15 Best St. Patrick’s Day Movies

While St. Patrick’s day is widely celebrated across the United States, many people don’t know much about Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. This holiday, take a few hours to enjoy a movie that displays all there is to love about the beautiful country.

St. Patrick’s Day Movies

St. Patrick: The Irish Legend
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1

St. Patrick: The Irish Legend

The perfect movie for the day, this historical drama chronicles the life of Saint Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland.

Far and Away
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2

Far and Away

In this classic Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise flick, the two Irish immigrants move to the United States in search of their fortunes.

The Luck of the Irish
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3

The Luck of the Irish

Calling all Disney fans! Kyle Johnson doesn’t know about his family’s Irish heritage, but he soon goes through a magical series of twists and turns as he traces his roots back to leprechauns.

The Secret of Roan Inish
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4

The Secret of Roan Inish

An Irish and American independent film filled with magical realism, “The Secret of Roan Inish” dives into the rich folklore of Ireland along the country’s west coast.

Leap Year
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5

Leap Year

This romantic comedy starring Amy Adams is a cinematic treat that features beautiful parts of the Irish countryside. The story takes an unexpected twist as a young woman goes to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend, which is a tradition on leap day.

Hunger
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6

Hunger

A historical biopic, “Hunger” follows Bobby Sands who led the 1981 IRA hunger strike. The film had a prestigious start, premiering at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, and went on to win multiple awards.

Brooklyn
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7

Brooklyn

Based on Irish author Colm Tóibín’s novel of the same name, “Brooklyn” tells the story of a young woman who immigrates to the United States in the 1950s. However, she remains caught between two countries and must navigate what that means in her new life.

Michael Collins
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8

Michael Collins

Starring the iconic Liam Neeson as Michael Collins, this film follows the turbulent history of the revolutionary and patriot during the Irish Civil War.

The Quiet Man
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9

The Quiet Man

The classic 1952 film stars big names like John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. In the movie, American Sean Thornton travels to Ireland to explore his birthplace and take back the family farm.

P.S. I Love You
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10

P.S. I Love You

After Holly’s (Hilary Swank) husband dies suddenly, she is sent on a journey of rediscovery by his letters that eventually lead her to his home country of Ireland. The heartwarming movie explores beautiful landscapes and complex emotions.

Dancing at Lughnasa
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11

Dancing at Lughnasa

A drama starring Meryl Streep, this film follows five sisters through their lives in rural Ireland during the 1930s.

Ondine
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12

Ondine

A fisherman discovers a young woman in the fishing line, and his daughter believes she is a “selkie.” For those interested in learning more about Irish folklore, this film explores the story of seals who turn into humans when they’re on land.

Philomena
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13

Philomena

Demonstrating the complicated relationship between the Irish and the Catholic Church, “Philomena” tells the story of a woman whose son was taken away from her when she was an unmarried teenager.

The Boxer
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14

The Boxer

“The Boxer” tells the story of Danny Flynn, a man who is imprisoned for 14 years for his involvement with the IRA. Upon his release, he returns to Belfast and resumes his life as a boxer, trying to avoid political violence.

The Field
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15

The Field

The McCabe family has been farming for generations, but their livelihood is at stake when an American encroaches on their land to build a highway. Based on the 1965 play, “The Field” is set in an extremely rural part of Ireland in the 1930s.