Olivia Coleman is an actress who needs no introduction. The Academy Award-winner has appeared in some of the most influential British film and TV series since her breakout role in Channel 4’s sitcom Peep Show, including in Phoebe Waller Bridges’ Fleabag and The Office. For fans of her work and those curious about her, here is a list of some of Coleman's best performances and a guide on where to stream them.
What are the best Olivia Coleman movies and TV shows?
Throughout her career, Coleman has demonstrated her extensive range in a host of eclectic roles from Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s historical drama The Crown to comedic roles in Edgar Wright’s affectionately dubbed the cornetto trilogy as PC Doris Thatcher in Hot Fuzz.
On the small screen, Coleman captivated viewers in the BAFTA-award winning crime drama Broadchurch for her role as Ellie Miler alongside David Tennant as her fellow detective Alec Hardy. Back in 2013, over 10.4 million people tuned into ITV to watch the heartbreaking finale. More recently, she’s appeared in the Chicago-set chef show The Bear and debuted in Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion.
Coleman has also played an integral role in the LGBTQ+ series Heartstopper and even landed an Emmy nomination for her performance as Connor’s Mum. The revered actress is no stranger to historical dramas or musicals either appearing as Carol Thatcher in The Iron Lady to starring as Mrs Scrubbit in Paul King’s deliciously delightful movie musical, Wonka.
However, it was Coleman’s role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite that landed her an Academy Award for Best Actress, after receiving nominations for both her portrayal of Anne in the adaptation of The Father and more recently as Leda in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s psychological drama, The Lost Daughter. Both The Favourite and The Father had modest budgets and box office success with the former grossing $95 million on a $15 million budget and the latter $36 million on a $6 million box office.
With countless accolades to her name, it’s difficult to distinguish the best Olivia Coleman performance in such an eclectic array of roles. Yet, her outstanding talent shines when she’s afforded the space to explore the rich, nuanced roles that she plays so effortlessly as seen in Broadchurch, The Favourite and The Father.
Where can I stream Olivia Coleman movies?
From The Night Manager to Mothering Sunday, every story is made all the better due to Coleman’s presence in the cast. Whether you’ve just watched Wonka or are ready to revisit some British TV classics, here’s the best Olivia Coleman performances ranked and where to stream them now.