Film lovers spent this past weekend mourning the passing of Maggie Smith, one of the most iconic British actresses of her generation. There’s no better way to honor her legacy than to watch some of her best films and TV shows, and these five are a good place to start.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Smith became an Oscar winner during the late 60s when she received acclaim for the role of a free-spirited teacher trying to make a mark at a Scottish all-girls school in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
California Suite
Smith received several Oscar nominations for her supporting roles, but she finally managed to win this award for the star-studded ensemble comedy California Suite about a group of quirky characters staying at a luxury hotel.
Harry Potter
Most people nowadays know Smith as the star of the Harry Potter franchise, and she spent the full decade making the magic happen as our favorite Hogwarts professor Minerva McGonagall.
Sister Act
Smith starred in many box office hits during the 21st century, but she set the stage for this part of her career during the 90s when she led the cult comedy Sister Act alongside Whoopi Goldberg.
Downton Abbey
When Harry Potter wrapped up in the early 2010s, Smith was already off to the next big thing – her three-time Emmy-winning role as Dowager Countess in the hit period drama Downton Abbey.