Dame Maggie Smith passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy filled with unforgettable film and television performances, particularly as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies.
Smith was the quintessential Professor McGonagall, perfectly balancing authority with encouragement toward her students at Hogwarts. It is difficult to picture anyone else inhabiting this iconic Harry Potter character, especially after experiencing Smith’s standout scenes.
Professor McGonagall shone in every scene, whether she was preparing her students for their futures or defending Hogwarts against external threats.
She had numerous poignant moments that revealed McGonagall’s gentle side, while also displaying a fierce demeanor when necessary. Smith’s absence will undoubtedly be felt deeply in the acting world, but Harry Potter fans can always cherish her most memorable moments from the franchise.
10. Not Wanting Dumbledore To Leave Harry With The Dursleys
McGonagall makes her first appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as she patiently waits outside the Dursleys’ home for Dumbledore.
Smith adeptly fleshes out her character in this opening scene, showcasing her deep concern for those she loves, specifically the Potters.
McGonagall warns Dumbledore against leaving Harry with his Muggle relatives, believing they are unworthy caregivers. And while she is unaware of Dumbledore’s true motives for placing Harry with the Dursleys, her instincts prove to be correct.
The transformation of McGonagall from a cat to a human and her anxiety over Hagrid safely transporting Harry highlight her character’s traits.
She comes across as responsible, competent, and slightly stern, all of which Smith captures beautifully. This scene is just the first of many memorable moments with Smith as McGonagall, with her performance continually improving as she settles into the role.
9. Professor McGonagall’s First Transfiguration Class
Movie: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
As Hogwarts’ Transfiguration teacher, McGonagall’s first class with the Golden Trio reveals her expertise in the subject and her straightforward teaching style.
At the start of this session, McGonagall transforms from a cat back into a person, leaving the students in awe of her abilities. Smith effectively illustrates her character’s authority and formidable nature at this point.
When Harry and Ron arrive late, McGonagall doesn’t hold back her disappointment. While she isn’t overtly harsh, her reprimanding ensures they won’t be tardy again.
Smith’s ability to portray McGonagall’s strictness without making her unlikable showcases her exceptional acting skills. Other scenes highlight both sides of McGonagall even more effectively, but this serves as a strong introduction.
8. “Why Is It Always You Three?”
Movie: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince
Smith expertly balanced McGonagall’s serious demeanor with her humorous side. Many of her standout moments at Hogwarts feature her delivering clever one-liners.
One of her most memorable lines comes in Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince, where she questions the constant trouble the Golden Trio finds themselves in.
This comment is both valid and hilariously delivered, highlighting her genuine care for her students.
7. Professor McGonagall Dancing With Ron Weasley Before The Yule Ball
Movie: Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire
One of the funniest moments featuring McGonagall comes in Goblet of Fire when she addresses the Gryffindor students about the upcoming Yule Ball.
Her comedic warning to the Gryffindors not to behave like a “babbling, bumbling band of baboons” sets the tone, and Smith’s composed face during this delivery highlights her comedic talent.
Afterwards, McGonagall insists on giving the students a dancing lesson, hilariously dragging Ron Weasley into it as her partner.
Ron is embarrassed, yet he deserves it for talking during her speech. McGonagall relishes in his discomfort, even if unspoken, making her character even more enjoyable.
6. Professor McGonagall Recommending Harry Potter For The Quidditch Team
Movie: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
Professor McGonagall doesn’t easily grant favors to her students, but the prospect of Gryffindor winning Quidditch changes things.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, McGonagall witnesses Harry riding his broomstick after Madam Hooch clearly prohibits it.
While Harry is defending Neville, it’s his flying skills that earn McGonagall’s favor as she recommends him for the Gryffindor Quidditch team instead of punishing him.
This scene showcases Smith’s ability to blend McGonagall’s strictness with her playful and compassionate sides. Initially appearing furious at Harry, her excitement about discovering a potential Seeker quickly prevails, demonstrating her dedication to Gryffindor House.
5. Giving Harry Potter His Nimbus 2000
Movie: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
Unlike many Hogwarts professors, McGonagall strives to avoid favoritism, yet she makes an exception for Harry in Sorcerer’s Stone.
After recommending he join the Gryffindor Quidditch team, she subtly delivers a Nimbus 2000 to him. While she doesn’t make a scene of her generosity, their eye contact and her slight interaction with Hedwig convey a lot.
This brief moment beautifully captures McGonagall’s gentle side.
Smith effectively portrayed the twinkle in McGonagall’s eye, showing her willingness to bend the rules for Harry. It remains one of her most significant interactions with him, one that, while not action-packed, carries great emotional weight.
4. Siding With Professor Trelawney Over Dolores Umbridge
While McGonagall is skeptical of Professor Trelawney’s abilities and the subject of Divination overall, she stands by her colleague when it matters.
When Dolores Umbridge dismisses Professor Trelawney during the courtyard scene, McGonagall is quick to defend her. It demonstrates her bravery, particularly given Umbridge’s penchant for expelling anyone who challenges her authority.
McGonagall’s calm assertion that “there are many things I’d like to say” reveals her inner turmoil and anger, thanks to Smith’s portrayal.
This emotionally charged moment is amplified by Dumbledore’s intervention, highlighting both Smith’s stellar acting and McGonagall’s integrity, even if it doesn’t reach the epic level of her most prominent battle scenes.
3. Telling Neville Longbottom & Seamus Finnegan, They Can Blow Things Up
Movie: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2
As the Battle of Hogwarts commences, Professor McGonagall steps into a leadership role, determined to protect the castle and her students.
Amusingly, during the conflict in Deathly Hallows Part 2, she engages with Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnegan as they prepare to defend Hogwarts. Neville excitedly asks if they can blow things up, to which she enthusiastically replies yes.
Her humorous delivery of “Boom!” stands out, revealing McGonagall’s playful and cheeky side once again.
When Neville seeks further guidance, she playfully advises him to consult Seamus, known for his skill with pyrotechnics, showcasing their long history at Hogwarts.
This moment is delightful, but still pales compared to McGonagall’s fierce moments defending her students.
2. Professor McGonagall Protecting Harry From Snape
Movie: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2
Before the Battle of Hogwarts fully begins, Snape and the Death Eaters announce their search for Harry Potter within the school. When Harry reveals himself, Snape raises his wand, prompting Professor McGonagall to swiftly push Harry aside and confront Snape herself.
This scene marks one of McGonagall’s most triumphant moments, and Smith plays it with remarkable skill. Her expression communicates McGonagall’s fierce protectiveness toward her students, showcasing her strength as both an educator and a character in the Harry Potter series.
McGonagall rarely takes center stage in action scenes, making this moment particularly impactful. It reaffirms her status as a respected figure and proves she’s not to be trifled with.
1. Securing The Castle During The Battle Of Hogwarts
Movie: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2
McGonagall’s moment of confrontation with Snape is eclipsed by her fierce determination in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. While her exchange with Snape underscores her strength, the scene where she fortifies Hogwarts captures her ability to lead with grace and humor amidst chaos.
Witnessing McGonagall issue commands and activate the castle’s defenses is exhilarating, revealing her competence and composure even as a battle looms.
Moreover, her excitement in rallying the statues, enthusiastically admitting that she “always wanted to use that spell,” adds a light-hearted charm to the intense atmosphere.
This moment solidifies McGonagall’s profound dedication to defending the school, marking her as one of the most significant and beloved characters in the Harry Potter saga.
About Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a film series adapted from the best-selling novels by J. K. Rowling. Distributed by Warner Bros., the series spans eight fantasy films, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
The series chronicles the journey of Harry Potter, known as the Boy Who Lived, as he seeks to defeat the dark wizard Lord Voldemort and safeguard Hogwarts, his magical school, together with his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
Produced predominantly by David Heyman, the films feature prominent roles played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the main trio: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
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