Alexa, please play “So Yesterday” by Hilary Duff.
Hilary Duff was my idol growing up. Not only did we have the Lizzie McGuire phase, I wore a “Hanging with Hilary” tank to her concert that I saw approximately 3 times, but now we get to see her wonderful face again as Sophie in the Hulu spin-off “How I Met Your Father”. I haven’t even seen a single episode of “HIMYM”, but you bet as soon as I heard Hilary Duff was staring, I counted down to the premiere.
Since they only are releasing one episode a week, I thought what better was to see more of Miss. Hilary herself than to round up some of her best performances from the past. Now whenever you are waiting for the next episode to drop, check out one of these Hilary moments in the meantime!
Lizzie McGuire TV Show (2001)
I had to start with the OG Hilary Duff, my personal favorite, Lizzie McGuire. Hilary Duff made teenage girls feel seen when Lizzie McGuire aired on Disney Channel. She captured the hearts of America. Throughout the show’s four-year run, we saw Lizzie buy her first bra, live out middle school alongside her besties Miranda and Gordo, as well as navigate her first crush, Ethan. Watch it on Disney+.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Hey now, hey now. I remember tearing up when I got to see this film in theaters for the first time. Fast forward to when I was 18 in Rome and wandering the streets waiting for my own Paolo to fall in love with me. I still get chills during the scene where Paolo’s singing abilities are uncovered to a live audience and Isabella and Lizzie sing together. Although the reboot has been pushed aside over creative differences, I am begging that they can come together and reunite for a new chapter. Watch it on Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
Casper Meets Wendy (1998)
Before Lizzie came onto the screen, Hilary starred as a good witch in the classic Casper Meets Wendy. The light hearted Halloween film follows Wendy and her aunts fleeing from an evil warlock and settling into a hospitable resort. During their stay there, Wendy meets Casper the ghost, and they became friends immediately, much to their families’ disapproval. Watch it on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Cadet Kelly (2002)
Who doesn’t love a Disney Channel Original Movie? Kelly is an artistic, fashion-minded teen who’s forced to go from flashy fab to olive drab at her new stepdad’s military academy. As the clumsy, clueless recruit to botch basic training, Kelly seems to be fighting an uphill battle to fit in. This is just a typical feel good movie that stars Hilary. Watch it on Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
“Waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought.” Easily a Hilary Duff fan favorite. Sam Montgomery lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters in California. Sam works as a waitress at the diner her father used to own before he passed away. Eager to enjoy her school Halloween party, Sam dresses up in a beautiful white dress and a mask, instantly drawing the attention of school heartthrob Austin Ames (swoon). When she flees from the party, she leaves her cellphone behind and the rest is history. Watch it on Netflix, HBO Max and Amazon Prime.
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
“I’m just a kid and life is a nightmare!” Cheaper by the Dozen is a story about the Baker family as they move to a new city and must adapt to their new home, neighborhood, school environment, and new careers. Although everything seems out of control, their tight-knit bond is what makes them deal with any challenge. Duff plays Lorraine Baker, one of the eldest daughters. A typical early 2000’s movie, but we love it so much! Watch it on Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
Agent Cody Banks (2003)
Talk about a blast from the past. Who remembers this movie!? The film is centered on Cody Banks, a teenage spy trained by the CIA to go on undercover missions. Banks gets closer to his classmate Natalie (played by Hilary), with the intent of getting to her father, a scientist who manufactured killer nanobots that could destroy the country. Might have to refresh my memory and watch this one soon! Watch it on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Raise Your Voice (2004)
We all know Hilary can sing. Currently listening to “Come Clean” and her “Metamorphosis” album. Raise Your Voice was another opportunity for her to showcase her vocals even more. Terri is a student at a prestigious arts school in L.A. dealing with the loss of her older brother Paul. As she prepares for the talent show, she must also maintain the facade that she is staying at her aunt’s house so that her parents don’t find out. This movie completely slipped my memory! Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Material Girls (2006)
We love a Duff sister moment. Hilary and Haylie Duff join forces in this movie. Material Girls features the two as the faces of a cosmetic company called Marchetta. When they are suddenly under the spotlight for bankruptcy, they must adapt to a less glamorous lifestyle and find ways to save the company with their own sweat. Watch it on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Gossip Girl Season 3 (2007)
Take my two favorite shows (Lizzie McGuire and Gossip Girl) and combine them, I was a happy gal! In season 3, Hilary plays Olivia, a Hollywood actress trying to have a normal life studying at NYU. After being asked out on a date by Dan, Olivia notices that he is much more laid-back than her previous boyfriends. The two become a couple, but their relationship doesn’t last long after Dan noticeably starts developing feelings for Vanessa. It was short lived, but great to see Hilary on our TV screens yet again. Watch it on HBO Max.
According to Greta (2009)
A darker role for Hilary. According to Greta is about a rebellious teenager who is determined to kill herself. When Greta is sent to her grandparents’ home in the west coast, things begin to turn for the better when she meets a cook at a local restaurant named Julie. Watch it on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Younger (2015-2021)
Our most recent Hilary Duff appearance before HIMYF was on Younger. The show is about a 40-year-old mother named Liza job hunting post divorce but noticing that few opportunities are available to someone who hasn’t worked in the publishing world for years. In an attempt to get hired, Liza pretends she is 26. Kelsey Peters (Hilary Duff) quickly befriends Liza when Liza lands the assistant job and the two help one another grow professionally. This is such a good good show and I totally recommend if you haven’t seen it yet! Watch it on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
What is your favorite Hilary Duff moment?
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