A curated list of the 25 finest Irish films of all time, celebrating the rich cultural and cinematic heritage of Ireland.

Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film is a perfect St. Patrick’s Day pick. Set during the early stages of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, viewed through the eyes of a child, the film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. And with Judi Dench in the cast, what more could you want?

Where to stream: Available for digital rental.

This musical drama follows a week in the life of a Dublin street musician (Glen Hansard) and a Czech singer-songwriter (Markéta Irglová). With captivating, genuine performances from two real-life musicians, this sweet romance set the stage for a more contemporary take on movie musicals. The fact that no one truly replicated the style of Once makes it even more distinctive (at least until the director’s own Sing Street, which we'll discuss later).

Where to stream: Max Go

Another Dublin-set cult musical, this comedy tells the story of a passionate young music fan (Robert Arkins) who dreams of managing a local soul band inspired by the Black American musicians he admires. Unfortunately, he struggles to find talented musicians in Dublin, so he decides to create a band from scratch. In true underdog fashion, the group may lack skill, but they make up for it with heart and determination.

Where to stream: Hoopla

In this heartwarming story from writer Roddy Doyle (author of The Commitments), The Snapper follows the challenges faced by a traditional Irish Catholic family (led by Colm Meaney) when their outspoken daughter, Sharon, becomes pregnant after a one-night stand and refuses to name the father. As the family grapples with their own shame, Sharon discovers who her true friends really are.

Where to stream: Digital rental

The Van invites you to complete your St. Paddy’s Day movie marathon with another film based on the works of Roddy Doyle (The Commitments, The Snapper, and this one). Though the films are related in tone and theme, they don’t have to be watched in any particular order. In this film, a couple of friends (Colm Meaney and Donal O’Kelly) start a fish-and-chip truck after Ireland’s unexpected success at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. However, their friendship starts to unravel as business tensions rise, forcing them to choose between financial success and preserving their bond.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Waking Ned Devine might sound like a dark comedy with its premise: a villager wins the Irish National Lottery, only to die from the shock, prompting the entire village to band together to trick the claim inspector into thinking another villager is Ned so they can share the winnings. However, the film’s sweetness and good-natured tone make it far more uplifting than its premise suggests.

(In North America, the movie is titled Waking Ned Devine, though it may be listed by its original name, Waking Ned. It's the same movie.)

Where to stream: Digital rental

In a more somber narrative, Brendan Gleeson delivers a remarkable performance as a well-meaning Catholic priest confronted by a parishioner who was sexually abused by a clergyman as a child. The man threatens to kill Father James within a week, giving him time to settle his affairs. Father James uses this time to engage with his parishioners and reconcile with his daughter. This delicate, yet powerful, story navigates sensitive themes with both sensitivity and boldness.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Set during the bleakest year of the 19th-century Irish famine, Black ‘47 draws inspiration from American westerns in telling the story of an Irish soldier returning from service with the British army. Upon his return, he finds that his status as a veteran offers him no protection from the local authorities and landlords. What begins as a historical drama quickly transforms into a gripping, dark revenge story with a stylish edge.

Where to stream: Digital rental

As with any historical drama, it's crucial to remember that fact and filmmaking don’t always align, and Neil Jordan’s Michael Collins—a historical epic—has been rightfully critiqued for its historical liberties. However, the film deeply explores its subject, using the violent backdrop of the era to make a heartfelt call for peace. Liam Neeson delivers a career-defining performance as the Irish revolutionary and later politician, Michael Collins.

Where to stream: Hoopla

Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney star as two brothers from County Cork who join the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence in the early 1920s, followed by the civil war that erupted soon after. It’s a grim tale, but one that remains a powerful war story, breaking box office records in Ireland when it was first released.

Where to stream: Plex

This marked the moment when Daniel Day-Lewis proved he was truly a master of his craft. Based on the life of Christy Brown, a writer with cerebral palsy who could only control his left foot, Day-Lewis could have played the role through mere gestures and mannerisms. Instead, he created a fully realized portrayal, earning him the Best Actor Oscar.

Where to stream: PFubo, Showtime Anytime

Just four years after winning the Oscar for My Left Foot, Daniel Day-Lewis received his second Best Actor nomination for In the Name of the Father. In this powerful drama, he portrays Gerry Conlon, a real individual who was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned, along with three other men, for a bombing in a pub that claimed the lives of off-duty British soldiers.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Set during the 1981 hunger strike by Irish republican prisoners in Northern Ireland, Steve McQueen’s Hunger is a gut-wrenching portrayal, with Michael Fassbender earning wide praise for his portrayal of Bobby Sands. The film brilliantly balances the horrific prison conditions with the specific circumstances surrounding the strike itself.

Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, IndieFix, Plex

While Neil Jordan’s Troubles-era thriller became notorious in 1992 for its surprising plot twist involving Jaye Davidson’s character, the film also garnered near-universal critical praise and earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Though its portrayal of gender roles may not fully withstand modern scrutiny, it remains a bold exploration of gender, race, and sexuality within the framework of a political thriller.

Where to stream: Tubi

Joel Schumacher’s portrayal of real-life crime journalist Veronica Guerin received mixed reviews—though engaging, it falls into familiar territory within the “crusading reporter” genre. Nonetheless, Cate Blanchett’s performance stands out, adding depth to the character of a woman whose relentless journalism made her a target of Dublin’s drug lords during the 1990s.

Where to stream: Hoopla

Modern Irish history often centers around the difficult choices faced by those forced to decide between staying home or seeking a better life abroad. With a delicate approach, the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn tells the story of Saoirse Ronan’s character, Ellis, who emigrates to New York in the 1950s, navigating both the struggles and opportunities of her new life in America.

Where to stream: The Roku Channel

This marks the beginning of what could be your next St. Patrick’s Day movie marathon, featuring the stunning animated “Irish Folklore” trilogy from director Tomm Moore and his team. While these films are only thematically linked, feel free to enjoy them in any order.

The first installment follows Brendan, a curious 12-year-old boy living in the Abbey of Kells under the strict supervision of his uncle. Secretly learning the ancient art of calligraphy, Brendan is tasked with completing magical quests while the abbey braces for a Viking assault.

Where to stream: Hoopla, Kanopy

This animated fantasy tells the poignant tale of a lighthouse-keeper family torn apart when Bronagh, the pregnant mother, mysteriously vanishes soon after giving birth to her daughter, Saoirse. As the family struggles with this loss, they discover Saoirse is a half-human selkie, faced with the impossible choice of embracing one of two fates.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Robyn Goodfellowe, an apprentice hunter working alongside her father, is sent to Ireland with the mission of exterminating the last of the wolves. Venturing out on her own, she meets a free-spirited girl who needs Robyn's help to find her mother. This girl is from a tribe believed to have the mystical ability to transform into wolves. As Robyn forms a bond with these new friends, her relationship with her father starts to unravel.

Where to stream: Apple TV+

In Sing Street, director John Carney presents the story of Conor Lawlor, a Dublin teenager from a fractured family who finds solace in music. Forming a band as a means of escape, Conor gains the confidence to pursue a romantic interest. Much like his previous film Once, Sing Street delivers a perfect mix of upbeat musical sequences with a grounded, realistic perspective on life and love.

Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Redbox, Pluto, IMDb TV

Set on the rugged west coast of Ireland, this timeless story follows a young girl who is sent to live with her grandparents on the mystical island of Roan Inish. She becomes fascinated by local legends of seals and magical beings, particularly as these tales are connected to the mystery of her missing brother. A heartwarming classic that appeals to all ages.

Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto, IMDb TV

Ondine, starring Alicja Bachleda as the enigmatic title character, is a modern fairy tale with a twist. The story follows a recovering alcoholic, played by Colin Farrell, who catches Ondine in his fishing nets. Their blossoming romance leads them to question whether Ondine truly belongs in their world or if she’s something more magical and otherworldly.

Where to stream: HBO Max, Hoopla, Tubi

In the eerie thriller The Hole in the Ground, a woman begins to suspect that her young son, who looks exactly like him, is not the same child she once knew. With a chilling Irish backdrop, this entry in the creepy kid horror genre keeps the tension high and the atmosphere unsettling.

Where to stream: Fubo, Showtime Anytime, Kanopy

Sea Fever is a low-budget sci-fi thriller that proves how much can be accomplished with a small scale. The film follows Siobhán, a PhD student who joins a fishing trawler crew to advance her research. As they venture deeper into the Atlantic, the crew encounters a strange creature that poses a deadly threat—especially if they fail to collaborate and find a way to survive together.

Where to stream: Hulu, Hoopla, Kanopy

Wild Mountain Thyme may not be the most remarkable film in terms of cinematic quality, but it has its charm for those seeking light-hearted entertainment. The romantic comedy centers on two neighboring farmers from Westmeath, played by Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt, who slowly develop a romantic bond. It’s a sweet, though forgettable, tale that can serve as a pleasant diversion after a pint or two.

Where to stream: Hulu, Kanopy