Few actresses in Hollywood built a legacy as magnificent as Maggie Smith. Following the 1960’s, Smith became a commemorated icon. Whether it’s spellbinding teachers, aristocratic figures or suspects of murders, Smith portrayed several strong characters. However, recently Smith’s career tragically ended when she died. Listed below are my picks for the greatest movies of an iconic actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter is a magical franchise that has shaped my identity. As far back I can remember, I’ve always been a huge fan of Harry Potter. I recall fond memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood that shaped my identity. I immediately fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a powerful spell with timeless stories to tell. As a massive fan of a book series that has become well-known, I adored “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Maggie Smith’s movie did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book series on the big-screen. In the greatest role of her career, Smith embodies a magical schoolteacher that comes to care deeply about students with a burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and larger-than-life in her most memorable role. As Professor Minerva McGonagall, Smith did an excellent job of bringing a beloved character in a book franchise to the big-screen. Smith has always been one of those actresses with a powerful screen presence, and her strengths are clearly evident in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. For instance, the scene in which Professor McGonagall gives Harry and Ron a stern lecture after they arrive late to her Transfiguration class is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” Maggie Smith’s greatest movie is its message. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book series to appreciate it. The film delivers a profound message about importance of identity. 30 years following publication of a book about wizards casting magic that’s spellbinding, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose movies are worth celebrating.
2. Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is a brilliant television series that my mother has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a mother that was a huge fan of the television show. She grew up to treasure a show about wealthy aristocrat figures that changed her life forever. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a mother that loved a show about British society, I adored “Downton Abbey”. Released in 2019, Maggie Smith’s movie did an extraordinary job of adapting the beloved television series to the big-screen. In the most majestic role of her career, Smith embodies the wealthy aristocratic countess of a British family. Smith is one of those actresses that has always had a sharp sense of humour, and her strengths as a performer are evident in “Downton Abbey”. For instance, the scene in which Violet has a candid discussion with her family about how to prepare for a visit from the King showcases the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Downton Abbey” one of Smith’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about class which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated TV series about wealthy families that are British, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that managed to accomplish strong roles whose memorable movies audiences cherish.
3. Death on the Nile
Murder mysteries are a genre of movies I’ve always found appealing. At an early age, I became fascinated with murder mystery films when my housemaid was murdered in a crime causing damage. Several years ago, my family faced sorrow when our housekeeper was murdered by a psycho. Stabbed to death by her lover, she became victim of murder. Left devastated, I couldn’t recover from the death of a beloved housemaid that police never investigated. As someone haunted by memories of a murder that was hostile, I adored “Death on the Nile”. Released in 1978, Maggie Smith’s movie offered an extraordinary adaptation of Agatha Christie’s beloved murder mystery book. In the most mysterious role of her career, Smith embodied a woman that becomes the suspect of a murder that’s dangerous. Smith effectively used her expressions to capture a woman’s reaction to murder. For instance, the scene in which the passengers discover a shocking murder showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “Death on the Nile” a magnificent movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about murder investigations which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling tribute towards a book about murders on the Nile, it’s a riveting reminder of a versatile actress whose movies always left audiences with a glowing smile.
4. Gosford Park
Housekeepers are powerful figures that shape families. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. A housekeeper that was dedicated to performing every chore, she was a person that my family came to adore. Being a dedicated housemaid, she always devoted herself towards her job regardless of how much money she would be paid. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the bright spark that housekeepers bring into families are powerfully as “Gosford Park”. Released in 2001, Maggie Smith’s movie did an excellent job of depicting housekeepers facing murder investigations. In the most authoritative role of her career, Maggie Smith embodies a countess facing a murder investigation. Smith has always been an actress that is skilled at delivering witty dialogue, and her strengths are clearly evident in “Gosford Park”. For instance, the party scene in which guests gather together in the mansion before the murder showcases the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, “Gosford Park” leaves an impression because of its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about the roles housekeepers play shaping lives of families today. A powerful portrait of murders in British households housekeepers investigate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose memorable movies audiences appreciate.
5. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Teachers are powerful figures shaping students’ futures. Years ago, I formed a strong bond with an English teacher that became my hero. I vividly remember an English teacher that I grew up to treasure. Through his inspiring words of wisdom, I was motivated to pursue dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring fond memories of a professor that shaped my personality, I loved “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”. Released in 1969, Maggie Smith’s movie depicted authoritative teachers. In the most emotional role of her career, Maggie Smith embodied a strict teacher with a goal to keep students under control. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase emotional range that she hadn’t shown in her previous. movies. For instance, the scene in which Miss Jean Brodie delivers a monologue about her passion for teaching is a highlight of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” one of Maggie Smith’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the role teachers play in shaping students. A touching tribute towards teachers that offer students’ guidance, it’s a terrific reminder of an actress with strong presence whose timeless movies attracted an audience.
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, Maggie Smith did an exceptional job of adapting the commemorated book in her film “A Room With a View”. In her most solemn career role, Maggie Smith embodied an aristocratic mother that imposes conservative traditions on her daughter. It’s an extraordinary role that gave Smith an opportunity to showcase her strength for portraying authoritative women assuming positions of power. Nearly a century following the publication of a commemorated book about unforgettable rooms with a view, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose extraordinary movies audiences have grown to value.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
It’s challenging to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start on a high note but end with a whimper. However, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is a magical exception. Released in 2011, Maggie Smith’s final Harry Potter film did a fantastic job of bringing the famous fantasy franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. In her final role as Minerva McGonagall, Smith demonstrated the emotional dilemma of a teacher seeking to save her school from trauma. Smith brought out an emotional side to McGonagall in the final Harry Potter film that audiences hadn’t seen before. An emotional farewell towards a spellbinding franchise about wizards that are magical, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress whose timeless movies audiences have always considered to be special.
8. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Travelling can be a challenging activity for seniors that are aging. Years ago, my grandparents were always enthusiastic about going to Toronto. However, recently age has become a barrier. No longer as enthusiastic as they used to be, travelling has become a process for them that’s challenging. As someone treasuring grandparents that once fell in love with travelling, I adored “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. Released in 2011, Maggie Smith’s movie celebrated senior communities. In her most mature role, Smith embodies an elderly British woman travelling to an Indian hotel she grows to cherish. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase wisdom she hadn’t shown in previous movies. As beautiful as the Marigold hotel, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress whose memorable movies cast audiences under a spell.
9. California Suite
Maggie Smith was one of those actresses that always had a special aptitude for comedy. Through her sharp sense of humour, Smith created captivating comedies throughout her career that audiences came to treasure. Smith’s strength for playing comedic characters with a sweet sense of humour is clearly evident in her film “California Suite”. Released in 1978, Herbert Ross’ Oscar-winning movie found the actress playing a humorous woman stuck in a hotel suite. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her perfect comic timing. In a star-studded cast, Smith stole every scene she’s in with a sharp sense of humour. A captivating portrait of lovers trapped in a hotel suite that’s claustrophobic, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with comedic talents whose timeless movies audiences consider to be iconic.
10. Downton Abbey: A New Era
On September 27th, 2024, Maggie Smith tragically died. Her devastating death was a monumental loss for the film industry. Before her heartbreaking death, Smith delivered one final fantastic performance worth discussing in “Downton Abbey: A New Era”. Released in 2022, Maggie Smith’s movie marked a fantastic farewell for the commemorated actress. In her final film role, Smith poured her heart and soul into a countess driven to accomplish her goal. Smith brought out an emotional side to the countess that audiences hadn’t seen in the television series before. As precious as villas where the Crawley family stay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that changed the way movies are made whose timeless performances I will forever treasure after she tragically passed away leaving the world grieving today.
The Film Buff 
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