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The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate And Ashley Movies

MK&A have starred in many, many films, usually where their parents are dead, they’re in a foreign country and they hate each other. Here they all are, from best to best-of-the-best.

I know, right? Now tell your friends!
The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate And As...
Kate Dries

14. “Double, Double Toil and Trouble” (1993)

Premise? Kelly (Mary-Kate) and Lynn (Ashley)’s family is suffering financially and the twins discover that their evil great aunt is behind it in this spooky Halloween movie.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? This was when they were babies so it’s hard to tell.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? No!
Do they just have one parent? Two-parent household.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Sort-of? The spookiness.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? No.
Memorable moment? Cloris Leachman plays the evil great aunt.

13. “How the West Was Fun” (1994)

Source: mooviees.com

Premise? Jessica (Ashley) and Susie (Mary-Kate) go on an adventure to a dude ranch.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? It’s still a little hard to tell at this age.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? See above.
Do they just have one parent? Just a dad and their godmother Natty, who was somehow unaware their mom died. Get it together Natty.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? The girls have to save the ranch from being turned into Gafooleyland Theme Park – yes, the real name of the proposed park – by Natty’s evil son.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Somewhere off in the Rockies.
Memorable moment? When they’re kidnapped while whitewater rafting but they make sure to put on their lifejackets.

12. “To Grandmother’s House We Go” (1992)

Premise? Sarah (Mary-Kate) and Julie (Ashley) overhear their mother Rhonda saying on the phone that she’s exhausted by them, so they decide to run away to their grandmother’s house.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Again, it’s way too early to tell.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? ‘Cmon!
Do they just have one parent? Single mom.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? No, it was an ABC movie that aired on TV.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Rhonda ends up with Eddie, a delivery man who wins the lottery after she told him he never would; the twins are kidnapped.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? No.
Memorable moment? The kidnappers are played by Jerry Van Dyke and Rhea Perlman!

11. “Getting There” (2002)

Source: fanpop.com

Premise? After turning 16 and getting their driver’s licenses, Taylor (Ashley) and Kylie (Mary-Kate) go on a road trip from California to the Salt Lake City Olympics with some friends. It does not go as planned.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Taylor is sort of uptight and Kylie is more relaxed, but they like each other enough to be stuck in a car together.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Danny (Billy Allen Brown, also in “Holiday in the Sun” briefly) loves Taylor, and Kylie has a thing with Sam.
Do they just have one parent? Two, but they’re not seen much.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? No, they don’t save the Olympics or anything.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? If you consider the distance between California and Salt Lake City, Utah foreign.
Memorable moment? Krispy Kreme makes an appearance here, as well as some blatant In-N’-Out marketing.

10. “The Challenge” (2003)

Premise? Shane (Mary-Kate) and Lizzie (Ashley) compete in a Survivor-style reality show to win scholarships for college.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? They hate each other and even live with separate parents; Shane is very granola and Lizzie is very driven. Before getting on the show, they have no idea that they’ve each been accepted and are subsequently put on the same team together.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Adam, also a contestant, and Marcus, head and only intern.
Do they just have one parent? Divorced parents.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Reality TV is quite enough thank you very much.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Some beach.
Memorable moment? All of the straight-to-camera confessionals feel just like real reality TV.

9. “Switching Goals” (1999)

Premise? Sam (Mary-Kate) is a great soccer player and Emma (Ashley) isn’t so when they don’t end up on the little league teams they want to be on, they switch places.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Very different, but still friendly. Sam tells her sister that she would “trade every single one of those trophies up there for just one of the looks you get from all the guys at school.”
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Richie, annoying goalie, and Greg, shy.
Do they just have one parent? Two parents, actually involved. Dad is an incredibly competitive coach on one of the soccer teams.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Nope.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Suburbia.
Memorable moment? Bratty and young Michael Cera!

8. “Our Lips Are Sealed” (2000)

Premise? Absolutely preposterous, but here it goes: Maddie (Mary-Kate) and Abby (Ashley) Parker are put in the witness protection program because they testified about a diamond theft but their family is continually relocated because they talk so much they keep revealing their real identities. Thus, they end up in Australia.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? They’re friends because they both suck so much and have trouble getting along with their peers.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Twin blonde surfers, how convenient.
Do they just have one parent? Two healthy and alive parents.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Bad guys chasing after them the whole film would qualify as that.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Duh.
Memorable moment? When being able to catch a boomerang made someone automatically cool.

7. “Passport to Paris” (1999)

Premise? The first of the “Mary-Kate and Ashley go abroad” movies, Mel (Mary-Kate) and Ally (Ashley) go to Paris to visit their Grandfather, who is a U.S. Ambassador (and kind of a tool), to get some much-needed life lessons.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? They’re basically joined at the hip.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Jean and Michel! They’re French and have mopeds.
Do they just have one parent? Two parents who are so sick of them they send their daughters away.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Saving the world via environmental policy, naturally, and setting up their Grandfather’s uptight assistant with a beautiful model.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? It’s in the name.
Memorable moment? Watching the assistant flirt with the model is priceless.

6. “Winning London” (2001)

Premise? Chloe (Mary-Kate) and Riley (Ashley) go to London compete in a Model UN tournament but when they get there they find out that another team has taken their chosen country of China. GASP!
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Chloe is more competitive and serious about Model UN than Riley, but otherwise they’re good.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Chloe hooks up with an English lord’s son, oo la la, and Riley crushes on co-teammate Brian.
Do they just have one parent? Parents don’t exist in the world of Model UN.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Eh, not really, unless you consider issues concerning a fake United Nations “large-scale.”
Does it take place in an foreign locale? London, baby!
Memorable moment? When they go to a Model UN party at a club and dance like this.

5. “Holiday in the Sun” (2001)

Premise? Incredibly spoiled Madison (Mary-Kate) and Alex (Ashley) are at first disappointed that they’re not going to Hawaii for break with their friends, even though they fly there on a private jet piloted by their father while eating Krispy Kreme donuts (again!). They get over it when they get to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? They’re united against their dorky parents who dragged them on this family vacay.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Family-friend Griffen (Austin Nichols) has a huge crush on Madison; Alex loves lifeguard Jordan.
Do they just have one parent? The whole family’s there, mom and dad included.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Um, they get involved with artifact smuggling.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? The Bahamas.
Memorable moment? The important use of Weezer’s “Island In The Sun.” Also introduced Megan Fox to the world as the bitchy Brianna Wallace.

4. “New York Minute” (2004)

Premise? The last (RIP?) movie the two have done together, Roxy (Mary-Kate) and Jane (Ashley) spend the day running around the city trying to meet Simple Plan (LOL) and give a speech to get a full-ride to Oxford University, respectively. Eugene Levy plays a truant officer going after them, and Jack Osbourne a friend.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Yup; Roxy is super chill and Jane is very uptight. They’re totally different, until (SPOILER) the day brings them together.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Bike messenger Jim and senator’s son Trey (Jared Padalecki).
Do they just have one parent? They’re too grown to care about family anymore.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and no; it made it to the big screen.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? The loss of Jane’s planner manages to get them involved with a stolen computer chip and the accidental kidnapping of a senator’s dog.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Not unless a few racially insensitive scenes around the city are considered foreign.
Memorable moment? When Eugene Levy sings the theme from Cops.

3. “When In Rome” (2002)

Source: fanpop.com

Premise? Leila (Ashley) and Charli (Mary-Kate) intern at a fashion company in Rome for the summer and have some issues doing basic tasks, which of course leads to them being fired and then meeting the CEO of the company and being rehired and saving the day.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Leila designs and Charli takes photos, but they get along.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Charli wars/then kisses fellow intern Paolo (a lot); Leila has a relationship with the CEO’s nephew.
Do they just have one parent? They’re on vacation who cares about parents?
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Setting up two co-workers; sussing out a dude stealing from the company.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Duh, Rome.
Memorable moment? When Charli learns how to toss a pizza; every single time they make some terrible Rome pun.

2. “It Takes Two” (1995)

Premise? Amanda (Mary-Kate) and Alyssa (Ashley) didn’t grow up in the same home, but for some reason look exactly alike. Fate brings them – and their respective guardians, played by Kirstie Alley and Steve Gutenberg – together at the same lake, where they switch places.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Amanda is an orphaned tomboy, Alyssa is a privileged goody-two-shoes.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? No they’re too busy messing with everyone’s life. Plus they’re a little young for that.
Do they just have one parent? Yes; Amanda has none and Alyssa has only her dad.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and no; it was seen in theaters everywhere.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? The girls manage to break up Alyssa’s father’s impending marriage and prevent Amanda from being adopted by terrible foster parents.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Just a lake with a camp on one side and a big mansion on the other.
Memorable moment? That amazing food fight in the cafeteria:

1. “Billboard Dad” (1998)

Premise? A legitimately funny and well-rounded movie, Emily (Ashley) and Tess (Mary-Kate) live with their sculptor widower father (played by Tom Amandes), who they’re worried has turned into a workaholic, so they paint his number on a billboard to get women to go out with him.
Are the twins’ personalities totally different? Not too different; Emily likes surfing, Tess likes diving.
Is there a cute boy for each girl? Emily has a crush on their diving coach; their friend Cody has a crush on Tess but “she’s the only one who doesn’t know about it.”
Do they just have one parent?? Their mom died two years prior, and they’re okay with it, but Dad is definitely struggling. She was a dancer.
Was it produced by Dualstar? Was it made for TV/straight to video? Yes and yes.
Do they get involved in a large-scale caper way outside their purview? Yes, the discovery that their father’s business manager with the evil name of Nigel (who is NOT British) is ripping off their dad’s work and meddling in his relationship.
Does it take place in an foreign locale? Just ultra-hip Venice, California.
Memorable moment? When they taught you how to scramble eggs without bruising them (in a ziploc!).

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    • luxleberry   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 weeks ago
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    • hellojillie thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is Win  about 3 months ago
    • carolinefev 3 months ago

      Our Lips Are Sealed is way way too low on this list. Jason Clarke is in it.

    • robertomanriquezg thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is Trashy  about 3 months ago
    • sdenofrio   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... and thinks it’s OMG, LOL & Win  about 3 months ago
    • CourtneyScott17   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • Lizzy Borden 3 months ago

      Don’t forget that ” Our Lips are Sealed ” had the mystery of the Neal Diamond. Also, I don’t like soccer, but love Switching Goals. Gonna go and watch one of their movies now…

    • laurene8   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • lizzy1112   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
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    • stefani thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is Cute, Win & LOL  about 3 months ago
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    • dezden thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is Cute & LOL  about 3 months ago
    • katie_scar   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • katie_scar 3 months ago

      #12 and #13 should notttt be lower than #10 and #11 !!!!

    • Amber McDaniel   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • kerrit2 thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is LOL  about 3 months ago
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    • Marie 3 months ago

      After reading this list, I think you need to do another article as a follow-up: “The Boys of the MK&A Movies- Where are They Now?”

    • Whitney Jefferson thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is Win  about 3 months ago
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    • sarac28 3 months ago

      It takes two > billboard dad !!

    • sarac28 3 months ago

      #12 way too low!

    • sarac28 3 months ago

      I own every single one of thirst films on VHS .. Does anyone know if they’re available on DVD? I’m 100% serious..thank you 😘

    • taraharrison 3 months ago

      I’m so glad It Takes Two was in this list. I watched that movie repeatedly as a child.

    • sheilav   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • kathyc14   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
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    • Pikeruru thinks The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A... is Win  about 3 months ago
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    • erogers2687 3 months ago

      so this article describes the MK&A movies by saying “usually the parents are dead,” but they’re alive in nearly all of these movies.

    • rod2 added Amish Paradise (Parody of "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio) to the mix about 3 months ago
    • Angelboebangel 3 months ago

      #7 My friends and I still quote the French boys: “I take you to secreht playycce” “When it rains, I am sad”

    • Emilym3712   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
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    • A.Leigh 3 months ago

      I never noticed before how many roles they had where their names start with M and A, just like they do in real life. Seriously, Maddie/Abby, Mel/Allie, Madison/Alex? Whoever made these movies (besides Dualstar) needs a new creative team. On that note, I did think it was funny that they used the same names on So Little Time as they did on Winning London, but switched. I disagree with the ordering on this list, but I am thrilled that you made it.

    • katiep5   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • cnjazvac   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • lesleyh5   The Definitive Ranking Of Mary-Kate A...  about 3 months ago
    • lmarks 3 months ago

      Come on! No mention of the incredible The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen series?! “Olsen and Olsen Mystery Agency, solve any crime, by dinner time”.  The Case of Thorn Mansion was an ALL TIME FAVORITE. Spoiler alert, the ghost, is a bee keeper.

    • Cristalrella 3 months ago

      Okay, and I only know then from Full House

    • lfkstr89 3 months ago

      Oh my god, those weird hair clips and round pastel glasses…this explains my sense of style in the early ’00s.

    • itsmelissaaa 3 months ago

      I feel like you’re missing a huge part of the MK&A franchise…. All the mystery movies! The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley!! Thorn Mansion…The Fun House… And what about Our First Video? That was a classic. …. Sorry, I’m apparently really passionate about this topic.

    • senoritagrey 3 months ago

      Im pretty sure i saw all the movies of them in a foreign land. And i ate it up!

    • Mel Clarke 3 months ago

      No.5 (Holiday in the Sun) was definitely not in 2011

    • Sammie Crowley 3 months ago

      I have a lot of thoughts about this. While there are merits to ranks you have given these movies I have some feelings and opinions of my own mostly held over from when I was a 12-year-old girl. 1) Winning London (Jesse Spencer was the first love of my life. Plus it’s in London which is so cool)
      2) Our Lips are Sealed (I remember thinking it was HILARIOUS when they broke the fourth wall, plus Australia was fantastic)
      3) Billboard Dad (agree with your statements)
      4) The Challenge (dumb but I was REALLY into Survivor)
      5) New York Minute (Twins really stepped up their games here)
      6) Getting There (the Olympics are SO cool. Also, their parents let them go on a huge road trip with a carload of mix-gendered friends at 16. Totally idolized them)
      7) When in Rome (they have high school internships in ROME?)
      8) Holiday in the Sun (The montage with them breaking into the pool at night-classic)
      9) It Takes Two (actual movie which takes away from the MK&A charm)
      10) Passport to Paris (Eh, it’s fun)
      11) Switching Goals (Soccer is boring) All tied for last: Double Double Toil and Trouble, To Grandmother’s House We Go, How the West Was Fun

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