Downton Abbey fans ‘can’t stop crying’ as finale hits cinemas

Downton Abbey viewers are already emotionally devastated watching the franchise’s last goodbye after a three-year wait.

The long-running ITV period drama created by Julian Fellowes first captivated fans in 2010 with the highs and lows of the Crawley family as they navigated war, love, loss and a transformation of the class system in early-20th-century England.

After finishing its initial six-season run in 2015, the widely-loved franchise returned for a cinematic trilogy with main cast members such as Mary (Michelle Dockery), Edith (Laura Carmichael), Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr Carson (Jim Carter) all reprising their roles.

All good things must come to an end, however.

After the huge success of the second feature movie, A New Era, in 2022 (which saw the death of the late Maggie Smith’s character, the Dowager) now the third and final film has finally hit cinemas.

The Grand Finale, which came out today, is running with the tagline: ‘The place we’ll always remember. The family we’ll never forget. Everything has led to this.’

Downton Abbey is ending after 15 years – and fans can’t handle it (Picture: Focus Features) After six seasons and two movies, it’s all led to this moment (Picture: Focus Features)

If that wasn’t enough to tug at your heartstrings, then seeing the gang back together as they conquer a new decade – the 1930s – and seemingly say goodbye to their home will definitely be enough to make longtime fans go misty-eyed.

In one poignant moment, Robert places his hand on the building to kiss it farewell.

Fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions, with @BannaThinker writing on X: ‘NOTHING COULD HAVE PREPARED ME FOR THIS MOVIE AHHHH I sobbed!’

@Chrissy1889HP posted: ‘I loved the new Downton Abbey movie! It also had me crying a lot by the end.’

@Dillonlisa chimed in: ‘Wonderful screening of Downton Abbey movie. #thegrandfinale For Downton fans it’s utter perfection. Filmed with love.’

Fans are choking up while watching the film (Picture: Focus Features) There are some painful goodbyes for the cast (Picture: Focus Features)

‘Downton Abbey has been a big part of my life over the last 15 years. Can’t believe it’s really coming to a close,’ @AnnaLibri lamented.

@EzelSchaarbeek posted: ‘The Downton Abbey movie was fantastic. The best of the three and a beautiful tribute to the story, characters, actors, and fans. Dame Maggie Smith was honored so well.’

Many fan favourites are returning for the film, although Mary’s husband Henry Talbot (played by Matthew Goode) shall be absent, after a reduced role in the last movie.

‘Wouldn’t it be more exciting if [Lady Mary] didn’t need a man so she might end up on her own? Some people look up to her as a modern feminist or a pillar of modern feminism,’ the Dept Q star told Metro about his decision to not return.

Meanwhile, in January, Michelle gently reflected on what to expect from the next movie, and its homage to Smith, to Collider.

‘It’s a beautiful film. For us, it was such a treat to be able to come back together again. It’s a real tribute to Maggie Smith, the film.’

Paul Giamatti will also be reprising his 2013 character in the final movie as Lady Cora’s uncle Harold Levinson.

‘Working with Paul again was wonderful. He’s so much fun. And because he was already part of the family, it was lovely to have him back on set, so I’m really excited to see the final film,’ Michelle added at the time.

Downton Abbey seasons one to six are available to stream on Netflix. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale comes out in cinemas on September 12.

A version of this article was first published on June 2, 2025.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Comments