42 Best Irish Movies of All Time (Ranked With Trailers)

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 (The Wind that Shakes the Barley), while just as many capture Ireland’s distinct humour (Intermission). The goal of this guide is simple: to help you uncover glorious Irish films you’ve yet to feast your eyes on—whether it’s a gripping drama, a razor-sharp comedy, or a thriller that keeps you on edge.  Why Trust This Guide? Every movie below has been watched and rewatched. These aren’t just personal favourites—they’ve also earned critical acclaim and high audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.

The best Irish movies ever made

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.

42. The Lobster

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.

41. Garage

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.

40. The Crying Game

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.

39. Intermission

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.

38. The Butcher Boy

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.

37. I Went Down

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.

36. Calvary

The tense storyline of Calvary is led by the soft-hearted priest James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson) who delivers an outstanding performance as he wrestles with unexpected controversy from his parishioners, culminating in a death threat. Directed by John Michael McDonagh, this comedy drama also stars Chris O’Dowd as Jack Brennan and the lovely Kelly Reilly as Fiona.

35. Sing Street

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.

34. The Secret of Roan Inish

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.

33. 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.

32. Angela’s Ashes

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.

31. The Magdalene Sisters

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).

30. Into the West

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.

29. In The Name Of The Father

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.

28. Hear My Song

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 comedy-come-romance is directed by Peter Chelsom.

27. The Banshees of Inisherin

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).

26. Man About Dog

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.

25. A Date for Mad Mary

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.

24. Philomena

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).

23. The Secret of Kells

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!

22. Once

This musical drama is a charming story of love set in Dublin with a modern musical score. Vacuum repairman by day and 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.

21. My Left Foot

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.

20. The General

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.

19. Michael Collins

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.

18. The Snapper

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.

17. Man of Aran

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.

16. Darby O’Gill And The Little People

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 2004. 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.

15. Bloody Sunday

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).

14. Some Mother’s Son

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.

13. Brooklyn

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.

12. Adam & Paul

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. Hunger

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.

10. The Van

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.

9. Barry Lyndon

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.

8. The Young Offenders Movie

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.

7. A Bad Day For The Cut

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.

6. Veronica Guerin

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.

5. The Field

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

Out of the many great Irish films 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

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

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

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 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