Dame Emma Thompson’s 10 Greatest Movies, Ranked

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Emma Thompson isn’t just an actor—she’s a true creative talent. For decades, she’s shown incredible range as both a performer and a writer. Whether she’s bringing Shakespeare to life or delivering powerful scenes in contemporary plays, Thompson consistently impresses with her sharp wit, intelligence, emotional depth, and perfect timing. She has a remarkable ability to move from comedy to heartbreak seamlessly, and she’s excelled in all kinds of roles and time periods.

Dame Judi Dench has enjoyed a remarkable career lasting more than forty years. She began in British comedy and theatre before becoming well-known in film and television. She’s appeared in a wide variety of movies and shows, from historical dramas and romantic comedies to big fantasy series and smaller independent films. Throughout her career, she’s won two Oscars, as well as BAFTAs and Golden Globes, and consistently earned high praise from critics. Some of her films have become cultural icons, while others are hidden gems, but they all demonstrate her extraordinary talent and versatility.

Here’s a revisit and ranking of 10 of Dame Emma Thompson’s greatest movies.

10
‘Love Actually’ (2003)

I absolutely love Love Actually! It’s such a feel-good movie, especially with that gorgeous London Christmas setting. What I really enjoy is how it follows so many different people and their love lives – it’s not just about romance, but friendships, family, and even dealing with unrequited love. You’ve got everything from the Prime Minister falling for someone at work to a dad helping his son with his first crush. It’s funny, heartwarming, and honestly, it can make you cry too!

A Holiday Staple

Emma Thompson delivers a powerful performance as Karen, a loving wife and mother who begins to suspect her husband is becoming emotionally involved with someone else. Her story is one of the most moving parts of the film. A particularly heartbreaking moment is when she secretly cries in her bedroom after receiving a Joni Mitchell CD instead of the necklace she’d previously seen. Despite the film being known for its fast-paced energy, Thompson’s realistic portrayal grounds the story and adds emotional depth.

9
‘An Education’ (2009)

Lone Scherfig’s film, An Education, written by Nick Hornby, is set in 1960s London. It tells the story of Jenny Mellor, a smart and driven teenager whose plans change when she meets David, an older, captivating man. He introduces her to a sophisticated world of jazz, art, and travel, leading her to rethink her goals for the future and whether college is the right path for her.

Modest but Essential Contribution

Thompson doesn’t steal the show, but her performance has a quietly unsettling effect, like a cold draft. She plays the headmistress of Jenny’s school – a strict but fair woman who isn’t fooled by David’s charisma and cautions Jenny about dropping out. Their memorable exchange – where the headmistress insists a degree is essential for achievement, and Jenny retorts that many successful women don’t have one – is a particularly striking moment.

8
‘Stranger Than Fiction’ (2006)

Stranger Than Fiction is a funny and heartwarming movie that mixes drama and comedy. It’s about Harold Crick (Will Ferrell), a quiet and methodical IRS worker who suddenly starts hearing a voice narrating his life. That voice belongs to author Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson), who is actually writing a book about Harold and, without realizing it, has written him into a story where he’s destined to die. This discovery pushes Harold to desperately try and rewrite his future.

When Fiction Starts Talking Back

I was really impressed with the cast in this film – Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Queen Latifah all brought something special. But Emma Thompson absolutely shines as Karen Eiffel, a writer who’s completely overwhelmed by the impact of her work. She’s a mess, constantly smoking and clearly stressed, but it’s so compelling to watch. The ending, where she gets a chance to change things for Harold, is genuinely moving and hopeful – a really beautiful moment.

7
‘The Remains of the Day’ (1993)

This moving film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, The Remains of the Day, and tells the story of Stevens, a dedicated English butler. He’s so loyal to his employer that he doesn’t notice the troubling things happening around him, or the missed opportunities in his own life. The film, set before and after World War II, is told through Stevens’ recollections as he travels to find Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper, beautifully portrayed by Emma Thompson.

Unspoken Love Portrayed Exquisitely

As a film lover, I’ve always been captivated by ‘The Remains of the Day.’ The story really revolves around Miss Kenton, who subtly pushes Stevens – played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins – to confront his feelings. Her leaving feels like the absolute end of any hope for them both, and honestly, their scenes together are just brimming with unsaid emotions. It’s a James Ivory film, so expect a slow, beautifully atmospheric experience – it’s all about what isn’t said. Emma Thompson’s performance is incredible, and rightly earned her an Oscar nomination – it’s still considered one of her best roles, and I totally agree!

6
‘Saving Mr. Banks’ (2013)

Saving Mr. Banks is a film based on the true story of author P.L. Travers and her difficult experience working with Walt Disney to turn her book, Mary Poppins, into a movie. The film jumps between 1960s Los Angeles, where she’s working with Disney, and flashbacks to her childhood in Australia, showing how her past influenced the stories she wrote. Emma Thompson plays P.L. Travers, and beautifully portrays her as both clever and fragile.

A Layered and Devastating Performance

The film creates a fascinating dynamic as Emma Thompson’s critical view of Walt Disney’s upbeat style contrasts with Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the man himself, leading to a complex and ultimately rewarding relationship. Thompson also subtly reveals how the character she plays is inspired by her own challenging family history. She delivers a brilliant performance, capturing a woman who is sharp-tongued, determined, and deeply relatable. The movie skillfully blends these elements, and Thompson’s powerful acting is at its heart. Reviewers praised her for giving depth to a character often simplified, and she received BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for her work.

5
‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ (2022)

Nancy, a recently widowed retired teacher, seeks out Leo, a young sex worker, hoping to rediscover pleasure and feel more like herself. Their initial professional arrangement blossoms into deeply personal conversations over several meetings, allowing both women to confront feelings of shame, past repression, and unfulfilled desires.

Thompson’s Late-Career Gem

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is a film driven by the connection between its two stars, Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack. They explore relatable and deeply personal emotions as their characters, Nancy and Leo, reveal their vulnerabilities and truths. Director Sophie Hyde uses a simple, conversation-focused style, letting the actors’ chemistry and subtle performances shine. Thompson, in particular, delivers a remarkably honest and brave performance for a mainstream film.

4
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (1993)

Kenneth Branagh’s lively take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy is set in Messina, Italy, where soldiers returning home get caught up in a whirlwind of romance and playful schemes. The story centers on Beatrice and Benedick, two witty characters who claim to despise love, but secretly harbor feelings for each other, revealed through their sharp and clever banter.

Most Joyful of All Films

This version of Much Ado About Nothing feels fresh and vibrant, taking place in beautiful outdoor settings. While the film boasts a strong cast including Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, it’s Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson who truly bring the story to life with their energy and skill. Thompson and Branagh, who were partners at the time, share incredible chemistry, and her performance is particularly celebrated for making Shakespeare feel modern and exciting.

3
‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1995)

Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, Sense and Sensibility tells the story of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. After their father dies, they find themselves in a difficult financial situation. Elinor is practical and controlled, while Marianne is emotional and spontaneous. The story follows their experiences with love, the pressures of society, and dealing with loss, constantly challenging their different personalities.

Two Sisters and a Storm of Emotions

Emma Thompson shines as Elinor in this adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, and she also wrote the script, creating a version that stays true to the story while still feeling deeply emotional. The film follows Elinor’s unspoken love for Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) as she observes her sister Marianne (Kate Winslet) falling for the charming but untrustworthy Willoughby (Greg Wise). This project is a highlight of Thompson’s career, earning her an Academy Award for the screenplay and a Best Actress nomination.

2
‘Howards End’ (1992)

E.M. Forster’s Howards End is a story about class differences, human connection, and what it means to truly belong, all set in Edwardian England. The novel follows three families – the intellectual Schlegels, the prosperous Wilcoxes, and the less fortunate Basts. When Margaret Schlegel (played by Emma Thompson) unexpectedly marries the pragmatic Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), their differing beliefs create tension. Throughout the story, the country home called Howards End represents the themes of heritage and a sense of place.

A Bridge Between Classes

Emma Thompson’s portrayal of Margaret in Howards End is remarkably nuanced. She brings a beautiful balance to the character, showing both kindness and strength, and a strong moral compass alongside practical thinking. The film, directed by James Ivory, is gracefully paced and was a major success with both critics and audiences, receiving nine Academy Award nominations. Thompson’s well-deserved Best Actress Oscar recognizes a performance filled with warmth, intelligence, and a clear sense of right and wrong.

1
‘In the Name of the Father’ (1993)

Inspired by the real events surrounding the Guildford Four, the film In the Name of the Father tells the story of Gerry Conlon, a young Irish man falsely accused of involvement in an IRA bombing. The movie follows his time in prison, his difficult relationship with his father, Giuseppe, and their fight to prove their innocence. Emma Thompson portrays Gareth Peirce, the determined lawyer who ultimately reveals the truth.

A Powerful Indictment of Justice

Though she appears later in the film, Emma Thompson makes a strong impact, skillfully uncovering clues and challenging the British legal system. The movie culminates in a gripping courtroom scene where the truth overcomes official secrecy. Directed by Jim Sheridan, In the Name of the Father is a powerful and moving drama, driven by the intense performance of Daniel Day-Lewis and the deeply emotional portrayal by Pete Postlethwaite. Thompson’s performance also brought attention to the story of Gerry Conlon, and she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her work.

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2025-11-02 23:09