26
A Royal Night Out

A Royal Night Out
In the 2015 film "A Royal Night Out," Emily Watson portrayed Queen Elizabeth. She played the character of Queen Elizabeth, later known as the Queen Mother. The film follows the adventures of Princess Elizabeth (played by Sarah Gadon) and Princess Margaret (played by Bel Powley) as they venture out of Buckingham Palace to celebrate V-E Day in 1945.

25
Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina
In the 2012 film "Anna Karenina," Emily Watson did indeed play the role of Countess Lidia Ivanovna. Countess Lidia Ivanovna is a significant character in Leo Tolstoy's novel "Anna Karenina," and Emily Watson portrayed her in the film adaptation directed by Joe Wright.

24
Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Kingsman: The Golden Circle
In the 2017 film "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," Emily Watson portrayed Chief of Staff Fox, a member of the U.S. government. With a supporting role, she played a significant part in the spy-action movie's plot, contributing to the thrilling and action-packed narrative.

23
The Luzhin Defence

The Luzhin Defence
  In the 2000 drama film "The Luzhin Defence," Emily Watson portrayed Natalia Katkov. Her character played a crucial role in the movie's emotional narrative, as she falls in love with Alexander Luzhin, a socially awkward and brilliant chess player played by John Turturro. The film follows their complex relationship as they navigate personal struggles and the challenges of competitive chess tournaments, making for a compelling and poignant story.

22
Cemetery Junction

Cemetery Junction
In the 2010 coming-of-age comedy-drama film "Cemetery Junction," Emily Watson portrayed the character Mrs. Kendrick. Set in the 1970s, the film revolves around three friends working in a small English town. Mrs. Kendrick is the mother of one of the main characters and plays a significant role in the story's emotional dynamics. Emily Watson's portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the character, contributing to the film's overall charm and exploration of friendship, dreams, and growing up.

21
Cradle Will Rock

Cradle Will Rock
In the 1999 film "Cradle Will Rock," Emily Watson played the character Olive Stanton. Set during the Great Depression, the movie portrays the struggle of artists and workers against political oppression. Olive Stanton is an aspiring actress whose life intertwines with various other characters, reflecting the societal tensions and artistic fervor of the time. Emily Watson's compelling performance brings depth and emotion to Olive's journey, contributing to the film's exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of artistic expression in turbulent times.

20
The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
In the 2004 TV film "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," Emily Watson portrayed the character Anne Sellers. The biographical drama delves into the complex life of the legendary British actor Peter Sellers. Anne Sellers was Peter's first wife and a significant figure in his tumultuous personal life. Emily Watson's portrayal of Anne brings depth and emotion to her role, contributing to the film's exploration of Peter Sellers' relationships, struggles, and the highs and lows of his illustrious career.

19
The Boxer

The Boxer
Emily Watson starred as Maggie in the 1997 film The Boxer. She plays the love interest of the main character, Danny (Daniel Day-Lewis), and struggles with his involvement in the Irish Republican Army. Watson's performance was highly praised by critics, with the New York Times writing that she "brings a radiance and gravity to her role".

18
Miss Potter

Miss Potter
Emily Watson stars as Beatrix Potter in the 2006 biopic Miss Potter. Watson portrays Potter as a successful children's author who struggles to balance her personal and professional lives. The film follows Potter as she overcomes social barriers and a battle with copyright law to publish her work. Watson's performance in the film was praised by critics and she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical.

17
Oranges and Sunshine

Oranges and Sunshine
In the 2010 British-Australian drama film Oranges and Sunshine, Emily Watson stars as Margaret Humphreys, a British social worker who uncovers the forced migration of children from the United Kingdom to Australia in the 1950s and 1960s. Watson's performance was widely praised, with many critics noting her ability to convey the emotional turmoil of the character.

16
Everest

Everest
Emily Watson starred in the 2015 film Everest, playing the role of Helen Wilton. She is a British actress who has starred in numerous films, including Gosford Park, The Theory of Everything, and War Horse.

15
Gosford Park

Gosford Park
Emily Watson starred as Elsie, the head housemaid, in the 2001 film Gosford Park. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

14
War Horse

War Horse
Emily Watson stars as Rose Narracott in the Steven Spielberg-directed film War Horse. Watson plays the mother of Albert Narracott, played by Jeremy Irvine, who is determined to find his beloved horse, Joey, after it is conscripted into the British army during World War I. Watson's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

13
Testament of Youth

Testament of Youth
Emily Watson appeared in the 2014 film adaptation of Testament of Youth, in the role of Vera Brittain's mother. She received critical acclaim for her performance and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

12
Red Dragon

Red Dragon
Emily Watson plays the role of the female lead in Red Dragon, a 2002 psychological thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. She stars opposite Anthony Hopkins, who plays the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Watson portrays the role of Reba McClane, the blind girlfriend of serial killer Francis Dolarhyde. The film follows her character's struggles as she is caught between the killer and the FBI agents who are trying to track him down. Watson's performance in the film was praised by critics and she earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her work.

11
Belle

Belle
Emily Watson portrays Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the 2014 movie Belle. She is the great-aunt of Dido Elizabeth Belle and provides her with guidance and support throughout the movie.

10
The Proposition

The Proposition
Emily Watson played the role of Martha, in the 2005 Australian western film The Proposition. Martha is the wife of Charlie Burns, played by Guy Pearce, and the mother of Mikey and Arthur Burns, played by Richard Wilson and Danny Huston, respectively. Martha is a woman of few words, but her strength and courage are evident in her interactions with her children and her husband.

9
Hilary and Jackie

Hilary and Jackie
Emily Watson starred as Hilary du Pré in the 1998 biographical drama film Hilary and Jackie. The film tells the story of how two sisters, Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré, struggled with their respective talents and the jealousy between them. Watson earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

8
Punch-Drunk Love

Punch-Drunk Love
Emily Watson plays Lena Leonard, a kind and understanding woman who befriends the socially awkward Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) in the 2002 romantic comedy drama Punch-Drunk Love. Lena helps Barry to confront his past and embrace the possibility of finding love. Watson's performance in the film earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female.

7
Angela's Ashes

Angela's Ashes
Emily Watson plays the role of Angela McCourt in the 1999 film adaptation of Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes. Watson's performance was widely praised, with the New York Times calling her portrayal of Angela "a performance of extraordinary poignancy".

6
Little Boy

Little Boy
Emily Watson plays the role of Emma Busbee in the 2015 film Little Boy. Emma is the mother of the title character, 8-year-old Pepper Busbee, and is a devoted, loving mother who will do anything to protect her son. Despite the hardships she and her family face during World War II, she remains a source of strength and support for Pepper.

5
Equilibrium

Equilibrium
Emily Watson stars as Mary O’Brian, a member of the Grammaton Cleric law enforcement force in the 2002 dystopian science fiction action film Equilibrium. Mary is a highly skilled fighter and one of the most decorated Clerics in the service of Father, the leader of Libria. She is also a key figure in the resistance against the oppressive regime and helps the protagonist, John Preston, escape from the city. Watson’s portrayal of Mary demonstrates a strong female character who is strong-willed, intelligent, and loyal. She is an essential part of the resistance and a powerful symbol of hope in the fight against totalitarianism.

4
Synecdoche, New York

Synecdoche, New York
Emily Watson plays Hazel, a painter and the wife of theater director Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman). She is a supportive figure in Caden's life, and her presence is a source of stability and serenity in his increasingly surreal world. She is understanding and loving towards her husband, but is not afraid to tell him the truth when necessary. She is a strong and caring individual, and her presence helps Caden to find his way through his struggles.

3
The Book Thief

The Book Thief
Emma Watson stars in the 2013 film adaptation of Markus Zusak's novel The Book Thief, directed by Brian Percival. She plays the role of Rosa Hubermann, the loving foster mother of Liesel, the book thief of the title. She is a strong and loyal woman who has a complicated relationship with her husband and is struggling to cope with the changing times in Nazi Germany.

2
The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything
Emily Watson portrays Jane Wilde Hawking in the 2014 biographical drama The Theory of Everything. Watson received critical acclaim for her performance, and was nominated for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.

1
Breaking the Waves

Breaking the Waves
Emily Watson starred as Bess McNeill in the 1996 film Breaking the Waves. Watson's performance in the film earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Watson's performance is widely considered to be one of the best in the history of cinema.