With her gone, it’s time to remember her legacy- celebrate her best roles. So I got a list of Maggie Smith Movies you could use!
Our Professor Minerva McGonagall has departed from this world- and this feels like one of the closest losses. For all of us who were raised within the magical world of Harry Potter, Maggie Smith’s McGonagall was the Godmother who guided us from childhood to adulthood. And now that she is gone, we must come together to honor her legacy. So here’s a list of Maggie Smith films I prepared. Dive into it, and check out the work that goes beyond the Harry Potter Universe.
And when you’re done, don’t forget to raise your wands in tribute!
List of Dame Maggie Smith Movies
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
A literal adaptation of the novel of the same name by Muriel Spark, the movie is known as a classic power performance from Maggie. Yep, for fans of literary adaptations, this movie is a blessing. Maggie’s role as Jean Brodie in the movie was so layered and controversial. Miss Brodie’s character is called titles like “born fascist” due to her admiration of Hitler’s campaign.
Think of a teacher who thinks she knows what’s best for her students, but things get dark. The film was a hit, and Maggie won her first Oscar for Best Actress. And here’s a fun tidbit: Maggie didn’t expect to win! There’s footage of her being completely surprised when her name was called. Classic Maggie! 😂
Watch The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Trailer
A Room with a View (1985)
Another literature-inspired movie, A Room with a View was written by E.M. Forster in the form of a novel first. In this, one of the lush and lavish period dramas, Maggie plays Charlotte Bartlett. She is a woman stuck in the proprieties of Edwardian England. The film is a visual treat paired with the beautiful acting by dear Maggie.
Seriously though, the cinematography and Maggie are the two best parts of the movie. And by the way, Maggie’s portrayal of Charlotte earned her a BAFTA and an Oscar nomination as well.
Maggie just nails that nervous, socially awkward character who’s always doing the right thing, ironically, in all the wrong ways. Plus, it’s got a stellar cast with Helena Bonham Carter and Daniel Day-Lewis!
Watch The A Room with a View Trailer
The Lady in the Van (2015)
This is for the lovers of true stories among you. Maggie is Miss Shepherd in this one. A real woman who lived in a van outside playwright Alan Bennett’s home for 15 years. It’s a film that’s with a touch of quirkiness packing a whole lot of emotional drama. This one is an adaptation of Bennett’s memoir and stage play. For the same, Maggie received rave critics’ reviews along with a Golden Globe nomination.
This one stands among Maggie’s favorite roles- it’s eccentric, challenging, and lets her be herself- the hilarious heartbreaker. Oh, and in real life, Alan Bennett and Maggie were good friends, you can see the chemistry well delivered on-screen.
Watch The Lady in the Van Trailer
Gosford Park (2001)
Another literary adaptation, Maggie’s Gosford Park delivers her avatar of a sarcastic Countess of Trentham. The adaptation packs mysteries, murder, and aristocracy- heavily inspired by the works of Agatha Christie.
This is another one of the films that almost got Maggie closer to the Oscars- she was nominated for her role. While she didn’t win the title, the movie did. It became the Best Picture at the Oscars. Plus, there’s a fun fact for you: Maggie’s co-star Helen Mirren apparently used to be a little intimidated by her during filming because, well, it’s Maggie Smith! The full-time wizard and the part-time actress herself!
Watch The Gosford Park Trailer
California Suite (1978)
Finally, a name that doesn’t take inspiration from a novel. But wait, I never said it couldn’t be a play. Yes, the California Suite was taken from Neil Simon’s Play. Maggie here is an actress. Her character Diana Barrie is a somewhat fading star who’s coming to terms with her career and marriage issues.
The irony? Maggie won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for playing an actress who loses an Academy Award in the movie! It’s like a film within a film moment, and honestly, only Maggie could pull that off.
Watch The California Suite Trailer
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
One of the few Dame Maggie Smith movies that aren’t an adaption. Here’s the catch though- it’s based on the novel These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach. Maggie, in this one, is Muriel Donnelly. Her transformation throughout the movie from a cranky old lady to a more open-hearted character is so satisfying to watch. Kinda reminds me of Scrooge from Christmas Carol adaptations.
The film was a box-office smash, and it shows how Maggie continued to dominate in ensemble casts. Also, a fun fact: during filming in India, Maggie’s sense of humor kept everyone wheezing during the shoot- so not only a good actress but the funny colleague that everyone loves too huh?
Watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Trailer
The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987)
For all the drama lovers among you, this is one of the Maggie Smith films you might want to keep bookmarked. There’s a novel by Brian Moore, the movie is based on the same. Maggie here is Judith, a lonely, aging woman dealing with broken dreams and alcoholism.
It hurts, the drama, the story, the acting, but every tear you shed, every frame you explore, it’s worth it. The movie is an artwork created in collaboration with its production team and Maggie. For her talented delivery, Maggie took home the BAFTA Award. It’s a role that’s miles away from her more comedic performances, but that just shows her range, right?
Watch The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne Trailer
Quartet (2012)
In this another Maggie delight, she plays a retired opera singer in a retirement home for musicians. The film’s based on the play by Ronald Harwood, and it’s full of humor and heart. And get this, Dustin Hoffman directed it!
There’s even a funny story that Hoffman initially felt awkward directing Maggie because of how legendary she is, but Maggie, being Maggie, put him at ease with her warmth and wit. As you can see in the Maggie Smith filmography, She’s the queen of class, both on and off-screen.
Watch Quartet Trailer
Tea with Mussolini (1999)
Stands tall among the best Maggie Smith films, is another historical film- Tea with Mussolini. And yes, it’s based on real events. Maggie plays Lady Hester Random, and the film is set in Italy during WWII. It’s based on the childhood of director Franco Zeffirelli, so there’s a deeply personal touch to this one.
Maggie’s character is tough, snobby, and absolutely fantastic, something that you will see rarely on the screen. For this one too she secured a BAFTA nomination. Give it a shot if you love historical dramas.
Watch The Tea with Mussolini Trailer
Death on the Nile (1978)
And now for the last one, Death on the Nile (1978) is my pick. A classic Agatha Christie adaptation, the movie remains timeless. Maggie plays Miss Bowers, and while the film didn’t bag her any major awards, it’s one of those delightful murder mysteries that’s just fun to watch.
Plus, it’s got the whole glamorous 1930s vibe going on, and Maggie is as sharp as ever.
Watch Death on the Nile Trailer
Some other Maggie Smith films recommended...
- The Secret Garden (1993)
- Sister Act (1992)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
- Downton Abbey (2019)
- My Old Lady (2014)
So here’s the complete list of Dame Maggie Smith movies, there are plenty more to explore, but I have yet to watch them. So sign up and get real-time news and updates as soon as I update this list.
Once again, cheers to Professor McGonagall, see you on the other side!
