Every Hilary Duff Movie With Bad Ratings That's Still Worth Watching
Hilary Duff holds a special place in the hearts of many millennials. The biggest reason Duff emerged as one of the reigning teen queens of the 2000s is "Lizzie McGuire." The coming-of-age series followed an average American teenager — Duff's Lizzie McGuire — as she navigated the trials and tribulations of middle school. Between her annoying younger brother, protective parents, problems at school, and fashion crises, the series was about as relatable as it got (via BuzzFeed). Also, who doesn't want a sassy animated alter ego narrating your every thought and feeling? Not to mention, Miranda (Lalaine) and Gordo (Adam Lamberg) were the definition of friendship goals for many viewers.
Despite the fact that "Lizzie McGuire" only had a two season, 65 episode run, it has maintained a strong cultural relevance over the years. Not only did this popular Disney Channel series spawn "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," but there was almost a Disney+ reboot that was set to follow the Hillridge Junior High School alum as a 20-something living in New York City (via Glamour).
The beloved series helped kickstart Duff's career. The actress came out with five studio albums and starred in a string of films and television shows after getting her big break on "Lizzie McGuire." While some of her movies have been disparaged by IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes alike, there are a couple of underrated gems that are still definitely worth the watch.
The Perfect Man is a perfect romantic comedy
Mother-daughter drama? A friends-to-lovers trope? Love letters, schemes, and mistaken identity? "The Perfect Man" checks all those boxes and then some. Despite its 6% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 5.4/10 rating on IMDb, the movie is everything you could ever want in an endearing and entertaining romantic comedy.
This underrated rom-com stars Hilary Duff as Holly Hamilton, a teenager who unhappily grew up moving from place to place, thanks to her mother's tragic love life. Jean Hamilton (Heather Locklear), a single mom of two daughters, works as a baker and a full-time husband hunter (via Roger Ebert). Every time Jean and her daughters move to a new place, Jean settles for a new subpar man, gets her heart broken, and moves her family to a new city to start over. It's like clockwork.
Tired of living a life on the run, and sick of standing by as her mom settles for below-average men, Holly devises devious a plan. Inspired by her BFF's Uncle Ben (Chris Noth), she invents a fictitious but ideal boyfriend to woo her mom with flowers and heartfelt emails (via Time Out). Does Holly's plan sound like a disaster waiting to happen? You betcha! But old-school rom-com fans are bound to enjoy watching this juicy yet wholesome drama unfold.
Raise Your Voice also highlights Hilary Duff's musical talents
While Rotten Tomatoes described "Raise Your Voice" as a "bland, formulaic tween version of Fame," the critics couldn't be more wrong. This heartbreaking and heartwarming musical drama gives Hilary Duff the chance to show off her talent for both acting and singing. Duff stars as Terri Fletcher, a musically talented good girl destined for greatness. Her biggest cheerleader and older brother Paul Fletcher (Jason Ritter) encourages her to attend a three-week music program in Los Angeles, even if it means going against their protective father's demands (via Movie Guide). Tragedy strikes when the close-knit siblings sneak out to attend a rock concert on the night of Paul's graduation, and Paul gets killed by a drunk driver. You're going to need a pack of tissues handy.
Amidst the family's grieving, Terri's mother and aunt convince her to still attend Bristol Hillman Music Conservatory that summer, even if it means keeping the program a secret from Terri's father. Through Terri's tough but rewarding experience at Bristol Hillman, the Flagstaff-native navigates the rigorous program and the loss of her brother, while finding good friends and love along the way (via Common Sense Media). To top that off, this film also features an incredible cast including the likes of Rita Wilson, John Corbett, and Dana Davis. Need we say more?
The Lizzie McGuire Movie is an international delight
Don't be fooled by the 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes; "The Lizzie McGuire" is so much more than a "harmless piece of fluff that ought to satisfy fans of the TV show." Based on the Disney Channel series, everything is a little bigger and better in the big screen adaptation. All the cast members get screen time, Gordo (Adam Lamberg) glows up, and Hillary Duff's Lizzie McGuire is at her most lovable.
The underrated movie follows Lizzie and her classmates on a school-sponsored trip to Rome following their graduation. Even though she gets roomed with her arch nemesis and the trip is led by the formidable and ridiculously strict high school principal, Miss Ungermeyer (Alex Borstein), Lizzie is determined to make her time in Italy an unforgettable adventure (via Plugged In).
Shortly after arriving, she meets Paulo (Yani Gellman), a swoon-worthy Italian pop star who is shocked by Lizzie's resemblance to his singing partner, Isabella. When she agrees to pose as Isabella at an upcoming performance, her average school trip turns into a teenager's dream come true (via Hollywood Reporter). Over the course of three weeks, Lizzie gains confidence, finds love with an unlikely suspect, and learns a bunch of wholesome life lessons. With a killer soundtrack, funky fashion, and clever dialogue scattered throughout, this movie is a cult classic for a reason. Oh, and "What Dreams Are Made Of" will forever be a bop.
A Cinderella Story is a fun spin on a classic tale
Regardless of what critical reviews say, "A Cinderella Story" absolutely nailed the rom-com formula. What Rotten Tomatoes described as an "uninspired, generic updating of the classic fairytale" is in fact so much more. Even adults can appreciate this cinematic masterpiece (and notice few things that teen viewers might overlook).
The modern and hilarious re-telling of Cinderella revolves around tomboy Sam Montgomery (Hilary Duff), an unpopular high school senior who dreams of attending Princeton University to escape from her horrific stepmother and wicked stepsisters (via Movie Guide). What is the other bright spot in Sam's difficult life? Her cyber relationship with another misunderstood teen who she met in a Princeton chat room. Little does she know that this anonymous mystery man is the most popular guy in school and the quarterback of the football team, Austin Aims (Chad Michael Murray). On the surface, the two characters couldn't be more different.
Sam and Austin meet for the first time at the Halloween dance and instantly feel a spark. The one catch? Sam is wearing a mask and Austin doesn't know who she is. Can they overcome their differences and find true love? You'll just have to watch the movie to find out! Along with an incredible cast including Jennifer Coolidge and Regina King, this movie teaches us all that you should "never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game" (via E!).