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Nanny McPhee

Nanny McPhee is a 2005 British comedy-drama fantasy film directed by Kirk Jones and written by Emma Thompson, who also stars as the title character.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nanny McPhee is a 2005 British comedy-drama fantasy film directed by Kirk Jones and written by Emma Thompson, who also stars as the title character. It is based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books and follows a mysterious nanny who helps a widower’s misbehaving children in Victorian England. A sequel, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, was released in 2010.

Plot

The story follows Nanny McPhee, a magical governess who arrives to discipline the seven Brown children after they have rejected many previous nannies. Her methods gradually bring order to the household while the family faces outside pressure.

Production

The film was directed by Kirk Jones and adapted by Emma Thompson from Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books. Thompson is also the film’s lead performer, portraying the title character.

Release

Nanny McPhee premiered in the United Kingdom in October 2005 and later opened in the United States in January 2006. It was released by United International Pictures in the UK and Universal Pictures in the US.

Reception and legacy

The film became notable as a family fantasy comedy with a prominent cast including Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury. It later received a sequel, extending the Nanny McPhee film series.

Key facts

  • The film is an adaptation of Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda stories.
  • Emma Thompson both wrote the screenplay and plays Nanny McPhee.
  • The plot centres on widower Cedric Brown and his seven children, who have driven away multiple nannies.
  • The film was released in the UK in October 2005 and in the US in January 2006.
  • A sequel, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, followed in 2010.
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Canadian context

The film was part of the international English-language family-film market and is familiar to Canadian audiences through theatrical release, home video, and television distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nanny McPhee based on?
It is based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books.
Who wrote and starred in Nanny McPhee?
Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay and starred as Nanny McPhee.
Who directed Nanny McPhee?
Kirk Jones directed the film.
When was Nanny McPhee released?
It was released in the UK in October 2005 and in the US in January 2006.
Is there a sequel to Nanny McPhee?
Yes. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang was released in 2010.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanny_McPhee
    Supports: Release year, director, screenplay, cast, source material, setting, and sequel.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nanny_mcphee
    Supports: Genre, release date, rating, and box office information.
  3. The Movie Database — https://www.themoviedb.org/collection/35792-nanny-mcphee-collection?language=en-US
    Supports: Plot synopsis for the film collection and sequel context.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396752/
    Supports: Plot summary, source material, and basic film credits.