Dame Julie Walters is one of Britain’s most respected actresses, known for performances that combine warmth, wit, emotional depth, and remarkable versatility. She began her professional career in theatre and television before making her feature-film debut in Educating Rita in 1983, a role that immediately established her as a major screen talent. Over the following decades, Walters moved comfortably between comedy, drama, musical films, family adventures, and prestige historical productions. Her acclaimed performances in films such as Personal Services, Billy Elliot, Calendar Girls, and Mamma Mia! demonstrated her ability to bring both humour and emotional realism to very different characters. She also became internationally recognised as Molly Weasley in seven of the eight Harry Potter films. The following Julie Walters movies by year covers her released feature-film work chronologically, while separately identifying notable voice, short-film, and other non-standard screen appearances.
1983 — Educating Rita
Educating Rita was released in 1983 and marked Julie Walters’ feature-film debut. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the comedy-drama stars Walters as Susan “Rita” White, a working-class hairdresser who enrols in an Open University course and develops an intellectual relationship with her tutor, played by Michael Caine. Walters’ performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and widespread critical acclaim. The film remains one of the defining early works of her career and established her as a major British film performer.
1984 — She’ll Be Wearing Pink Pyjamas
She’ll Be Wearing Pink Pyjamas was released in 1984 and features Walters as Fran. Directed by John Goldschmidt, the British comedy follows a group of women whose holiday plans lead to increasingly complicated situations. Walters brought the sharp comic timing and naturalistic style that had already become associated with her screen work. Although less internationally known than Educating Rita, it represents an important early entry in her film career.
1985 — Car Trouble
Car Trouble was released in 1985, with Walters playing Jacqueline Spong. David Green directed this British comedy, which centres on an ordinary man’s increasingly chaotic experiences after buying a troublesome car. Walters’ performance added another comic dimension to her growing filmography. The movie is notable as one of her early comedy roles before she moved into a wider range of dramatic productions.
1985 — Dreamchild
Dreamchild was released in 1985 and featured Julie Walters as the voice of the Dormouse. Directed by Gavin Millar, the historical fantasy-drama explores the later life of Alice Liddell and her memories of Lewis Carroll. Walters’ contribution was a voice role rather than a conventional on-screen performance, making this a distinctive entry in her filmography. The film combines historical drama with surreal fantasy and remains one of the more unusual projects from her early career.
1987 — Personal Services
Personal Services arrived in 1987, with Walters playing Christine Painter, a character inspired by real-life figure Cynthia Payne. Directed by Terry Jones, the British comedy-drama examines the unusual world surrounding a brothel operated under the guise of providing personal services. Walters gave the central character a mixture of humour, confidence, and humanity. The film became one of her most recognisable performances of the 1980s.
1987 — Prick Up Your Ears
Prick Up Your Ears was released in 1987 and was directed by Stephen Frears. Walters portrayed Elsie Orton, the mother of playwright Joe Orton, in a biographical drama about Orton and his relationship with Kenneth Halliwell. The film also starred Gary Oldman and Alfred Molina in leading roles. Walters’ performance demonstrated her ability to move beyond comedy into darker and more emotionally complex material.
1988 — Buster
Buster was released in 1988, with Walters starring as June Edwards opposite Phil Collins as real-life criminal Buster Edwards. Directed by David Green, the musical crime drama follows the Great Train Robber’s involvement in one of Britain’s most famous criminal cases and his later attempt to build a new life. Walters brought warmth and emotional grounding to the role of June. The film combined crime, romance, comedy, and music and became a notable British release of the period.
1988 — Mack the Knife
Mack the Knife was released in 1988 and featured Walters as Mrs. Peachum. Directed by Menahem Golan, the film is a musical adaptation of The Threepenny Opera, with Raul Julia playing Mackie Messer. Walters’ supporting performance placed her within an ambitious musical production with a theatrical style. It is one of the less frequently discussed feature films in her early career.
1989 — Killing Dad or How to Love Your Mother
Killing Dad or How to Love Your Mother was released in 1989, with Walters playing Judith. Michael Austin directed the dark comedy, which centres on family relationships and the increasingly extreme consequences of an unhappy domestic situation. Walters’ performance gave the film a strong dramatic and comic presence. The movie is an example of the unconventional British productions she continued to take on during this period.
1991 — Stepping Out
Stepping Out was released in 1991 and directed by Lewis Gilbert. Walters played Vera, a tap-dance instructor who teaches a group of very different adults and gradually becomes part of their lives. The comedy-drama focuses on friendship, confidence, personal struggles, and the transformative nature of performance. Walters’ central role allowed her to combine comedy with the emotional sensitivity that had become a hallmark of her work.
1992 — Just Like a Woman
Just Like a Woman was released in 1992, with Walters playing Monica. Directed by Christopher Monger, the comedy-drama follows two women whose lives become connected through a series of personal and romantic complications. Walters brought a grounded and understated quality to the role. The film continued her run of British character-driven productions during the early 1990s.
1994 — Sister My Sister
Sister My Sister was released in 1994 and directed by Nancy Meckler. Walters portrayed Madame Danzard in this psychological drama inspired by the infamous Papin sisters case in France. The film examines the intense and increasingly disturbing relationship between two sisters, played by Joely Richardson and Jodhi May. Walters’ supporting role contributed to the film’s claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere.
1996 — Intimate Relations
Intimate Relations was released in 1996, with Walters playing Marjorie Beasley. Directed by Philip Goodhew, the period drama explores a complicated relationship involving a married couple and a young man who becomes closely connected to their household. Walters gave the character a carefully controlled performance within the film’s mixture of drama and dark humour. The movie is one of her more understated feature-film appearances of the decade.
1998 — Girls’ Night
Girls’ Night was released in 1998 and featured Walters as Jackie Simpson. Directed by Nick Hurran, the British comedy-drama follows two women whose friendship develops through difficult personal circumstances and a shared experience that changes their outlook on life. Walters starred alongside Brenda Blethyn, and the pair’s chemistry was central to the film. The movie is remembered for balancing humour with a more serious examination of friendship and illness.
1998 — Titanic Town
Titanic Town was released in 1998, with Walters playing Bernie McPhelimy. Directed by Roger Michell, the drama is set in Belfast during the Troubles and follows a mother who becomes increasingly involved in political activism while trying to protect her family. Walters gave the film an emotionally forceful central performance. Its serious subject matter marked another departure from the lighter roles associated with some of her earlier work.
2000 — Billy Elliot
Billy Elliot was released in 2000 and became one of the most important films of Walters’ career. Directed by Stephen Daldry, the drama stars her as Mrs Wilkinson, a dance teacher who recognises young Billy’s talent and encourages him to pursue ballet despite social and family pressures. Walters earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won the BAFTA for the role. The film became an international success and remains one of her signature performances.
2001 — Lover’s Prayer
Lover’s Prayer was released in 2001, with Walters appearing as Princess Zasyekin. Directed by Roger Michell, the romantic drama is based on Ivan Turgenev’s novella First Love and follows a young man’s awakening to love and emotional disappointment. Walters appears in a supporting role within the period setting. Although less prominent than her later blockbuster work, the film adds another literary drama to her filmography.
2001 — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduced Walters to audiences worldwide as Molly Weasley. Directed by Chris Columbus, the fantasy adventure stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and a large ensemble of British actors. Walters’ Molly is the warm, protective matriarch of the Weasley family and quickly became one of the series’ most recognisable adult characters. The film was a global box-office phenomenon and began Walters’ long-running association with the Harry Potter franchise.
2002 — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was released in 2002, again with Chris Columbus directing. Walters returned as Molly Weasley, whose fiercely protective nature is particularly evident in her interactions with her children and Harry. The fantasy adventure continues the story of Hogwarts as Harry investigates the mystery surrounding the Chamber of Secrets. Walters’ performance helped maintain the warmth and family atmosphere surrounding the Weasley household.
2002 — Before You Go
Before You Go was released in 2002, with Walters playing Theresa. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the British comedy-drama follows three sisters dealing with the death of their mother and the complicated emotions surrounding the funeral. Walters appeared alongside Joanne Whalley and Alex Kingston in a story focused on family tensions, grief, and reconciliation. The film gave her another opportunity to combine comedy with emotionally serious material.
2003 — Calendar Girls
Calendar Girls was released in 2003 and became one of Walters’ best-known British comedies. Directed by Nigel Cole, the film stars Walters as Annie Clarke, a woman who helps persuade a group of Yorkshire women to pose for a charity calendar after the death of her friend’s husband. Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, and other prominent British actresses also feature. Walters’ performance brought humour and emotional sincerity to a story inspired by a real fundraising campaign.
2004 — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in 2004 and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Walters returned as Molly Weasley as Harry faces the mysterious Sirius Black and discovers more about his parents’ past. The film adopted a darker and more mature visual style while retaining the central relationships established in the first two instalments. Walters’ appearances continued to reinforce Molly as a protective maternal figure within Harry’s extended circle of friends and family.
2004 — Mickybo and Me
Mickybo and Me was released in 2004 and featured Walters as Mickybo’s mother. Directed by Terry Loane, the Northern Irish coming-of-age film follows two young boys whose friendship develops against the backdrop of the Troubles. Walters’ supporting performance contributes to the film’s family and community perspective. The movie is a quieter entry in her filmography but is notable for its strong regional setting and childhood viewpoint.
2005 — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released in 2005 and directed by Mike Newell. Walters again played Molly Weasley, although her role is smaller than in some other instalments. The film follows Harry’s participation in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament while Lord Voldemort’s return becomes increasingly imminent. Walters’ presence continues to provide an important connection to the Weasley family as the story becomes progressively darker.
2005 — Wah-Wah
Wah-Wah was released in 2005 and directed by Richard E. Grant. Walters played Gwen Traherne in this autobiographical drama inspired by Grant’s childhood in Swaziland during the period surrounding the end of British colonial rule. The film examines family breakdown, childhood memories, and the impact of social change. Walters’ role adds emotional complexity to the film’s portrayal of a troubled family.
2006 — Driving Lessons
Driving Lessons was released in 2006, with Walters playing Evie Walton. Directed by Jeremy Brock, the coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a sheltered teenage boy whose life changes after he becomes involved with an eccentric actress played by Rupert Grint’s character’s mother. Walters portrays an intensely religious and controlling parent whose worldview clashes with her son’s developing independence. The performance allowed her to explore a more difficult and unsympathetic character.
2007 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released in 2007 and directed by David Yates. Walters returned as Molly Weasley as Harry and his friends confront the Ministry of Magic’s denial of Voldemort’s return. Molly also becomes closely associated with the Order of the Phoenix, strengthening her role within the wider fight against Voldemort. The film expanded Walters’ character beyond the family home and into the central conflict of the series.
2007 — Becoming Jane
Becoming Jane was released in 2007 and directed by Julian Jarrold. Walters portrayed Mrs Austen, the mother of celebrated novelist Jane Austen, played by Anne Hathaway. The historical romantic drama imagines aspects of Austen’s early life and her relationship with Thomas Lefroy, portrayed by James McAvoy. Walters’ performance added warmth and humour to the period setting while helping establish the Austen family environment.
2008 — Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! was released in 2008 and became one of Walters’ biggest musical successes. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the film features Walters as Rosie, one of Donna’s closest friends, with Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski completing the central trio. Built around songs by ABBA, the romantic musical comedy follows a young bride trying to discover the identity of her biological father. Walters’ comic timing and musical performance made Rosie a memorable part of the ensemble.
2009 — Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released in 2009, again directed by David Yates. Walters reprised Molly Weasley as Harry and his friends face the growing threat of Voldemort and investigate the secrets surrounding Tom Riddle. The film combines fantasy adventure with increasingly serious themes of loss and sacrifice. Molly’s role remains an important emotional anchor within the story.
2010 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 was released in 2010 and directed by David Yates. Walters returned as Molly Weasley, although the character spends much of the story away from Harry as he begins his dangerous mission with Ron and Hermione. The film marks the beginning of the franchise’s concluding chapter and adopts a more serious, war-like tone. Walters’ presence helps maintain the sense of family and safety that has defined Molly throughout the series.
2011 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 completed the main Harry Potter film series in 2011. Walters delivered one of Molly Weasley’s most memorable moments when she confronts Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter, during the Battle of Hogwarts. Directed by David Yates, the film brings the long-running conflict between Harry and Voldemort to its conclusion. Walters’ performance in the climactic battle became one of the franchise’s most celebrated supporting moments.
2011 — Gnomeo & Juliet
Gnomeo & Juliet was released in 2011 and featured Walters as the voice of Miss Montague. Directed by Kelly Asbury, the animated family comedy reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with garden gnomes as its central characters. Walters’ role was a voice performance rather than a live-action appearance. The film also features music associated with Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
2012 — Brave
Brave was released in 2012 and featured Walters as the voice of the Witch, with Pixar producing the animated fantasy adventure. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, the film follows Princess Merida as she struggles against expectations surrounding her future and family life. Walters’ Witch is a mysterious and comic supporting character whose actions help set the story in motion. This was another notable animated voice role in her film career.
2012 — The Legend of Mor’du
The Legend of Mor’du was released as a short animated companion piece connected to Brave. Walters provided the voice of the Witch, continuing the character from the feature film. The short expands the mythology surrounding Mor’du and the history of the kingdom. Because it is a short film rather than a feature film, it is best treated as a non-standard entry in Walters’ filmography.
2013 — Justin and the Knights of Valour
Justin and the Knights of Valour was released in 2013 and featured Walters as the voice of Gran. Directed by Manuel Sicilia, the animated adventure follows a young boy who dreams of becoming a knight despite his family’s expectations. Walters’ contribution was a voice role, supporting the film’s family-friendly medieval adventure setting. The movie also featured the voices of Antonio Banderas, Mark Strong, and Rupert Everett.
2013 — One Chance
One Chance was released in 2013 and directed by David Frankel. Walters played Yvonne Potts, the mother of singer Paul Potts, portrayed by James Corden. The biographical comedy-drama follows Potts’ journey from an unassuming shop assistant to an internationally recognised opera singer after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. Walters’ performance adds much of the film’s family warmth and emotional support.
2013 — The Harry Hill Movie
The Harry Hill Movie was released in 2013, with Walters appearing as Harry’s Nan. Directed by Steve Bendelack, the British comedy stars comedian Harry Hill in an eccentric road-trip story involving family, mistaken identities, and unusual adventures. Walters’ role is a comic supporting appearance rather than a central dramatic performance. The film fits comfortably within the broad comedy tradition that has featured throughout parts of her career.
2014 — Paddington
Paddington was released in 2014 and directed by Paul King. Walters played Mrs Bird, the Brown family’s housekeeper, in the live-action/animation hybrid based on Michael Bond’s beloved children’s character. Ben Whishaw provided the voice of Paddington, while Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins played Mr and Mrs Brown. Walters’ Mrs Bird quickly became one of the film’s warmest and funniest supporting characters.
2014 — Effie Gray
Effie Gray was released in 2014 and featured Walters as Margaret Cox Ruskin. Directed by Richard LaGravenese, the period drama explores the troubled marriage between Effie Gray and art critic John Ruskin. Dakota Fanning played Effie, with Greg Wise portraying Ruskin. Walters’ supporting role contributes to the film’s depiction of the social pressures surrounding the central relationship.
2015 — Brooklyn
Brooklyn was released in 2015 and directed by John Crowley. Walters portrayed Mrs Kehoe, the sharp-tongued landlady who oversees the boarding house where Saoirse Ronan’s Eilis Lacey lives in Brooklyn. The romantic period drama follows an Irish immigrant adapting to life in New York while struggling between two homes and two possible futures. Walters’ comic supporting performance became one of the film’s memorable elements.
2017 — Paddington 2
Paddington 2 was released in 2017 and once again featured Walters as Mrs Bird. Directed by Paul King, the family comedy follows Paddington as he attempts to purchase a special book for his aunt Lucy before being wrongly accused of a crime. Walters returned alongside Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Ben Whishaw, and a new supporting cast including Hugh Grant. The film was widely acclaimed for its humour, warmth, and imaginative storytelling.
2017 — Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool was released in 2017 and featured Walters as Bella Turner. Directed by Paul McGuigan, the romantic drama tells the later-life story of Hollywood actress Gloria Grahame and her relationship with actor Peter Turner. Annette Bening and Jamie Bell lead the film, while Walters provides an important supporting performance as Peter’s mother. The film offered another opportunity for Walters to work within a serious, character-driven drama.
2018 — Sherlock Gnomes
Sherlock Gnomes was released in 2018 and featured Walters as the voice of Miss Montague. Directed by John Stevenson, the animated mystery comedy continues the story begun in Gnomeo & Juliet, introducing a garden-gnome version of Sherlock Holmes. Walters’ performance is a voice role, continuing her association with the animated franchise. The film combines detective-story elements with family comedy.
2018 — Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was released in 2018, with Walters returning as Rosie. Directed by Ol Parker, the musical sequel moves between the present and the younger years of Donna, while bringing back much of the original cast. Walters again shared the screen with Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski and performed songs from the ABBA catalogue. The sequel expanded Rosie’s role while preserving the lively friendship between the three women.
2018 — Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins Returns was released in 2018 and directed by Rob Marshall. Walters played Ellen, the Banks family’s loyal housekeeper, alongside Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack. The fantasy musical revisits the Banks family decades after the events of the original Mary Poppins. Walters’ performance provides continuity with the classic British family-film tradition while fitting naturally into the new story.
2018 — Wild Rose
Wild Rose was released in 2018 and featured Walters as Marion. Directed by Tom Harper, the British musical drama stars Jessie Buckley as Rose-Lynn Harlan, a young Glasgow woman determined to pursue a career as a country singer. Walters’ character becomes part of Rose-Lynn’s complicated family and personal journey. The film combines music and social drama while examining ambition, motherhood, and second chances.
2019 — The Queen’s Corgi
The Queen’s Corgi was released in 2019, with Walters providing the voice of the Queen. Directed by Ben Stassen and Vincent Kesteloot, the animated comedy follows Rex, a pampered royal corgi who becomes separated from Buckingham Palace and must find his way home. Walters’ appearance is a voice performance, rather than a live-action role. The film uses a fictionalised version of the British royal household as the setting for its family adventure.
2020 — The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden was released in 2020 and directed by Marc Munden. Walters played Mrs Medlock, the strict housekeeper overseeing the mysterious Yorkshire estate where young Mary Lennox discovers a hidden garden. The film is based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s novel and combines family drama with fantasy. Walters gives the initially stern character an imposing presence within the atmospheric adaptation.
2021 — The Abominable Snow Baby
The Abominable Snow Baby was released in 2021, with Walters providing the voice of Granny. The animated production is based on a story by Terry Pratchett and follows a community’s unexpected encounter with a mysterious snow creature. Walters’ contribution is a voice performance in a short animated film, rather than a conventional live-action feature role. It nevertheless represents another family-oriented project in her later career.
2024 — Paddington in Peru
Paddington in Peru was released in 2024 and brought Walters back as Mrs Bird for another adventure involving the beloved bear. Directed by Dougal Wilson, the film follows Paddington and the Brown family as they travel to Peru in search of Aunt Lucy. Walters’ return continues her connection with the Paddington series and reunites her with the established ensemble surrounding the character. As her latest released feature film appearance, it represents the most recent entry in the Julie Walters movies by year chronology.
Conclusion
Julie Walters’ movie career stretches from her breakthrough in Educating Rita through acclaimed British dramas, comedies, musicals, animated adventures, and some of the world’s biggest family franchises. Her performances in Billy Elliot, Calendar Girls, Mamma Mia!, and the Harry Potter series established her as a versatile performer capable of moving effortlessly between comedy and serious drama. She also developed a strong presence in family cinema through Paddington, Brave, Gnomeo & Juliet, and other voice performances. From her early British films to Paddington in Peru, her filmography reflects a career defined by memorable characters, distinctive comic timing, and emotional range.
