39 Greatest Irish Movies Ever Made (In Order)

Take any guide to the best Irish films with a grain of salt—including this one. What resonates with one person may completely miss the mark for another.

In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best Irish movies, curated through countless viewings over many years.

Whether you’re seeking critically acclaimed masterpieces or hidden gems, start your cinematic journey through Ireland below!

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.

39. 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 dark comedy blends horror and satire to critique societal marriage pressures, offering a stark, humorously bleak take on the extremes of avoiding loneliness.

38. 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, a young assistant played by Conor J. Ryan. Their camaraderie offers Josie fleeting moments of joy amidst his solitude.

37. 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. Miranda Richardson and Adrian Dunbar star as IRA members.

This is one of a handful of top Irish movies I watched for the first time this year and very much enjoyed.

36. Intermission

Ahh, Intermission. This is an absolute peach of a flick that often fails to make it onto many lists of the best Irish films.

Intermission 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.

35. 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.

34. I Went Down

Starring Peter McDonald as the newly released jailbird Git Hynes, this fresh drama comedy is directed by Paddy Breathnach.

Dropping in to visit his best friend Anto (David Wilmot), Git has to defend his friend as he is attacked 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.

33. 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.

32. 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.

31. 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.

30. Angela’s Ashes

Winner of Best Director for Alan Parker (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Awards), 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.

29. 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).

28. Into the West

Living in poverty in Dublin, Ossie and Tito (Ciaran Fitzgerald and Ruaidhri Conry respectively) 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 family-friendly adventure story for all ages.

27. 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. Nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor, among many other nominations.

26. 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.

25. 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 our guide to where was The Banshees of Inisherin filmed in Ireland).

24. Man About Dog

This fast-packed comedy caper directed by Paddy Breathnach 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.

23. 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 honor 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.

A Date for Mad Mary offers a poignant, humorous, and raw exploration of adapting to a life that has moved on without you.

22. 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).

21. 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.

Illuminator Aidan (Mick Lally) gives Brendan a series of magical tasks. This first part of a folklore trilogy is directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey.

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

20. 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.

19. 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.

18. 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.

17. Michael Collins

Directed by Neil Jordan, Michael Collins 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.

Informative historical biography which won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival. Co-starring Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, and Julia Roberts as Collins’ lover Kitty Kiernan.

If you’ve in the mood for good Irish films that’ll give you a sense of Ireland’s past, I can’t recommend this one enough.

16. 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. Directed with great humour by Stephen Frears.

15. 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.

14. Bloody Sunday

Based on the events of Bloody Sunday, 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.

Shot in the style of a documentary, this historical drama was directed by Paul Greengrass with Nicholas Farrell as Brigadier Maclellan and Tim Pigott-Smith as Major General Ford.

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.

13. Some Mother’s Son

Written and directed by Irish filmmaker 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.

12. 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 and the life each has to offer. Outstanding performances by Ronan and Emory Cohen.

11. Adam & Paul

Adam & Paul is a dark 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 Adam and Paul, childhood friends bound by their shared dependency on heroin.

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.

Their attempts to secure their next fix lead to near-thefts, unintended chaos, and a reflection on their lives’ downward spiral.

10. The Van

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

Directed by Stephen Frears, 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 (played by 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 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 story unfolds in two parts: the first charts Redmond Barry’s rise to wealth and status through his marriage to the wealthy Lady Lyndon, portrayed by Marisa Berenson.

The second part depicts his sharp decline into financial ruin, familial conflict, and social isolation.

8. The Young Offenders Movie

The Young Offenders is an Irish comedy written directed and co-produced by Peter Foott. It started its life as a series and quickly became one of the 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. It tells the horrific story of what happened to Guerin, an investigative journalist, while she was investigating Dublin’s underworld.

Cate Blanchett gives a notable performance as Irish journalist Veronica Guerin in this 2003 biographical crime drama.

This moving biographical tale was directed by Joel Schumacher and co-stars Gerald McSorley, Ciaran Hinds and Brenda Fricker.

5. The Field

You’ll see the Field top many guides to the best Irish movies, and for good reason.

Directed by Jim Sheridan, The Field follows the story of “Bull” McCabe (Richard Harris) who finds out that the land he has tended for 30 years is to be auctioned off.

McCabe is outbid by a rich American (Tom Berenger) who plans to build a factory on the site.

However, that’s just the start of the story as McCabe joins forces with son Tadgh McCabe (Sean Bean) in a bid to hold onto the land that means so much to him.

4. Waking Ned

Out of the many 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.

The village puts their heads together to find a way to make the claim on Devine’s behalf with humorous results.

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.

Directed by Alan Parker and starring Johnny Murphy as Joey “the Lips” Fagan on trumpet and Angeline Ball as singer Imelda Quirke.

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