The Best Hayley Mills Movies

In this beloved Disney classic, two identical twin sisters separated at birth get reunited unexpectedly at a summer camp and devise an ingenious plan to bring their estranged parents back together. Mills showcases her impressive talent in a dual role, perfectly embodying both the feisty Susan Evers and the more reserved Sharon McKendrick, despite being only 14 years old during filming. This heartwarming story of love and family remains a timeless favorite with its iconic split-screen Hayley Mills scenes, captivating soundtrack, and delightful sense of humor.

This family drama showcases Mills in one of her most iconic roles as young orphan Pollyanna Whittier, who goes to live with her wealthy and stern Aunt Polly after her missionary parents die. Pollyanna's eternal optimism, shown through her outlook on life with the "glad game", manages to touch the lives of many and transforms the small town where she resides. With its captivating plot and a breathtaking performance by Mills, Pollyanna stands as a testament to the power of positivity and earned her an Academy Award for Juvenile Performance.

In this coming-of-age comedy, Mills plays Mary Clancy, a rebellious teenager who attends St. Francis Academy, a Catholic all-girls boarding school, and forms a mischievous duo with fellow student Rachel Devery. The film follows their antics and attempts to outwit the strict and kind-hearted Mother Superior, played by Rosalind Russell. This charming and often hilarious story of growing up and discovering one's true self is made all the more enjoyable by Mills' genuine and spirited performance.

In this powerful British drama, Mills takes on the role of young Kathy Bostock, who discovers a fugitive in her family's barn and believes him to be Jesus Christ due to his bearded appearance and injuries. With a group of children keeping the man's identity a secret, the town's adults search for the wanted criminal, creating tension and suspense throughout the story. This thought-provoking movie showcases Mills' astounding acting prowess and remains a classic within her filmography.

Based on the novel by Mary Stewart, this suspenseful mystery tells the story of Nikky Ferris, portrayed by Mills, who travels to the Greek island of Crete and stumbles upon a dangerous secret involving stolen jewels. Alongside her newfound friend, Mark Camford, played by Peter McEnery, Nikky must navigate the beautiful yet perilous landscape to uncover the truth and avoid danger. The Moon-Spinners offers an enthralling narrative and scenic locations, marking it as one of Mills' most exciting and memorable movies.

Mills made her acting debut at the age of 12 in this crime thriller, playing Gillie, a tomboyish girl who witnesses a Polish sailor committing murder and subsequently forms an unlikely bond with the perpetrator. The film showcases her raw talent, as she holds her own alongside experienced actors like Horst Buchholz and her own father, Sir John Mills. Tiger Bay is recognized for its gritty realism and compelling storyline, with Mills' performance marking the beginning of her illustrious career.