Imelda Staunton is an award-winning English actress whose film career encompasses period dramas, British comedies, animated adventures and major fantasy franchises. With a background in theatre and a reputation for nuanced character performances, she has become one of Britain’s most recognisable screen actors. International audiences know her especially for playing Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films and Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, while her acclaimed performance in Vera Drake earned her major awards recognition. Staunton has also brought warmth and wit to family films, including her voice role as Aunt Lucy in the Paddington series. Her filmography features both leading performances and memorable supporting roles, often distinguished by her precise comic timing and emotional depth. This Imelda Staunton movies by year guide follows her released feature films chronologically, including animated voice performances and clearly identified non-standard appearances.
1986 — Comrades
Imelda Staunton made her feature-film debut in Comrades, a historical drama directed by Bill Douglas. She plays Betsy Loveless in the film, which recounts the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of 19th-century English agricultural labourers prosecuted for forming a trade union. The film is known for its distinctive visual style and its focus on working-class history.
1992 — Peter’s Friends
Staunton plays Mary Charleston in Peter’s Friends, a comedy-drama directed by Kenneth Branagh. The film follows a group of former university friends who reunite at a country house and confront the changes in their lives. Its ensemble cast includes Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie and Branagh, blending humour with more serious reflections on friendship and mortality.
1993 — Much Ado About Nothing
In Kenneth Branagh’s Shakespeare adaptation Much Ado About Nothing, Staunton plays Margaret, a gentlewoman attending Hero. The romantic comedy follows the courtship of Beatrice and Benedick while a scheme threatens the happiness of another couple. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Branagh, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington and Kate Beckinsale.
1994 — Deadly Advice
Staunton stars as Beth Greenwood in Deadly Advice, a dark British comedy directed by Mandie Fletcher. The film follows a woman who seeks guidance from the spirits of famous murderers as she considers how to deal with her difficult mother. Its unusual premise combines black comedy with crime and psychological elements.
1995 — The Snow Queen
Staunton provides the voices of Ivy and Angorra in The Snow Queen, an animated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. The fantasy follows a young girl’s journey to rescue her friend from the Snow Queen’s icy realm. Staunton’s voice work gives life to two distinct characters in this family-oriented animated feature.
1995 — Sense and Sensibility
Staunton plays Charlotte Palmer in Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility, adapted from Jane Austen’s novel. The period drama follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate love, financial insecurity and social expectations after their father’s death. The film stars Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and received widespread critical acclaim.
1996 — Twelfth Night
In Twelfth Night, directed by Trevor Nunn, Staunton plays Maria, the clever attendant who helps orchestrate a practical joke against the pompous Malvolio. The romantic comedy is based on Shakespeare’s play about mistaken identity, love and comic misunderstandings. Staunton’s performance contributes to the film’s lively ensemble, which includes Helena Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs and Nigel Hawthorne.
1996 — The Snow Queen’s Revenge
Staunton voices Elspeth and Rowena in The Snow Queen’s Revenge, the animated follow-up to The Snow Queen. The fantasy adventure continues the story’s magical world with new challenges and characters. Her dual voice performance is a notable part of this lesser-known animated sequel.
1997 — Remember Me?
Staunton plays Lorna in Remember Me?, a British romantic comedy directed by Nick Hurran. The film centres on a man who undergoes cosmetic surgery and then attempts to re-enter the life of a former love, creating complications and misunderstandings. It is an early example of Staunton’s work in contemporary British comedy.
1997 — The Ugly Duckling
Staunton voices Scruffy in The Ugly Duckling, an animated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. The story follows an unusual-looking young bird as he struggles to find acceptance before discovering his identity. This direct-to-video family feature showcases Staunton’s voice acting beyond her live-action roles.
1998 — Shakespeare in Love
Staunton plays the Nurse in Shakespeare in Love, John Madden’s romantic comedy-drama. Set in Elizabethan England, the film imagines a fictional romance that inspires William Shakespeare while he writes Romeo and Juliet. Featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes and Judi Dench, the film won multiple Academy Awards and remains one of Staunton’s most prominent early screen credits.
1999 — Jack & the Beanstalk
Staunton voices Dilly in Jack & the Beanstalk, an animated retelling of the traditional fairy tale. The story follows Jack’s magical journey after he trades the family cow for mysterious beans that grow into a giant beanstalk. This direct-to-video production adds another family-fantasy voice role to her filmography.
2000 — Chicken Run
Staunton voices Bunty in Chicken Run, the stop-motion animated comedy directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park. The film follows a group of chickens plotting to escape a farm before its owners turn them into pies. Bunty is one of the flock’s outspoken members, and the film became a landmark success for Aardman Animations.
2000 — Rat
In Rat, Staunton plays Conchita Flynn, part of a family whose lives change when their father appears to have been transformed into a rat. Directed by Steve Barron, the Irish-British comedy is loosely inspired by Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. Its blend of absurd humour and family drama makes it one of Staunton’s more unusual early-2000s film roles.
2001 — Another Life
Staunton stars as Edith Thompson in Another Life, a British crime drama directed by Philip Goodhew. Based on the real-life Thompson and Bywaters case, the film revisits a notorious 1920s murder trial. The story examines a relationship that became the focus of a public scandal and a controversial criminal prosecution.
2001 — Crush
Staunton plays Janine in Crush, a British romantic comedy directed by John McKay. The film follows a group of friends whose romantic lives become complicated by attraction, jealousy and unexpected relationships. Its ensemble cast includes Andie MacDowell, Kenny Doughty and Anna Chancellor.
2003 — Bright Young Things
Staunton appears in Bright Young Things, a comedy-drama written and directed by Stephen Fry. Adapted from Evelyn Waugh’s novel Vile Bodies, the film follows a group of wealthy young socialites navigating parties, scandal and uncertainty in interwar London. Staunton is part of a large ensemble cast that includes Emily Mortimer, Stephen Campbell Moore and James McAvoy.
2003 — I’ll Be There
In I’ll Be There, Staunton plays a supporting role in a romantic comedy directed by Craig Ferguson. The film stars Charlotte Church as a young woman who discovers that a former rock star may be her father. Its story combines music, family relationships and romantic comedy.
2003 — Blackball
Staunton plays Bridget in Blackball, a British sports comedy directed by Mel Smith. The film follows a rebellious young lawn bowls player who is recruited to compete against a prestigious team. With a cast including Paul Kaye, James Cromwell and Vince Vaughn, the film turns an unlikely sport into the setting for an underdog comedy.
2004 — Vera Drake
Staunton delivers one of her most celebrated performances as the title character in Vera Drake, directed by Mike Leigh. Set in 1950s London, the drama follows a working-class woman who secretly helps women obtain illegal abortions, with devastating consequences when her activities are discovered. Staunton’s performance earned major awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Actress, and an Academy Award nomination.
2005 — Nanny McPhee
Staunton plays Mrs. Blatherwick in Nanny McPhee, a fantasy comedy directed by Kirk Jones. Emma Thompson stars as a magical nanny who arrives to care for seven unruly children and gradually changes their behaviour through a series of lessons. Staunton’s supporting role adds to the film’s eccentric, family-friendly world.
2006 — Shadow Man
Staunton appears as Ambassador Cochran in Shadow Man, an action thriller directed by Michael Keusch and starring Steven Seagal. The story follows a former government operative drawn into a dangerous mission involving a biological weapon and international intrigue. Released primarily as a direct-to-video feature, it is a departure from Staunton’s better-known British dramas and comedies.
2007 — Freedom Writers
Staunton plays Margaret Campbell in Freedom Writers, a drama directed by Richard LaGravenese. Based on the experiences of teacher Erin Gruwell, played by Hilary Swank, the film follows students in a racially divided high school as writing helps them confront difficult circumstances. Staunton’s character is part of the school administration, which initially resists Gruwell’s teaching methods.
2007 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Staunton made her first appearance as Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, directed by David Yates. Umbridge is a Ministry of Magic official appointed to Hogwarts, where her authoritarian rules place her in conflict with Harry and other students. Staunton’s carefully controlled performance made Umbridge one of the franchise’s most recognisable antagonists.
2007 — How About You
In How About You, Staunton plays Heather Nightingale, one of the residents of a care home during the Christmas season. Directed by Anthony Byrne, the comedy-drama follows a young woman tasked with looking after a group of difficult elderly residents. The film features a cast that includes Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Redgrave and Brenda Fricker.
2008 — Three and Out
Staunton plays Rosemary Cassidy in Three and Out, a British comedy directed by Jonathan Gershfield. The film follows a London Underground driver who discovers that a railway rule could allow him to receive a substantial payout after three fatal incidents. Staunton’s role contributes to the film’s mix of dark humour and emotional drama.
2008 — A Bunch of Amateurs
Staunton stars as Mary in A Bunch of Amateurs, a comedy directed by Andy Cadiff. The story follows a fading Hollywood actor, played by Burt Reynolds, who mistakenly believes he has been hired for a prestigious production but instead finds himself working with an amateur theatre group. The film explores the gap between celebrity expectations and the realities of community theatre.
2009 — Taking Woodstock
Staunton plays Sonia Teichberg in Taking Woodstock, a comedy-drama directed by Ang Lee. Based on Elliot Tiber’s memoir, the film recounts how a young man’s involvement in the 1969 Woodstock festival transforms his family’s struggling motel and the surrounding community. Staunton appears alongside Demetri Martin, Henry Goodman and Emile Hirsch.
2010 — Alice in Wonderland
Staunton voices the Tall Flower Faces in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, a fantasy adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s stories. The film follows Alice’s return to the fantastical Underland, where she encounters familiar characters and faces a new threat. Staunton’s voice role is part of the film’s imaginative ensemble, which includes Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter.
2010 — Another Year
Staunton plays Janet in Mike Leigh’s Another Year, a drama that follows a contented married couple and the friends who orbit their lives. Structured around the changing seasons, the film explores loneliness, ageing and emotional dependence through everyday conversations and encounters. Its naturalistic style and ensemble performances earned significant critical recognition.
2010 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Staunton reprises Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, directed by David Yates. The film follows Harry, Ron and Hermione as they leave Hogwarts to search for Voldemort’s Horcruxes, while the Ministry of Magic falls under increasingly oppressive control. Umbridge’s return reinforces the film’s themes of institutional cruelty and abuse of authority.
2011 — The Awakening
Staunton plays Maud Hill in The Awakening, a supernatural mystery directed by Nick Murphy. Set in post-First World War England, the film follows a writer who investigates reports of a haunting at a boys’ boarding school. Rebecca Hall and Dominic West lead the cast in a period story that blends psychological drama with ghost-story conventions.
2011 — Arthur Christmas
Staunton voices Mrs. Santa in Arthur Christmas, an animated Christmas comedy directed by Sarah Smith. The film follows Santa’s clumsy but kind-hearted son Arthur as he races to deliver a forgotten present before Christmas morning. Staunton’s voice performance is part of a British ensemble that includes James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Bill Nighy.
2012 — The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!
Staunton voices Queen Victoria in The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!, an animated comedy directed by Peter Lord. The film follows an enthusiastic but unsuccessful pirate captain who enters a competition and encounters Charles Darwin along the way. Its stop-motion animation, absurd humour and historical figures create a playful adventure for family audiences.
2012 — The Girl
Staunton portrays Alma Reville in The Girl, a television film directed by Julian Jarrold and based on the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and actress Tippi Hedren. The drama focuses on the making of The Birds and Marnie, examining the power dynamics and alleged mistreatment surrounding the productions. Although made for television rather than released as a theatrical feature, it is a notable screen credit in Staunton’s career.
2014 — Pride
Staunton plays Hefina Headon in Pride, a British historical comedy-drama directed by Matthew Warchus. Based on real events, the film follows LGBTQ+ activists who raise money to support striking miners and their families during the 1984–85 UK miners’ strike. Staunton’s performance contributes to the film’s portrayal of solidarity between communities that initially seem unlikely allies.
2014 — Maleficent
Staunton plays Knotgrass, one of the three fairy guardians of Princess Aurora, in Maleficent, directed by Robert Stromberg. The fantasy film retells the story of Sleeping Beauty from the perspective of its traditionally villainous sorceress, played by Angelina Jolie. Staunton’s character provides both comic moments and a protective, if imperfect, presence in Aurora’s upbringing.
2014 — Paddington
Staunton voices Aunt Lucy in Paddington, the live-action animated comedy directed by Paul King. Aunt Lucy is the bear’s beloved guardian in Peru, encouraging him to travel to London in search of a new home. Her warm voice performance helps establish the emotional heart of the film and the wider Paddington franchise.
2014 — Effie Gray
Staunton appears as Lady Eastlake in Effie Gray, a period drama directed by Richard Laxton and written by Emma Thompson. The film follows Euphemia “Effie” Gray, played by Dakota Fanning, and her troubled marriage to art critic John Ruskin. Set in Victorian Britain, the story examines gender expectations, social reputation and a marriage that became a public controversy.
2017 — Finding Your Feet
Staunton stars as Sandra Abbott in Finding Your Feet, a British romantic comedy directed by Richard Loncraine. After discovering her husband’s affair, Sandra moves in with her free-spirited sister Bif, played by Celia Imrie, and begins to rebuild her life through friendship and dance. The film gives Staunton a leading role in a warm, character-driven story about reinvention and later-life relationships.
2017 — Paddington 2
Staunton returns as the voice of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, directed by Paul King. When Paddington is wrongly accused of stealing a special pop-up book, he and the Brown family work to clear his name. Aunt Lucy remains an important emotional presence in Paddington’s life, even while much of the story unfolds in London.
2017 — Little Bird
Staunton appears as First Officer Simpkins in Little Bird, a short film rather than a standard feature-length release. The film is a compact screen project within her broader body of work, and its short-film format distinguishes it from her theatrical features of the same period.
2019 — Downton Abbey
Staunton plays Lady Maud Bagshaw in Downton Abbey, the feature-film continuation of the acclaimed period television drama. Directed by Michael Engler, the story centres on the Crawley family and their staff as Downton prepares for a royal visit. Maud’s connection to the royal household introduces a personal conflict that becomes part of the film’s central storyline.
2019 — Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Staunton reprises Knotgrass in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, the fantasy sequel directed by Joachim Rønning. The story follows Maleficent and Aurora as tensions rise between the human kingdom and the magical world ahead of Aurora’s planned marriage. Staunton returns alongside fellow fairy guardians Flittle and Thistlewit, continuing her role in the reimagined Sleeping Beauty universe.
2020 — Amulet
Staunton plays Sister Claire in Amulet, a British horror film written and directed by Romola Garai. The story follows a former soldier who is offered shelter in a decaying London home, where he begins to suspect that its inhabitants are hiding something disturbing. Staunton’s supporting performance contributes to the film’s unsettling atmosphere and themes of guilt, faith and repression.
2022 — Downton Abbey: A New Era
Staunton returns as Lady Maud Bagshaw in Downton Abbey: A New Era, directed by Simon Curtis. The film follows the Crawley family as they travel to the south of France after a mysterious inheritance, while a film crew arrives at Downton Abbey. Maud’s family connections remain part of the ensemble drama, which continues the franchise’s mix of personal revelations and period detail.
2023 — The Canterville Ghost
Staunton voices Mrs. Umney in The Canterville Ghost, an animated adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s story. The film follows an American family who move into a haunted English manor and encounter a ghost who has frightened its residents for generations. Staunton’s voice role supports the film’s blend of supernatural comedy and family adventure.
2023 — Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
Staunton reprises Bunty in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, returning to the role through voice acting. Directed by Sam Fell, the animated sequel follows Ginger and Rocky as they attempt to protect their daughter and other chickens from a high-tech poultry facility. Bunty returns as one of Ginger’s closest allies, connecting the sequel to the original Aardman film.
2024 — Paddington in Peru
Staunton returns as the voice of Aunt Lucy in Paddington in Peru, directed by Dougal Wilson. Paddington travels back to Peru with the Brown family to visit Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears, only to become caught up in a new mystery. The film continues Staunton’s long-running contribution to the franchise, with Aunt Lucy once again serving as a central emotional connection for Paddington.
2025 — & Sons
Staunton plays Isabel Platt in & Sons, a drama directed by Pablo Trapero and adapted from David Gilbert’s novel. The story centres on a celebrated novelist and his adult sons as family tensions and long-buried matters come to the surface. Staunton appears in the ensemble cast, adding a later-career dramatic role to her filmography.
Conclusion
Imelda Staunton’s film career reflects remarkable versatility, moving between literary adaptations, intimate British dramas, comedy, horror and animation. From her award-winning performance in Vera Drake to Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and Aunt Lucy in Paddington, she has created memorable characters across a wide range of genres. This Imelda Staunton movies by year filmography highlights the breadth of her work and her enduring presence in British and international cinema.
