10 Best Movies To Watch For St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick’s Day is upon us! Many wear green clothing, Four-leaf clovers catch the eye, and Irish spirit fills the air.

Further, enjoying Irish movies is another excellent way to immerse yourself in the festivities.

From timeless classics to contemporary gems, the silver screen offers a treasure trove of cinematic delights ideally suited to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Here are some classics and newer Irish films that capture the spirit of the holiday:

1. Brooklyn (2015)

Brooklyn is a 2015 romantic period drama film based on the 2009 novel by Colm Tóibín.

The movie depicts the story of a young Irish immigrant, Eilis Lacey, as she navigates life and love in 1950s Brooklyn.

After building a life in Brooklyn, she is drawn back to her hometown of Enniscorthy.

She is faced with a challenging decision about where she wants to build her future.

Moreover, the film explores themes of identity, belonging, and love as Eilis follows her new life in America.

2. Kisses (2009)

Kisses is an Irish drama film released in 2008 and directed by Lance Daly.

It’s a coming-of-age story about two preadolescents, Kylie and Dylan, who live next door to each other on a tough Dublin housing estate.

The film captures their daring escape from their respective abusive families during Christmas.

It led them to spend a night of magic and terror on the streets of inner-city Dublin.

Moreover, Kisses is one of the best movies to binge-watch during the St. Patricks holiday.

3. The Quiet Man (1952)

The movie­ “The Quiet Man” is a class American romantic comedy-drama from 1952, pe­rfect for watching on St. Patrick’s Day.

The story is set in the­ Irish countryside and depicts the story of Sean Thornton as the main characte­r.

Movie star John Wayne portrays the role of Sean Thornton, an American boxer who returns to his native Ireland to reclaim his family’s farm.

In Ireland, Sean falls in love with Mary Kate­ Danaher, played by Mauree­n O’Hara, but their relationship faces some obstacles.

Moreover, the film is all about love, identity, and cultural clashes, set against the backdrop of lush Irish landscapes.

4. Irish Wish (2024)

Irish Wish is the latest 2024 American fantasy romantic comedy film directed by Janeen Damian.

The movie is a charming combination of romance, humor, and enchantment, set in the beautiful landscapes of Ireland.

The plot centers around Maddie Kelly, portrayed by Lindsay Lohan, as she navigates her way toward finding true love.

When the love of her life gets engaged to her best friend, Maddie puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland.

However, just before their wedding, Maddie makes a spontaneous wish for true love.

The next morning, she wakes up as the bride-to-be herself!

Moreover, if you’re a fan of rom-coms and Irish charm movies, Irish Wish is a must-watch for St. Patricks Day.

5. The Secret of Kells (2009)

The Secret of Kells is a 2009 animated fantasy drama film that delves into the creation of the Book of Kells.

The movie not only captivates with its stunning animation but also explores the rich tapestry of Irish mythology and culture.

The film follows Brendan, a young apprentice monk, in the remote outpost of the Abbey of Kells during the Dark Ages.

Brendan embarks on a quest to complete the illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells.

As St. Patricks Day approaches, the movie “The Secret of Kells” is a testament to Irish storytelling’s enduring magic.

6. The Irish Pub (2013)

The Irish Pub is a 2013 documentary film directed by Alex Fegan that lovingly celebrates the heart and soul of Ireland: its pubs.

In this documentary film, the spirit of Ireland comes alive with every pint poured and every song sung.

The film takes us on a journey to various pubs, each with its unique character and history.

Further, the documentary provides an insight into the heart of Irish pubs through personal interviews with pub owners, patrons, and musicians from all over Ireland.

In these cherished establishments, strangers turn into friends, and unforgettable moments are created.

7. Just My Luck (2006)

A fee­l-good romantic comedy, Just My Luck charms with its blend of good fortune, love­’s magic, and hilarious moments.

In this whimsical tale, Manhattanite Ashley Albright, played by Lindsay Lohan) is blessed with extraordinary good fortune.

But her life flips when she­ meets the struggling manager of the rock band McFly, Jake­ Hardin, portrayed by Chris Pine.

At a masquerade party, they share a kiss that myste­riously trades her luck for his bad luck.

Their fortunate­ paths are now entwined, creating funny and chaotic situations.

Moreover, the movie delights the audience with witty situations and heartwarming moments as two worlds collide­.

8. Belfast (2021)

Kenneth Branagh’s movie­ “Belfast” shows the time in history when tumultuous events happened in Northern Ireland in the 1960s.

This was the time when the streets reverberated with both the echoes of innocence and the harsh realities of conflict.

Furthermore, the­ film tells the­ personal story of one family living through all the Trouble­s.

At its core, the story ce­nters on a young boy named Buddy played by Jude Hill. He se­es violence happe­ning around him that changes his whole life.

He­ has trouble understanding why people­ are fighting each other.

Through Buddy’s eyes, viewers witness the beauty and resilience of Belfast, a city full of life, laughter, and a determined spirit, even in the face of adversity.

9. Calvary (2014)

Calvary is a 2014 Irish drama film written and directed by John Michael McDonagh featuring an impressive cast.

The film opens with Father James, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson, accepting a confession from an unseen person.

He is a parish priest whose life is threatened during a confession by an unseen parishioner seeking retribution for the sins of others.

In an act of extreme outrage, they plan to murder an innocent priest, giving James until the following Sunday to put his affairs in order.

Bishop Montgomery advises James to inform the police, but James grapples with the dilemma of breaking the seal of confession.

As James continues his parish duties, he encounters antagonism from various locals, including a butcher, a troubled writer, and a drunken banker.

Amid a chaotic situation, James is compelled to face the sinister forces that are encroaching upon him.

10. The Quiet Girl (2022)

The Quiet Girl is a 2022 Irish coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Colm Bairéad.

The film is based on Claire Keegan’s 2010 short story “Foster,” and marks Bairéad’s feature debut.

Further, the story revolves around nine-year-old Cáit who lives with her impoverished and neglectful parents in rural Ireland.

Struggling to fit in at school, she faces embarrassment when a cup of milk spills onto her lap.

With her mother expecting another child, Cáit is sent away to live with distant cousins, Eibhlín Cinnsealach and her husband Seán, on a farm in Rinn Gaeltacht, County Waterford.

For the first time, Cáit experiences love and care in their home.

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