Actor

Shirley Henderson: Movies & Box Office

films: 40
on screen: 1992–2026
box office: $367M
average score: 68

Born: November 24, 1965 (age 60)
Birthplace: Forres, Moray, Scotland
Citizenship: Scottish
Occupations: Actress
Years active: 1986-present

Known for

The Best Shirley Henderson Movies

The highest-rated films Shirley Henderson is credited on, by the Movie Echo Score that blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact. Urban Hymn (2017) scores highest, at 78. The full ranking adds the biggest box office hits and the most awarded films.

Full ranking

Career at a glance

Shirley Henderson's Career in Numbers

Shirley Henderson's films in numbers — as an actor, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Shirley Henderson works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from Salt on Our Skin (1992) to I Swear (2026), and the 2000s were the busiest decade.

Shirley Henderson Movies by Decade

1990s 1
2000s 15
2010s 15
2020s 8

The 2000s were Shirley Henderson's busiest decade, with 15 films.

Shirley Henderson Movies by Genre

Drama 15
Comedy 7
Biography 3
History 2
Crime 2
Thriller 2
Animation 1
Adventure 1
Fantasy 1
Tv movie 1

Drama is the genre Shirley Henderson has worked in most, with 15 films, ahead of comedy (7).

Shirley Henderson Career Milestones

First film: Salt on Our Skin 1992
Biggest box office hit: Elio $154M worldwide
Best-rated film: Urban Hymn Movie Echo Score 78
Newest film: I Swear 2026

40 credits

Shirley Henderson Filmography: Every Movie

Every film Shirley Henderson is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. Rated films average a score of 68. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.

Shirley Henderson Movies as an Actor

Shirley Henderson in Documentaries & Specials

2020 The Skywalker Legacy as Self · Documentary

Biography

Who Is Shirley Henderson?

Shirley Henderson was born in Forres, Moray, Scotland in 1965 and is 60 years old. Credited on films since 1992, as an actor. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.

Shirley Henderson (born on the 24th of November, 1965) is a multi-talented Scottish actress known for an array of remarkable roles both in films and television series. Her career spans several decades, graced with numerous accolades including two Scottish BAFTAs, a VFCC Award and an Olivier Award, and she has received nominations for a BAFTA, BIFA, London Critics' Circle, Chlotrudis, Gotham, and Canadian Screen Award. Some of Henderson's notable roles include Gail in Trainspotting and its sequel, Jude in the Bridget Jones films, and Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter series. Her spectrum of roles seems almost unlimited, having appeared in Rob Roy, Wonderland, 24 Hour Party People, Frozen, Marie Antoinette, Anna Karenina, Okja and many more.

Henderson made her start in the BBC series Hamish Macbeth, and later dazzled performances in Happy Valley, The Way We Live Now and Dirty Filthy Love. Her portrayal of Claire Salter in Southcliffe was critically acclaimed, earning her a BAFTA nomination. Her talents were recognized in musical theatre as well, winning the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Elizabeth in Girl from the North Country. Beyond her achievements, Henderson continues to have an impact within the industry, with a recent announcement from HBO Max stating she'll star in Dune: Prophecy as Tula Harkonnen. However, due to a 'creative shift' and production delays, she and director Johan Renck reportedly exited the production. Despite this, her exceptional contributions to Scottish film and TV were acknowledged by BAFTA Scotland in 2023, awarding her with an Outstanding Contribution.

Works with

Who Shirley Henderson Makes Movies With

The actors and directors Shirley Henderson shares the most films with. Steve Coogan comes first, with 4 films together, followed by Sean Harris (4).

FAQ

Shirley Henderson: Questions & Answers

How many movies Shirley Henderson has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.

How many movies has Shirley Henderson been in?

Shirley Henderson is credited on 40 films, from 1992 to 2026. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.

What is Shirley Henderson's highest-grossing movie?

Elio (2025) is Shirley Henderson's biggest box office hit, with $154M worldwide, ahead of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) ($140M). Across every film with box office figures, Shirley Henderson's movies have made $367M.

Shirley Henderson's biggest hits

What is the best Shirley Henderson movie?

By the Movie Echo Score, which blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact, Shirley Henderson's best-rated film is Urban Hymn (2017) with a score of 78, followed by Stan & Ollie (2018) (76).

Best Shirley Henderson movies, ranked

How old is Shirley Henderson?

Shirley Henderson is 60 years old, born on November 24, 1965 in Forres, Moray, Scotland.

What is Shirley Henderson's newest movie?

The most recent film on Shirley Henderson's filmography is I Swear (2026), in the role of Heather Davidson.

Who does Shirley Henderson work with most often?

Shirley Henderson shares the most films with Steve Coogan (4 films), Sean Harris (4 films) and Rufus Sewell (3 films).

The Best Shirley Henderson Movies, Ranked

Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 40 credits.

See the ranking

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