Based on the innumerable films of Maggie Smith, one of the most distinguished actors of her time, it is a formidable task to select just ten. Nonetheless, here are ten of her best movies that showcase her remarkable versatility and the breadth of her acting prowess:

1.The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) –Maggie Smith’s Oscar-winning performance as the headstrong and passionate schoolteacher Jean Brodie in this adaptation of Muriel Spark’s novel is considered one of her finest roles.

2.California Suite (1978)– Smith portrays an Oscar-nominated actress, Diana Barrie, in this Neil Simon comedy. Her performance won her a second Academy Award, this time for Best Supporting Actress.

3.A Room with a View (1985)– In this E.M. Forster adaptation, she delivers a compelling performance as Charlotte Bartlett, a repressed spinster chaperoning a young woman on holiday in Italy.

4.Gosford Park (2001)– Directed by Robert Altman, this British mystery film casts Smith as the Countess of Trentham, earning her numerous nominations for her sharp and biting portrayal.

5.The Lady in the Van (2015)– As Miss Shepherd, a transient woman living in a van parked on Alan Bennett’s driveway, she brought a blend of pathos and humor to the role based on true events.

6.Travels with My Aunt (1972)– Smith plays Aunt Augusta Bertram in this adventurous comedy-drama about an eccentric woman who takes her nephew on travels filled with crime and intrigue.

7.Sister Act (1992)– In one of her most popular roles with modern audiences, she stars as Mother Superior battling wits with Whoopi Goldberg’s character in this musical comedy.

8.Death on the Nile (1978)– Smith showcases her talent in the mystery genre, portraying novelist Agatha Christie’s iconic detective Hercule Poirot alongside an ensemble cast in this classic murder mystery set on an Egyptian river cruise.

9.Harry Potter series (2001-2011)– As Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight movies of this fantasy series based on the books by J.K. Rowling, she gained recognition from another generation of moviegoers.

10.Downton Abbey (2019)– Although more known as a television series, the film adaptation allowed fans to see Smith reprise her role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, showcasing once again why she is considered acting royalty.

Maggie Smith’s filmography represents a rich tapestry of characters across various genres and decades that firmly establish her as a cherished figure in cinema history.