Lesley Manville
ActingAbout Lesley Manville
Lesley Manville was born on March 12, 1956 in Brighton, East Sussex, England. She is a multi award-winning actress of theatre, film, and television, and has worked extensively with director Mike Leigh. She is known for Another Year (2010), All or Nothing (2002), Topsy-Turvy (1999), and Secrets & Lies (1996), and her performance in Phantom Thread (2017), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also had a supporting role in Maleficent (2014). Manville's extensive stage career includes roles in As You Like It, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Alchemist. Her film debut was in Dance with a Stranger (1985).
Lesley Manville Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Lesley Manville reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Lesley Manville's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 56% of Lesley Manville's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Agency, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Lesley Manville Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Lesley Manville's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Lesley Manville has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Midwinter Break | Stella | Average | Similar → |
| 2026 | Winter of the Crow | Joan Andrews | Average | Similar → |
| 2026 | Cold Storage | Trini Romano | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Mr. Burton | Ma Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Queer | Doctor Cotter | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | The Critic | Annabel Land | Average | Similar → |
| 2024 | Back to Black | Cynthia | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris | Ada Harris | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Let Him Go | Blanche Weboy | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Misbehaviour | Dolores Hope | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | Ordinary Love | Joan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | Flittle | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | National Theatre Live: LOVE | Herself/Introduced By | Flop | Similar → |
| 2018 | To Provide All People | Consultant Psychiatrist | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Phantom Thread | Cyril Woodcock | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | The Agency | Anthea | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Hampstead | Fiona | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | A Very British Brothel 2 | Narrator (Voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Rupture | Dr. Nyman | Flop | Similar → |
| 2015 | The Go-Between | Mrs. Maudsley | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | A Very British Brothel | Herself - Narrator (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2015 | Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism | Miss Adderstone | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | The One and Only Mike Leigh | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Mr. Turner | Mary Somerville | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Maleficent | Flittle | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | The Christmas Candle | Bea Haddington | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | An Adventure in Space and Time | Heather Hartnell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Romeo & Juliet | The Nurse | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | A Five Star Life | Kate Sherman | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Spike Island | Margaret | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Ashes | Cath | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | Another Year | Mary | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Womb | Judith | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | A Christmas Carol | Mrs. Cratchit (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Sparkle | Jill | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Perfect Parents | Sister Antonia | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | The Great Ecstasy of Robert Carmichael | Sarah | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | Vera Drake | Mrs. Wells | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | All or Nothing | Penny | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | David Copperfield | Emma Micawber | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Topsy-Turvy | Lucy Gilbert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Secrets & Lies | The Social Worker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Bad Girl | Penny Armitage | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Firm | Sue Bissell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | High Hopes | Lætitia Boothe-Brain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Sammy and Rosie Get Laid | Margy | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | High Season | Carol | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Dance with a Stranger | Maryanne | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Mike Leigh: Making Plays | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Grown-Ups | Mandy | Hit | Similar → |
Lesley Manville - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Lesley Manville?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lesley Manville is "The Agency" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Lesley Manville acted in?
Lesley Manville has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Lesley Manville?
Other notable films include "Bad Girl", "The One and Only Mike Leigh", and "Mike Leigh: Making Plays".