Hunter King started acting when she was a kid and has been working steadily ever since. She's probably best known for playing Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless. That role earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards and put her in the spotlight early in her career. After that, she switched things up and showed off her comedic side as Clementine in Life in Pieces.
Lately, she's been busy with romantic comedies and Hallmark movies like Hidden Gems and The Professional Bridesmaid. Those roles have made her a go-to actress for lighthearted, feel-good stories. But she's also had parts in dramas and thrillers, proving she's not afraid to mix things up.
Disclaimer: The article contains the author's opinion.
5 of the best movies of Hunter King
1) A Girl Like Her
In A Girl Like Her (2015), Hunter King plays Avery Keller, a popular high school student whose bullying drives another girl, Jessica, to attempt suicide. King's performance doesn't gloss over Avery's cruelty. She shows how Avery uses her confidence and social status to intimidate others, but she also reveals cracks in her tough exterior. As the movie unfolds, Avery's guilt starts to surface, and King handles those shifts without overdoing it.
The film's documentary style makes the scenes feel raw, and King fits right into that tone. Her character feels real, especially in the moments where she tries to justify her actions or downplays the harm she's caused. Later, when the weight of what she's done sinks in, King's performance shifts. She doesn't ask for sympathy, but one still sees the regret creeping in.
Where to watch: Peacock
2) Hidden Gems
In Hidden Gems (2022), Hunter King plays Addie, a bride-to-be who loses her engagement ring in the waters of Hawaii just days before her wedding. She hires Jack, a local diving instructor, to help recover the ring. Their search forces them to spend time together, and Addie starts to feel a connection with him. She begins to question whether the future she's planned is what she truly wants. She also wonders if she's been too focused on appearances instead of what really matters.
King plays Addie with warmth and sincerity, making her character easy to root for. She balances Addie's determination to stick to the plan with moments of doubt and vulnerability that feel natural. Her chemistry with Beau Mirchoff, who plays Jack, adds charm to the story without overdoing it.
The movie sticks to Hallmark's feel-good formula, and King fits right in, bringing humor, heart, and honesty to the role.
Where to watch: Netflix
3) Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths
In Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths (2022), Hunter King plays Nikki Sullivan, one half of a sibling duo who team up to solve crimes. Nikki is sharp and independent. She's not sure about working with her sister, Nora, but their bond keeps them connected. The two sisters inherit a detective agency and have no choice but to work together.
King brings energy to Nikki and makes her relatable. She balances the character's personal life with the chaos of solving mysteries. Her dynamic with Rhiannon Fish, who plays Nora, keeps the story light. The sisters' back-and-forth adds humor while they focus on the case.
The movie blends mystery and comedy, and at its core, it's about rebuilding family connections. King's performance keeps Nikki grounded and believable. She shows how reconnecting with family can be messy but worth it.
Where to watch: Prime Video and Hallmark
4) The Professional Bridesmaid
In The Professional Bridesmaid (2023), Hunter King plays Maggie, a bridesmaid-for-hire who's brought in to make sure a high-profile wedding goes off without a hitch. Maggie is great at her job and knows how to keep things running smoothly. She's used to staying in the background, but things get complicated when she catches the attention of Henry, a reporter covering the wedding.
King plays Maggie with confidence and charm. She makes the character feel real, especially as Maggie tries to juggle her professional role while dealing with her growing feelings for Henry. Her chemistry with Chandler Massey, who plays Henry, helps keep the story light and fun.
The movie delivers the kind of romance Hallmark fans expect. King keeps Maggie grounded and likable, which makes it easy to root for her. It's a fun, easygoing watch with a mix of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments.
Where to watch: Prime Video
5) Give Me Your Eyes
In the psychological thriller Give Me Your Eyes (2008), Hunter King takes on a supporting role that dives into obsession and manipulation. The movie follows a woman who becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship, and King's character plays a key part in showing how the events unfold. Even with limited screen time, King leaves an impression. She handles the darker tone of the film well and shows glimpses of the emotional range that would later define her career.
Her role highlights her ability to handle suspense-driven material, which wasn't common for her earlier work. King plays her part without overacting, keeping it believable and adding tension to the story. The film itself leans into themes of control and vulnerability, and King fits right into the unsettling atmosphere.
Though she wasn't a lead, her performance in this movie showed that she could step outside lighter roles and take on heavier material.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Hunter King recently starred in Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, which premiered on November 30, 2024, on the Hallmark Channel.