My Favourite Judi Dench Movies of All-Time

Few actresses in Hollywood are as beloved as Judi Dench. Ever since the 1990’s, Dench has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s cruel school teachers, strong bosses or aging seniors, Dench has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies that she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Notes on a Scandal

Scandals are shocking incidents that impact teachers’ identities. In elementary school, I witnessed a teacher become victim of a scandal that was cruel. Several years ago, I witnessed a beloved school teacher face scandals causing sorrow. I remember he was a generous teacher that would always treat students in a kind manner. However, my teacher attracted controversy when he was caught throwing a chair across his classroom with temper. No longer the professor that my entire school had come to admire, he became the culprit of a scandal that was dire. Few films I’ve seen have captured the painful consequences of a scandal impacting teachers as powerfully as “Notes on a Scandal”. Released in 2006, Judi Dench’s movie depicted a controversial scandal destroying a teacher’s identity. In the greatest role of her career, Judi Dench embodies a vulnerable school teacher that becomes involved a disastrous scandal causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in the most commemorated role of her career. Dench is skilled at communicating emotions through her subtle body language, and “Notes on a Scandal” demonstrated her strengths. Working alongside Cate Blanchett who is also excellent, Dench creates a strong portrait of a scandal with commitment. For instance, the scene in which Barbara discovers the scandalous romantic affair that Shelba is engaging in is one of the most memorable moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Notes on a Scandal” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about dangerous consequences of extramarital affairs which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about scandals causing lives of school teachers to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder about a great actress that hasn’t lost her abilities to captivate by making movies about controversial subjects that audiences appreciate.

2. Casino Royale

James Bond is a legendary spy that my father has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a father that considered 007 to be his hero. He would always love talking about a goldeneye spy falling from the sky with no time to die. Through his lifelong love for James Bond, my father gave me appreciation for movies about a spy that I’ve grown to value. As someone treasuring memories of a father that loved to recall James Bond, I adored “Casino Royale”. Released in 2006, Judi Dench’s movie did an extraordinary job introducing James Bond to a modern generation. In the most authoritative role of her career, Dench embodies a controlling manager. Dench excels playing women with authority, and “Casino Royale” showcased her talents as an actress. For instance, the scene in which M gets angry with Bond when he breaks into her apartment without permission showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “Casino Royale” the best James Bond movie is its humanity. The film turned James Bond into a relatable person anyone can identify with. A commemorated beginning of a franchise about a spy, it’s a breathtaking reminder about why Judi Dench remains one of the world’s best actresses whose movies satisfy.

3. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author that shaped my mother’s identity. I remember bonding with a mother that was a huge fan of the legendary author in English literature. She was drawn towards sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring a mother that took pride in Jane Austen’s literature, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Judi Dench’s movie did an exceptional job of adapting Jane Austen’s beloved book. In the most solemn role of her career, Judi Dench embodies a strict woman forbidding her son from engaging in a romantic affair. Dench has always excelled at playing strong women with authoritative personalities, and “Pride and Prejudice” showcased her strengths as an actress. For instance, the scene in which Lady Catherine throws a temper tantrum confronting Elizabeth about her romance with Mr. Darcy is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” one of Judi Dench’s best movies is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following publication of legendary literature about women with pride experiencing barriers in a prejudiced society posing danger, it’s a commemorated reminder about an actress whose memorable movies audiences treasure.

4. 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. He believed movies were an art that could never capture the beauty of an author holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a teacher in love with Shakespeare, I adored “Shakespeare in Love”. Released in 1998, Judi Dench’s Oscar-winning movie celebrated the legendary author. In the most majestic role of her career, Judi Dench embodies a queen that forms an affection for Shakespeare. Dench has always had the rare abilities to communicate emotions without any words, and “Shakespeare in Love” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Queen Elizabeth is first introduced to the audience is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Shakespeare in Love” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. It tackles universal themes of identity everyone would relate to. 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.

5. Skyfall

Bosses are powerful figures that have shaped my identity. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a bond delivering an inspiring message. I remember forming a bond with a manager that I grew up to treasure. Through her larger-than-life presence, she would often give me valuable guidance. As someone treasuring fond memories of a boss that’s easy to recall, I adored “Skyfall”. Released in 2012, Judi Dench’s movie did an excellent job of capturing James Bond’s relationship with his boss M. In the most caring role of her career, Judi Dench embodies a boss forming bonds with a spy about which she grows to care. If the previous film in the franchise depicted M as a manager without humanity, the sequel gave the character depth. For instance, the scene in which M dies leaving James Bond in despair remains one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Skyfall” a great James Bond movie is its message. The film delivers a strong message about the roles bosses play. A spectacular tribute to a spy facing a fall, it’s a sensational reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to enthral making movies that are easy to recall.

6. A Room With a View

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about beautiful rooms with a view, it’s worth discussing “A Room With a View”. Published in 1908 by E.M. Forster, the book has stood the test of time as legendary literature. In 1985, Judi Dench did an excellent job of adapting the commemorated book in her film “A Room With a View”. In her most serious career role, Dench embodies a novelist that follows strict traditions of social class with a strong goal. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her aptitude for conveying emotions through monologues. Despite having limited screen-time in the movie, Dench managed to leave a lasting impression. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about rooms with a view, it’s a brilliant reminder about a commemorated actress whose unforgettable movies audiences value.

7. Philomena

Aging is a painful process that causes seniors to face stress. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a bond with my grandfather. However, aging brought our bond to a closure. After he reached an age of retirement, our relationship became distant. As someone treasuring fond memories of an aging grandfather with nostalgia, I loved “Philomena”. Released in 2013, Judi Dench’s movie honoured the true story of an aging woman searching for her missing son. In the most emotional role of her career, Dench embodies an elderly woman that faces despair when she can’t find her son. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase emotional vulnerability she hadn’t shown in her career before. As strong as Philomena’s desire to find her son, it’s a riveting reminder about an actress whose movies are worthy of celebration.

8. Mrs. Brown

The royal family has shaped my grandmother’s identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandmother that loved a family with rich lineage. She would speak fondly about the royal family which shaped her identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandmother that was fascinated with the crown, I adored “Mrs. Brown”. Released in 1997, Judi Dench’s movie captured Queen Victoria’s romantic affair with her trusted servant. In the most provocative role of her career, Dench embodies a woman in a doomed romantic affair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing majestic figures in positions of power. As strong as Victoria’s desire to become a successful queen, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress whose memorable films always demand to be seen on the big-screen.

9. Iris

Dementia is a devastating disease rarely depicted accurately in movies. Recently, I have witnessed the disease destroy my own family. I remember witnessing my grandmother becoming forgetful suffering from a disease that caused disaster. She would struggle to remember places, events and things in her life. Few films I’ve seen have depicted Dementia as accurately as “Iris”. Released in 2001, Judi Dench’s movie painted a powerful portrait of memory loss causing lives of seniors to deteriorate. In her most tragic role, Dench embodies a real-life author facing memory loss causing an emotional toll. It isn’t easy to play a person with Dementia, but Dench succeeded immensely. As strong as Iris’ passion to write, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress that thrives making movies shining light on issues hidden in plain sight.

10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Judi Dench has always been one of those actresses that has excelled at playing senior citizens. Since her career began several years ago, Dench has thrived at playing senior citizens facing sorrow. Dench’s strengths for playing senior women in movies with compelling stories to tell is clearly evident in her film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. In the most mature role of her career, Dench embodies a senior woman embarking on a vacation to India without any fear. It’s a commemorated role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her aptitude for capturing hardships faced by members of the senior community. As beautiful as the Marigold hotel in India, it’s a marvellous reminder about a legendary actress that hasn’t lost her charisma whose timeless films I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of Cinema.