Some of the celebrities people follow today come from Ireland, particularly when assessing the selection of Irish actors that are now appearing in big movies. From Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell to Liam Neeson and Michael Fassbender, Irish actors have more than played their part in a number of hit movie releases. Irish movies are worth checking out too, though.
Many Irish films helped pave the way for some of the Irish actors we see on the big screen today, while others provide a glimpse into Irish living and the beautiful nation that it is. After all, people around the world adore the Emerald Isle. There are pubs with an Irish theme, documentaries that regularly showcase the delights of Dublin, video games set in Ireland like the Bard’s Tale, and Irish-themed slot games like Land of Gold, and a plethora of Irish movies that have earned high praise over the years. In fact, Irish films are some of the most underrated productions out there, especially given the immensely talented actors and writers that have helped make Irish cinema what it is today.
With Irish actors rising to prominence and Irish films now being highly rated on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, let’s look at some of the best Irish films of all time.
The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2007)
Starring the aforementioned Cillian Murphy when he was aiming to make a name for himself in the acting world at a young age, The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a powerful movie that follows the story of two brothers who are involved in guerrilla warfare against British forces. Highlighting the Irish War of Independence in an emotional and thought-provoking manner, this 2007 production deserves a watch.
The Crying Game (1992)
If you’re partial to the odd twist or two in a movie, then The Crying Game boasts arguably one of the biggest twists in movie history. The plot centres around the kidnapping of a British solider by IRA terrorists, with this moment in history captured perfectly in this emotional and highly educational movie. The acting on show is excellent, too.
Calm With Horses (2019)
An Irish crime drama that was released in 2019, Calm with Horses soon became one of the best movies of the year. Based in rural Ireland, it follows the story of Douglas’ Arm’ Armstrong as he aims to leave a life of crime behind him and put his child first. What happens, though, leaves the father emotionally torn in this high-powered masterpiece. While the story will almost certainly draw you in, the acting showcases the talent coming out of Ireland in the very best way, too.
The Commitments (1991)
Following the story of cinema’s greatest ever band, The Commitments is a classic movie that many people grew up with. Many novels have been adapted into movies rather well and Roddy Doyle’s novel is no different, particularly when factoring in the comical value that is served up through a selection of songs. A fun watch filled with music and an array of entertaining scenes, The Commitments is a great movie for a variety of audiences.
Cardboard Gangsters (2017)
Sometimes, movies that were produced on a limited budget are some of the best productions around. Cardboard Gangsters definitely fits the bill in that respect, with this low budget gangster movie going on to earn glowing reviews in the media and, most notably of all, at the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards. Released in 2017, Cardboard Gangsters is a must-watch movie.
Other top Irish movies include My Left Foot (1990), The Young Offenders (2016), Darby O’Gill And The Little People (1959), and The Irish Pub (2013).
