7 Olivia Colman TV shows and movies that should definitely top your watchlist

Moët And Chandon At The 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Backstage - Source: Getty
Olivia Colman At The 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards | Image via Getty

Olivia Colman is a famous British actress. Her versatility in blending comedy, drama, and sincerity enhanced her performances. Olivia gained notoriety as one of the rare actors who can perform both drama and comedy. She started her off in the TV industry and gradually shot to popularity through her sharp acts. Her ability to make even little roles memorable was well-received.

Colman won praise for her passionate yet amiable on-screen persona. She has performed in theater, TV shows, and movies as an actor and has constantly found new ways to entertain the masses. People all across the world were captivated by her work, which seemed to be both forceful and innocent.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 7 Olivia Colman TV shows and movies that should definitely top your watchlist:

7. Heartstopper (2022)

Olivia Colman as Sarah in Heartstopper | Image via Netflix
Olivia Colman as Sarah in Heartstopper | Image via Netflix

Heartstopper is a British romantic comedy drama series on Netflix. The story tells the sweet coming-of-age love story of two teenage boys, Charlie and Nick. They are openly gay and blush. Nick is cool and nice but is still trying to understand how he feels. They meet in school and then get closer when they are seated side by side in class. Scenes depict their friendship evolving into something else as they giggle and support one another.

Olivia Colman makes a cameo appearance as Sarah, Nick's mother. She plays a modest yet significant and genuine role in the cast. Olivia Colman adds warmth to her scenes and makes Sarah come across as every doting mum. In Season 1, Episode 8, she sits quietly as Nick tells her that he is bisexual. She leans forward across the table and places her hand in his. A lone tear runs down her cheek. That scene demonstrates how much the show cares about its characters and why Heartstopper has to be on every watchlist. It is life-affirming and heartwarming.


6. Landscapers (2021)

Olivia Colman as Susan Edwards in Landscapers | Image via Prime Video
Olivia Colman as Susan Edwards in Landscapers | Image via Prime Video

Landscapers is a true crime black comedy drama miniseries based on a real English case. It is based on the life of Susan and Christopher Edwards, who live a quiet life with a secret in the garden. They bury Susan's parents in the ground and then begin new lives for over ten years. In the series, Christopher calls home in distress, and the police work to solve the murder.

Olivia Colman plays Susan Edwards, and David Thewlis plays her husband. She is fiercely loyal and gently insane in the role. Olivia Colman brings depth to a character who is both dark and kind. In one opening scene, Susan Edwards sits in an antique shop and purchases a signed picture of Gary Cooper with glee. Olivia Colman brings the scene alive with a gentle smile that turns to guilt as she hands over cash. This short scenario illustrates her ability to combine charm and fear, making Landscapers a must-see for all interested viewers.


5. The Crown (2016)

The Crown | Image via Netflix
The Crown | Image via Netflix

The Crown is a historical drama television series that follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II and her family over several decades. This TV show begins with Elizabeth as a young princess who must find her voice before becoming queen after her father's death. It explores her battle with duty and how she fits into the world today. It explores her sister, the prime minister, and her husband.

Olivia Colman plays Queen Elizabeth II in Seasons 3 and 4. She wears the crown with dignity and uncertainty. Olivia Colman makes the queen seem like a real woman who loves her family and weeps over her losses. In Season 3, Episode 3, she visits the place of the Aberfan tragedy. In that scene, Olivia Colman stands quietly among the debris, expressing deep empathy for those around her. Her soft tone and steady gaze make the scene watchable and illustrate why The Crown is on every watchlist. It feels emotional.


4. Fleabag (2016)

Olivia Colman as Godmother in Fleabag | Image via Prime Video
Olivia Colman as Godmother in Fleabag | Image via Prime Video

Fleabag is a British comedy-drama TV series about a woman living in London who is attempting to make sense of her life following a traumatic loss. She owns a small cafe and uses humor to mask her pain. She has a strained relationship with her sister and a distant approach to her father and stepmother. The show stands out in the fact that it breaks the fourth wall and lets the viewer into her inner thoughts. Olivia Colman plays the godmother. She is refined and cold and she observes the main character with a sly grin. Olivia Colman adds biting wit to her performances, making the character both amusing and unpleasant.

A dinner party is thrown in the first episode of season two to commemorate the engagement of the father and godmother. Olivia Colman uses power and quirky affection. She is the center of attention. That scene demonstrates Fleabag's intelligence and audacity, which is why it should be on everyone's watch list. It contains poignant emotions as well as witty comedic moments. Oliver Colman brings spice.


3. Flowers (2016)

Flowers | Image via Prime Video
Flowers | Image via Prime Video

Flowers is a dark comedic drama series that airs on Channel 4 and Seeso. It follows the quirky Flowers family. The TV show is about Maurice, a children's writer, and his wife, Deborah. They try to manage their failing marriage and their twins, Amy and Donald. They also have to care for Maurice's senile mother, Hattie. Olivia Colman plays Deborah Flowers, who is the glue that keeps the family bound together. She attempts to keep them all in one piece as she deals with her own problems and loss.

In Season 1, Episode 5, there is a crucial moment around the kitchen table at night. Deborah discovers Maurice's decision to depart and gently begs him to speak with her. Her voice trembles as she admits her fears and desires. Olivia Colman brings that moment to life with great care, crying with tears in her eyes while holding Maurice's hand. Flowers is a must-see because of that scene, which showcases her strength and the show's blend of humor and melancholy. It is fresh and daring.


2. The Lost Daughter (2021)

The Lost Daughter | Image via Netflix
The Lost Daughter | Image via Netflix

The Lost Daughter is a thriller movie released on December 17, 2021. It follows the story of a woman resting in Greece. University professor Leda Caruso visits the beach in search of peace. She meets Nina, a young mother, and her daughter Elena. When Elena goes missing, Leda sees her playing alone and steals Elena's doll, hiding it. This seemingly small act unlocks her memories, and she recalls how she felt as a young mother with her own two daughters.

The film shifts between the past and present, including a flashback to her life in England. The Lost Daughter explores themes of motherhood, guilt, and identity. Olivia Colman delivers a powerful performance as Leda, portraying her as both kind and disturbing. In a pivotal scene halfway through the film, Leda goes to the market to buy a hatpin for Nina. She trembles during the payment, and the girl before her lights up her face with innocence. There is a gale within her, yet it remains hidden. This scene also highlights why viewers will want to see the movie at all costs.


1. The Father (2020)

The Father | Image via Prime Video
The Father | Image via Prime Video

The Father is a 2020 drama film about the life of an elderly man with dementia in London. Anthony is an eighty-year-old person who lives alone following the death of his wife. He begins to forget things and places in his residence. His daughter Anne attempts to look after him. The film immerses the spectator in Anthony's mind, allowing them to experience his confusion. We find that he loses his sense of reality as a result of the sights and sounds he encounters.

The Father is based on aging, love, and grief. Olivia Colman plays Anne, who visits her father with thoughtfulness and care. She skillfully balances her needs against those of her father. Anne shows up to serve her father dinner in one of the movie's main sequences. He tries his name and offers a plate. He gazes steadily, then takes her hand. At the time, Olivia Colman exudes love, optimism, and dread. This scene makes the film emotional and makes one want to add it to their watchlist.


Olivia Colman's remarkable acting, which was innately attuned to passion and truth, is what made her career exceptional. In the above movies and TV shows, she was as genuine and natural as her mothers, queens, and regular ladies. Her ability to make them laugh and then cry in the next scene was adored by the public.

Olivia was lauded by critics for her intelligence, which garnered her numerous awards. More importantly, she touched the spectators' spirits. Olivia Colman's work established a legacy and demonstrated the beauty of telling stories through movies and TV shows.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew