Hilary Duff’s Best Roles

Hilary Duff has been a familiar face in entertainment since her breakout role as the bubbly and relatable teen, Lizzie McGuire. Her early career firmly established her as a teen idol, capturing the hearts of a generation with her girl-next-door charm and wholesome image. This period saw her starring in a string of successful films and television shows that defined the early 2000s for many young audiences. Her simultaneous music career further solidified her status as a prominent figure in pop culture, making her a household name across the globe.

As she transitioned from her teenage years, Duff took on a variety of roles that allowed her to explore different genres and showcase her versatility as an actress. She moved beyond the characters that made her famous, tackling more mature and complex parts in both television and independent films. This evolution demonstrated her commitment to growing as an artist and challenging audience expectations. From heartfelt comedies to dramatic series, her work has consistently shown a depth and relatability that continues to connect with viewers, proving her staying power in the competitive landscape of Hollywood.

‘Material Girls’ (2006)

In ‘Material Girls’, Hilary Duff stars alongside her real-life sister, Haylie Duff, as Tanzie Marchetta. The film follows the lives of two wealthy, materialistic heiresses who have their world turned upside down when a scandal threatens to bankrupt their late father’s cosmetics company. Tanzie, the more academically inclined of the two sisters, is initially portrayed as being more concerned with her social life than the family business. However, the unexpected turn of events forces her to step up and take responsibility.

Faced with the loss of their fortune, Tanzie and her sister Ava must learn to live without the luxuries they’ve always known. The story follows their journey of self-discovery as they work to uncover the truth behind the company’s scandal and clear their family’s name. Tanzie uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to navigate the corporate world, proving that she is more than just a socialite. The film is a comedic take on the classic rags-to-riches, or in this case, riches-to-rags-to-redemption story, highlighting the importance of family and integrity over material wealth.

‘Agent Cody Banks’ (2003)

Hilary Duff plays the role of Natalie Connors in the family action-comedy ‘Agent Cody Banks’. As the daughter of a brilliant scientist, Dr. Connors, who has unknowingly developed nanobots for a villainous organization, Natalie becomes a key figure in the film’s plot. The titular character, a teenage CIA agent, is assigned to get close to her to gain information about her father’s work. Natalie is depicted as a typical high school student, unaware of the espionage world she has been pulled into.

Throughout the movie, a romance blossoms between Natalie and Cody, adding a layer of teenage awkwardness and charm to the spy-centric story. Her character is not just a damsel in distress but plays an integral part in the mission’s progression, even if she is unaware of the true stakes for much of the film. Duff’s portrayal of Natalie brought a relatable and sweet dynamic to the action-packed narrative, making her a memorable part of this early 2000s teen adventure.

‘Beauty & the Briefcase’ (2010)

In the romantic comedy ‘Beauty & the Briefcase’, Hilary Duff plays Lane Daniels, a hopeful young journalist who is determined to write a groundbreaking article for a major magazine. Her big idea is to go undercover in the corporate world to find love and document her experiences for a story about mixing business with pleasure. To achieve this, she lands a job at an investment banking firm and sets out to date as many of her coworkers as possible to find her “magic man.”

As Lane navigates her new double life, she finds herself genuinely connecting with some of her colleagues while trying to remain objective for her article. The film explores the challenges she faces in keeping her true identity a secret and the romantic entanglements that ensue. Duff’s character is at the heart of this story about ambition, love, and the unexpected places we find them. The movie offers a lighthearted look at the modern dating world and the pursuit of career goals.

‘The Perfect Man’ (2005)

Hilary Duff stars as Holly Hamilton in the romantic comedy ‘The Perfect Man’. Holly is a teenager who is tired of uprooting her life every time her single mother, Jean, has a bad breakup. To prevent her mom from making another impulsive move, Holly creates a fictional secret admirer to boost her mother’s confidence. She crafts emails and sends letters from a supposed “perfect man,” hoping this will keep her mother happy and settled in one place.

The plan becomes more complicated when Holly has to create a real-life persona for this imaginary suitor. She enlists the help of her friend’s charming and handsome uncle, Ben, to be the face of the man she has invented. As Holly juggles maintaining this elaborate ruse, she also navigates her own romantic interests and the pressures of high school life. The film is a heartwarming story about family, love, and the well-intentioned, albeit complicated, lengths a daughter will go to for her mother’s happiness.

‘Raise Your Voice’ (2004)

In ‘Raise Your Voice’, Hilary Duff takes on the role of Terri Fletcher, a small-town girl with a remarkable singing voice and a passion for music. Her life takes a tragic turn when her supportive older brother is killed in a car accident. Devastated by the loss, Terri loses her desire to sing. Unbeknownst to her, her brother had secretly submitted an application for her to attend a prestigious summer music program in Los Angeles before he passed away.

Encouraged by her mother and aunt, Terri decides to attend the program, though she must keep it a secret from her grieving and overprotective father. Once in Los Angeles, she is immersed in a competitive and challenging new environment, surrounded by talented young musicians. The story follows her journey of healing and self-discovery as she rediscovers her love for music, finds her own voice, and learns to overcome her grief with the help of new friends and a supportive teacher.

‘How I Met Your Father’ (2022–2023)

Hilary Duff leads the cast of ‘How I Met Your Father’ as Sophie, a photographer navigating the complexities of love and life in New York City. The series serves as a standalone sequel to the popular show ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and follows a similar narrative structure. An older version of Sophie recounts the story of how she met her son’s father to him, with the main action taking place in the present day as Sophie and her close-knit group of friends experience the ups and downs of modern dating.

Sophie is portrayed as a hopeful romantic who, despite a string of disappointing dates, remains optimistic about finding her soulmate. The show explores her career aspirations, friendships, and romantic entanglements in the age of dating apps and social media. Duff also serves as a producer on the series, bringing her charm and comedic timing to a character that is both relatable and endearing to a new generation of viewers looking for love in the big city.

‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie’ (2003)

Hilary Duff reprises her iconic role in ‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie’, which serves as the finale to the popular Disney Channel television series. The film follows Lizzie and her classmates on a junior high graduation trip to Rome, Italy. What starts as a typical school trip takes an extraordinary turn when Lizzie is mistaken for Isabella, a famous Italian pop star who is her exact double. This case of mistaken identity catapults Lizzie into a world of fame and glamour.

Caught up in a whirlwind of pop stardom, Lizzie begins to live out a fantasy life, performing in front of adoring crowds and spending time with Isabella’s handsome singing partner, Paolo. All the while, she must keep her new life a secret from her stern high school principal who is chaperoning the trip. The movie is a fun-filled adventure that captures the essence of wish fulfillment and self-discovery, allowing fans of the show to see their favorite character on an international stage.

‘War, Inc.’ (2008)

In the satirical black comedy ‘War, Inc.’, Hilary Duff takes on the role of Yonica Babyyeah, a provocative and over-the-top Central Asian pop star. The film is a political satire that follows a government assassin, played by John Cusack, who is sent to a war-torn country to kill a Middle Eastern oil minister. Duff’s character becomes entangled in the assassin’s mission, as he is tasked with organizing her high-profile wedding as part of his cover.

Duff’s portrayal of Yonica is a significant departure from her more wholesome roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The character is a commentary on the hyper-sexualization of pop stars and the influence of celebrity culture in a world of political turmoil. Her performance adds a layer of surreal comedy to the film’s sharp critique of war, consumerism, and the media, demonstrating her willingness to take on more edgy and unconventional projects.

‘A Cinderella Story’ (2004)

Hilary Duff stars as Sam Montgomery in ‘A Cinderella Story’, a modern-day retelling of the classic fairy tale. Sam is a high school student living in the San Fernando Valley, who is forced to work as a diner waitress for her cruel and self-obsessed stepmother and stepsisters. She finds solace in an online pen pal relationship with a mysterious boy from her school who shares her dreams of attending Princeton University.

The story follows Sam as she plans to meet her anonymous crush at the school’s Halloween dance. She attends the dance in a beautiful costume, but must leave before midnight to get back to the diner, accidentally dropping her flip phone in her haste. The ensuing search for the “Cinderella” of the digital age forms the heart of the movie. Duff’s portrayal of Sam is both determined and relatable, making this romantic comedy a beloved staple for many who grew up in the early 2000s.

‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ (2003)

In the family comedy ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’, Hilary Duff plays Lorraine Baker, one of the twelve children in the bustling Baker family. As one of the older, more fashion-conscious siblings, Lorraine is initially resistant to her family’s move from a small town in Illinois to the big city. She is concerned with her social standing and how the move will affect her life, often clashing with her parents and some of her less image-conscious siblings.

Despite her initial reluctance and focus on her own teenage world, Lorraine’s love for her family is evident. The film explores the chaotic and humorous dynamics of a large family trying to adjust to a new life while their parents juggle demanding careers. Duff’s role as the stylish and sometimes self-absorbed teenager adds a relatable element of teen angst to the family-friendly chaos, contributing to the film’s heartwarming and comedic appeal.

‘According to Greta’ (2009)

Hilary Duff takes on a more dramatic role in ‘According to Greta’, playing the titular character, a rebellious and suicidal seventeen-year-old. For the summer, Greta is sent to live with her grandparents in a small New Jersey town. She arrives with a sarcastic attitude, a notebook full of suicide methods she plans to try, and a general disdain for the world around her. Her grandparents are tasked with trying to connect with their troubled granddaughter.

Throughout the summer, Greta gets a job as a waitress and begins to form relationships with people in the town, including a charismatic short-order cook. These new experiences and connections slowly begin to chip away at her tough exterior, revealing the vulnerable person underneath. The film is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of family, love, and mental health, allowing Duff to showcase a more serious and nuanced side of her acting abilities.

‘Cadet Kelly’ (2002)

In the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Cadet Kelly’, Hilary Duff stars as Kelly Collins, a free-spirited and fashion-forward teenager from New York City. Her life is turned upside down when her mother marries a military man who becomes the new commandant of a military academy. Kelly is forced to enroll in the rigid and disciplined environment of the school, a stark contrast to her creative and individualistic personality.

At the academy, Kelly struggles to adapt to the strict rules and clashes with the tough-as-nails Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone. Despite the initial challenges, Kelly eventually finds her place and even joins the school’s drill team, bringing her own unique flair to their routines. The film is a story about individuality, perseverance, and finding a way to fit in without losing yourself. It became a popular and memorable movie for Disney Channel audiences.

‘Lizzie McGuire’ (2001–2004)

Hilary Duff’s breakout role came as the title character in the hit Disney Channel series ‘Lizzie McGuire’. The show follows the life of a thirteen-year-old girl navigating the challenges of junior high school, from embarrassing parents and an annoying little brother to crushes and friendships. What made the series unique was the inclusion of an animated alter ego of Lizzie, who would voice her inner thoughts and feelings directly to the audience, often with a humorous and candid tone.

Lizzie’s everyday struggles and triumphs were highly relatable to a young audience, making the show a cultural phenomenon. Alongside her best friends Miranda and Gordo, she dealt with issues like peer pressure, self-esteem, and finding her own identity. Duff’s portrayal of Lizzie was both charming and authentic, capturing the awkwardness and excitement of being a teenager. The series launched her career and made her a beloved role model for millions of fans.

‘Ghost Whisperer’ (2005–2010)

Hilary Duff made a memorable guest appearance in an episode of the supernatural drama series ‘Ghost Whisperer’. She played the role of Morgan Jeffries in the episode titled “Thrilled to Death.” In the storyline, the main character, Melinda Gordon, who can communicate with spirits, encounters the ghost of a man who died in a tragic accident. The spirit is haunting Morgan, who was involved in the circumstances surrounding his death.

Morgan is depicted as a young woman burdened by a secret she is afraid to reveal. Duff’s character is central to the episode’s mystery, as Melinda works to uncover the truth of what happened and help the restless spirit find peace. Her performance required a display of emotional depth as the character grappled with guilt and fear. The guest role allowed Duff to explore a darker and more dramatic genre, showcasing her ability to handle mature themes.

‘Younger’ (2015–2021)

In the popular television series ‘Younger’, Hilary Duff plays Kelsey Peters, a confident and ambitious young book editor at a major publishing house in New York City. The show’s premise revolves around a forty-year-old single mother who poses as a twenty-six-year-old to re-enter the workforce, and Kelsey is one of the first people she befriends at her new job, believing her to be a contemporary.

Kelsey is portrayed as a talented and driven professional who is savvy about the modern publishing world and social media. Throughout the series, she and the main character, Liza, develop a strong friendship and professional partnership, navigating the competitive industry together. Duff’s role as Kelsey is a significant step into more adult-oriented television, portraying a complex and modern woman who is both a loyal friend and a fierce competitor in her career.

What is your favorite Hilary Duff role from this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.