Irish cinema and films about Ireland have contributed significantly to world cinema, offering unique perspectives on history, culture, conflict, and the human experience. From historical epics to intimate character studies, from political thrillers to charming comedies, these films showcase the breadth and depth of Irish storytelling. The following list includes films set in Ireland, movies about Irish history and culture, and works by Irish filmmakers that have shaped our understanding of the Emerald Isle.
Historical Epics and Period Dramas:
- “Michael Collins” (1996) A powerful biographical film starring Liam Neeson as the revolutionary leader Michael Collins. Director Neil Jordan masterfully captures the turbulent period of Irish independence and civil war, with stellar performances from Alan Rickman and Julia Roberts. The film particularly excels in depicting the complexities of the Anglo-Irish War and the tragic divisions that followed.
- “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” (2006) Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or-winning drama follows two brothers (Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney) during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. The film powerfully illustrates how political conflicts can tear families apart, while maintaining a thoughtful exploration of the period’s ideological complexities.
- “Ryan’s Daughter” (1970) David Lean’s epic romance set in 1916 Ireland tells the story of a married woman’s affair with a British officer. The film’s stunning cinematography of the Dingle Peninsula won an Academy Award, while Sarah Miles delivers a memorable performance as the conflicted protagonist.
- “The Magdalene Sisters” (2002) Peter Mullan’s haunting drama exposes the brutal treatment of young women in Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. Based on true stories, the film follows four women imprisoned in these church-run institutions, offering a devastating critique of institutional abuse.
- “Brooklyn” (2015) Saoirse Ronan stars in this beautiful adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novel about a young Irish woman emigrating to America in the 1950s. The film perfectly captures the immigrant experience and the pull between old world and new.
Contemporary Dramas:
- “Once” (2007) This low-budget musical drama about a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant became an unexpected international hit. The naturalistic performances and authentic Dublin setting create a unique love story that spawned a successful stage adaptation.
- “The Commitments” (1991) Alan Parker’s adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s novel follows a working-class Dublin soul band. The film combines humor, social commentary, and fantastic music while capturing the energy of Dublin’s northside.
- “In the Name of the Father” (1993) Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this powerful true story of the Guildford Four, wrongly imprisoned for an IRA bombing. Jim Sheridan’s direction brings out the human drama behind the political controversy.
Northern Ireland Conflict Films:
- “Hunger” (2008) Steve McQueen’s devastating portrayal of Bobby Sands’ hunger strike features an incredible performance by Michael Fassbender. The film’s unflinching examination of the 1981 hunger strikes combines artistic vision with historical accuracy.
- “Bloody Sunday” (2002) Paul Greengrass’s documentary-style drama recreates the tragic events of January 30, 1972, in Derry. James Nesbitt leads a powerful cast in this raw, immediate portrayal of one of the Troubles’ darkest days.
- “Cal” (1984) A sensitive love story set against the backdrop of the Troubles, starring John Lynch and Helen Mirren. The film explores the relationship between a Catholic youth involved with the IRA and the widow of a man killed by the organization.
- “’71” (2014) Jack O’Connell stars as a British soldier separated from his unit in Belfast at the height of the Troubles. This taut thriller provides a unique perspective on the conflict while maintaining intense suspense.
- “Some Mother’s Son” (1996) Helen Mirren stars in this emotional drama about the 1981 hunger strikes from the perspective of the prisoners’ mothers, offering a different view of the conflict’s human cost.
Comedy:
- “The Guard” (2011) Brendan Gleeson shines as an unorthodox Irish police officer partnered with an FBI agent (Don Cheadle). The film’s dark humor and sharp wit exemplify the best of Irish comedy.
- “Waking Ned Devine” (1998) A charming comedy about a small Irish village’s scheme to claim a deceased man’s lottery winnings. The film captures the spirit of rural Irish life with warmth and humor.
- “The Snapper” (1993) Stephen Frears directs this adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s novel about a young woman’s pregnancy in working-class Dublin. Colm Meaney leads a fantastic cast in this warm, funny family drama.
- “Intermission” (2003) A dark comedy featuring Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy, weaving multiple storylines through contemporary Dublin. The film balances humor with moments of violence and tenderness.
Literary Adaptations:
- “The Field” (1990) Jim Sheridan’s adaptation of John B. Keane’s play stars Richard Harris as Bull McCabe, a farmer obsessed with his rented field. The film explores themes of land, tradition, and change in rural Ireland.
- “Circle of Friends” (1995) Based on Maeve Binchy’s novel, this coming-of-age story set in 1950s Ireland stars Minnie Driver as a university student discovering love and friendship.
- “Dancing at Lughnasa” (1998) Meryl Streep leads the cast in this adaptation of Brian Friel’s play about five sisters in 1930s Donegal. The film captures the play’s exploration of family, tradition, and modernity.
Modern Irish Life:
- “Adam & Paul” (2004) A day in the life of two Dublin heroin addicts, this darkly comic film offers a powerful look at addiction and friendship in contemporary Dublin.
- “Garage” (2007) Pat Shortt gives a remarkable performance as a lonely gas station attendant in rural Ireland. The film’s quiet observation of rural isolation is both touching and devastating.
- “What Richard Did” (2012) Lenny Abrahamson’s drama follows a privileged Dublin teenager whose life changes after a violent incident. The film offers a nuanced exploration of class and morality in modern Ireland.
Historical Dramas:
- “The Secret Scripture” (2016) Based on Sebastian Barry’s novel, this film explores the life of a woman kept in a mental hospital in Ireland for 50 years, starring Rooney Mara and Vanessa Redgrave.
- “Angela’s Ashes” (1999) Alan Parker’s adaptation of Frank McCourt’s memoir depicts a poverty-stricken childhood in 1930s Limerick with both pathos and humor.
Sport and Music Films:
- “The Van” (1996) The final installment of Roddy Doyle’s Barrytown Trilogy follows two friends starting a fast-food business during Ireland’s 1990 World Cup campaign. Colm Meaney again shines in this working-class Dublin comedy.
- “Inside I’m Dancing” (2004) Also known as “Rory O’Shea Was Here,” this powerful drama follows two young men with disabilities fighting for independence in Dublin. James McAvoy delivers a memorable performance.
- “Sing Street” (2016) A charming musical coming-of-age story set in 1980s Dublin about a teenager who forms a band to impress a girl. Features original songs and captures the era’s music scene perfectly.
- “Beat Girl” (2013) A contemporary Dublin-set story about a piano prodigy who discovers electronic dance music, reflecting modern Ireland’s cultural diversity.
- “Song of the Sea” (2014) This beautiful animated film draws on Irish folklore to tell the story of a boy and his selkie sister. The hand-drawn animation showcases traditional Irish art styles and mythology.
Supernatural and Folk Tales:
- “The Secret of Roan Inish” (1994) John Sayles directs this magical realist tale about a young girl investigating her family’s connection to selkies on Ireland’s west coast.
- “Ondine” (2009) Neil Jordan’s modern fairy tale stars Colin Farrell as a fisherman who catches what might be a mythical selkie in his nets. The film blends reality and fantasy in contemporary Ireland.
- “The Hallow” (2015) A horror film drawing on Irish folklore, following a family who moves to a remote forest and encounters supernatural creatures. Combines traditional myths with modern horror.
Historical Biopics:
- “Jimmy’s Hall” (2014) Ken Loach’s drama tells the true story of Jimmy Gralton, who was deported from Ireland for running a dance hall in the 1930s. Explores themes of freedom and cultural expression.
- “Noble” (2014) The true story of Christina Noble, who overcame a harsh Irish childhood to help Vietnamese street children. Deirdre O’Kane stars in this inspiring biopic.
Crime and Thriller:
- “Veronica Guerin” (2003) Cate Blanchett stars as the titular journalist who investigated Dublin’s drug trade in the 1990s, leading to her tragic murder.
- “Ordinary Decent Criminal” (2000) Kevin Spacey plays a Dublin criminal loosely based on Martin Cahill, in this crime comedy-drama about Ireland’s underworld.
- “I Went Down” (1997) A crime comedy following two small-time criminals on a mission across Ireland, starring Brendan Gleeson and Peter McDonald.
Contemporary Social Issues:
- “About Adam” (2000) A romantic comedy set in Celtic Tiger era Dublin, starring Stuart Townsend and Kate Hudson, exploring modern relationships.
- “The Boxer” (1997) Daniel Day-Lewis stars as a former IRA member trying to return to boxing after prison, directed by Jim Sheridan.
Rural Life:
- “War of the Buttons” (1994) An adaptation of the French novel relocated to Ireland, following rival groups of village children in their playful warfare.
- “Into the West” (1992) Gabriel Byrne stars in this magical realist tale about two boys who escape Dublin’s tower blocks on a mysterious white horse.
- “My Left Foot” (1989) Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his portrayal of Christy Brown, who overcame cerebral palsy to become an artist and writer.
- “The Quiet Man” (1952) John Ford’s romantic classic starring John Wayne as an American returning to his Irish roots, featuring stunning photography of County Mayo.
Immigration and Identity:
- “In America” (2002) Jim Sheridan’s semi-autobiographical film follows an Irish family immigrating to New York City, dealing with loss and new beginnings. Features powerful performances from Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton.
- “Breakfast on Pluto” (2005) Neil Jordan directs Cillian Murphy as a transgender woman searching for her mother in London during the 1970s, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.
- “This Is My Father” (1998) James Caan stars in this generational drama about an American teacher discovering his Irish roots, exploring themes of family and identity.
- “The Nephew” (1998) A mixed-race American teenager arrives in Ireland to meet his uncle, challenging small-town prejudices and family secrets.
Gothic and Horror:
- “Byzantium” (2012) Neil Jordan returns to vampire territory with Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton as immortal beings hiding in a coastal Irish town.
- “Grabbers” (2012) A horror-comedy about an Irish coastal community fighting alien creatures with alcohol as their only weapon. Clever blend of science fiction and Irish humor.
Modern Relationships:
- “Leap Year” (2010) Amy Adams stars in this romantic comedy about an American woman traveling to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend, featuring stunning Irish landscapes.
- “Once Bitten” (2010) A Dublin-set romantic drama exploring modern relationships through the lens of vampire mythology.
- “When Brendan Met Trudy” (2000) Roddy Doyle’s screenplay follows a choir teacher who falls for a burglar, offering a quirky take on Dublin romance.
Historical Drama:
- “The Secret of Kells” (2009) Beautiful animated film about the creation of the Book of Kells, blending history with Celtic mythology and stunning artwork.
- “Black ’47” (2018) Set during the Great Famine, this revenge thriller follows an Irish Ranger who deserted the British Army to seek vengeance.
- “The General” (1998) John Boorman directs Brendan Gleeson as real-life Dublin criminal Martin Cahill in this stylish black-and-white crime biography.
Contemporary Social Commentary:
- “Rosie” (2018) Sarah Greene stars in this powerful drama about a Dublin family facing homelessness, highlighting Ireland’s housing crisis.
- “What Richard Did” (2012) A privileged Dublin teenager’s life unravels after a violent incident, exploring class and morality in modern Ireland.
- “Cardboard Gangsters” (2017) A gritty look at drug dealing in contemporary Dublin, starring John Connors.
Family Stories:
- “Evelyn” (2002) Pierce Brosnan stars in the true story of a father fighting the Irish courts to regain custody of his children.
- “Life’s A Breeze” (2013) A family searches Dublin for a lost mattress containing their elderly mother’s life savings.
Rural Life and Community:
- “Small Engine Repair” (2006) A touching story about a country music singer in rural Ireland trying to make it big while running a small engine repair shop.
- “The Butcher Boy” (1997) Neil Jordan’s dark adaptation of Patrick McCabe’s novel about a troubled boy in 1960s Ireland.
- “Run & Jump” (2013) An American doctor observes an Irish family coping with their father’s stroke, starring Will Forte.
- “The Hardy Bucks Movie” (2013) Based on the popular web series, following a group of Mayo men on a wild adventure to Poland.
Coming of Age:
- “Handsome Devil” (2016) A story about friendship and identity set in an Irish boarding school, starring Fionn O’Shea and Nicholas Galitzine.
- “Kisses” (2008) Two Dublin kids run away from home during Christmas, exploring the city’s dark and magical sides.
- “The Young Offenders” (2016) Comedy following two Cork teenagers on a road trip to find a missing bale of cocaine, based on a true story.
Immigration and Diaspora:
- “Wild Mountain Thyme” (2020) Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan star in this romantic drama about neighboring farm families in Ireland.
- “Gold” (2014) An estranged father returns to Ireland to reconnect with his family, starring James Nesbitt.
- “The Tiger’s Tail” (2006) Brendan Gleeson plays a successful businessman whose life unravels during the Celtic Tiger era.
Politics and History:
- “Five Minutes of Heaven” (2009) Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt star in this drama about reconciliation after the Troubles.
- “The Devil’s Own” (1997) Brad Pitt plays an IRA member seeking weapons in America, with Harrison Ford as his unwitting host.
- “H3” (2001) A powerful dramatization of the 1981 hunger strikes from the prisoners’ perspective.
Modern Ireland:
- “Calvary” (2014) Brendan Gleeson stars as a priest who receives a death threat in confession, exploring faith in modern Ireland.
- “Terminal” (2004) A dark comedy about Dublin airport workers during Christmas.
- “Perrier’s Bounty” (2009) Cillian Murphy stars in this crime comedy about a man on the run from a gangster.
Documentary:
- “Rocky Road to Dublin” (1968) Influential documentary about 1960s Ireland that was banned for many years.
- “The Irish Pub” (2013) Celebration of traditional Irish pubs and their place in society.
- “Older Than Ireland” (2015) Documentary featuring Irish centenarians sharing their life stories.
Literary Adaptations:
- “The Dead” (1987) John Huston’s final film, adapting James Joyce’s story from “Dubliners.”
- “Agnes Browne” (1999) Anjelica Huston directs and stars in this adaptation of Brendan O’Carroll’s novel.
- “Nora” (2000) Ewan McGregor stars as James Joyce in this story about his relationship with Nora Barnacle.
Contemporary Drama:
- “Patrick’s Day” (2014) Story of a young man with schizophrenia who falls in love, starring Moe Dunford.
- “Glassland” (2014) Jack Reynor plays a young taxi driver trying to save his mother from addiction.
- “The Stag” (2013) Comedy about a groom and his friends on a bachelor weekend in the Irish countryside.
Historical:
- “The Boys from County Clare” (2003) Comedy-drama about rival céilí bands in 1960s Ireland.
- “Korea” (1995) Drama about a father and son’s relationship during the Korean War period.
- “Love & Rage” (1998) Period drama based on the true story of an English landowner in 1890s Ireland.
Contemporary Comedy:
- “Extra Ordinary” (2019) Supernatural comedy about a driving instructor with paranormal abilities.
- “Grabbers” (2012) Horror-comedy about an Irish island under attack from alcohol-fearing aliens.
- “Wide Open Spaces” (2009) Comedy about two friends tasked with building a famine theme park.
Final Selection:
- “Float Like a Butterfly” (2018) Story of a young Irish Traveller girl who dreams of becoming a boxer.
- “A Date for Mad Mary” (2016) Comedy-drama about a woman fresh from prison seeking a date for her best friend’s wedding.
- “The Last Right” (2019) Comedy about a man tasked with returning a stranger’s body across Ireland.
- “Dublin Oldschool” (2018) Story of a DJ reconnecting with his estranged brother over a drug-fueled weekend.
- “Rebellion” (2016) Historical drama about the 1916 Easter Rising.
- “The Siege of Jadotville” (2016) True story of Irish UN troops under siege in Africa.
- “Shadow Dancer” (2012) Thriller about an IRA member forced to become an informant.
- “Ella Enchanted” (2004) While not entirely set in Ireland, this fairy tale film features significant Irish locations and themes.
This comprehensive list showcases the diversity and richness of Irish cinema, from historical epics to contemporary comedies, demonstrating Ireland’s significant contribution to world cinema.
Author: jonathan
Jonathan is the publisher of Irishtopia.net, Anglotopia.net, and Londontopia.net. He's passionate about travel and learning about other cultures. He's been to Ireland several times, and uses his travel expertise for Irishtopia!
