Dame Maggie Smith died at the age of 89, won Oscars for her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1970) and California Suite (1979).
Famously known as Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House, in the eight Harry Potter films and for her role of Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, Smith had quite a career of film roles and theater. Those wanting to honor and remember the great versatile actress, can find several of best Maggie Smith movies below to watch.
Sister Act (1992) and Sister Act 2 (1993)
 | Sister Act (1992) and Sister Act 2 (1993) | |
| Genre Family, Comedy | Runtime 1h 40m | |
| Directed by Emile Ardolino | 6.5/10 | |
| Cast Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Wendy Makkena, Kathy Najimy | ||
Smith portrayed the formidable Mother Superior, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg’s Deloris, a lounge singer who revitalizes a struggling choir of nuns. Both films are available for streaming on Disney+.
The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987)
 | The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987) | |
| Genre Romance | Runtime 1h 56m | |
| Directed by Jack Clayton | 7/10 | |
| Cast Maggie Smith, Bob Hoskins, Wendy Hiller, Marie Kean, Alan Devlin | ||
This adaptation of Brian Moore’s novel is a beautifully acted drama where Smith delivers a standout performance. She plays a lonely spinster in 1950s Dublin who misinterprets the attention from Bob Hoskins’ bold businessman as the start of a grand romance. While it may lack the usual sharp wit we often see in her roles, she is truly remarkable in the one. Probably, one of the best Maggie Smith movies out there.
Harry Potter Series
 | Harry Potter Series | |
| Genre Fantasy | Parts 8 | |
| Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, David Yates, Mike Newell, Chris Columbus | 8.1/10 | |
| Cast Maggie Smith, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson | ||
Professor Minerva McGonagall became every Potterhead’s favorite instantly. Smith is remembered for scenes like when she returns to human form from her cat disguise in The Sorcerer’s Stone, the way she teaches Ron how to dance in The Goblet of Fire, and her excitement at summoning the guard statues of Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and many more. All the Harry Potter films are streaming on Max.
The Secret Garden (1993)
 | The Secret Garden (1993) | |
| Genre Family/Fantasy | Runtime 1h 41m | |
| Directed by Agnieszka Holland | 7.3/10 | |
| Cast Kate Maberly, Maggie Smith, Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott, Laura Crossley | ||
Smith played the character of Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden (1993), based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s book. She’s a stern and grounded housekeeper, fiercely protective of Misselthwaite Manor’s secrets. The Secret Garden is streaming on Freevee.
Downton Abbey
 | Downtown Abbey | |
| Genre Historical Drama | Seasons 6 | |
| Directed by Liz Trubridge, Nigel Marchant | 8.7/10 | |
| Cast Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Maggie Smith | ||
Smith played Violet Grantham in all six seasons of Downton Abbey, and she returned to the role in films Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). Her character more known as Dowager was a fierce grandmother, a loyal ally, and a kindhearted woman as some of her biggest enemies became her most beloved friends. The show is streaming on Peacock.
