The 50 Best Irish Movies of All Time (Irishman’s Guide)

Irish cinema is rich, unpredictable, and far more than the clichés of rolling green hills and melancholy ballads that Hollywood often leads you to believe.

Many of the best Irish movies dig deep into the country’s history (e.g. The Wind That Shakes The Barley), while just as many capture Ireland’s distinct humour (e.g. Intermission).

From Oscar-winning performances to breakout directors, Ireland’s film industry has quietly built a global reputation for stories that are as bold and distinctive as the country itself.

Why Trust This Guide? I have watched and rewatched each of the Irish films below. While, yes, these are my personal favourites – they’ve also each earned critical acclaim along with great ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.

The best Irish movies of all time

Below, you’ll find everything from funny Irish movies and old Irish films to dramas, love stories and more.

There’s everything from Man About Dog and The Van to A Bad Day For The Cut and some of the best Irish movies that have been on the go for decades.

50. The Stag (2013)

Released in 2013 and directed by John Butler, The Stag is a light-hearted Irish comedy centred around a chaotic bachelor weekend in the west of Ireland.

The story follows a group of mismatched friends who head off on a hiking trip to celebrate an upcoming wedding, only for the carefully planned getaway to spiral into a series of misadventures.

Starring Andrew Scott, Hugh O’Conor and Brian Gleeson, the film mixes sharp humour with moments of genuine heart as the group navigate friendship, masculinity and the pressures of adulthood.

49. Hear My Song (1991)

Fast-talking charmer Mickey O’Neill (Adrian Dunbar) is a shady nightclub owner struggling to save his business.

He books Irish tenor Josef Locke (William Hootkins) for a money-making gig only to find the singer turns out to be an impersonator.

When the real singer turns up out of exile (Ned Beatty), O’Neill finally begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This Irish comedy-come-romance is directed by Peter Chelsom.

48. Wolfwalkers (2020)

Released in 2020 and directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, Wolfwalkers is a visually stunning animated fantasy inspired by Irish folklore.

Set in 17th-century Kilkenny, the story follows Robyn, a young English apprentice hunter who arrives in Ireland with her father to wipe out the last remaining wolves.

When she befriends a mysterious girl named Mebh, she discovers a hidden world of “wolfwalkers” – humans whose spirits transform into wolves while they sleep.

Widely praised by critics, it’s considered one of the best Irish films of the last decade in the animation category and a standout example of Ireland’s growing reputation for world-class animated storytelling.

47. What Richard Did (2012)

Released in 2012 and directed by Lenny Abrahamson, What Richard Did is a slow-burning Irish drama movie set among Dublin’s privileged southside youth.

The story follows Richard Karlsen, a popular and confident teenager whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel after a violent incident at a party leads to devastating consequences.

Anchored by a breakout performance from Jack Reynor, the film explores guilt, privilege and the quiet pressure to protect reputation at any cost. A tough watch at times.

46. Calvary (2014)

Calvary follows Father James (Brendan Gleeson), a decent priest who’s told during confession that he’ll be murdered in a week – not for what he did, but for what the Church allowed.

Instead of running, he spends the days that follow dealing with a village full of angry, damaged and deeply odd characters. Dark, bleakly funny and quietly brutal, it’s one of those films that lingers long after the credits roll.

45. I Went Down (1997)

I Went Down stars Peter McDonald as the newly released jailbird Git Hynes. Dropping in to visit his best friend Anto (David Wilmot), Git has to defend his friend as he is visited by debt enforcers.

After injuring the nephew of the Dublin gangster, Git is forced to return to a life of crime, working for the syndicate on an assignment with Bunny Kelly (Brendan Gleeson) in which everything goes awry.

This is one of the best Irish films in the last few decades, in my opinion, but you don’t hear it talked about that often.

44. Kisses (2008)

Released in 2008 and directed by Lance Daly, Kisses is a gritty coming-of-age drama set on the outskirts of Dublin.

The story follows two troubled children, Dylan and Kylie, who run away from difficult home lives and set out on a chaotic adventure through the city during the Christmas holidays.

Blending stark black-and-white cinematography with occasional bursts of colour, the film captures both the harsh realities and fleeting moments of wonder in the pair’s journey.

43. The Crying Game (1992)

Director Neil Jordan manages to deliver a shocking twist in this mystery thriller starring Stephen Rea as IRA member Fergus.

He bonds with a kidnapped British soldier Jody (Forest Whitaker) who in return promises Fergus he will visit his girlfriend Dil (Jaye Davidson) when he returns to London.

He becomes romantically involved with her adding to the secrecy and suspense. This is one of a handful of top Irish movies I watched for the first time last year and very much enjoyed.

42. The Guard (2011)

Few funny Irish movies boast as many quotable moments as The Guard. This side-splitting all-Irish comedy thriller stars the rough but roguish Irish Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) in cahoots with FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle).

They team up in a bid to uncover police corruption while investigating a drug-trafficking ring. Violence inevitably ensues. Directed and written by John Michael McDonagh (The Guard and Calvary).

If you’re looking for funny Irish films that are easy to follow, this is a great option.

41. The Lobster (2015)

In Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Lobster, singles have 45 days to find love or be transformed into an animal. Colin Farrell plays David… who opts to become a lobster if he fails.

In a bizarre hotel enforcing wacky rules, David and his quirky companions navigate absurd romantic rituals.

This is a dark Irish comedy that blends horror and satire to critique societal marriage pressures. A weirdly wonderful watch.

40. Song of the Sea (2014)

Directed by Tomm Moore, Song of the Sea is a beautifully animated fantasy rooted firmly in Irish folklore.

The story follows Ben, a boy living on a remote lighthouse island who discovers that his mute sister, Saoirse, is a selkie – a mythical creature who can transform from seal to human.

As the pair set out on a journey across Ireland, they encounter spirits, ancient legends and a magical world hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.

39. The Butcher Boy (1997)

Mental. That’s how I’d sum up Neil Jordan’s The Butcher Boy, which delves into the darkly comedic world of Francie Brady, a lad spiralling into madness in the 1960s town of Clones.

The scene is set when we’re introduced to Francie’s family, a mother who is mentally unwell and a father who is too reliant on the bottle.

The film follows Francie as his family falls apart and he escapes into a disturbing fantasy world.

38. War of the Buttons (1994)

Released in 1994, War of the Buttons is a light-hearted Irish comedy drama set in rural County Cork during the 1960s.

The story follows two rival groups of schoolboys from neighbouring villages who engage in an escalating series of battles, with the goal of capturing the buttons from their opponents’ clothes as trophies.

Starring Gregg Fitzgerald, Colm Meaney and Liam Cunningham, the film blends humour with themes of class rivalry, friendship and growing up.

37. Sing Street (2016)

More a musical than a comedy, Sing Street is directed with heart by John Carney as the talented cast fly through the script.

Dublin teenager Cosmo (Ferdie Walsh-Peelo) tries to carve out a new life for himself in Dublin in the 1980s. He forms a rock and roll band to impress aspiring model Raphina (Lucy Boynton).

They engage on a heart-warming journey of love, accompanied by a score of nostalgic 80s hits.

36. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

The Banshees of Inisherin is one of the newest Irish films and it has just taken home three Golden Globe Awards.

Set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland, the story follows two friends, Colm Doherty (Gleeson) and Pádraic Súilleabháin (Farrell), entering a… ‘new chapter’ of their relationship.

This is a dark comedy/drama and it showcases Ireland’s scenery in a way that few movies have achieved (see my guide to where was The Banshees of Inisherin filmed in Ireland).

35. A Date for Mad Mary (2016)

One of the best Irish movies that I’ve watched in recent years is A Date for Mad Mary, which follows Mary McArdle as she returns from prison to her home of Drogheda.

As Mary gears up to be the maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding, she finds herself in desperate need of a date.

Her journey through a series of hilariously disastrous speed dating events not only makes for good comedy but also steers her towards unexpected self-discovery and genuine companionship.

34. Veronica Guerin (2003)

Veronica Guerin is one of the most famous Irish movies for good reason. This gripping crime drama tells the true story of journalist Veronica Guerin, whose fearless reporting on Dublin’s criminal underworld made her a target.

Cate Blanchett delivers a powerhouse performance in the title role, with Joel Schumacher directing a stellar cast that includes Gerald McSorley, Ciarán Hinds, and Brenda Fricker.

33. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)

Some of the best Irish films were made in the 90s and The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) is a perfect example.

This enchanting tale blends Irish folklore with family history, following a girl who believes her lost brother was taken by the seals off the coast of Donegal.

With breathtaking cinematography and a quiet, meditative pace, John Sayles crafts a timeless, atmospheric fable steeped in Ireland’s storytelling tradition.

32. Good Vibrations (2012)

Set in 1970s Belfast at the height of the Troubles, Good Vibrations tells the true story of Terri Hooley, a music lover who opened a record shop on what was once described as “the most bombed half-mile in Europe”.

Played brilliantly by Richard Dormer, Hooley becomes a driving force behind Belfast’s emerging punk scene, championing bands like The Undertones and giving a generation of young musicians a voice.

Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, the film blends humour, heart and a brilliant soundtrack to capture the energy of Northern Ireland’s underground music culture.

31. The Quiet Girl (2022)

Set in rural Ireland in 1981, The Quiet Girl follows nine-year-old Cáit, a withdrawn child growing up in a crowded and neglectful home.

When her parents send her to stay with distant relatives on a farm for the summer, she finds herself in a household where kindness, patience and quiet routine slowly begin to change her.

Directed by Colm Bairéad and based on Claire Keegan’s short story Foster, the film became a landmark moment for Irish cinema.

Shot mostly in Irish, it broke box-office records for an Irish-language film and went on to become the first Irish-language movie ever nominated for an Academy Award.

30. The General (1999)

Another of the fact-based biographical movies set in Ireland, The General starts with the murder of the violent criminal Martin Cahill (Brendan Gleeson).

Pursued for his crimes by Ned Kenny (Jon Voight), as Cahill lies dying he recalls his life as a child on the streets of Dublin.

Flashbacks take him from life as a petty thief to crime boss, masterminding armed robberies. Released in 1999 and directed by John Boorman.

29. A Bad Day For The Cut (2017)

This 2017 mystery thriller directed and co-written by Chris Baugh is a tale of revenge with an interesting twist.

Middle-aged Irish farmer Donal (Nigel O’Neill) sets out to see justice done when his elderly mother Florence (Stella McCusker) is murdered during a home invasion.

It leads Donal into an unfamiliar criminal underworld as the truth about his mother is uncovered.

I watched this a few years back after seeing it ranked as one of the best Irish films on Rotten Tomatoes – I’ve watched it several times since and it never fails to disappoint.

28. Some Mother’s Son (1996)

Written and directed by Terry George, Some Mother’s Son is based on the true story of the 1981 hunger strike at the Maze Prison.

Bobby Sands (John Lynch) leads the protest claiming that IRA prisoners should be treated as prisoners of war, not criminals.

The mothers of two of the hunger strikers, Kathleen Quigley and Annie Higgins, (played movingly by Helen Mirren and Fionnula Flanaghan) fight to save their sons’ lives in this historic account during The Troubles.

27. Garage (2007)

Garage is arguably one of the most overlooked Irish films and, if you’ve yet to watch it, I’d strongly recommend giving it a go.

Pat Shortt shines as Josie, a man with learning difficulties who runs a petrol station in rural Ireland.

His monotonous life brightens when he befriends David. Their camaraderie offers Josie fleeting moments of joy amidst his solitude.

26. Brooklyn (2015)

OK, this one doesn’t fall into the ‘Movies About Ireland’ category, but Brooklyn follows a journey that countless Irish men and women took and continue to take.

This rich period drama has more than a touch of romance. Directed by John Crowley, it follows young Irish immigrant Eilis Lace (Saoirse Ronan) as she carves out a new life in Brooklyn in the 1950s.

Homesickness fades with new love but eventually she has to choose between the two countries.

25. Angela’s Ashes (1999)

Winner of Best Director for Alan Parker, Angela’s Ashes is a 1999 drama based on the true memoir originally penned as a biography by Frank McCourt.

Frank’s mother Angela McCourt (Emily Watson) gives birth to Margaret who dies shortly afterwards and Angela slips into depression. Frank and his brother begin their fight for survival before facing eviction.

Co-stars Joe Breen, Ciaran Owens, and Michael Legge play the part of Frank McCourt in various stages of his life. The story sees him emigrate to America and begin a new life.

24. Once (2007)

This musical drama is a charming story of love set in Dublin with a modern musical score.

Vacuum repairman by day and street musician by night, Guy (Glen Hansard) meets Czech immigrant (Marketa Irgova). Together they embark on writing songs that reflect their blossoming romance.

Directed by John Carney, it’s one of the more romantic Irish films and a couple of the tune from it feature in our guide to the best Irish songs.

23. Man About Dog (2004)

This fast-packed Irish comedy caper tells a tale of three losers Mo Chara (Allen Leech), Scud Murphy (Ciaran Nolan) and “Cerebral Paulsy” (Tom Murphy) in West Belfast.

Forced to leave their home town after racking up 50 grand in debts to a bookie, they hit the road.

It’s hard to describe this one without giving too much away, but the trailer above will give you a sense of what to expect.

22. Philomena (2013)

If you’re looking for Irish themed movies, this next one packs a punch. Meet Philomena (Judi Dench), now late in life and still searching for the son she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years before.

BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) takes up her cause and travels with her to America in search of Anthony, becoming close in the shared process.

Sensitively directed by Stephen Frears, it’s a moving drama and deserving BAFTA award-winner (Best Adapted Screenplay).

21. The Magdalene Sisters (2002)

Directed by Peter Mullan and based on true events, The Magdalene Sisters is a drama about three teenage girls sent to an asylum in 1964.

Their “crimes” include Rose (Dorothy Duffy) being pregnant and unmarried and Bernadette (Nora-Jane Noone) who was caught flirting.

They dream of escaping from their tough life under Sister Bridget (Geraldine McEwan).

20. Bloody Sunday (2002)

Based on the events of Bloody Sunday and shot in the style of a documentary, this powerful drama recreates the events that took place in Derry on January 30 1972 (watch the trailer).

Activist Ivan Cooper (James Nesbitt) leads a peaceful protest that ends in slaughter when British soldiers open fire on the crowd leaving 13 dead and 14 wounded.

This is one of the most impactful movies about Ireland and, regardless of how many times you watch it, the horrors of what took place never fail to hit home (read about the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland).

19. Darby O’Gill And The Little People (1959)

One of the most popular Irish themed movies to be released in the last 20 or so years is this fantasy movie directed by Robert Stevenson was produced by Disney in 1959.

Darby O’Gill (Albert Sharpe) is fired from his job and replaced by handsome Michael McBride (Sean Connery).

Returning home, O’Gill meets Brian, the leprechaun king (Jimmy O’Dea) and is granted the traditional three wishes. However, they do not bring the results he hoped for.

18. Into the West (1992)

Living in poverty in Dublin, Ossie and Tito (Ciaran Fitzgerald and Ruaidhri Conry) live with their alcoholic father (Gabriel Byrne).

Life takes a turn for the better when their grandfather (David Kelly) arrives with the gift of a magical horse Tir na nOg.

Splendidly directed by Mike Newell, Into The West is one of the great family-friendly Irish movies that’ll appeal to all ages.

17. In The Name Of The Father (1993)

Based loosely on the story of The Guildford Four, In the Name of the Father is a biographical drama about the life of unemployed petty criminal Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis).

He flees to England only to find himself and friend Paul Hill (John Lynch) are suspects when a nearby pub is blown up by the IRA. He spends the next 15 years trying to clear his name.

16. The Snapper (1993)

Bursting with likeable characters, The Snapper is a comedy drama surrounding 20-something Sharon Curley (Tina Kellegher) who lives at home with her mum Sharon (Ruth McCabe), dad Dessie (Colm Meaney) and a clutch of brothers and sisters.

Unexpectedly finding herself pregnant, the hunt is on to name the father with embarrassment all round in the devoutly Catholic household.

15. My Left Foot (1989)

Expectations are low for Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis) when he is born with cerebral palsy. He is paralysed until the age of five when a miracle occurs.

He then finds himself able to write with chalk using his left foot. Tirelessly supported by his mother (Brenda Fricker) Christy becomes a painter, poet and author.

Directed by Jim Sheridan, the film netted the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

14. The Secret of Kells (2009)

Set in the days of the Vikings in a remote Irish woodland, The Secret of Kells is an animated fantasy film about the making of the famous 9th century illustrated manuscript known as the Book of Kells.

Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) prepares defences against the Vikings while his nephew Brendan (Evan McGuire) seems oblivious to impending doom as he works on manuscripts at the local monastery.

While this is regarded as one of the best Irish movies for kids, it’s also a great watch for adults!

13. Michael Collins (1996)

Michael Collins is arguably one of the best movies about Ireland’s past. This is a biographical period drama based on the life story of Irish revolutionary and politician Michael Collins (Liam Neeson).

He led the struggle for Irish independence in the early 20th century and was eventually shot in an ambush after the 1916 Easter Rising.

12. Adam & Paul (2004)

Adam & Paul is a dark Irish comedic drama that delves into the grim realities of addiction through the lives of two Dubliners.

The film follows a day in the life of two childhood friends bound by their shared addiction.

The duo fumble through Dublin in a series of misadventures, from waking up in a field with one stuck to a mattress to run-ins with a less-than-welcoming underworld.

11. Man of Aran (1934)

One of the oldest Irish movies to watch in this guide, Man of Aran premiered in 1934 and it is a visually striking yet highly staged documentary by Robert J. Flaherty, portraying the harsh life of those living on the Aran Islands.

Though lauded for its breathtaking cinematography and raw depiction of survival, the film fabricates traditions, most notably shark hunting, that had long disappeared.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, Man of Aran remains a fascinating, if romanticised, cinematic portrait of Ireland’s rugged west.

10. The Young Offenders Movie (2016)

The Young Offenders began as a hit film before evolving into one of Ireland’s most popular Irish TV shows to hit our screens.

Set in Cork, friends Conor MacSweeney (Alex Murphy) and Jock Murphy (Chris Walley) could almost be twins.

They steal bikes and head off on a road trip in search of a missing bale of heroin worth €7 million. After many twists, misunderstandings and adventures, the loveable layabouts end up with a predictable arrest.

Filmed in Cork and along the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s loosely based on a true story! If you like to go off Rotten Tomatoe scores, this is one of the best Irish films ever made.

9. Hunger (2008)

Hunger is a harrowing, visually arresting depiction of the 1981 IRA hunger strike.

Anchored by Michael Fassbender’s harrowing turn as Bobby Sands, Hunger is both unrelenting and poetic, pulling you deep into its raw intensity with long, unbroken shots that refuse to look away.

A brutal yet essential watch, it’s a masterclass in storytelling, where silence, suffering, and sheer human will speak louder than words.

8. Intermission (2003)

Ahh, Intermission. This is a lively crime comedy when Dubliner John (Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders) suggests a trial breakup with his girlfriend (Kelly MacDonald).

She moves on to date a banker and John teams up with small-time crook Lehiff (Colin Farrell) to rob the bank in revenge.

Not all goes to plan as police unravel the plot. Ably directed by John Crowley with a strong cast and storyline.

7. Barry Lyndon (1975)

Barry Lyndon, directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1975, is a visually striking historical drama that adapts William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel about the life of an 18th-century Irish adventurer.

The film is celebrated for its meticulous period details and innovative cinematography, which mirrors the lighting and composition of period paintings.

The first half follows Redmond Barry’s ascent through marriage to the wealthy Lady Lyndon, while the second tracks his fall into ruin, conflict, and isolation.

6. The Van (1988)

This drama/ comedy starring Donal O’Kelly as “Bimbo” Reeves gives a lighthearted insight into the world of food trucks.

The plot follows Bimbo who is sacked from the bakery where he works and decides to run his own food truck.

His long-suffering friend Larry (Colm Meaney) finds Bimbo a trying boss but when some questionable practices mean they are closed down by the health inspector, their friendship comes apart too.

This is another one of those good Irish films that’s easy to watch and that delivers a clatter of belly laughs throughout.

5. The Field (1990)

You’ll see the Field top many guides to the best Irish movies, and it’s no surprise why.

For those who grew up in Ireland, it was everywhere – shown in schools, aired endlessly on TV, and cemented in the national memory, with Richard Harris delivering one of the most powerful performances in Irish cinema.

4. Waking Ned (1998)

Out of the many great Irish comedy movies in this guide, Waking Ned is my absolute favourite.

This is fast-packed comedy directed by Kirk Jones that tackles the popular theme of what happens when someone in the village wins the lottery.

Best pals Jackie O’Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O’Sullivan (David Kelly) decide to pay their nouveau-riche neighbour a visit. Alas, they find Ned Devine dead from the shock. Chaos unfolds.

3. The Commitments (1991)

Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle, the Commitments is one of the more iconic Irish comedy films. It follows music promoter Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) starts his own R&B group in Dublin.

He brings together an all-white band who, despite an inherent lack of experience with R&B, manage to get themselves noticed.

That is, until the perils of fame and fortune create fractures right before their big break.

2. The Quiet Man (1952)

Next up is one of the most famous Irish movies of all time – The Quiet Man. Departing his classical Western genre, John Wayne stars as Sean Thornton in this romantic boxing drama.

After killing his opponent in the ring, Thornton returns to Ireland from the USA seeking a quiet life.

When he runs into Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen) and his sister Mary Kate (Maureen O’Hara) life is anything but simple.

1. The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006)

Topping high in the popularity score, The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a war drama set in the early 1920s against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence.

Damien (Cillian Murphy) is about to leave Ireland to study as a doctor in London but an attack by brutal Black and Tans (British Forces) leads him to fight alongside his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) in the IRA.

However, once the peace treaty is signed, Damien finds that he and his brother are estranged. Liam Cunningham plays a supporting role as Dan. This is one of the best Irish films when it comes to review scores.

Explore beyond Irish movies

Although you’ve your fair share of Irish comedy movies to watch after reading the above, there’s plenty more entertainment for you to consider:

• 15 of the best Irish TV shows
• The top Irish movies on Netflix
• The best movies on Netflix Ireland

FAQs

Regardless of whether you’re after a funny Irish movie to watch this evening, a drama or a historical epic, Irish cinema has no shortage of brilliant stories to dive into.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about Irish flicks!