Top Rated Irish Movies

Am I the only one who searches for these sorts of things? Wanted to share my recent search on “Movies with Irish Characters.”

1. The Commitments (1991)
   Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
   This classic film is about a group of working-class Dubliners who form a soul band. It’s filled with memorable Irish characters, especially Jimmy Rabbitte, the ambitious and passionate band manager.

2. In the Name of the Father (1993)
   Genre: Drama, True Story
   Based on the true story of Gerry Conlon (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), an Irishman wrongfully imprisoned for an IRA bombing. The film highlights his relationship with his father and their fight for justice.

3. The Quiet Man (1952)
   Genre: Romance, Drama
   Set in the Irish countryside, John Wayne stars as Sean Thornton, an Irish-American boxer who returns to Ireland and falls in love with Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara). It’s a heartwarming classic about love, tradition, and the Irish spirit.

4. Brooklyn (2015)
   Genre: Drama, Romance
   Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis Lacey, a young Irish immigrant who moves to Brooklyn in the 1950s to build a better life. The movie beautifully explores themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience.

5. Michael Collins (1996)
   Genre: Historical Drama, Action
   Liam Neeson plays Michael Collins, the iconic Irish revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the Irish War of Independence. The movie is a gripping portrayal of Irish history.

6. The Boondock Saints (1999)
   Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
   This cult classic follows Connor and Murphy MacManus, two Irish brothers in Boston who take justice into their own hands. The film features a strong Irish-American identity, with dark humor and action.

7. Far and Away (1992)
   Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance
   Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star as Irish immigrants who travel to America in the 19th century to start a new life. Cruise plays Joseph Donnelly, an Irishman trying to make his way in the world.

8. P.S. I Love You (2007)
   Genre: Romance, Drama
   Gerard Butler plays Gerry Kennedy, an Irishman who dies early in the film but leaves behind letters for his wife, helping her move on after his death. It’s a beautiful, tear-jerking love story.

9. The Secret of Kells (2009)
   Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
   This Oscar-nominated animated film is set in medieval Ireland and centers around Brendan, a young monk who becomes involved in the creation of the Book of Kells. It's a visually stunning film filled with Irish history and mythology.

10. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
    Genre: Historical Drama
    Set during the Irish War of Independence, this film stars Cillian Murphy as Damien O'Donovan, a young doctor who becomes involved in the rebellion against British rule.

Netflix Series with Irish Characters

1. Derry Girls (2018-2022)
   Genre: Comedy
   Set in Derry, Northern Ireland, this hilarious series follows a group of teenagers in the 1990s as they navigate friendship, family, and life during The Troubles. Erin Quinn, played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson, is the main character, and the show offers a funny yet poignant look at life in Northern Ireland during this turbulent period.

2. The Fall (2013-2016)
   Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
   This psychological thriller stars Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting down a serial killer played by Jamie Dornan. The character of Paul Spector is an Irishman, and his dark, twisted journey is at the heart of the show. The series explores the tension between the two leads.

3. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
   Genre: Crime, Drama
   Cillian Murphy plays Thomas Shelby, a gangster from Birmingham, England, but with strong Irish roots. The series delves into the Shelby family’s rise to power, and characters like John Shelby (Joe Cole) and Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson) bring the Irish dimension to the family’s backstory.

4. Outlander (2014-Present)
   Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
   Although Claire Randall is the main protagonist, there are several key Irish characters in the series. Murtagh Fraser (Duncan Lacroix), a key ally of Jamie Fraser, has an Irish heritage and plays a significant role throughout the series.

5. Normal People (2020)
   Genre: Drama, Romance
   Based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel, this Irish drama stars Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan. The series follows their complex relationship over several years, beautifully capturing the nuances of young love in Ireland.

6. Lovesick (2014-2018)
   Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
   This British comedy series has an Irish character, Luke, played by John O'Callaghan. He’s part of a close-knit group of friends navigating the ups and downs of love and relationships.

7. Vikings (2013-2020)
   Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
   The legendary Norse saga features Rollo, a key character played by Clive Standen. While Rollo is Norse, his character has strong Irish connections due to his deep familial ties in the series. The show's exploration of Ireland and its interactions with the Vikings is crucial to the plot.

And if you get through all of those here is another link to more :)

https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/best-irish-movies-rcna139208

These movies and shows feature a variety of Irish characters, from historical figures to fictional personalities, each representing the diverse culture, struggles, and humour of the Irish people. Whether you’re in the mood for action, drama, or comedy, these picks will bring you closer to the heart of Ireland’s rich heritage.

And if you’re itching to walk in the footsteps of these characters (and maybe even feel the magic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales for yourself), stay tuned for our upcoming tours in 2025 – June dates are still available!