Top 5 Maggie Smith movies to stream online

Maggie Smith, a towering figure in cinema and theatre, left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide with her wit, charm, and unparalleled talent. Her passing on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89, has brought forth an outpouring of tributes honoring her immense contributions to entertainment. Smith's sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced that she passed peacefully, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that spans over six decades.

Maggie Smith's filmography is a treasure trove of iconic performances, from her Oscar-winning roles to beloved characters that defined a generation. For anyone looking to celebrate her life and career, here are five must-watch Maggie Smith movies to stream online.

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Exploring Maggie Smith's top 5 movies to watch

1) The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

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

This film is arguably the one that catapulted Maggie Smith into the international spotlight. Winning her first Academy Award for Best Actress, she plays the charismatic and eccentric Miss Jean Brodie, a teacher at an all-girls school in 1930s Scotland. Smith's portrayal of the fiercely opinionated teacher who encourages her students to embrace unconventional ways of thinking is riveting and controversial.

In The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Smith effortlessly shifts between the impassioned idealist and the flawed mentor, making this role a showcase of her acting prowess. The film offers a complex portrait of a woman whose influence ultimately carries tragic consequences, and Smith's performance is nothing short of masterful.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

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2) Harry Potter series (2001-2011)

Harry Potter Series (Image via Warner Bros.)

In the eyes of the younger generations, Maggie Smith will always remain as the strict but loving Professor Minerva McGonagall, a character she once played at the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. In all eight movies of the Harry Potter series, Smith played the role of McGonagall beautifully and commanded respect from the fans, endowing them with raw energy.

The Harry Potter saga also came through as an opportunity for Smith to reach out and connect with another generation with a unique and high sense of humor combined with emotions.

Available on: Peacock

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3) The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

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

Maggie Smith showcased her impeccable comedic timing and knack for heartwarming roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a film about a group of British retirees who move to a dilapidated hotel in India. Smith plays Muriel Donnelly, an old woman with prejudices who gradually softens throughout the film. Her character's journey, from someone set in her ways to embracing a new way of life, is deeply moving.

Smith's delivery of biting one-liners in the film, along with her subtle portrayal of vulnerability, makes this a film that shines through her presence. The movie was so well-received that it spawned a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), where Smith reprised her role with equal verve.

Available on: Max (previously HBO Max), Peacock

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4) Gosford Park (2001)

Gosford Park (Image via Entertainment Film Distributors)

A brilliant ensemble piece directed by Robert Altman, Gosford Park is a 1930s-set murder mystery that takes place in an English country house. Smith plays Constance, Countess of Trentham, a sharp-tongued aristocrat who delivers some of the film's most memorable lines with her signature dry wit. Her character is steeped in privilege, yet Smith finds ways to infuse humanity into her often-aloof demeanor.

For her portrayal, Smith earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, proving her versatility as a dramatic and comedic performer. The film's intricate web of relationships and societal commentary is enhanced by Smith's performance, making Gosford Park a must-watch for fans of period dramas and mysteries alike.

Available on: Prime Video.

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5) Downton Abbey (2019)

Downton Abbey (Image via Universal Pictures)

Although Maggie Smith became remarkably popular in Downton Abbey's TV series, specifically for her portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Smith was so fond of the character that she was interested in playing her in the 2019 movie.

The cutting comments spoken dryly through Ms. Smith's character make her portrayal stand out. The Dowager Countess is a familiar character best served with sarcasm and an aristocratic undertone courtesy of Smith, who plays her.

Available on T.V: Peacock, Prime Video.

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