Best 5 Maggie Smith Films Available for Online Streaming

2024/09/27

Dame Maggie Smith, an iconic figure in cinema and theatre, made a lasting impact on audiences around the globe with her charm, intelligence, and unmatched talent. Her death on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89, sparked a wave of tributes celebrating her significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Smith’s sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed that she passed away peacefully, leaving behind an incredible cinematic legacy that spans over six decades.

Maggie Smith’s extensive filmography features a wealth of unforgettable performances, from her Academy Award-winning roles to beloved characters that resonated with audiences for generations. To honor her remarkable career, here are five must-watch Maggie Smith films that are available for streaming online.

Top 5 Must-See Maggie Smith Movies

1) The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Image via 20th Century Fox)

This landmark film thrust Maggie Smith into the global spotlight, earning her first Academy Award for Best Actress. In this classic, she portrays the charismatic and unconventional Miss Jean Brodie, a teacher at an all-girls school in 1930s Scotland. Smith’s powerful performance as the passionate and sometimes controversial mentor who encourages her students to think outside the box is both riveting and layered.

In The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Smith masterfully embodies the complex duality of her character, shifting seamlessly from an inspiring idealist to a flawed mentor. The film presents a nuanced exploration of her influence, which ultimately leads to tragic outcomes, showcasing Smith’s extraordinary range as an actress.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

2) Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

Harry Potter Series (Image via Warner Bros.)

For many, Maggie Smith is forever etched in their minds as the strict yet affectionate Professor Minerva McGonagall from the Harry Potter series. Over eight films, Smith brilliantly portrayed the Hogwarts professor, commanding respect and endowing her character with profound energy and depth.

The Harry Potter saga not only showcased Smith’s talent to newer generations but also allowed her to connect through a mix of humor and emotional depth.

Available on: Peacock

3) The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Maggie Smith displayed her superb comedic timing and affinity for heartwarming characters in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The film follows a group of British retirees who relocate to a rundown hotel in India. Smith plays Muriel Donnelly, a prejudiced elderly woman whose character undergoes significant development throughout the story. Her transformation from a rigid individual to someone open to new experiences is profoundly touching.

Through her delivery of sharp one-liners and subtle vulnerability, Smith shines in every scene. The film’s success led to a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), in which she reprised her role with the same vivacity.

Available on: Max (formerly HBO Max), Peacock

4) Gosford Park (2001)

Gosford Park (Image via Entertainment Film Distributors)

Directed by Robert Altman, Gosford Park is a 1930s murder mystery set in an English country house. Smith portrays Constance, Countess of Trentham—a sharp-witted aristocrat who delivers some of the film’s most memorable lines with her trademark dry humor. Though steeped in privilege, her character is imbued with unexpected warmth thanks to Smith’s nuanced performance.

Her compelling portrayal earned Smith an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, underscoring her versatility across dramatic and comedic roles. The intricate relationships and social commentary in this film are enhanced significantly by her performance, making it essential viewing for fans of period dramas and mysteries.

Available on: Prime Video.

5) Downton Abbey (2019)

Downton Abbey (Image via Universal Pictures)

While Maggie Smith gained immense popularity for her role in the Downton Abbey television series as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, she was equally excited to reprise the character in the 2019 film adaptation.

Smith’s portrayal of the Dowager Countess stands out for its sharp dialogue and aristocratic flair, making her character a beloved figure known for her sarcasm and wisdom.

Available on TV: Peacock, Prime Video.

Dame Maggie Smith is survived by her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.

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