For over 60 yearsMaggie Smithhas graced the stage and screen with both thought-provoking and delightful performances. She has starred in everything from period pieces to fantasy blockbusters, getting five Oscar nominations over a 40-year span of time. Her bold and honest personality has a timeless quality that plays well in any setting.
Smith’s characters are often both comedic and symbolic of important causes. She is one of the few women to win the ‘triple crown’ of acting awards: Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards. Dame Maggie Smith proves that women can keep up with the men regardless of their age. Even at 87, the actress has two filmsscheduled for release in the next year.Meanwhile, here are the best movies and TV shows for a well-deserved Maggie Smith marathon.
Related:These Are Maggie Smith’s Best Moments in Downton Abbey
9Hook (Honorable Mention)
Maggie Smith’s role in the Steven Spielberg blockbusterHookis very brief; she only cameos as an older Wendy for an ephemeral moment, but all it takes is her presence on screen to add to the magical setting of the film. Her conviction brings out the passion in the other characters, and proves that her persona, however brief, can elevate any film. She provides important background for Peter’s character, who later decides to grow up.
8The Secret Garden
In this adaptation of the classic novelThe Secret Garden, Maggie Smith plays head housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock. The story follows a young orphan, Mary Lennox, staying in her uncle’s home. Both Mary and her cousin are spoiled, entitled, and stubborn. As the housekeeper tries to maintain order in the home, Smith’s performance perfectly contrasts the children’s unruly stubbornness, matching them at every turn. Smith makes Mrs. Medlock’s rigid but controlled personality believable, and she pushes the younger actors in the film to be their best.
7The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Many people simply retire to warm parts of the country like Florida or Arizona, but this group decides to retire to a more exotic location. When a luxurious hotel in India subverts expectations, this group of retirees embarks on an adventure very different from what they expected. Smith brings her usual witty humor toThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.She once again brings humanity and subtle kindness to even the harshest and prickliest character, and is a true highlight.
Related:The Best Movies About Finding Love in Old Age
Maggie Smith showed her theatrical range early in her career on stage, and brought it to this 1965 adaptation ofOthello; she plays Desdemona, one of the most iconic parts for women in all history. Shakespearean language can be difficult to deliver with emotion and smooth pacing, but Smith seems to have little difficulty with the part. The classic Shakespearean tragedy features Smith in a soft and gentle role that departs from her usual style. Her part in the film is largely overshadowed by Laurence Oliver’s controversial use of black face to play Othello (which is obviously problematic, but has beendefended in interesting ways), but she gives a valuable contribution nevertheless. Her soft but powerful performance contrasts perfectly with Olivier’s dramatic and emotional one. She was even nominated for her first Academy Award for this film.
Maggie Smith stars as a former singer in the heartwarming movie directed by actor Dustin Hoffman,Quartet. Musician Jean Horton feels out of place and judgmental of her neighbors after moving into a retirement home. When the retirement home becomes endangered, Jean is persuaded to put on a final performance with other retired musicians in the home to save the center from collapsing. There are many romances that preach about becoming open to love, but Smith takes this theme to a new level. Her performance shows off the inner resentment and understandable defensiveness of an older woman (who has her life taken away and transplanted to a retirement home) perfectly, but is just as convincing as the finale’s bright and generous performer.
4The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Maggie Smith won her first Academy Award for best actress inThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Loosely based on the true story of Christina Kay, the film follows school teacher Jean Brodie, along with her most accomplished students. Even when she was younger, Smith played passionate female characters who were unafraid to fight for their beliefs. Her performance here brings out both the wisdom of a school teacher, and thetender-heartedness of a mother.
3The Harry Potter Franchise
In the fantasy world of theHarry Pottermovies, Maggie Smith might find herself in a setting unlike any of her other films, but she plays her character with the same strength and ambition as usual. Most people by no are aware thatHarry Potterfollows the schooling and training of the titular young wizard. Smith Plays the Gryffindor head of house, Professor McGonagall. She is simultaneously one of Harry’s toughest teachers, and one of his most understanding. She is a stickler for rules, but always seems to bend them for the greater good. Along with Richard Harris' portrayal of Dumbledore, Smith plays one of the warmest and most beloved adults in the franchise.
Related:Here’s Every Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher in the Harry Potter Movies, Ranked
2Lady in The Van
InLady in the Van, Maggie Smith stars as Miss Shepherd, an elderly homeless woman with an understandable chip on her shoulder. When Shepherd parks (and lives in) her van in Alan Bennett’s driveway, trouble ensues, as the neighborhood tries to help and get rid of her. Almost everyone is frustrated by Shepherd’s presumptuous and demanding attitude, yet Smith’s performance somehow makes the character endearing and lovable. Smith gives the character depth and a surprising likability that leaves audiences reflecting onsociopolitical topicswith a great sense of empathy. She’s absolutely fabulous here.
1Downton Abbey
Maggie Smith plays the family’s calculating grandmother inDownton Abbey, which follows the story of all the members of an English estate during the early parts of the 20th century. Despite her aging perspectives, Violet’s (or Granny’s) experiences and ambition allow her to maintain influence in the family’s affairs. She also provides perspective to help bring audiences into the time period.Downton Abbeysimply would not be the same without Smith’s witty one-liners and display of intellectual strength, in turn making her arguably the most beloved character in the show. It’s no wonder they gave her character a bigger role in the upcoming movie:Downton Abbey: A New Era.
