Film:
* Ragtime (1981): Her breakthrough role, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
* The Last Unicorn (1982): A fantasy film based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle.
* The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988): A Terry Gilliam film with an ensemble cast.
* She's Having a Baby (1988): A romantic comedy starring Kevin Kline and Meryl Streep.
* The Handmaid's Tale (1990): A film adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel.
* The Company Men (2010): A drama about corporate layoffs.
* Downton Abbey (2019): A film adaptation of the popular television series.
* Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022): The second film adaptation of the television series.
Television:
* The Thorn Birds (1983): A miniseries that earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress - Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television.
* If Tomorrow Comes (1986): A miniseries based on the novel by Sydney Sheldon.
* The Last Detective (2003-2006): A British crime drama series.
* Downton Abbey (2010-2015): Her most famous role, playing Lady Cora Crawley, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.
* Harlots (2017-2019): A historical drama series about prostitution in 18th-century London.
* The Morning Show (2019-present): A drama series starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
Other:
* The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015): A miniseries about the infamous Lizzie Borden.
* The Crown (2020): A guest appearance in season 4, portraying the Queen Mother.
This list is not exhaustive but showcases some of Elizabeth McGovern's most significant and memorable roles.