Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89, leaving behind an impressive career full of iconic film and TV roles – and among her greatest is Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter Movies. Smith made the perfect Professor McGonagall, as she struck the right balance between being strict and supportive of the students at Hogwarts. It’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into his shoes Harry Potter CharacterEspecially when revisiting Smith’s best scenes.
Whether Professor McGonagall was preparing her students for their futures or protecting Hogwarts from outside threats, Smith was always a highlight of the scenes she was in. She had many heartwarming moments that showed McGonagall’s childish side, but she could easily be intimidating when the moment called for it. There’s no doubt Smith will be missed in the acting world, but luckily, Harry Potter Fans can always look back on her greatest scenes from the series.
10
Dumbledore doesn’t want to leave Harry with the Dursleys
Movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
McGonagall appears in the first scene of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, As she waits outside the Dursleys’ home for Dumbledore to get there. Smith perfectly establishes her character during this Saucer’s stone SceneShowing her concern for the people she cares about and their loved ones – in this case, the Potters. McGonagall warns Dumbledore against leaving Harry with his Muggle relatives, as she does not believe they are fit to raise him. And she’s right, even though she doesn’t know Dumbledore’s real reasons for giving Harry to the Dursleys.
This is the first of many great scenes with Smith playing McGonagall, and they only get better as she gets more comfortable in the role.
McGonagall’s transformation from ​​a cat into a person and her concern that Hagrid will not get Harry there safely further emphasize the personality of her character. She is responsible, competent and a little critical – all qualities that Smith expertly captured. This is the first of many great scenes with Smith playing McGonagallAnd they only get better as she gets more comfortable in the role.
9
“Why is it always you three?”
Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Smith nailed McGonagall’s more serious moments, but she also knew how to break out her comedic chops. Many of Her best moments at Hogwarts see her breaking out hilarious one-liners. And one of McGonagall’s best quotes comes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, When she questions the Golden Trio about why they are always at the center of whatever conflict is brewing in the school. She makes a good point, and the line is delivered hilariously. However, it also shows how much she cares about her students.
Smith captured McGonagall’s exasperation during that moment wellMaking it clear that she is tired of seeing her students thrown into dangerous and chaotic situations. It’s too short of a scene to rank higher among her greatest moments. However, Smith manages to convey quite a bit in just one line.
8
Professor McGonagall’s first Transfiguration class
Movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Professor McGonagall is the Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts, and the first class of the Golden Trio drives her talent when it comes to the subject – along with her no-nonsense attitude as a teacher. McGonagall transforms from a cat into a human at the beginning of the class, and the students are rightly impressed by her ability. Smith puts her character’s power fully into this momentAnd she showed how intimidating McGonagall can be after all.
Smith’s ability to show her character’s tough side without making her unlikable is a testament to her acting talents.
As Harry and Ron are late for class, McGonagall gives them quite the attitude upon their arrival. She’s not swayed by Ron’s flattery, and while she’s not completely angry or cruel about her scolding, she ensures they won’t be late to class again. Smith’s ability to show her character’s tough side without making her unlikable is a testament to her acting talents. There are other scenes that showcase both sides of McGonagall even better, but this is a strong start for her.
7
Professor McGonagall recommended Harry Potter for the Quidditch team
Movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Butterfly may not win over Professor McGonagall after a bout of rule-breaking, but the prospect of Gryffindor winning at Quidditch is a different story. During Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, McGonagall catches Harry flying with his broomstick after Madam Hooch explicitly tells the students to stay put. Harry defends Neville, but that’s not why McGonagall is easy on him. recognizing his flying skills, She recommends him for the Gryffindor Quidditch team instead of handing out punishment.
It was one of those moments where Smith perfectly balanced her character’s stern side with her more fun and compassionate one. When McGonagall first brings Harry off the Quidditch pitch, she seems furious. however, Her excitement over finding a seeker soon overshadows thatHighlighting just how invested McGonagall is in Gryffindor House. There are even sweeter moments throughout these Harry Potter series, but this is a pretty big one.
6
Give Harry Potter his Nimbus 2000
Movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Unlike some other Hogwarts teachers, McGonagall tries not to play favorites when it comes to her students – but She is subtly doing Harry a favor Saucer’s stone. After recommending him for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, she slyly handed a Nimbus 2000 to him. And while she doesn’t openly take credit for the gift, she makes eye contact with Harry and pets Hedwig once it’s delivered.
Although short, This scene portrays McGonagall’s softer side perfectly. Smith captured that twinkle in her eye well, showing that she could bend rules when she wanted to. This is one of her best moments with Harry, although it doesn’t compare to some of her most epic action moments or her most comedic scenes.
5
Professor McGonagall dancing with Ron Weasley before the Yule Ball
Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
One of McGonagall’s funniest scenes in the Harry Potter Kino is during a cup of fire, When she informs the Gryffindor students of the Yule Ball. The moment begins with comedy, as she tells the members of her Hogwarts house that they cannot behave like “A babbling, bumbling band of baboons.” The fact that Smith kept a straight face through this speech was another nod to her actingBut that’s not all that makes this one of her most comical – and best – scenes as McGonagall.
Related
McGonagall also insists on giving the students a dancing lesson after her speech, and she forces Ron Weasley to demonstrate alongside her. Ron is clearly humiliated, but he sort of earns it by talking while his teacher is talking. And McGonagall obviously likes to torture him, even if she doesn’t say it out loud. Smith’s expression is sufficient to convey this, and It makes McGonagall an even better character.
4
Siding with Professor Trelawney over Dolores Umbridge
Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
McGonagall remains skeptical of Professor Trelawney’s clairvoyant abilities and divination as a subject, and she makes no secret of this over Harry Potter. However, when push comes to shove, McGonagall has her fellow Hogwarts professor’s back. When Dolores Umbridge fired Professor Trelawney in the middle of the Hogwarts courtyard, McGonagall is the first to step in and support her. It’s a bold thing to do, especially with Umbridge so eager to remove anyone who isn’t loyal and obedient.
The scene showcases Smith’s acting and McGonagall’s integrity, although it is not as epic as the character’s best moments from Battle of Hogwarts.
When McGonagall tells Umbridge that “There are many things I would like to say“, she keeps her cool – but Thanks to Smith, you can hear the sadness and rage in her voice. It’s a surprisingly emotional moment, and it’s made even better when Dumbledore puts Umbridge in her place. The scene showcases Smith’s acting and McGonagall’s integrity, although it is not as epic as the character’s best moments from Battle of Hogwarts.
3
Tells Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnegan that they can blow things up
Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Professor McGonagall takes control as the Battle of Hogwarts begins, jumping into action to protect the castle and the students within it. You top three Harry Potter Scenes originate from this Deadly Hallows Part 2 Conflict, and one of them is surprisingly funny. As the teachers and students begin to secure the castle, McGonagall is accompanied by Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnegan. Neville excitedly asks her if they can really blow things up, and she tells him he’s correct. “To blow it? Boom?Neville asks. The delivery of McGonagall’s “Boom!“Is hilarious And spot-on.
;
Smith once again captured McGonagall’s fun and mischievous side with this sceneAnd she continued with McGonagall’s next line. When Neville asks how they should go about it, she tells him to “Consult Mr. Finnegan,“as he did”A particular proclivity for pyrotechnics.” Those who pay attention to Seamus’ Hogwarts lessons for years know exactly why the line and its delivery are so fantastic. But no matter how great the scene is, it does not compare to McGonagall boldly protecting her students.
2
Professor McGonagall protecting Harry from Snape
Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Before the Battle of Hogwarts kicks off in earnest, Snape and the Death Eaters in the castle announce a search for Harry Potter. When Harry reveals himself, Snape raises his wand – and Professor McGonagall quickly pushes Harry aside to fight Snape himself. It is one of the strongest moments of the character in the whole Harry Potter series, and Smith plays it brilliantly. You can tell by her expression that McGonagall will not let any harm come to her students on her watch. This is what makes you a great teacher and Harry Potter Character.
Smith knew exactly how to make her character terrifying, and the result left viewers cheering in theaters when Deadly Hallows Part 2 came out.
The rapid succession of spells she fires off sends Snape running—granted, he has no real interest in harming her or anyone else at Hogwarts—and highlights just how powerful McGonagall really is. The Harry Potter Movies rarely show her in the middle of the action, so this is a great scene for her. It shows why McGonagall is so respectedAnd it shows that she is not a character that can be beaten. Smith knew exactly how to make her character terrifying, and the result left viewers cheering in theaters when Deadly Hallows Part 2 came out.
1
Securing the castle during the Battle of Hogwarts
Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
There’s only one McGonagall moment better than her fight with Snape, and it’s from Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2. While her confrontation with Snape shows how fierce McGonagall can be, Her scene securing Hogwarts doubles on this – and also captures the other facets of her character. It’s a joy to see McGonagall giving orders and summoning the defense of the castle, and it highlights how competent and cool-headed she is, even with a battle.
However, McGonagall isn’t just a force to be reckoned with during this scene. As she gathers the Hogwarts statues, she happily declares that she “Always wanted to use that spell“, with Smith infusing humor and charm into the moment. Her number one priority is protecting the school, making this a heartwarming scene for McGonagall as well. This is by far her biggest and best moment in Harry PotterAnd Smith will be fondly remembered for bringing it to life.