Not many actresses in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Julie Walters. Since the 1970’s, Walters has become a British icon. Whether it’s magical mothers, Broadway performers or educated teachers, Walters has portrayed several strong characters. Given the 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 Chamber of Secrets
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 memories 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 2002, Julie Walters honoured the iconic book series about magical secrets in her movie “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”. In the greatest role of her career, Walters portrayed a magical mother struggling to care for a family facing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and funny in her most memorable role. Walters has spent most of her career playing romantic heroines in old-fashioned British period pieces. With “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, however, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone making her first Harry Potter film. Working alongside Emma Watson who is also amazing, Walters honoured a magical series about wizards that are spellbinding. For instance, the scene in which Molly sends Ron a warning message after she becomes aware that he flew their car causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” Julie Walters’ 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 famous book series about magical wizards casting spells that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has built an impressive career by manufacturing memorable movies which audiences consider to be precious.
2. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a beloved Broadway play that my father adores today. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that adored a musical about ABBA. He would always marvel at a stage play about women facing a price to pay. My father always yearned to see the play about a dancing queen imagined on the big-screen. In 2008, Julie Walters honoured the iconic Broadway play with charisma in her movie “Mamma Mia!”. In the most theatrical role of her career, Walters portrayed a woman seeking to assist her friend organize a wedding causing despair. With “Mamma Mia!”, the actress showcased rare flair for singing melodies that she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Meryl Streep who is also amazing, Walters honoured an iconic Broadway play about weddings. For instance, the scene in which Rosie becomes aware that Donna is organizing her daughter’s wedding is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Mamma Mia!” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play about women experiencing a price to pay, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actress that has produced movies which are worth appreciating today.
3. Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins is a magical nanny that I’ve always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. Dedicated to performing every chore, she was a person that my family had grown to adore. In 2018, Julie Walters did an extraordinary job of honouring the magical nanny in her movie “Mary Poppins Returns”. In the most musical role of her career, Walters portrayed a housekeeper that struggles to care for naughty children causing despair. Walters has always had an aptitude for playing emotional women under stress, and “Mary Poppins Returns” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also amazing, Walters honoured a nanny that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Ellen becomes aware that Mary Poppins has been hired causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Mary Poppins Returns” one of Walters’ best movies is its universal appeal. Unlike the original 1964 movie, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about the roles housekeepers play in shaping families today. As strong as Mary Poppins’ desire to become a successful housekeeper, it’s a magical reminder of a commemorated actress that produces movies which audiences treasure.
4. Brooklyn
Immigration is an intense process that impacted my identity. Several years ago, my life forever changed when my family immigrated to Toronto. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of the time when my family migrated to Canada. As someone impacted by immigration, I adored “Brooklyn”. Released in 2015, Julie Walters’ movie celebrated a beloved book about Irish immigration. In the most comical role of her career, Walters portrayed the strict headmistress of a household seeking to care for daughters causing despair. It’s a character that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Saoirse Ronan who is also outstanding, Walters created a portrait of immigration that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Kehoe gives Eillis valuable advice about how to prepare for dinners in her household is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Brooklyn” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about immigration which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Irish to relate towards its themes. A powerful portrait of frightening hardships experienced by Irish women that immigrate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have shared complicated bonds with my mother. Despite her strict nagging, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone that has grown to value my mother, I adored “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Released in 2011, Julie Walters’ final Harry Potter film did an extraordinary job of bringing the magical franchise to a satisfying conclusion. In the most heroic role of her career, Walters portrayed a magical mother participating in warfare. With “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”, Walters brought vulnerability to Molly Weasley that was missing from previous films. For instance, the scene in which Molly Weasley defends her daughter from Bellatrix during warfare at Hogwarts causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a great movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. An emotional farewell towards a spellbinding franchise about wizards that are magical, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has made movies audiences considered to be special.
6. Billy Elliot
Julie Walters has always excelled at playing strong women in positions of authority. Walters has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing women with courage. Walters’ strength for playing strong women is clearly evident in her movie “Billy Elliot”. Released in 2000, Stephen Daldry’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most athletic role of her career, Walters portrayed a dance teacher seeking to guide an adolescent in a competition causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase dancing talent she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Jamie Bell who is also outstanding, Walters created a ballet drama that’s compelling. As strong as Billy Elliot’s passion for dancing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
7. Educating Rita
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember an English teacher that gave me goals to accomplish. His inspiring words of wisdom motivated me to pursue dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher with nostalgia, I related to “Educating Rita”. Released in 1983, Julie Walters’ movie captured teachers shaping students’ identities. In the most educational role of her career, Walters portrayed a woman that forms a strong relationship with a teacher. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing wise mentors. Working alongside Michael Caine who is also excellent, Caine created a powerful teacher-student relationship. As strong as Dr. Bryant’s desire to educate Rita, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
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, Julie Walters honoured the bear with affection in her movie “Paddington”. In the most family-friendly role of her career, Walters 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. Wild Rose
Stories of musicians composing melodies often make for engaging movies. Hollywood has often made great movies about singers whose lives are misunderstood. In an industry making great movies about musicians seeking to be heroes, it’s worth praising “Wild Rose”. Released in 2018, Julie Walters’ movie captured the life of a Scottish singer. In the most stern role of her career, Walters portrayed a conflicted mother struggling to care for a daughter with musical dreams causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase wisdom she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Jessie Buckley who is also amazing, Walters created a portrait of musicians that’s compelling. As strong as Rose-Lynn’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress that has made movies which captivate the public.
10. Buster
Julie Walters hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Buster” falls into the latter category. Released in 1988, David Green’s comedy was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Walters portrayed the conflicted wife of a small-town crook that experiences despair. Walters brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Buster” is a bad movie, it honoured Walters’ commemorated legacy. As strong as Buster’s desire to rob a train, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has managed to gain a massive following producing unforgettable movies that entertain which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that keeps me sane.
The Film Buff 
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