Joey King has carved a significant niche for herself in the world of entertainment with a series of standout performances that have established her as a rising star. Her career, marked by a range of roles spanning various genres, reflects her versatility and talent. This article explores Joey King’s breakthrough roles in cinema, showcasing how she has evolved as an actress and made a lasting impact in both movies and TV shows.

1. Ramona and Beezus (2010): A Charming Introduction

Joey King’s career took off with her role in Ramona and Beezus, a family comedy based on the beloved children’s book series by Beverly Cleary. King played the titular role of Ramona Quimby, a spirited and imaginative young girl whose adventures and misadventures form the heart of the film.

In Ramona and Beezus, Joey King demonstrated her ability to carry a film with a performance that was both endearing and lively. One of the standout scenes is when Ramona’s creative spirit leads to a humorous and chaotic dinner preparation, showcasing King’s comedic timing and charisma. This role was a pivotal moment for King, establishing her as a promising young actress and introducing her to a broader audience. Her portrayal of Ramona Quimby captured the essence of childhood wonder, making it one of her most memorable early roles.

2. The Conjuring (2013): Embracing Horror

In 2013, Joey King took a significant leap in her acting career with her role in the supernatural horror film The Conjuring. Directed by James Wan, the film is based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. King played Christine Perron, one of the daughters in the Perron family, who experiences terrifying supernatural events in their new home.

Joey King’s performance in The Conjuring showcased her ability to handle intense and emotionally charged material. Her portrayal of Christine was marked by a convincing sense of fear and vulnerability, especially in the film’s more harrowing scenes. A particularly memorable moment is when Christine is tormented by a malevolent spirit, demonstrating King’s talent for evoking genuine emotional responses from the audience. This role marked a significant departure from her earlier work, highlighting her versatility as an actress.

3. The Kissing Booth (2018): A Teen Sensation

Joey King’s role as Elle Evans in The Kissing Booth catapulted her to international fame. The 2018 Netflix film follows Elle, a high school student who finds herself in a romantic dilemma involving her best friend’s older brother. King’s performance was both charming and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage romance and angst.

The success of The Kissing Booth was largely due to King’s engaging portrayal of Elle. One of the film’s iconic scenes is the titular kissing booth event, where Elle and Noah’s romantic tension reaches its peak. King’s chemistry with co-star Jacob Elordi was palpable, making the film a hit among teen audiences. The success of this film led to two sequels, further solidifying King’s status as a leading actress in the teen genre. Her work in The Kissing Booth demonstrated her ability to lead a successful film franchise and connect with a younger demographic.

4. The Act (2019): A Critically Acclaimed Performance

One of Joey King’s most critically acclaimed roles came with the Hulu limited series The Act. Based on a true story, the series explores the complex and tragic case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a young woman who was subjected to years of abuse by her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, and ultimately became involved in a shocking crime.

In The Act, King’s portrayal of Gypsy Rose was both haunting and compelling. Her performance required a deep emotional range, from the innocence and confusion of a victim to the calculated actions of someone driven by desperation. One of the most powerful scenes in the series is when Gypsy finally asserts her independence, revealing the psychological trauma she has endured. King’s performance in this role earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, marking a significant achievement in her career and showcasing her ability to tackle complex and dramatic material.

5. The Princess (2022): A New Action Heroine

In 2022, Joey King stepped into the action genre with The Princess, a film that allowed her to showcase her physical prowess and strength. The movie features King as a fearless princess who must fight to protect her kingdom from invaders.

This role was a departure from King’s previous work, demonstrating her versatility as an actress capable of taking on action-oriented roles. One of the film’s most thrilling moments is a high-octane battle sequence where King’s character showcases her combat skills. King’s performance as a strong and empowered heroine was a refreshing addition to her filmography, and her ability to perform her own stunts further highlighted her dedication to the role. The Princess proved that King can excel in a variety of genres, adding a new dimension to her acting career.

6. The In Between (2022): Exploring Grief and Love

In the romantic drama The In Between, Joey King portrayed Tessa, a teenager who struggles with the loss of her boyfriend and believes he is trying to communicate with her from the afterlife. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, offering King a chance to delve into a deeply emotional and introspective role.

King’s performance in The In Between was marked by a poignant and heartfelt portrayal of grief and healing. One of the film’s most emotional scenes involves Tessa’s journey towards acceptance and letting go of her past. King’s ability to convey complex emotions with authenticity was a testament to her acting skills, making the film a significant addition to her body of work. Her role in The In Between showcased her ability to handle emotional material and further established her as a talented actress capable of delivering powerful performances.

7. The Kissing Booth Sequels: Continuing the Success

Following the success of the original The Kissing Booth, Joey King reprised her role as Elle Evans in two sequels, The Kissing Booth 2 (2020) and The Kissing Booth 3 (2021). These films continued to explore Elle’s romantic and personal journey, further cementing King’s status as a leading actress in the teen genre.

In the sequels, King’s portrayal of Elle evolved as her character navigates new challenges and relationships. Her continued chemistry with co-star Jacob Elordi and her ability to portray Elle’s growth and struggles were key factors in the success of the films. The sequels not only extended the story of Elle and her romantic entanglements but also demonstrated King’s ability to sustain a beloved character over multiple films.

Conclusion

Joey King’s breakthrough roles in cinema have showcased her incredible talent and versatility as an actress. From her charming performance in Ramona and Beezus to her critically acclaimed role in The Act, King has consistently delivered memorable performances that resonate with audiences. Her work in  Joey King movies and TV shows highlights her ability to excel across different genres, from family comedies and horror to romantic dramas and action films.