Imelda Staunton’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actresses have earned recognition of Imelda Staunton. Since the 1970’s, Staunton has become a British icon. Whether it’s magical teachers, political figures or frustrated housekeepers, Staunton has portrayed many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been part of my childhood. I remember fond memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s great book series during my childhood that impacted my identity. I instantly fell in love with a great book series about strong wizards that cast powerful spells with timeless stories to tell. In 2007, Imelda Staunton honoured the iconic franchise about magical school teachers in her movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”. In the greatest role of her career, Staunton portrayed the strict teacher of a magical school that faces grim warfare causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Staunton has spent most of her career playing likeable women with sympathetic personalities. With “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a villainous school teacher. Working alongside Emma Watson who is also outstanding, Staunton honoured a magical franchise about teachers that’s spellbinding. For instance, the scene in which Professor Umbridge gives her first lesson seeking to prepare students for magic causing Harry to face despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Imelda Staunton’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Harry Potter series, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic adaptation of a world-famous book series about magical wizards that cast spells which are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actress that has built an impressive career by portrayed strong characters in memorable movies which audiences always consider to be precious.

2. Vera Drake

Abortion is a sensitive issue that causes women to face tension. Several years ago, my aunt held strong views against abortion causing women to face sorrow. She would always express strong views against a painful process which placed women under intense stress. As someone treasuring an aunt that opposed abortions causing heartache, I adored “Vera Drake”. Released in 2004, Imelda Staunton’s movie captured the life of an abortionist. In the most emotional role of her career, Staunton portrayed a real-life abortionist that sought to care for women facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a renowned abortionist that’s well-known. Working alongside Sally Hawkins who is also amazing, Staunton created a portrait of abortion that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Vera Drake is arrested by police for performing abortions causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Vera Drake” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about abortion targeted towards women, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of abortion causing the lives of women to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.

3. Sense & Sensibility

Jane Austen is a legendary author that earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember bonding with a mother that was a massive fan of the legendary author in English literature. She took pride rather than prejudice reading books written by an author that left her satisfied. As someone treasuring a mother drawn to the sense and sensibility of Jane Austen, I adored “Sense and Sensibility”. Released in 1995, Imelda Staunton’s movie celebrated Jane Austen’s most beloved book. In the most aristocratic role of her career, Staunton portrayed a wealthy heiress struggling to care for a household that’s a burden to bear. Staunton has always excelled at playing women with strong personalities, and “Sense & Sensibility” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Kate Winslet who is also amazing, Staunton honoured an iconic book that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Charlotte complains about the bad weather to her friends causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Sense and Sensibility” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the publication of books written by an iconic author, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great actress whose unforgettable movies audiences treasure.

4. Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a brilliant television series that my father has always loved dearly.  Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a father adoring the television show. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a father that loved a show about British society, I adored “Downton Abbey”. Released in 2019, Imelda Staunton’s movie did an extraordinary job of adapting the beloved television series to the big-screen. In the most majestic role of her career, Staunton embodies the wealthy aristocratic countess of a British family. Staunton has always had a sharp sense of humour, and her strengths are evident in “Downton Abbey”. Working alongside Maggie Smith who is also amazing, Staunton honoured a beloved British television series. For instance, the scene in which Bagshaw discusses how to prepare for a visit from the king causing a dilemma with her family is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career.  Ultimately, what makes “Downton Abbey” one of Staunton’s greatest movies is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the series to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about class which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a TV series about wealthy families that are British, it’s a great reminder of an actress that managed to achieve feats whose great movies audiences cherish.

5. Arthur Christmas

Christmas is a cheerful season that my friend always considered to be precious. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a girl that adored a season with courage. Fond of Santa Claus, she loved to celebrate a season that she felt deserved a loud round of applause. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that adored Christmas, I appreciated “Arthur Christmas”. Released in 2011, Imelda Staunton’s animated movie celebrated the Christmas season. In the most colourful role of her career, Staunton portrayed a wise mother seeking to prepare for Christmas. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for creating strong animated characters through her powerful voice. Working alongside James McAvoy who is also amazing, Staunton created a portrait of Christmas that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Santa gives her son advice on how to prepare for Christmas is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career.  Ultimately, what makes “Arthur Christmas” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about Christmas, it tackles themes which everyone would relate to. A captivating tribute towards Christmas, it’s a bold reminder of an actress making movies which audiences often love to discuss.

6. Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare is a spectacular author whose literature inspired my teacher. During high school, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that loved the author. As someone treasuring a teacher in love with Shakespeare, I adored “Shakespeare in Love”. Released in 1998, Imelda Staunton’s Oscar-winning movie celebrated the legendary author. In the most poetic role of her career, Staunton portrayed a comical nun that gives valuable advice to Shakespeare. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for delivering complex monologues. Working alongside Gwyneth Paltrow who is also amazing, Staunton honoured an author that wrote stories centuries ago. A spectacular tribute towards Shakespeare, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has built a great career making movies about which audiences care.

7. Pride

Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Hollywood has often ignored struggles faced by LGBTQ communities that are misunderstood. In an industry rarely treating queer people with pride, it’s worth praising “Pride”. Released in 2014, Imelda Staunton’s movie celebrated the LGBTQ community in British history. In the most outspoken role of her career, Staunton portrayed a queer woman seeking to fight for her rights in a country facing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Bill Nighy who is also outstanding, Staunton created a portrait of the LGBTQ community that’s compelling. A powerful tribute to gay activists in Britain facing a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

8. Paddington

When it comes to the most beloved characters in British literature, it’s worth discussing the Paddington Bear. Since his creation in 1958, Michael Bond’s commemorated bear has been loved by children. In 2014, Imelda Staunton honoured the bear with affection in her movie “Paddington”.  In the most family-friendly role of her career, Staunton portrayed a conflicted woman whose family adopts a talking bear causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Sally Hawkins who is also outstanding, Hawkins honoured an iconic bear that children find inspiring. A captivating tribute towards a talking bear, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that has constructed an impressive career by manufacturing great movies about which audiences care.

9. Nanny McPhee

Nannies have shaped my family. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a nanny that delivered an inspiring message. As someone treasuring fond memories of a nanny that shaped my family’s destiny, I loved “Nanny McPhee”. Released in 2005, Imelda Staunton’s movie paid tribute to nannies shaping kids’ identities. In the most comical role of her career, Staunton portrayed a frustrated housekeeper struggling to care for rebellious children causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Emma Thompson who is also outstanding, Staunton created a children’s comedy that’s compelling. As strong as Nanny McPhee’s desire to care for children, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress with dedication that has produced great movies earning appreciation.

10. Taking Woodstock

Imelda Staunton hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Taking Woodstock” falls into the latter category. Released in 2009, Ang Lee’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Staunton portrayed a commemorated music teacher seeking to prepare students for a concert causing despair. Staunton brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Taking Woodstock” is a bad movie, it honoured Staunton’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Elliot’s love for performing, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a legendary actress that has built a lasting legacy producing captivating movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.