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Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Stefanie Hutson

For all the talk of diversity in TV and film, older women continue to find themselves overlooked and underrepresented in Western media – especially Hollywood. While the UK is often better at this than the US, one UK study found that just 18% of presenters over 50 were women (and as we know, the older you get, the more the real-world population skews female due to men having shorter lifespans).

Today, however, we're going to turn the focus towards the good news – the fact that the UK has produced some truly wonderful films starring older women. 

Deciding where to draw the “older woman” line is, of course, a challenging task. While we firmly believe you're only as old as you feel, we've placed the cut-off at 60 because it's the age at which you become eligible for “concessions” rates in the UK (which is handy to know if you're planning a trip and you want those discounts).

In the interest of diversity, we've also done our best to keep this from becoming a list of nothing but films starring Dame Judi Dench. As much as we love her and her work, we wanted to highlight a wide variety of talented older actresses.

19 Incredible British Movies Starring Older Women

Fair warning: this list includes a lot of Dames Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, and Maggie Smith. But really – who doesn't love them? The films themselves are in no particular order.

Calendar Girls

This 2003 comedy-drama boasts an impressive female-led cast that includes Helen Mirren,  Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Annette Crosbie, Geraldine James, and Penelope Wilton. Not all were older than 60 at the time, but with so many women in their 50s, it's hard to justify excluding it from this list.

Based on a true story, it follows a group of middle-aged women from a Yorkshire Women’s Institute who decide to raise money for charity in an unconventional way—by posing for a nude calendar. Helen Mirren plays Chris, the driving force behind the idea, while Julie Walters plays Annie, whose personal loss inspires the fundraiser. Their bold plan of action stirs up both local and national attention, leading to unexpected fame and challenges. Watch it HERE. 

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris 

This charming 2022 film follows the heartwarming journey of Ada Harris (Lesley Manville, Magpie Murders), a widowed cleaning lady from 1950s London. When she falls in love with a beautiful Dior dress while cleaning a wealthy client’s home, she becomes determined to travel to Paris and buy one for herself.

The film follows along as Mrs. Harris scrimps, saves, and finally makes her way to the glamorous world of Parisian fashion. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including Isabelle Huppert as the haughty Dior director and Lambert Wilson as a kindhearted aristocrat. Watch it HERE

Ladies in Lavender

Set in 1930s Cornwall, this 2004 period drama stars Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith as two elderly sisters, Ursula and Janet. Their peaceful lives take a surprising turn when they discover a young man, Andrea, played by Daniel Brühl, washed ashore near their home.

The sisters take him in and care for him, and as Andrea recovers, an emotional connection grows, especially for Ursula, who begins to feel a deep attachment. As the story unfolds, Andrea's musical talents are revealed, drawing the attention of the local community and bringing new meaning to the sisters' previously quiet lives. Watch it HERE

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

This 2005 film stars Dame Joan Plowright as the titular Mrs. Palfrey, an elderly widow who moves into the Claremont Hotel, a London residence for retirees. Hoping to reconnect with family and find companionship, Mrs. Palfrey struggles with loneliness in the unfamiliar environment.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she has a change encounter with a young aspiring writer named Ludovic (Rupert Friend). The two form an unlikely but meaningful friendship, with Ludovic stepping in to play the role of her absent grandson. Through their growing bond, each of them develop new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be a family. Watch it HERE

Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard of Bingen was one of the most educationally accomplished women of the Middle Ages, active as a writer, abbess, philosopher, mystic, composer, and medical practitioner during her lifetime. Some even consider her to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany. 

In 1994, Keeping Up Appearances star Dame Patricia Routledge took on the role of Hildegard in a BBC docudrama, Hildegard of Bingen. Though the film is a bit too short for the material, it's well worth a watch for both Routledge's performance and a glimpse at Hildegard's incredible life in a time when women didn't have many options.

If you don't know anything at all about the real story of her life, it's worth a quick Google just to get the highlights so you have some context when you watch. Watch it HERE. 

The Last of the Blonde Bombshells

This 2000 film stars Dame Judi Dench as Elizabeth, a widow who sets out to reunite her wartime all-female swing band, the Blonde Bombshells. After the death of her husband, she rediscovers her passion for music and decides to track down the old band members. As she reconnects with her former bandmates, each woman has her own story and challenges as they approach their final performance. Along the way, they reminisce about the past, share laughter, and rekindle the bond they once shared during the war years.

The delightful ensemble cast also includes Joan Sims, June Whitfield, Billie Whitelaw, Leslie Caron, and Olympia Dukakis (along with Romola Garai as a young Elizabeth). Watch it HERE. 

Finding Your Feet

This 2017 comedy-drama features Imelda Staunton as Sandra, a wealthy, uptight woman whose life is turned upside down when she discovers her husband’s infidelity. Seeking refuge, she moves in with her free-spirited sister, Bif (Celia Imrie), in a modest London neighborhood. As she adjusts to her new surroundings, her sister encourages her to join a local dance class. There, Sandra meets a lively group of new friends, including Charlie (Timothy Spall), and begins to discover a whole new kind of happiness. Through dance, humour, and the support of her newfound community, Sandra learns it’s never too late to start over. Watch it HERE. 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

This fun 2011 film features a brilliant ensemble cast including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, and Tom Wilkinson. It follows along as a group of British retirees decide to retire to a seemingly luxurious hotel in India, lured by promises of an exotic and affordable lifestyle. Upon arrival, they discover that the hotel is far from the grand establishment advertised, but under the enthusiastic management of the young and optimistic Sonny (Dev Patel), the group begins to adjust to their new surroundings. Along the way, they discover things about themselves they never would have imagined.

If you like this one, be sure you don't miss the sequel. Watch: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel | The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

45 Years

This 2015 drama sees Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay star as Kate and Geoff Mercer, a couple preparing to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Their quiet life in rural England is shaken when Geoff receives unexpected news: the body of his first love, who died in a mountain accident decades ago, has been found preserved in ice.

As the anniversary approaches, the news begins to unravel the couple’s relationship, leading Kate to question the foundation of their marriage. The emotional distance that grows between them is subtly explored, as old memories resurface and long-buried feelings come to light. Watch it HERE. 

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

Though star Annette Bening was only 59 when this one was released, we're letting it slip in because (a) it's really close, and (b) the film also featured Dame Vanessa Redgrave, who was roughly 80 at the time. The 2017 film is based on the true story of the relationship between Hollywood actress Gloria Grahame (Bening) and a younger British actor, Peter Turner (Jamie Bell), in the late 1970s.

The film follows their unlikely romance, which reignites when Grahame, now in her declining years and battling illness, seeks comfort and care from Peter and his family in Liverpool. Though he's reluctant, he takes her in and they're able to reach a point of understanding about their shared history. Watch it HERE. 

The Lady in the Van

Dame Maggie Smith stars in this 2015 film as Miss Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman who parks her dilapidated van in the driveway of playwright Alan Bennett’s (Alex Jennings) home. What begins as a temporary arrangement turns into a 15-year-long stay, much to the bewilderment and frustration of Bennett. Through flashbacks and interactions, the layers of Miss Shepherd’s past are slowly revealed, showing her to be much more than she appears on the surface.

The film is based on a true story, and though many reading this list will have likely seen it, we could hardly make a list like this without including it. Watch it HERE. 

Victoria & Abdul

This 2017 historical drama stars Dame Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim, a young clerk from India who forms an unexpected and close friendship with the aging monarch. Set in the late 1800s, the film follows Abdul’s arrival in England to present the Queen with a ceremonial gift for her Golden Jubilee. Despite their cultural differences and the disapproval of the royal household, Victoria and Abdul develop a deep and unlikely bond, with Abdul becoming her trusted confidant and teacher. As their friendship grows, it challenges the rigid boundaries of class and race within the royal court. Watch it HERE. 

Edie

Sheila Hancock plays Edie in this 2017 film about an 83-year-old widow who, after the death of her controlling husband, decides to embark on a life-changing adventure. Determined to fulfill a long-held dream, Edie sets out to climb the rugged and challenging Mount Suilven in the Scottish Highlands, a task she had once hoped to achieve with her father. Despite her age and the skepticism of those around her, Edie enlists the help of a young local guide, Jonny (Kevin Guthrie), to prepare for the climb. As they form an unlikely friendship, Edie pushes herself physically and emotionally to rediscover her sense of independence and purpose. Watch it HERE

Tea With Mussolini

This 1999 British-Italian drama features a wonderful ensemble cast including Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Joan Plowright (plus Cher). Set in Italy before and during World War II, the film follows a group of mature English women, affectionately known as “The Scorpioni,” who live in Florence and meet for tea each afternoon.

Led by the sharp-tongued Lady Hester (Smith), their lives are disrupted as the political situation in Italy grows increasingly unstable. As Mussolini rises to power, their status as foreigners puts them in a precarious position, but they remain determined to maintain their dignity and way of life. The story also follows young Luca, an orphaned boy taken under the wing of the women, and the influence they have on his upbringing. Get it on DVD: HERE. 

My Sailor My Love

First off, we should say that this 2022 film is technically Irish, not British – but as we're still talking about the British Isles and we don't like to see Irish filmmakers overlooked, we're including it anyway. The film follows Howard, a retired sea captain (James Cosmo), who's grown isolated and set in his ways. When he starts to build a connection with his housekeeper, Annie (Brid Brennan), his daugher Grace (Catherine Walker) is more than a little concerned. 

As Howard and Annie's relationship deepens, the tension around Grace’s concern for her father’s vulnerability and his desire for companionship grows – offering a unique exploration of the issues and joys of late in life love. Watch it HERE

Margery & Gladys

This 2003 British comedy follows Dame Penelope Keith as Margery, a wealthy widow, and June Brown as Gladys, her straightforward cleaning lady. When Margery accidentally gets caught up in a robbery, Gladys steps in to assist, and the two women unexpectedly find themselves on the run. As they attempt to evade the law and navigate a series of mishaps, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, despite their different backgrounds. Watch it HERE

Elizabeth is Missing

This 2019 film stars Glenda Jackson as Maud, an elderly woman struggling with dementia, who becomes obsessed with the disappearance of her friend, Elizabeth. As Maud’s memory deteriorates, she becomes increasingly convinced that something sinister has happened to Elizabeth, even as those around her dismiss her concerns.

As Maud pieces together fragments of memories, the search for Elizabeth triggers flashbacks to the unresolved disappearance of her own sister, Sukey, decades earlier. The two mysteries intertwine as Maud battles her fading mind, determined to uncover the truth. Watch it HERE

Loving Miss Hatto

This heartwarming British TV movie blends music, romance, and a tale of rediscovered fame. Based on a true story, it stars Francesca Annis as Joyce Hatto, a once-talented concert pianist whose career was cut short by illness. Now living a quiet life with her devoted husband, William (Alfred Molina), she longs for the recognition she never achieved. As Joyce’s health continues to decline, William takes extraordinary steps to bring her music back into the spotlight. His efforts lead to a surprising resurgence of her career, sparking a media frenzy and revealing a few secrets along the way.

Though our focus here is on older actresses, it's also worth mentioning that the film examines two periods in time, with Maimie McCoy and Rory Kinnear playing the couple in the earlier part of their life. Watch it HERE

The Time of Their Lives

This fun British 2017 road trip dramedy stars Joan Collins and Pauline Collins (no relation), and it's an uplifting hour and a half of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery.

Joan Collins plays Helen Shelley, a once-famous Hollywood star who now finds herself living in a London retirement home and longing for a bit of adventure. Still glamorous and bold, she harbours dreams of something more. Meanwhile, Pauline Collins plays Priscilla, a downtrodden housewife stuck in an unfulfilling marriage. When the two women meet under unlikely circumstances, they embark on a spontaneous journey to France to attend Helen’s ex-lover’s funeral. From there, the two navigate mishaps, misunderstandings, and run-ins with locals (including Franco Nero as a love interest). Watch it HERE

 

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