Olivia Colman is an iconic British actress whose films have earned her a legion of loyal fans. For almost two decades, Colman has been consistently making critically acclaimed films that further prove her talent as an actress. Whether it’s drama, comedy, or even mystery films, Colman has never failed to deliver a compelling performance that makes her films must-watch movies. To celebrate the Oscar-winning actress, here is a list of Olivia Colman’s best films, ranked.
1 | The Favourite (2018)
The Favourite is a historical drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who is famous for his dark comedies and bafflingly strange films. In The Favourite, Olivia Colman stars as Queen Anne of England and Scotland, whose line of succession to the throne was disrupted by the machinations of two, power-hungry courtiers. Colman’s performance in the film earned her an Academy Award and British Academy Film Award for Best Actress.
2 | The Lobster (2015)
The Lobster is a science fiction, dark comedy rom-com directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. In the movie, single people are given a legal deadline to find a partner; failure to do so will lead to their transformation into an animal of their choosing. In the film, Colman portrays a creepy and intimidating character who enforces these rules in a strict manner.
3 | Hot Fuzz (2007)
Hot Fuzz is an action-comedy film directed by Edgar Wright, known for his collaboration with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The movie is centered around a police officer (Simon Pegg) who is tasked with investigating suspicious activity in a small British town. Olivia Colman plays the role of Simon Pegg’s boss, who is suspicious of his successful results.
4 | Tyrannosaur (2011)
Tyrannosaur is a British drama that is written, directed and produced by Paddy Considine. The movie follows a young man (played by Peter Mullan) who attempts to find solace in a local church as he struggles to keep his anger in check. In the film, Olivia Colman plays the kindly and sympathetic Hannah, a charity shop worker who attempts to show him compassion.
5 | The Night Manager (2016)
The Night Manager is a six-part miniseries based on the 1993 spy novel by John le Carré. Tom Hiddleston stars in the series as Jonathan Pine, a former British solider who is hired as an undercover operative to infiltrate a dangerous international arms dealer’s organization. In the series, Olivia Colman stars as Angela Burr, a British intelligence agent tasked with bringing the arms dealer to justice.
6 | Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery drama directed by Kenneth Branagh, based on the 1934 novel of the same title. In the film, a train full of passengers is stranded in the woods and the mysterious Mr. Ratchett (Johnny Depp) is found dead in his compartment. Colman stars in the film as Princess Dragomiroff, a royal passenger who is one of the suspects in the murder investigation.
7 | 45 Years (2015)
45 Years is a drama film directed and written by Andrew Haigh. In the film, a couple played by Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, who have been married for 45 years, are suddenly hit with a seismic shock to their relationship. Olivia Colman stars as Kate Mercer, their daughter-in-law, who is caught in the middle of their marital problems.
8 | Broadchurch (2013-17)
Broadchurch is a British drama that aired on BBC One for 8 episodes. The series follows a police investigation into the shocking murder of a 11-year-old boy in a rural Dorset town. Colman stars as DI Alec Hardy, a detective sent to investigate the town, who eventually teams up with the local police officer, Ellie Miller.
9 | Green Wing (2004-07)
Green Wing is a British sitcom that follows the misadventures of the staff members of the East Hampton Hospital. Olivia Colman stars as Karen, a receptionist in the hospital whose gossiping and love life drive the comedy in the show.
10 | The Iron Lady (2011)
The Iron Lady is a biographical drama directed by Phyllida Lloyd and starring Meryl Streep as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. In the movie, Colman plays the role of Howe, Thatcher’s closest female friend and advisor.
Olivia Colman is one of the most talented British actors of our time, an Oscar-winning performance is a testament of her brilliant acting range. The films listed above are Olivia Colman’s best films, a ranking of films that would remain timeless.
