut in a Life Cereal commercial at age four to Emmy-nominated performances, King has appeared in over 70 productions since 2006.

Top Joey King Movies and TV Shows:

• The Act (2019) – Emmy-nominated true crime drama
• The Kissing Booth trilogy (2018-2021) – Netflix’s most rewatched rom-com series
• Bullet Train (2022) – Action thriller with Brad Pitt
• The Conjuring (2013) – Horror blockbuster that launched her film career
• Ramona and Beezus (2010) – Her breakout leading role at age 10
• Fargo (2014) – Critical acclaim in the award-winning anthology series
• The Princess (2022) – Action film she executive produced
• We Were the Lucky Ones (2024) – Holocaust drama miniseries

King’s career evolution from child actor to executive producer reflects Hollywood’s changing landscape. She’s earned 7 wins and 24 nominations across major awards, including Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG recognition.

Who Is Joey King? From Life Cereal to Leading Lady

Born Joey Lynn King on July 30, 1999, in Los Angeles, this future star began with a Life Cereal commercial at age four that launched her into over 100 commercial appearances. But Joey had bigger dreams than selling breakfast cereals.

The real game-changer came in 2010 with Ramona and Beezus. At just 10 years old, Joey stepped into the title role alongside Selena Gomez, proving she could carry a feature film with natural charisma.

What makes Joey’s career remarkable is her fearless genre-hopping. She’s conquered family comedies, horror films, action movies, romantic comedies, and intense dramas.

Joey’s evolution into producing shows serious business savvy. She’s secured first-look production deals with both Netflix and Hulu, gaining creative control over projects that reflect her vision.

Perhaps most impressive is Joey’s legendary commitment to her craft. She’s shaved her head three times for different roles, proving she’ll go to any lengths to embody her characters authentically.

From that little girl selling cereal to Emmy-nominated actress and savvy producer, Joey King’s journey shows what happens when natural talent meets unwavering dedication.

Top 10 Joey King Movies and TV Shows

Choosing the best Joey King movies and tv shows involves looking at critical acclaim, cultural impact, and how each project showcases King’s incredible range as a performer.

Why These Joey King Movies and TV Shows Made the List

What makes a Joey King movie or TV show worthy of a top 10 list? We considered projects that either launched her career to new heights, showcased her versatility, or entertained millions worldwide.

The Kissing Booth trilogy earned its spot through sheer popularity – Netflix reported one in three viewers rewatched these films. Meanwhile, Fargo and The Act represent King’s dramatic evolution, proving she could hold her own in prestige television.

Critical Reception of Joey King Movies and TV Shows

The critical landscape for Joey King movies and tv shows reveals an interesting pattern – her dramatic work consistently earns praise while commercial projects get mixed reviews despite massive audience appeal.

The Act stands as King’s critical triumph, earning Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations. However, The Kissing Booth earned just 15% on Rotten Tomatoes despite breaking Netflix viewing records.

According to TV Guide’s Joey King profile, this balance between commercial appeal and critical respect positions her uniquely among young Hollywood actors.

1. The Act (2019) – Emmy-Nominated Masterpiece

When Joey King movies and tv shows are discussed, The Act consistently tops the list as her most transformative performance. This Hulu true-crime miniseries completely redefined how Hollywood viewed her talent.

King’s portrayal of Gypsy Rose Blanchard required extraordinary change. She shaved her head completely, altered her speaking voice, and studied real footage to capture every nuance. The dedication paid off in a performance critics called “haunting” and “fearlessly committed.”

The role’s challenge was balancing Gypsy Rose as both victim and perpetrator. King portrayed someone simultaneously innocent and calculating, vulnerable yet capable of manipulation.

The chemistry between King and Patricia Arquette created one of television’s most disturbing yet compelling relationships, crackling with tension that made viewers both sympathetic and uncomfortable.

The Act earned King nominations for Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards – recognition that lifted her from teen star to serious dramatic actress. The series holds a 7.8 IMDb rating and received widespread praise for its sensitive handling of complex psychological conditions.

2. The Kissing Booth Trilogy (2018-2021) – Netflix Phenomenon

The Kissing Booth earned a brutal 15% on Rotten Tomatoes, yet became one of Netflix’s most beloved franchises. Netflix’s Ted Sarandos called it “one of the most-watched movies in the world.”

The trilogy transformed King from versatile character actress into a teen rom-com queen. King’s portrayal of Elle Evans struck a chord with viewers who saw themselves in her awkward charm and relatable teenage dilemmas.

King’s chemistry with Jacob Elordi and Joel Courtney created the trilogy’s emotional foundation. Even when plots ventured into eye-roll territory, their genuine connections kept audiences invested. King stepped up as executive producer for the sequels, taking creative control over Elle’s journey.

The trilogy’s success launched King into a new career phase, proving she could carry major productions while building behind-the-scenes expertise.

3. Bullet Train (2022) – Action Star Emergence

Bullet Train proved Joey King movies and tv shows could extend into serious action territory. Working alongside Brad Pitt, King mastered a British accent, executed complex physical comedy, and held her own against seasoned action stars.

Director David Leitch noticed King’s approach to the film’s chaotic energy – she didn’t just adapt to the breakneck pace, she acceptd it completely. Her character brought both vulnerability and fierce determination to the ensemble.

The film earned mixed reviews, but King’s performance stood out as a highlight. What made her Bullet Train work particularly impressive was her willingness to dive into unfamiliar territory, bringing the same fearless commitment that had her shaving her head for dramatic roles.

4. The Conjuring (2013) – Horror Breakthrough

The Conjuring became King’s gateway into serious Hollywood filmmaking at just 13 years old. Playing Christine Perron, King brought refreshing authenticity to what could have been a typical “screaming child” role.

King’s natural, unforced delivery during intense moments set her apart. While many young actors struggle with horror’s technical demands, King seemed completely at ease.

The film’s massive success – $319 million worldwide against a $20 million budget and 86% Rotten Tomatoes score – reflected the cast’s collective chemistry. Director James Wan praised King’s professionalism during the grueling shoot.

The Conjuring proved King could handle mature subject matter while appealing to younger audiences, establishing the versatility that became her greatest strength.

5. Ramona and Beezus (2010) – Childhood Breakout

At 10 years old, Joey King delivered one of the decade’s most memorable child performances. Joey King movies and tv shows showcase her versatility, but Ramona and Beezus launched her career.

Working alongside Selena Gomez, King brought Beverly Cleary’s beloved character to life with remarkable authenticity. She balanced Ramona’s mischievous spirit without making her feel like a caricature.

The film required King to carry significant screen time – no small feat for a young performer. Her comedic timing was already impressive, turning potentially annoying moments into genuinely funny scenes.

The success opened doors that defined King’s career trajectory, establishing her as more than just another child actor – she was genuine talent with staying power.

6. Fargo (2014) – Television Excellence

King’s appearance in Fargo’s critically acclaimed first season marked a pivotal career moment. The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning anthology series gave King her first taste of prestige television.

Playing a supporting role, King delivered remarkably restrained performance showcasing maturity beyond her teenage years. Her scenes required holding her own alongside Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, and Allison Tolman.

King’s ability to blend into the show’s darkly comedic tone without overshadowing the ensemble was impressive. The experience clearly influenced her future project choices, likely shaping her decision to pursue The Act.

Fargo proved King could transition seamlessly between commercial entertainment and award-caliber television.

7. The Princess (2022) – Producer and Star

The Princess marked a pivotal moment – King as both actress and creative force behind the camera. This “Rapunzel meets The Raid” action film gave King the chance to flex physical abilities and business muscles as executive producer.

The role required extensive stunt training, something completely new for the actress. She underwent fight choreography and performed many of her own action sequences.

As executive producer, King had real creative input on story development, casting decisions, and production choices. The experience gave her a taste of behind-the-camera power.

The film tells the story of a princess who refuses arranged marriage and must fight her way out of her castle – a perfect metaphor for King’s own journey breaking free from Hollywood constraints.

8. We Were the Lucky Ones (2024) – Recent Dramatic Achievement

Joey King movies and tv shows reached new dramatic heights with this powerful Holocaust miniseries. Based on Georgia Hunter’s bestselling novel, it tells the true story of a Jewish family scattered during World War II.

As Variety reported, the entire production hinged on finding the right actress to anchor this emotionally demanding story. King’s proven dramatic ability made her the perfect choice.

The eight-episode series showcases King’s continued evolution as a dramatic performer. Her portrayal required extensive research into Holocaust history and Jewish culture, building on the emotional depth from her Emmy-nominated work.

The series maintains a 7.7 IMDb rating, reflecting both critical acclaim and audience appreciation for its sensitive handling of historical trauma.

9. White House Down (2013) – Action Debut

White House Down gave King her first taste of big-budget action filmmaking. Playing Emily Cale, caught in a terrorist siege, King worked alongside Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx in Roland Emmerich’s explosive thriller.

At 14, King held her own in intense action sequences while maintaining emotional core of a scared but resilient teenager. Her character was smart, resourceful, and crucial to the plot’s resolution.

The chemistry between King and Tatum anchored the film’s emotional stakes. King’s natural ability to build rapport with co-stars was already evident.

The $205 million worldwide box office success introduced her to international audiences and proved she could handle tentpole filmmaking pressure.

10. Wish Upon (2017) – Leading Horror Role

Wish Upon marked King’s first time carrying an entire horror film as lead. Playing Clare Shannon, a teenager who finds a mysterious music box granting deadly wishes, King faced the challenge of balancing supernatural terror with teenage authenticity.

The film required King to steer complex emotional territory as Clare transforms from bullied student to corrupted wish-maker. King’s performance captures this evolution convincingly.

While critics weren’t entirely kind, King’s committed performance lifted the material beyond typical teen horror. She brought genuine vulnerability to Clare’s early scenes while maintaining character believability as the plot ventured into outlandish territory.

The role demonstrated significant growth from her supporting work in The Conjuring, as she carried the entire narrative weight appearing in nearly every scene.

Behind-the-Scenes: Producing Credits & Key Collaborations

Joey King’s evolution to executive producer represents one of Hollywood’s most impressive career transitions. Her journey began with The Kissing Booth 2 and 3, gaining hands-on creative decision-making experience.

Her first-look production deals with Netflix and Hulu position King as a major content creator. These agreements give her power to develop projects from the ground up, choosing scripts, directors, and co-stars aligning with her creative vision.

For The Princess, King underwent intensive stunt training that transformed her from rom-com star to action hero. She learned sword fighting, hand-to-hand combat, and wire work.

Directors consistently praise King’s preparation and professionalism. James Wan noted her maturity during The Conjuring, while David Leitch highlighted her comedic timing in Bullet Train.

Through The Clubhouse, King has found a creative retreat space fostering innovative project ideas and partnership opportunities.

Awards, Nominations, and What’s Next

Joey King’s 7 wins and 24 nominations prove her talent extends beyond teen rom-coms. The Emmy nomination for The Act stands as her career’s crowning achievement, alongside Golden Globe and SAG recognition.

Her People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice Awards reflect genuine audience connection – rare for an actress earning both critical acclaim and popular love.

King’s first-look deals with Netflix and Hulu position her perfectly for entertainment’s future. These agreements give her creative control from the ground up.

A Family Affair represents continued genre exploration, while Uglies shows commitment to stories resonating with younger audiences. The upcoming We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates King’s willingness to tackle challenging historical material.

King’s industry impact extends beyond individual performances. Her successful navigation from child actor to leading lady provides a blueprint for young performers facing Hollywood’s challenges.

The first-look production deals represent King’s ticket to long-term industry influence, allowing her to develop projects ensuring her creative vision shapes every storytelling aspect.

Frequently Asked Questions about Joey King

How did Joey King transition from child roles to acclaimed lead performances?

Joey King’s change didn’t happen overnight – it was carefully crafted through smart choices and incredible dedication. Unlike many young performers stuck in one role type, King deliberately sought challenging projects showing different talent sides.

The key was risk-taking. King was shaving her head for roles three times – for The Dark Knight Rises, Wish I Was Here, and The Act. Her breakthrough strategy involved working with respected directors and seasoned actors who could mentor her.

For The Act, she studied extensive footage of real Gypsy Rose Blanchard, altered her voice, and completely changed her physical appearance. This commitment showed the industry she was serious about her craft.

Which Joey King project earned her major award nominations?

The Act put King on the awards circuit map. Her Gypsy Rose Blanchard portrayal earned Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

This challenging role required balancing Gypsy Rose as both victim and perpetrator. King brought nuance to a story that could have become sensationalized, treating the real-life tragedy with respect while creating compelling television.

What upcoming Joey King movies and series should fans watch for?

King’s strategic first-look deals with Netflix and Hulu mean she’s actively developing interesting projects. Uglies, based on Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian novel, represents continued young adult content connection with her executive producer role.

Her proven track record gives incredible leverage. Joey king movies and tv shows attract audiences – The Kissing Booth trilogy proved that beyond doubt, giving her freedom to choose artistically challenging yet commercially appealing projects.

Conclusion

Joey King movies and tv shows tell a remarkable story of artistic growth and smart career choices. From that first Life Cereal commercial to her Emmy nomination for The Act, King has shown us what it means to evolve as a performer while staying authentic.

King’s managed to avoid pitfalls trapping many child actors by fearlessly jumping between genres and taking risks, including literally shaving her head multiple times for different characters.

Her transition into producing feels natural. Those first-look deals with Netflix and Hulu represent King taking control of her narrative, creating roles rather than waiting for Hollywood to offer them.

At PARK Ave Magazine, we’ve watched King’s career with genuine admiration. She represents something special: an artist understanding both business and creative sides of filmmaking. Her success across platforms shows she gets how audiences consume content today.

The numbers speak for themselves – Joey King movies and tv shows have generated billions of viewing hours worldwide. Beyond statistics, there’s authenticity in her performances connecting with audiences.

King’s industry relationships and creative partnerships position her perfectly for entertainment’s future. She’s proven adaptable to new platforms, genres, and challenges, promising many more compelling viewing experiences ahead.