Check out the photo gallery of the best Irish movies of all time
10. "Waking Ned Devine"
Charming comedy set in a tiny, rural Irish town. When lottery winner Ned Devine is found dead - lottery ticket in hand and all - the townsfolk ban together to fool the authorities into thinking Ned is alive so they can receive the cash and share it. Starring Ian Bannen and Fionnula Flanagan.
9. "Once"
A beautiful, romantic, original musical set in the streets of Dublin. Glen Hansard of The Frames plays a street musician who meets fellow musician and Czech immigrant (Marketa Irglova). Together they work through pain, the past and new love through captivating music. Hansard and Irglova won the Oscar for Best Original Song (2007).
8. "The Crying Game"
The controversial film that put Irish director/screenwriter Neil Jordan on the map. Set in rural Ireland and bustling London, IRA member Fergus (Stephen Rea) develops a friendship with his captive, Jody (Forest Whittaker), and the kidnapping goes horribly wrong. Fergus then flees to London, where he seeks out Jody's girlfriend, Dil. An intense and thorny plot ensues.
7. "The Snapper"
Endearing Roddy Doyle novel-turned-screenplay. An unwed 20-year-old named Sharon Curly shakes up a working class Irish community when she becomes pregnant and refuses to name the father. Though full of quick wit and sarcastic banter, the dramedy has its touching, "family values" moments. Starring Colm Meaney and Tina Kellegher.
6. "Intermission"
A dark comedy with an Irish star-studded cast. "Intermission" follows the lives of a handful of dysfunctional characters whose choices all unwittingly affect each other's lives. Set in Dublin, the film takes on the grand themes of life, love and the law. Starring Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell.
5. "In the Name of the Father"
Oscar-nominated film based on the real-life experiences of Gerry Conlon, the alleged leader of the Guildford Four. Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Conlon, a Belfast man wrongly imprisoned for the 1974 IRA bombing of a pub in the U.K. Nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, In the Name of the Father shows one man's 15-year struggle for his innocence and for truth.
4. "The Field"
A story about an Irishman's love of his land from director Jim Sheridan. Bull McCabe (played by Richard Harris, who was nominated for an Oscar for the role) is a farmer in Ireland's rural west. When his field is threatened to be sold to an outsider, Bull will do anything in his power to stop it from happening. An unforgettable film about the conflict between "old" and "new" Ireland.
3. "My Left Foot"
A true story about an Irishman who overcomes his disability to become an amazing painter, poet and writer. Another film from Jim Sheridan, the film documents the extraordinary life of Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), a working class Irishman born with crippling cerebral palsy. With the encouragement of his mother, played by Brenda Fricker, Christy learns to write and draw with his only functional limb - his left foot. Both Day-Lewis and Fricker won Academy Awards for their roles.
2. "The Quiet Man"
A beloved classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. A romantic drama from director John Ford, "The Quiet Man" tells the story of Sean Thornton, a retired American boxer who relocates to Ireland to reclaim his family's farm, and Mary Kate Danaher, the fiery Irishwoman he falls in love with. Though its portrayal of Ireland may be a bit outdated, the film is a genuine tribute to Eire, and both an American and Irish favorite.
1. "The Commitments"
Legendary Irish film about a group of down-and-out Dubliners who form a soul band. Jimmy Rabbitte has dreams of creating the ultimate soul group, and succeeds in bringing together a bunch of talented, eclectic characters. But eventually personalities clash, and the survival of the band is threatened. This adaptation of the Roddy Doyle novel featured a relatively unknown cast at the time, but was welcomed with critical acclaim and a successful box office run.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
"In America"
Touching film starring Samantha Morton and Djimon Hounsou, among others. Documents the adventures, struggles and triumphs of a family of Irish immigrants living in a rough neighborhood in New York City.
"When Brendan Met Trudy"
Yet another great product of Roddy Doyle's writing. Quirky, charming film about a teacher who meets and subsequently falls for a woman in a pub who turns out to be a burglar.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.MalcomAC | Mar 20, 2011, 12:52 AM EDT
"The Boxer" with Daniel Day Lewis and Emily Watson, even though they're a wee bit old for the parts.
eithnep | Mar 17, 2011, 10:39 PM EDT
what about "shake hands with the devil starring james cagney ,a story about the IRA and filmed entirely in ireland ,a wonderful movie,and "Raggedy Boy" a movie about the abuse of young boys by priests , hard to watch but an important film and on a lighter note a romantic comedy "Leap Year" enjoyable
bobkelly | Mar 17, 2011, 04:26 PM EDT
I also like War of the Buttons, and Hunger
lirosa2 | Mar 17, 2011, 10:57 AM EDT
Dancing At Lughnasa, This Is My Father, both terrific!!
wrywott | Mar 16, 2011, 01:45 PM EDT
Would like to see "War of the Buttons" on the list. Was a very enjoyable movie. Just finished watching " The Field" with Richard Harris. Excellent !!!!!
PatsyAnn | Mar 16, 2011, 04:27 AM EDT
The "Quiet Man" is a classic of course, I believe the fight scene is the longest on film. The last scene in "Waking Ned Devine", could never be duplicated!! I've read all Maeve Binchey's books, so I liked "Circle of Friends" with Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnell. "Da" was a good movie, although sad. I rented it for my "Da" about a year before he died. Can't forget "Finian's Rainbow", which didn't seem real, but was entertaining. "How are things in Gloccamorra"??
springs1 | Mar 15, 2011, 06:53 PM EDT
What about "A Man of No Importance"....any movie with Albert Finney starring in it is worth a box of popcorn...
forflann | Mar 14, 2011, 06:00 PM EDT
dimdimob The Quiet Man, John Ford's masterpiece, the only Republic film ever made in technicolour or out side the US. Ford, an Irish-American bought the movie rights in 1933, for $300. The Informer made I believe in the '30s also a master-piece. Fine choices both!
texasmonica | Mar 14, 2011, 01:43 AM EDT
Gracias for the info on the Best Irish movies, I have seen atleast 2 and I will look to see if I can find the others and watch 'em. Any other recommendations?
dimdimob | Mar 13, 2011, 11:11 PM EDT
The Quiet Man, no doubt. Also how many people have ever seen The Informer? A good choice.
theresadaly1 | Mar 13, 2011, 08:02 PM EDT
The Wind That Shakes the Barley should be here. Who made this list?
Lagavulin | Mar 13, 2011, 12:49 PM EDT
I'd also suggest "The Boys & Girl From County Clare. Love Irish movies.
donnacregg | Feb 17, 2011, 07:30 PM EST
These are all such great movies. I heard about a movie coming out called White Irish Drinkers about an Irish family in the 70s. I love the trailer, it looks really intense. http://www.whiteirishdrinkersthemovie.com/
IrishLass127 | Sep 11, 2010, 06:14 PM EDT
I own four of these so I totally agree. :-)
ladyjane | Sep 09, 2010, 07:07 PM EDT
I thought "Intermission" was so full of foul language and casual sex that I couldn't finish watching it. The resto the list I've seen and enjoyed although the violence in some was kind of hard to take.
tbernardq | Sep 09, 2010, 01:05 AM EDT
The Quiet Man--no question. But may I make a bid for "The Informer?"
patsybrichta | Sep 08, 2010, 11:42 PM EDT
I notice that "Agnes Brown", "Veronica Guerin" and "Eat The Peach" didn't make the top ten - how about a Top Twenty?
willieboy | Sep 08, 2010, 07:29 PM EDT
What a load of crap. This list sucks. The Commitments ? Get real...
ciarrai | Sep 08, 2010, 06:42 PM EDT
Tanks for reminding me...Julia Roberts was tres horrible in Michael Collins. How has she lasted this long?
ciarrai | Sep 08, 2010, 06:39 PM EDT
The Commitments better than the Quiet Man? You're not feeling well, I take it.
Searlit | Sep 08, 2010, 04:29 PM EDT
"Into the West" was very good. I also liked "The Secret of Roan Inis". I haven't seen the "Odd Man Out", I'll look for that.
GuinnessGrrl | Sep 08, 2010, 03:56 PM EDT
"Some Mother's Son" & "Hunger" aren't on the list?
cmthornton | Sep 08, 2010, 01:47 PM EDT
Some great movies on this list. "The Quiet Man" was my Fathers favorite movie, he couldn't wait to name his first son Sean. Commitments the best Irish movie, Really? It's cute, but "Once" won an Academy award. What about "Breakfast on Pluto", "The Wind that Shakes the Barley", "The Magdalyn Sisters", "Ryan's Daughter"... ;)
pounder | Sep 08, 2010, 01:45 PM EDT
Where is The Boxer on this list?
Searlit | Sep 08, 2010, 12:29 PM EDT
The only movie I haven't seen in the top ten is "The Crying Game" I think six were great! I didn't like "The Snapper" or "Quiet Man" although let me say John Wayne and Maureen O' Hara are terrific! Could one of the directors please make a movie where Irish women are treated better than in those two? "The Field" was so heavy, it wasn't enjoyable, although Richard Harris was so great! I'm still looking forward to seeing "Ondine".
ORourkes | Sep 08, 2010, 11:40 AM EDT
ALL WONDERFUL MOVIES....2 I HAVEN'T SEEN BUT PLAN ON SEEING ASAP...ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL/AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OR FILMED THERE HAS TO BE WONDERFUL...
boydshield | Sep 08, 2010, 10:59 AM EDT
It is hard to believe "The Quiet Man, " was rated ony 2. I have heard time and time again (from the Irish, don't you know) that this film did/does more for Irish tourism than any film EVER did. Would appreciate you making a list of 50 Irish movies you can buy or rent in the US. Include "Michael Collins," as well as "The Winds that Shakes the Barley," and "Hennessy" (this film, though not a great one, put a story to the troubles for me).
jimmymac1948 | Sep 08, 2010, 10:29 AM EDT
The best Irish movie, bar none, is Odd Man Out.
celticsol | Sep 08, 2010, 10:14 AM EDT
I wonder why "The Informer" wasn't Included....Maybe you should have done a top 25 list instead in order to keep everyone from whining !
michaelcollins | Sep 08, 2010, 10:10 AM EDT
michael collins.......was the only movie i ever went to see were when it was over everyone in the cinema threw there popcorn in the air and shouted and whistled....i even seen a few blokes crying.....and in the name of the father was another classic.....and then the snapper for the craic
JamesMurphy | Sep 08, 2010, 10:03 AM EDT
"The Crying Game" was a tawdry little flick, whereas "Michael Collins" (except for Julia Roberts) was great. But why was the excellent "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" not included? A major omission. At least "The Thorn Birds" was not included. Every time I heard one of its characters describe the family homestead in Australia as "Drogheeda" I felt like yelling, "Do your homework." At least the depressing "The Field" wasn't nominated. For that, we all should be grateful.
Clancey | Sep 08, 2010, 09:25 AM EDT
"The Wind That Shakes the Barley": a substantive movie about politics and ideas. It won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival and doesn't make this list? Weird. As to "Michael Collins," the film was ruined by the always dreadful Julia Roberts and her fumbling efforts to sound Irish (fabulous performance by Alan Rickman as Dev, however).
SouthSideIrish | May 24, 2010, 12:43 PM EDT
Michael Collins was a great man and novel; but a terrible movie. Why or why did they have to go hollywood with a Julia Roberts love story angle? Ruined the film.
SouthSideIrish | May 24, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT
How about The Butcher Boy; The General or The War of the Buttons??
Conjoly | May 23, 2010, 11:12 PM EDT
What about 'In Bruges', 'Michael Collins', 'Breakfast on Pluto'? The Commitments is not the best Irish film of all time. I also have doubts about The Quiet Man, although Americans love that one.
icanseetrees | May 23, 2010, 05:48 PM EDT
In The Name of The Father, is a FANTASTIC film, actually brought tears to my eyes in parts. The Commitments is an awesome film too - great soundtrack (heard that before I saw the film LOL) and great fun to watch. Two COMPLETELY different films, but both enjoyable!
RichCorbett | May 23, 2010, 12:59 PM EDT
"The Quiet Man" is only number two? How can that be? No, nay, never. I demand a recount.
tomgallagher | May 23, 2010, 09:37 AM EDT
OMG, "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" didn't make the list...LOL.
Rebelforce | May 22, 2010, 10:31 PM EDT
"The Committments" is the best Irish movie of all time? Well that doesn't say very much about Irish movies than does it? Let me just warn those who haven't seen 'the committments' yet---don't bother. It's like 2 excruciating hours of watching some loud, foul-mouthed, low-lifes scream at each other as they form a no-talent rock band. Guaranteed to give you a splitting headache before the ending. Here's a list of the top 4 worthwhile Irish movies: 1. The Quiet Man (1952) Everybody's favorite. A true classic. 2. Michael Collins (1996) directed by Neil Jordan starring Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn 3. The Plough and the Stars (1936) directed by John Ford starring Barbara Stanwyck and Preston Foster 4. The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) directed by Ken Loach starring Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney. Those are the only ones worthwhile I can think of right now.
CullenAbroad | May 22, 2010, 06:17 PM EDT
Surprised "Michael Collins" and "On the Edge" were not on the list - certainly deserve to be in Top 10 - a pity.
snuffey | May 22, 2010, 03:57 PM EDT
The"Quite Man" is the best! I would like to think Maureen O'Hara is the typical Irish lady, and John Wayne is playing the part of A typical Irish man.
irishwxman | May 22, 2010, 10:17 AM EDT
Ummm "Michael Collins" hello?
MalcomAC | May 22, 2010, 08:44 AM EDT
"The Boxer."
CelticNewYorker | Apr 29, 2010, 05:36 AM EDT
Great list, I'd change the order a little as Crying Game and In the Name of the Father are two of my favorites. If it didn't have to take place in Ireland I'd add Gangs of New York