Top 30 Best Downton Abbey Moments

#30: “A New Day Begins”

Series 1, Episode 1

The opening minutes of “Downton Abbey” assert to viewers that this is no average British costume drama. The resplendent Grantham estate is introduced, not by its owners, but by staff. They rise at the break of day, then guide the camera throughout the mansion as they clean and prep. The elaborate set piece encompasses the workers’ frenzy and precision, complete with an iconic one-minute tracking shot. All the while, we anxiously await the contents of a telegram, which reports that Lord Grantham’s cousin and his son were lost in the RMS Titanic disaster. Establishing the fictional narrative with this historic tragedy formally sets the tone for a saga whose sympathies transcend class structure, with stellar production and direction along the way.

#29: Isis Gets Sick

Series 5, Episode 7

Even the most stoic of men can be broken by a dog. Robert Crawley certainly had a soft spot for his beloved Isis, especially when she was at her most frail. With the devastating news that the dog will soon succumb to cancer, Robert and Cora bring her to their bed for her final hours. As they express their love for Isis and each other, Robert is visibly struck by the thought of his wife’s mortality. Fans were obviously devastated by this moment, but moved by the rare display of Lord Grantham in a vulnerable state. They were glad to see the other extreme when Cora adopted a new puppy, whom the euphoric Robert names Teo.

#28: Barrow Finds New Employment

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” (2022)

For all the significance in “Downton Abbey’s” complex depiction of a gay main character, Thomas Barrow never got his big romance. There was hope at the end of the 2019 film, but the sequel reveals that Richard Ellis left Barrow for a sham marriage. (xref) Enter Guy Dexter, the dashing American movie star with a private lifestyle. He and Barrow are smitten by the time a production at Downton wraps. Thus, the typically smooth Dexter bashfully invites the butler to work for him, and be with him. Bittersweet as it is to see Barrow leave the Granthams for good, Lady Mary is only so happy to release her old friend for the peace and love he has long deserved.

#27: Violet Gives Away Her Award

Series 1, Episode 5

It’s not easy for the Dowager Countess to admit defeat. It’s not like she’s had to for years of dominating the Downton Village Flower Show, especially as she hosts the competition. But just as she’s preparing to give herself the award again in 1913, she considers Isobel’s scrutiny of the judging process’ fairness. Begrudgingly, then warmly, Violet recognizes that the mild-mannered gardener Bill Moseley’s rose display is truly the best entry. What seems to be a mundane subplot ends with the show’s first major display of the Dowager’s selective humility, or at least her kindness to the hard workers who deserve it the most.

#26: Believing in Love

Series 6, Episode 8

Lady Mary finds another chance at true love in Henry Talbot. Of course, Matthew’s death in a car accident breeds dread over Henry’s professional motorsports career, especially after he narrowly survives a crash during a race. (xref) When this embitters Mary, she’s forced to have a chat with Grandmama Violet. This becomes a retrospective of the headstrong lady’s loves and losses through the years. She doubts that Violet would approve of a risky relationship with a man of relatively modest means. However, the old woman shockingly declares that while she values tradition, she also believes in love. With the final sit-down between grandmother and granddaughter, Mary is content to marry Henry, bringing her tragic story to a happy conclusion.

#25: Molesley’s Not-So-Private Proposal

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” (2022)

The meek Joseph Molesley finds personal fulfillment in teaching and his courtship of Phyllis Baxter. (xref) Alas, he feels financially unworthy of being the latter’s husband, until he finds fortune while helping Downton Abbey accommodate a film production. When he also helps with turning the picture into a talky, his writing skills prove so impressive that the director offers him a job. Molseley then reunites with Miss Baxter with a lucrative prospect and the question she’s long been waiting to hear. Little do they realize, stray sound equipment broadcasts the proposal to the whole house. But this is one embarrassing moment that Molseley is glad to share with his friends and future wife.

#24: Tom & Lucy Dance

“Downton Abbey” (2019)

Just when Tom thought he was content with being a widowed father, he becomes a pawn in a crooked game of matchmaker. Violet is seeking the fortune of her cousin Maud Bagshaw, whose estate is willed to her lady’s maid and illegitimate daughter Lucy Smith. But Tom genuinely bonds with this fellow servant being reluctantly groomed for high society. While Downton hosts a royal ball, these two outsiders meet on the terrace for their own dance. It's the perfect symbol to resolve Tom’s arc with a partner who fully understands him. When he and Lucy get married in “A New Era,” it's all for love over status.

#23: Defending Barrow

Series 3, Episode 8

Thomas Barrow finds himself in trouble again when he’s tricked into kissing his friend Jimmy Kent. The subsequent revelation of Barrow’s sexuality divides Downton in these more regressive times. All this talk comes to action when police crash a cricket match on a tip from Alfred Nugent. Thankfully, the homophobic eyewitness retracts his statement after being confronted by Robert, who understands that Barrow is as he was made to be and shouldn't be persecuted for it. Helping to protect the footman also forces Mr. Carson to reckon with his own prejudice. Afterward, Barrow rises to the rank of underbutler with the knowledge that the family that's forgiven so much at least respects him for who he is.

#22: A Day at the Beach

“The London Season”

Even the staff of a lavish aristocratic house could use a holiday. Well, maybe they especially do with that line of work. Mr. Carson is tasked with organizing a day trip to the beach, where tranquility brings perspective to the romantic entanglements. Phyllis Baxter thanks Molesley for giving her strength; Daisy declines Ethan Slade’s invitation to America; and the long-suffering Mr. and Mrs. Bates finally get to relax. Even the fuddy-duddy Carson strolls into the water with Mrs. Hughes’s encouragement, in a beautifully shot display of the spirit she brings out in him. The whole scene shows these servants enjoying something much deeper than a day off. They’re expressing their agency fully and sweetly.

#21: Mr. Bates Is Freed

Series 3, Episode 7

Of all the servants downstairs, Mr. Bates and his wife Anna arguably have it the hardest, facing adversity at nearly every turn. Before Anna too would be accused of a murder she didn’t commit, Bates is actually convicted of the crime in the advent of his estranged wife Vera’s suspicious death. Though our protagonists are able to get his sentence commuted from death to a life, things look pretty bleak as Bates is set to waste away in prison. Thankfully, Anna’s staunch loyalty to her husband pays off as she proves Vera’s passing is on no one’s hands but her own. The scene where Anna greets a freed Bates outside the gates convinced us their love could weather any storm.

#20: Matthew Walks Again

Series 2, Episode 7

We wish Matthew’s wartime injuries were the last of his troubles, but his overcoming them certainly makes for a glimmer in an eventually tragic character. Upon his return from World War I, the family learns that an incident severed his spinal cord, meaning he’d never walk again. This sends Matthew into a disheartening depression. But, in what would prove to be just one of multiple misdiagnoses, Matthew begins regaining sensation in his legs before instinctually rising to his feet to catch a falling Lavinia. Turns out, Matthew’s spine wasn’t nearly as damaged as previously thought. The happy occasion prompts Matthew and Lavinia to resume their engagement, even though we all knew this would only complicate things further with Mary.

#19: Daisy & William’s Deathbed Wedding

Series 2, Episode 5

In the same explosion that injures Matthew, so too does Downton footman William Mason receive brutal injuries. But whereas Matthew’s are temporary, William’s are sadly fatal. He’s sent back to Downton to live out his final days, where he proposes to kitchen maid Daisy, for whom he’s always held a flame. Unfortunately, Daisy’s never reciprocated his feelings, and thus feels conflicted as to what to do. Though it would later give her further guilt, Mrs. Patmore persuades her to go through with it. It’s a tricky situation, to be sure, but it all speaks to Daisy’s kindhearted nature, as their bedside nuptials just hours before William passes prove to be one of the saddest moments in the series.

#18: Atticus Proposes to Lady Rose

Series 5, Episode 7

Lady Rose, to us, is an underrated character, but few will deny that she and Atticus Aldridge were made for each other. We mean, would you just look at that meet-cute? Whereas most couples on “Downton” go through long courtships and arduous relationships, Rose and Atticus prove the exception. Despite various family members’ disapproval of their coupling - or rather, in spite of it - Atticus pops the question just two episodes later. Many could object to their speedy union, and many could be forgiven for thinking they’d never make it. But at the end of the day, this adorable couple simply knew something everyone else didn’t.

#17: Mrs. Drewe Kidnaps Marigold

Series 6, Episode 2

There are many times when “Downton Abbey” feels like historical literature circa the 19th century, but never more so than during the saga of Edith’s illegitimate daughter Marigold. Unable to claim her as her own, Edith has her stay at the nearby Drewe farm. Trouble is, Edith’s visits aren’t enough, as she decides to take Marigold back. This greatly upsets Mrs. Drewe, who’d come to love the young girl as one of her own. Everything reaches a head when Mrs. Drewe absconds with Marigold during an event in town. The scene following where Mr. Drewe has to talk her down is heartbreaking and makes you feel for all those involved.

#16: The Dowager Countess’s Mortality

“Downton Abbey” (2019)

While she doesn’t get many storylines of her own, you’d be hard pressed to find someone whose favorite character isn’t the Dowager Countess. She may be best known for her quick wit and wry disposition, but the most meaningful scene of hers might be a more somber one from the 2019 movie. In it, she reveals to Mary that a recent doctor’s visit yielded news that she likely doesn’t have long to live. Though this would undoubtedly bring anyone down, the moment has a heartening undertone as she reassures Mary that Downton will go on under her care. Seriously, what’s the point of a “Downton” movie if we can’t get Maggie Smith another Oscar nomination?

#15: Edith & Bertie’s Wedding

“The Finale”

Of all the Crawley sisters, Edith has to be the most unlucky in love, as a later entry will exemplify. However, whereas other shows have failed to give characters the endings they deserve, Season 6 of “Downton Abbey” made sure to give Edith her rightful happily ever after. While Bertie is understandably thrown for a loop when he learns of Marigold’s parentage from someone other than Edith, his love for her is reaffirmed when he proposes again later on. Thankfully, despite all of Edith’s poor luck, this one is for real, as she and Bertie decide to face life’s future challenges together.

#14: Robert’s Ulcer Bursts

Series 6, Episode 5

Though there are a lot of shocking developments on the show, few take us quite as aback as Robert’s ulcer incident. Obviously, we knew going into the final season that for every few characters that got happily ever afters, there could be some we had to say goodbye to in more ways than one. Which is why it was so concerning to see Robert, the ostensible lead of the show, suddenly spew up blood at the dinner table. While the show had previously established Robert’s stomach ulcer, we still didn’t expect any repercussions this dramatic. Thankfully, Robert does survive surgery, so we were granted more time with the Earl of Grantham, but we won’t get that image out of our heads any time soon.

#13: Barrow’s Attempt

Season 6, Episode 8

We often have a love-hate relationship with Thomas Barrow, hating him one minute for his incessant scheming, and loving him the next for his tragic status and genuine desire to be better. It’s the mark of a truly great character, so in no way did we ever want to lose him when he began to enter a deep depression. Thankfully, his sometimes frenemy Miss Baxter is able to read the signs soon enough to save Thomas from taking his own life. Despite all his needlessly destructive behavior, Thomas realizes that he has people who care about him anyway, which is beautifully exemplified in a scene wherein he and Mary are able to empathize with each other on that point.

#12: Cora’s Miscarriage

Series 1, Episode 7

After tirelessly searching for a male heir, Lord Grantham’s problems are seemingly solved when his wife Cora becomes pregnant. If the baby’s a boy, he’ll inherit his father’s property and fortune, preserving tradition. The future of Downton Abbey is put back in jeopardy, however, when maid Sarah O’Brien intervenes. Infuriated that she might be replaced, O’Brien leaves a bar of soap for Cora to slip on. She quickly regrets this cruel deed and attempts to correct her wrongdoing, but it’s too late. Cora falls and loses her unborn child. It’s a haunting moment that left viewers stunned. To make matters worse for Lord Grantham, it turns out the baby would’ve been their sole son.

#11: Mr. Pamuk’s Body

Series 1, Episode 3

Lady Mary is immediately drawn to Kemal Pamuk, but she’s taken aback when he makes sexual advances. Despite her apprehension, the persuasive Mr. Pamuk convinces her to spend the night with him. Their passionate evening takes an unexpected turn for the worse, however. As Mary loses her virginity, Pamuk suffers a heart attack and dies in her bed. To preserve the eldest Crawley daughter’s reputation, her mother and her loyal servant Anna help move the body. The three return Pamuk to his room, although the scullery maid Daisy catches them in the act. This was the first of many scandals that befell Downton Abbey, and it offered a glimpse of how jaw-droppingly good the series would become – while working in some dark humor.

#10: Edith Stands Up to Mary

Series 6, Episode 8

As much as we love Mary, her attitude toward Edith is far from healthy. She’s often meddled with or outright disapproved of Edith’s life out of nothing more than spite. While there’s always been friction between the two sisters, things come to a head when Mary crosses the line by revealing Edith’s illegitimate daughter to Bertie Pelham. Having absolutely had it this time with Mary’s venom, Edith lets her have everything she has coming, and uses a certain word seldom used by early 20th century ladies. Still, theirs being one of the most important relationships on the show, we were immensely glad they were able to begin patching things up by the episode’s end.

#9: Mr. Carson’s Proposal

“A Moorland Holiday”

Although they keep their relationship strictly professional for most of the series, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes have always felt like a married couple. As the butler and head housekeeper at Downton Abbey, they’ve developed an intense and meaningful bond while maintaining order in the household. It was positively uplifting when they walked along the beach together, but we’d have to wait another year for Carson to finally pop the question. Having purchased a property in their names, Carson confesses his feelings for Mrs. Hughes and asks for her hand in marriage. She’s quick to accept the old booby’s overdue proposal, practically moving them both to tears of joy. After so much will-they-won’t-they tension, this sentimental declaration of love couldn’t have been more satisfying.

#8: Edith Left at the Altar

Series 3, Episode 3

It’s not easy being the middle Crawley daughter. Every time it looks like Lady Edith is going to find happiness, failure and sorrow seem to be waiting around the corner instead. Case in point: her wedding day. Despite a significant age difference, Edith is keen on dedicating her life to Sir Anthony Strallan. As the bride arrives at the altar, though, Strallan suddenly gets cold feet. Not wanting Edith to throw her life away, the elderly groom calls the wedding off. To be fair, Strallan only had Edith’s best interest at heart, but he couldn’t have chosen a worse time to drop this bombshell. The audience is every bit as devastated as Edith, who just can’t catch a break.

#7: Anna’s Assault

Series 4, Episode 3

Valet Mr. Green might seem friendly at first glance, but he shows his true colors when he attacks Anna Bates in the kitchen. The head housemaid screams for help, but everyone else is preoccupied upstairs as Dame Nellie Melba sings. Following the sexual assault, Anna is left in pieces while Mr. Green resumes his normal duties. This was easily the most controversial subject “Downton Abbey” ever tackled, with many critics arguing that the show had gone too far. While Anna’s assault is undeniably brutal, it’s also a shocking moment from the series that we won’t soon forget.

#6: Bates & Anna’s Wedding

Series 2, Episode 8

If there are two people at Downton Abbey that deserve to live happily ever after, it’s Mr. Bates and Anna. After overcoming so much, these two finally make it to the altar where they’re pronounced husband and wife. With some help from Lady Mary, Anna and Bates get to spend their wedding night in one of Downton’s guest rooms. Their evening together is nothing short of heavenly, but this emotional rollercoaster ride is still far from over. Shortly after secretly tying the knot, Bates is arrested for allegedly murdering his ex-wife. While we know their story ultimately ends well, it’s disheartening all the same to see their happiness interrupted in any way.

#5: “I’d Wait Forever”

Series 2, Episode 6

Along with Bates and Anna, Lady Sybil and Tom Branson were easily among our favorite couples on “Downton Abbey.” Despite coming from different classes, the youngest Crawley daughter and the family chauffeur share instant chemistry. They’d gladly give up everything to be with each other, although World War I stands in their way. When Tom proposes marriage, Sybil holds off on giving him an answer until the war is over. She asks Tom for a little more time to consider his offer, to which he replies, “I’d wait forever.” While this exchange is brief and simple, it says so much about the sincere connection between these two characters.

#4: Matthew’s Death

“A Journey to the Highlands”

Matthew and Mary’s relationship certainly had its ups and downs over the years, but Downton’s primary couple reaches the pinnacle of happiness upon welcoming a baby boy into the world. Now that Lord Grantham has two heirs, it appears everything will work out for the Crawley family. Unfortunately, this joyous occasion is followed by tragedy, as Matthew dies in a car crash on the way home. While the show had killed off major characters before, the idea of Matthew dying was considered unthinkable by audiences and was received by fans with anger, shock, and profound sadness. This twist was a major game changer, showing the Crawleys that nothing lasts forever.

#3: Lady Sybil’s Death

Series 3, Episode 5

Part of what made Matthew’s death so traumatic was that viewers were still coping with the loss of Lady Sybil. In addition to being Lord and Lady Grantham’s youngest daughter, Sybil was arguably the most modern and spirited Crawley. After marrying Branson and giving birth to a baby girl, Sybil’s future seemed brighter than ever. Her happiness was short-lived, though, as she begins convulsing and suffers one of the show’s most untimely deaths. Watching Sybil take her last breath is gut wrenching to say the least. As the family surrounds her deathbed, the audience is left at a complete loss for words. Adding to the grief, Sybil’s death could’ve been prevented had her father listened to Dr. Clarkson and taken her to the hospital.

#2: Violet Passes Away

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” (2022)

The seemingly unsinkable Dowager Countess of Grantham lives to see the sequel after the first “Downton Abbey” reveals a terminal diagnosis. Only after she affirms her love for her son and his late father does her health take a sudden turn. Naturally, she remains in higher spirits than the many loved ones and servants who gather around her deathbed. Snide to the very end, Violet Crawley laughs out her final words, [“Stop that noise. I can’t hear myself die.”] Downton then hosts a funeral worthy of a woman so grand and dignified. It was indeed the ideal final word for the Dowager Countess and, as it turned out, the legendary Dame Maggie Smith.

#1: “Marry Me, Mary”

“Christmas at Downton Abbey”

Downton Abbey was fearless when it came to breaking our hearts, but it was also never afraid to be utterly romantic. Ever since Mary and Matthew met, we wanted nothing more than to see them together. It was especially touching when Matthew returned home from war and joined Mary in a duet. But nothing can top this elegant proposal. On a picturesque Christmas night, Matthew and Mary lay all their cards on the table. Deciding to forgive and forget, Matthew asks Mary for her hand in marriage. Mary is eager to accept, although she is adamant that Matthew gets down on one knee first. This scene can only be described as enchanting, and is “Downton Abbey” at its finest.

Which “Downton Abbey” moments especially ring a bell for you? Step downstairs to the comments.