The 40+ Best Joan Plowright Movies
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1Cher, Judi Dench, Joan PlowrightIn 1930s fascist Italy, adolescent Luca (Charlie Lucas) just lost his mother. His father, a callous businessman, sends him to be taken care of by British expatriate Mary Wallace (Joan Plowright). Mary and her cultured friends -- including artist Arabella (Judi Dench), young widow Elsa (Cher) and archaeologist Georgie (Lily Tomlin) -- keep a watchful eye over the boy. But the women's cultivated lives take a dramatic turn when Allied forces declare war on Mussolini.
2Miranda Richardson, Joan Plowright, Alfred MolinaWhen married British women Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson) and Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) decide to take a break from their respective spouses, they stay at a castle in Italy for a quiet holiday. Joining the ladies is Caroline Dester (Polly Walker), a young socialite, and Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright), an older aristocrat. Liberated from their daily routines, the four women ease into life in rural Italy, and each finds herself transformed by the experience.
3Joan Plowright, Rupert Friend, Robert LangAfter the death of her husband, Mrs. Palfrey (Joan Plowright) moves to London with the hope of gaining her independence and seeing her grandson. While she is staying at a residential hotel for senior citizens, she meets writer Ludovic Meyer (Rupert Friend) when she trips and falls on the street in front of his home. An unlikely friendship flourishes between them, bolstered by the fact that the residents are under the impression that Ludovic is Mrs. Palfrey's estranged grandson.
4William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joan PlowrightAn orphaned young girl, Jane Eyre (Anna Paquin), suffers humiliation and abuse at the hands of her aunt (Fiona Shaw) and is subsequently banished to a strict boarding school for several years. Upon her release, the adult Jane (Charlotte Gainsbourg) becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, caring for the child of Mr. Rochester (William Hurt) and his ailing wife (Maria Schneider). Jane and the enigmatic Rochester begin an intense relationship overshadowed by doubt and madness.
5Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely RichardsonIn the heartwarming family film, 101 Dalmatians, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of canine capers and high-stakes adventure. Roger (Jeff Daniels) and Anita (Joely Richardson), two Londoners, are proud pet parents to Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians who become parents themselves to a litter of adorable puppies. However, the joy is short-lived as the villainous Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close), with her insatiable lust for a Dalmatian fur coat, sets her sights on their spotted offspring. The race against time begins when these innocent pups are kidnapped, leading Pongo and Perdita on a daring rescue mission across England. A classic tale of love and bravery that's sure to captivate all age groups with its mix of suspense, humor, and unforgettable characters.More 101 Dalmatians
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6Walter Matthau, Mason Gamble, Joan PlowrightMischievous Dennis Mitchell (Mason Gamble) makes the life of neighbor George Wilson (Walter Matthau) miserable with his overactive energy and inadvertent troublemaking. Because his parents must leave town for work and can't find a baby sitter for Dennis, they ask George and his wife, Martha (Joan Plowright), to take care of him. But when burglar Switchblade Sam (Christopher Lloyd) breaks in to steal George's gold coin collection, he takes Dennis as a hostage, and crusty George must save the boy.More Dennis the Menace
7Demi Moore, Gary Oldman, Robert DuvallThe Scarlet Letter is a 1995 American film adaptation of the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel of the same name. It was directed by Roland Joffé and stars Demi Moore, Gary Oldman, and Robert Duvall. This version was "freely adapted" from Hawthorne and deviated from the original story. It was nominated for seven Golden Raspberry Awards at the 1995 ceremony, winning "Worst Remake or Sequel."
8The Merchant of Venice
Laurence Olivier, Joan Plowright, Jeremy BrettThe Merchant of Venice is a 1973 drama film directed by John Sichel.
9Laurence Olivier, Brenda De Banzie, Albert FinneyLondon schoolteacher Jean Rice (Joan Plowright) returns to her seaside resort hometown at a time of personal crisis. Her father, Archie (Laurence Olivier), is a star on the music hall circuit, but, in the television age, that old-fashioned entertainment is dying out. His second wife, Phoebe (Brenda De Banzie), is openly contemptuous of her husband's many affairs, and his son, Mick (Albert Finney), is a soldier fighting in the Suez. Despite Archie's unflagging optimism, tragic events unfold.
10Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise ParkerIn the enchanting film The Spiderwick Chronicles, Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore) stumbles upon Arthur Spiderwick's (David Strathairn) field guide to fantastical creatures. This discovery opens up a world of magic and danger in their old, secluded mansion. Accompanied by his twin brother Simon (also played by Freddie Highmore), and older sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), Jared navigates this perilous new reality. The movie is a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, with a dash of family drama. It won the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film, highlighting its excellence within its genre. The narrative threads an exciting journey of three siblings as they grapple with unseen forces, all while unraveling the mysteries left behind by their great-great uncle.- Dig Deeper...All the Spiderwick Chronicles Books, Ranked Best to Worst
- #111 of 188 onThe 180+ Top Kids Movies
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11Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, Joan PlowrightJoey (Kevin Kline) and his wife, Rosalie (Tracey Ullman), run a pizza joint with the help of Devo (River Phoenix), a spaced-out teenager with the hots for Rosalie. When Rosalie discovers that Joey is having a number of flings, she consults her mother (Joan Plowright). With divorce out of the question due to the couple's Roman Catholicism, murder is the only recourse. Devo helps by recruiting local thugs Harlan (William Hurt) and Marlon (Keanu Reeves), but luck is on the side of oblivious Joey.More I Love You to Death- #57 of 90 onThe Best Movies of 1990
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12Camilla Belle, Joan Plowright, George BakerCamilla Belle stars as Lizzie Buscana, a spirited orphan girl, in this sequel to the beloved adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel. Lady Mary Craven (Cherie Lunghi), the original heroine, now an adult, befriends Lizzie and invites her to move from Brooklyn to Misselthwaite Manor, which is now an orphanage. After hearing about the secret garden, Lizzie is disappointed upon arriving to find it in a state of decay, and she endeavors to restore the garden to its past splendor.
13Ben Tibber, Joan Plowright, Jim CaviezelDavid (Ben Tibber) is a 12 year old on his own in an Eastern European prison camp. His best friend, Johannes (James Caviezel), protects and looks after him. One day, David is able to escape, and he embarks on a mission to deliver a sealed envelope to Denmark. Along the way, he saves a young girl (Viola Carinci) from a fire, befriends an elderly Swiss woman (Joan Plowright) and learns the value of trusting others. But what David discovers in Denmark truly changes his life forever.
14Brimstone and Treacle
Sting, Denholm Elliott, Joan PlowrightBrimstone and Treacle is a 1982 film directed by Richard Loncraine.
15Joan Plowright, Billie Whitelaw, Jane HorrocksThe Dressmaker is a 1988 British drama film directed by Jim O'Brien and starring Joan Plowright, Billie Whitelaw and Pete Postlethwaite. Set during the Second World War in England, the story concerns a claustrophobic relationship between two middle-aged sisters and their fragile 17-year-old niece. It is an adaptation of the novel The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge.
16Mia Farrow, Joan Plowright, Natasha RichardsonWhen the elegant Edwina Broome (Natasha Richardson) moves to Kilshannon, a small town in Ireland, she must contend with the local matriarchs, particularly the feisty Mrs. Doyle-Counihan (Joan Plowright) and the guarded Miss Katherine O'Hare (Mia Farrow), who immediately clash with the new arrival. As the three women verbally spar and scheme, certain secrets eventually come to light, revealing that their quaint village may not be so proper after all.
17Laurence Olivier, Joan Plowright, Alan BatesBased on the play by Anton Chekhov, this drama focuses on the three Prozorov sisters -- Olga (Jeanne Watts), Masha (Joan Plowright), and Irina (Louise Purnell) -- who long to escape their small Russian town and return to Moscow, where they grew up. Entering the women's melancholy orbit are military men such as Dr. Chebutikin (Laurence Olivier) and Colonel Vershinin (Alan Bates), who serve mostly to complicate the sisters' lives, particularly when Vershinin and Masha begin an ill-advised affair.
18Laurence Olivier, Joan Plowright, Michael RedgraveUncle Vanya is a 1963 British film adaptation of the work Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov. The film was directed by Stuart Burge. It was a filmed version of the Chichester Festival production, directed by Laurence Olivier as Astrov, and also starring Michael Redgrave, Rosemary Harris, and Joan Plowright.
19Armin Mueller-Stahl, Aidan Quinn, Elizabeth PerkinsThis drama, largely based on the family history of director Barry Levinson, follows the immigrant Krichinsky clan as they settle in Baltimore during the early 20th century. While Sam Krichinsky (Armin Mueller-Stahl) establishes roots in the city and finds a wife (Joan Plowright), his ambitious son, Jules (Aidan Quinn), who changes his last name to Kaye, tries to live the American Dream by opening an appliance store, revealing cultural and generational gaps.
20Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austin O'Brien, Charles DanceIn the thrilling adventure, Last Action Hero, young movie buff Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien) finds himself transported into his favorite action film. This cinematic world is inhabited by fearless detective Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who battles villains with unparalleled bravado. His journey takes an unexpected turn when the line between reel and reality blurs, and both he and Slater must confront real-life danger. Directed by John McTiernan, this metafictional action-comedy cleverly satirizes genre conventions while delivering explosive thrills. Despite its box office underperformance, it remains a unique entry in Schwarzenegger's filmography.More Last Action Hero- Dig Deeper...'Last Action Hero' Is A Bizarre Fever Dream That's Way Smarter Than You Remember
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21D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, Ossie DavisIn the animated film Dinosaur, we journey alongside Aladar (D.B Sweeney), a dinosaur raised by lemur family. The story unfolds when a meteor shower obliterates Aladar's home, compelling him and his adoptive family to embark on an arduous quest for survival. They encounter a herd of fellow dinosaurs, led by the stern Kron (Samuel E. Wright), making their way to the sanctified nesting grounds. Through struggles and triumphs, this epic tale showcases survival instincts, leadership conflicts, and the power of unity in adversity. Noteworthy for its stunning visual effects, it was nominated for several awards including a BAFTA for Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects.More Dinosaur- #294 of 450 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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22Steve Martin, Queen Latifah, Eugene LevyLawyer Peter Sanderson (Steve Martin) wants to dive back into dating after his divorce and has a hard time meeting the right women. But he lucks out with online dating and meets a fellow lawyer. The two agree to meet in the flesh, but the woman he meets -- an escaped African-American convict named Charlene (Queen Latifah) -- is not what he expected. Peter is freaked out, but Charlene convinces him to take her case and prove her innocence, and along the way they learn to become friends.More Bringing Down the House- #323 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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23Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Pullman, Joan CusackAll Martha (Ellen DeGeneres) wants is to get married, but she just can't seem to find the right man. On Valentine's Day, Martha is drinking alone at a bar when Whitman Crawford (Bill Pullman) walks in. With his good looks and charm, he is everything Martha has ever wanted in a husband. It isn't until they are deeply involved with each other, however, that Martha learns of Whitman's dark side. She tries to break up with him, but that proves more difficult than she ever could have imagined.
24Richard Burton, Peter Firth, Colin BlakelyDr. Martin Dysart (Richard Burton), a psychiatrist who has grown unhappy with his life, takes on the peculiar case of Alan Strang (Peter Firth), a reserved teenager who has been accused of brutally blinding six horses. Dysart slowly unravels Alan's background, learning that he grew up in a strained household with a devoutly religious mother (Joan Plowright) and an atheist father (Colin Blakely). But as Dysart begins to trace the roots of Alan's problems, his own also begin to surface.
25Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, David CrossIn this animated film, explorer Ted (Will Ferrell) journeys to Africa hoping to recover an important artifact for his friend Bloomsberry (Dick Van Dyke), a museum director. Instead, however, he discovers an irrepressible little primate named George, who stows away on the ship back to New York City. There, Ted tries to stop plans to demolish the museum, but he has his hands full taking care of his new simian friend, whose curiosity may turn out to be more beneficial than anyone had imagined.More Curious George- #171 of 450 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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26Anthony Hopkins, Natascha McElhone, Julianne MooreWorld-renowned painter Pablo Picasso (Anthony Hopkins) is notorious for his infidelity, but his French lover, Françoise Gilot (Natascha McElhone), manages to weather her stormy relationship with him better than many other women. While serving as Picasso's muse and the mother of two of his children, Gilot -- an artist in her own right -- has to contend with his relationships with other women, including his wife, dancer Olga Khokhlova (Jane Lapotaire), and photographer Dora Maar (Julianne Moore).
27Al Pacino, Annie Lennox, Donald SutherlandRevolution is a 1985 British historical drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Robert Dillon, and starring Al Pacino, Donald Sutherland, and Nastassja Kinski. The film stars Pacino as a New York fur trapper who involuntarily gets enrolled in the Revolutionary forces.More Revolution- #27 of 73 onThe 70 Best 18th Century Period Movies
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28Piper Laurie, Sissy Spacek, Walter MatthauIn the 1940s, young Collin (Edward Furlong) arrives in a small, sleepy southern town after his mother's death and moves in with his aging spinster cousins, Dolly (Piper Laurie) and Verena (Sissy Spacek). He soon finds a mentor in the retired Judge Cool (Walter Matthau), who harbors secret affections for Dolly. Meanwhile, Dolly is troubled by the appearance of Morris (Jack Lemmon), a sleazy entrepreneur who wants to market her health tonic on a national scale.
29Bernard Hill, Joan Plowright, Juliet StevensonCissie Colpitts (Joan Plowright) drowns her cheating husband and in the ensuing cover-up enlists the help of lonely coroner Henry Madgett (Bernard Hill), an old friend with a longstanding weakness for her charms. But when Cissie's daughter (Juliet Stevenson) and granddaughter (Joely Richardson) both decide to resort to the same methods for solving conflicts with their own frustrating husbands, the Colpitts women and their repeated appeals for help begin to wear on Madgett's conscience.
30Malcolm McDowell, Graham Crowden, Leonard RossiterThe queen mother plans to visit Britannia Hospital, but administrator Vincent Potter (Leonard Rossiter) has problems to solve first. Outside, there's a union boss who won't let in any food trucks, and also a protest against private patients. Inside, the kitchen staff has joined the protest, and resident loony Professor Millar (Graham Crowden) is prepping a medical demonstration that's sure to shock the queen mum. Meanwhile, reporter Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell) is secretly documenting it all.
