The 10 Most Underrated Judi Dench Movies, Ranked (From Least to Most Underrated)

Judi Dench has acted in all kinds of films, from small, personal dramas to huge blockbuster movies. While she’s famous for some iconic roles, many of her other excellent performances don’t get the recognition they deserve. This list highlights some of her screen work that deserves a second look.

Here are ten films showcasing the diverse stories she tells and the different people she collaborates with. The list includes everything from historical dramas and book adaptations to war stories and modern thrillers. For each film, you’ll find simple information about the plot, who made it, and any awards or praise it received.

‘Red Joan’ (2018)

This spy thriller is based on the novel about Joan Stanley, a British government worker who was accused in her later years of giving top-secret information about atomic weapons to the Soviet Union. Judi Dench plays Joan as an older woman during the investigation, and Sophie Cookson plays her as a young woman in flashbacks. The story is inspired by the true case of Melita Norwood and is set in the academic world of Cambridge University and postwar London.

As a film buff, I was really intrigued by Trevor Nunn’s direction in this one. It cleverly jumps between different time periods, which really makes you think about themes like loyalty, what people believe in, and the sacrifices they make. The acting is fantastic, with standout performances from Tom Hughes, Tereza Srbova, and Ben Miles. Filmed entirely in the UK, the movie struck me as a smart mix of real historical events and a compelling, made-up interrogation setting. It’s a really thought-provoking piece!

‘All Is True’ (2018)

This historical drama takes place after the 1613 fire that destroyed the Globe Theatre and centers on William Shakespeare’s life as he returns to his family in Stratford-upon-Avon. Kenneth Branagh both directs and stars as Shakespeare, while Judi Dench portrays his wife, Anne Hathaway. The film explores the family’s sorrow following the death of their son, Hamnet, and depicts their everyday life away from the bustling London theater scene.

Ben Elton wrote the movie’s script, and filming took place at locations like Dorney Court to authentically recreate settings from the Jacobean era. Ian McKellen plays the role of the Earl of Southampton. The film focuses on realistic, everyday details in its costumes and sets, rather than grand displays of royalty. It was released through smaller distributors who specialize in historical and literary films.

‘The Shipping News’ (2001)

This movie is based on Annie Proulx’s award-winning novel and tells the story of a man who moves to a remote Newfoundland town with his daughter and aunt. Judi Dench plays the aunt, offering steady support as they adjust to life in this harsh but beautiful coastal community. Kevin Spacey and Julianne Moore also star, and the film features scenes at a local newspaper, where the ‘shipping news’ column plays an important role in the story.

Lasse Hallström’s film uses the beautiful scenery of the North Atlantic and real fishing villages to create a strong sense of place. Cate Blanchett makes an early appearance, connecting to the family’s history. Filmed in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, the movie, like the original book, focuses on the importance of finding new purpose through hard work, a sense of community, and family ties.

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (2002)

Oliver Parker’s film adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play stars Judi Dench as the formidable Lady Bracknell. The movie revolves around mistaken identities and the romantic pursuits of young couples in Victorian England. Rupert Everett and Colin Firth play friends who create false identities, leading to complications in their love lives. Reese Witherspoon and Frances O’Connor play the women who challenge them and drive the story towards its surprising conclusions.

This new production of the play returns to iconic London spots and grand country houses, relying heavily on Oscar Wilde’s witty dialogue for its humor. The costumes and set design accurately reflect the fashion of the late 1800s, and Tom Wilkinson delivers a memorable performance in a supporting role. While maintaining the play’s original, concise format, the adaptation also includes short scenes filmed outdoors to expand beyond the traditional stage setting.

‘Tea with Mussolini’ (1999)

This drama, reminiscent of Franco Zeffirelli’s own early life, tells the story of a group of British women living in Florence during the years leading up to and including World War II. Judi Dench plays a sophisticated teacher within this close-knit circle, known as the Scorpioni. She’s joined by Maggie Smith, Cher, Joan Plowright, and Lily Tomlin as friends whose lives are disrupted by the growing political tensions in Italy.

Filmed in the beautiful cities of Florence and San Gimignano, the movie weaves together a young artist’s journey with actual historical events. It showcases the city’s famous museums and squares through stunning costumes and settings, while also depicting how the characters’ lives change due to the challenges of wartime. The story is inspired by the director’s own memories and combines personal experiences with fictionalized events.

‘Iris’ (2001)

This film tells the true story of novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch, based on her husband John Bayley’s memoirs. Judi Dench portrays Murdoch as she battles Alzheimer’s later in life, and Kate Winslet plays her as a young, aspiring writer. Jim Broadbent stars as Bayley, and the story is largely seen through his eyes, unfolding in settings like Oxford and the English countryside.

Richard Eyre’s film weaves together different time periods, showing both Murdoch’s inquisitive mind and his struggle with illness. Judi Dench and Kate Winslet received Academy Award nominations for their performances, and Jim Broadbent won the award for Best Supporting Actor. The filmmakers paid close attention to the real couple’s routines, like their love of swimming and giving public readings, and used scenes in classrooms and lecture halls to reflect their lives as academics.

‘Mrs Henderson Presents’ (2005)

This historical drama, set in London between World War I and World War II, is based on the real story of Laura Henderson and the famous Windmill Theatre. Judi Dench stars as Henderson, who buys and updates the theatre, and Bob Hoskins plays her manager, Vivian Van Damm. The movie shows how the theatre became known for its nude performances and its remarkable ability to stay open even during the Blitz.

Stephen Frears directed the film, creatively showcasing the theater’s changing shows and how things ran behind the scenes with lively musical numbers. The movie vividly recreates the streets of Soho and wartime shelters, using songs and costumes perfect for a revue-style performance. Judi Dench received an Oscar nomination for her acting, and the film was also praised for its costumes and overall design.

‘Mrs Brown’ (1997)

The film depicts Queen Victoria’s growing bond with her Scottish servant, John Brown, as she grieves. Judi Dench portrays Victoria, and Billy Connolly plays Brown, whose unconventional presence disrupts life at the palace and raises eyebrows. The movie explores the Queen’s responsibilities, her escapes to the Scottish Highlands at Balmoral Castle, and how the press shaped public opinion.

John Madden’s film was shot on location in Scotland and England, contrasting the lives of the royal court with those in the countryside. Judi Dench received an Academy Award nomination and several major British awards for her performance. The film accurately portrays the social customs, letters, and media of the time, showing how the relationship between the characters fit within the expectations of the monarchy and its need for privacy.

‘Victoria & Abdul’ (2017)

This movie is based on the true story, as told in Shrabani Basu’s book, of the unexpected friendship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant, Abdul Karim. Judi Dench reprises her role as Queen Victoria, and Ali Fazal plays Abdul. Adeel Akhtar and Eddie Izzard also star in key roles. The film starts with a formal presentation of a coin and then shows how their relationship develops through lessons, learning a new language, and the resulting drama within the palace.

Stephen Frears directed the film, which received Academy Award nominations for its costume design and makeup/hairstyling. Filming locations included historical sites in both the UK and India, and the story is based on newly discovered diaries of Karim. The movie uses letters, gifts, and official records to show how the relationship between the characters was documented and perceived at the time.

‘Notes on a Scandal’ (2006)

I recently saw this really gripping psychological drama, and it’s based on a fantastic novel. It centers around a seasoned teacher, played by Judi Dench, who starts writing about an affair she witnesses between a colleague – Cate Blanchett, who is incredible – and a student. The story unfolds through Dench’s character’s journals, and her interactions with Blanchett’s character are key to understanding what happened. What I found particularly effective was how the film used the setting – a London secondary school, all the classrooms and staff rooms – to really build the timeline and show how everything could have happened.

Richard Eyre directed the film, and Philip Glass composed a tense and compelling score. It was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. Filming of the school scenes took place during real school hours, and the story, like the original work, centers around diaries, journals, and who controls the narrative.

Let us know in the comments which Judi Dench performances you think deserve more attention, so other fans can enjoy them as well!

2025-09-20 16:46