22 Best movies on Netflix Ireland Worth Watching Tonight (Irish, Old + New Films)

We’d recommend that you take any guide to the best films on Netflix Ireland with a pinch of salt (even this one!).

What one person regards as great, another may think is shi… you get the picture.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up a mixture of what we think are the best movies on Netflix Ireland along with flicks that have racked up rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes!.

The best movies on Netflix Ireland

Below you’ll find some of the best movies on Netflix Ireland as of mid-December 2022.

There’s everything from comedies and dramas to horror movies, action flicks and everything in between.

1. Donnie Brasco (88% on Rotten Tomatoes)

First up is, in our opinion, the best film on Netflix Ireland if you fancy an old-school movie that’ll keep you gripped from start to finish.

This classic film is one of the best true mafia crime dramas ever made. The film is loosely based on the true story of an undercover FBI agent.

Joe Pistone, who infiltrated the Bonanno family in New York during the 1970s. It has a star-studded cast with Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Anne Heche and Michael Madsen.

2. The Imitation Game (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Heralded as one of the 21st century’s most cinematic and emotionally unsettling movies, this film is based on the real-life events of a British mathematician’s work at Bletchley Park to help end World War II.

Alan Turing, portrayed brilliantly by Benedict Cumberbatch, alongside actors Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode, work tirelessly to de-encrypt German military movements transmitted through the Enigma machine.

Director Morten Tyldrum’s carefully crafted narrative explores these events and showcases the after-effects of Turing’s insight and genius, and his eventual incarceration and mistreatment.

Related read: Check out 12 of the best Irish movies on Netflix

3. Marriage Story (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

If you’re looking for deep and touching drama movie, this is one of the best films on Netflix Ireland. It’ll make you laugh, cry and smile all at the same time.

It’s easy to see why so many viewers believe this film to be based on a real story, but it’s not. It is, however, a desperately accurate portrayal of the real-life drama that comes when relationships, that are already falling apart, are pushed to the limits.

Directed by Noah Baumbach, and studying Hollywood favourites Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and M*A*S*H icon Alan Alda, this romantic drama will have you experiencing all the feels you can muster as a couple’s marriage and family erodes, and the heartache and turmoil they all endure.

4. Uncut Gems (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Loosely based on actual events, this crime/drama story will have you gripping your seat in anticipation.

A co-directed film, by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, it tells the tales of how a jeweller makes a high-stakes bet that could either secure or destroy his family; with hideous consequences for the latter.

Starring Adam Sandler (Howard), Julia Fox, and Idina Menzel, this 2h15m-long movie is highly entertaining, and perfectly showcases Sandler’s ability as a serious actor in a leading role; just how far will Howard go to win at all costs?

5. Snatch (90% on Rotten Tomatoes))

The summer of 2000 finished with a bang, or rather a walloping punch. Directed by Guy Ritchie, and with a star-studded cast including Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, and Ireland’s very own Sorcha Cusack, this knockout of a comedy is anything but your run-of-the-mill heist film.

Get a large bowl of popcorn, as it runs for nearly 2-hours, and remember it’s rated (R). The film is a face-paced comedy, with everything you could ask for; bent boxing promoters, a Russian gangster, and bumbling thieves all vie to locate a priceless diamond.

Related read: Have a nosey at the 17 best series on Netflix Ireland when you’re finished here!

6. Prisoners (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Next up is one of the more disturbing films on Netflix Ireland. A truly great crime thriller with a stellar cast, Prisoners was a huge success when it was released in 2013.

It stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Paul Dano and Terrence Howard.

The story goes that when Keller Dover’s daughter and her friend go missing and the police take their time to find them, he decides to take matters into his own hands. The desperation leads to the truth but also jeopardises Dover’s own life.

7. The Power of the Dog (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Based on a novel by Thomas Savage, this story draws on the author’s formative experiences of Montana ranch life in the early 20th century.

Jane Campion’s stunning work as the Director guides the stellar performances by Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role as the chillingly cruel rancher, and Kirsten Dunst together with Jesse Plemons bear the brunt of his brutality.

Is there more to this film than meets the eye? A more human and emotionally broken side to the harsh realities of this isolated life? Watch it to find out.

8. Nightcrawler (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Another of the best movies on Netflix Ireland review wise, Nightcrawler is a bit of a weird one to say the least.

Directed by Dan Gilroy, and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Riz Ahmed, this gritty flick shows the depths that amateur cameraman, Lou Bloom, will sink to in order to achieve his sociopathic ends; from unemployed working-class deadbeat to a filthy rich notorious Nightcrawler.

Running with the ethos of ‘if it bleeds, it leads’, the petty thief turned photographer and cameraman discovers the lucrative nature of selling pictures of crime scenes to the tabloids. Once bitten by the shutter-bug, he resorts to ever-increasing extreme tactics to capture his front-page image.

Related read: Have a nosey at the best documentaries on Netflix Ireland

9. Gladiator (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

This is a true classic and a must-see film for every movie buff (or for those of you struggling to land on something to watch!).

The British-American action drama directed by Ridley Scott is loosely based on real events from the Roman Empire.

The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus who demotes his father’s preferred general, Maximus played by Russell Crowe. Maximus is forced to fight till the finish as a gladiator in order to avenge his wife and kids.

10. The Irishman (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Another of the best films on Netflix Ireland review-score wise is the Irishman.

Almost a biopic, this engrossing film is a fascinating tale of 1950s Philadelphia, and a hitman who worked for the Bufalino mafia family.

Directed by Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese, and starring cinema big-guns Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino, it’s everything you could want in a crime-drama movie.

Critically acclaimed for its cinematography and direction, the stars do a fantastic job depicting the times and events that actually happened, including The Irishman’s time under the infamous mafia big-man, Jimmy Hoffa.

11. 13th (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Using authentic and historic footage from the 1950s and 1960s, that features the likes of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X, as the backdrop, filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores what has led to the industrialised prison system in America, and why it is disproportionately filled with African-Americans.

Long before the Black Lives Matter movement started, the 13th amendment ensured that the only justification for being enslaved or imprisoned was as punishment for a criminal conviction.

The Director explores the intersection of race, justice, and commercially profitable mass incarceration of Americans.

Related read: See our guide to the best Irish movies of all time

12. Dolemite Is My Name (97% on Rotten Tomatoes)

If you’re looking for good movies on Netflix Ireland that’ll give you a giggle, lash on Dolemite Is My Name.

Part comedy, part drama, this film will have you in stitches and tears as star Eddy Murphy (as real-life notoriety Rudy Ray Moore) lives a scandalous and sometimes hilarious life through the creation of a character, the outrageous Dolemite.

Born to the seedy underground the sensational character becomes a kung-fu star that rallies against the establishment, all whilst providing the audience with chuckles along the way.

Directed by Craig Brewer, and also starring Wesley Snipes and Snoop Dogg, this film is just what you need for a fun night in.

13. The Young Offenders (100% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Arguably one of the best movies on Netflix Ireland when it comes to reviews (it’s had a 100% review score for years!) is the Young Offenders.

Starring Alex Murphy, Chris Walley, and Hilary Rose, and directed by Peter Foott, The Young Offenders is set in Ireland. It follows the unlikely duo of Murphy and Walley have one goal; locate a missing bale of cocaine, sell said bale, and escape their otherwise troubled lives.

There’s a lot going on in this movie, but the loveable and under-appreciated two teenage lads really are the heroes of the day, often inept and bumbling, they do manage to pull off a great story.

14. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (95% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Comedies don’t come any more classic than this 1979 Hollywood legend. After the roaring success that was Monty Python’s Holy Grail, this film sees the gang tackle the earlier Biblical time of Christ’s birth.

Led by Graham Chapman as Brian, and with fellow comedic-surrealists John Cleese and Eric Idle, and directed by Terry Jones, we meet Brian, a baby who was also born on the same night as the Christ.

But, the two couldn’t be more different, and herein lies the adventure of Brian trying to woo his badass lady, Judith.

15. Molly’s Game (82% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Michael Cera and Kevin Costner, Molly’s Game follows Molly (Chastain) who’s at the helms of a high stake poker game.

Those playing include high profile stars, criminals and the Hollywood elite. Things take a turn for Molly when the FBI take interest in her and her games.

16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (97% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Directed by Ang Lee, and starring screen legends Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zhang Ziyi, it’s based on the novel by the same name from 1941. Considered to be both a huge commercial and critical success, the highly acclaimed film is set in 19th century Qing dynasty China.

It has everything you need; a plot with twists and turns, cloak and dagger mystery, impeccable sword fights scenes, a touch of destiny, and just a hint of unrequited romance. Discover a hidden world filled with incredible cinematography and nuanced special effects.

17. Memento (93% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Starring Joe Pantoliano, Carrie-Anne Moss and Guy Pearce, Memenro is a psychological triller directed by Christopher Nolan (Dark Knight, Interstellar, Inception).

The story follows Shelby (Pearce) who suffers from amnesia as he attempts to find those that tore apart his family.

18. Passing (90% on Rotten Tomatoes)

In 1920s New York, being able to hide your truth under the colour of your skin could be the key to a happier life.

However, when childhood friends Clare (Ruth Negga) and Irene (Tessa Thompson) meet again after years apart, the perception of their fairer skin leads to racial tensions among the friends.

With a bigoted husband (Alexander Skarsgard), Clare seeks acceptance from her friend, but as time goes on, Irene sees another side of needy Clare. Directed by Rebecca Hall, this film will entertain you to the bitter end.

19. Boyz N the Hood (96% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Another pop-culture and cult favourite from the 1990s, this coming of age drama movie is a star-studded affair. With standout performances by Cuba Gooding Jr, Ice Cube, and Laurence Fishburne along with many others, and directed by John Singleton, it chronicles the very real highs, lows, and challenges of reaching adulthood in the ghettos of Los Angeles.

Rife with crime and violence, the grim spectre of gang warfare and death hangs above all; this movie is an authentic depiction of life for youths growing up in the American gang scene.

20. White Chicks (15% on Rotten Tomatoes)

OK, now, if you go off review scores then White Chicks has no place in a guide to the best movies on Netflix Ireland… However, this one delivers plenty of laughs throughout!

This classic comedy film is about two disgraced FBI agents played by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans who are assigned to a new case. They go undercover in order to protect two cruise line heiresses from getting abducted.

It may not be the best film on this list but the hilarious jokes as the two black detectives disguise themselves as very preppy white women will give you a good few giggles.

21. The Other Guys (78% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell team up in this American cop action comedy film by Adam McKay. It has a long list of A-list supporting cast including, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Samuel L Jackson, Dwayne Johnson and Steve Coogan.

The two mismatched detectives in New York City have an opportunity to step up their game by investigating a case involving a shady capitalist.

22. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (79% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Another great Coen brothers classic, this crime comedy film stars George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson and John Goodman.

It’s based in the deep south during the 1930s, as three escaped convicts go searching for hidden treasure that Ulysses had buried before getting caught while a persistent lawman chases them.

The top films on Netflix Ireland: What have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant films on Netflix Ireland from the guide above. Let me know which ones in the comments!

If you’ve watched any of the movies above and thought they were shite (Irish slang for bad, for our non-Irish readers), let me know, too.

FAQs about the best movies on Netflix Ireland

We’ve had a clatter of emails over the years since we first published this guide and then again every time it has been updated.

Here are our replies to some of the most FAQ, but shout if you have one we haven’t tackled.