What Makes Ireland’s Cinematic Landscapes So Captivating?

Ireland’s film industry is thriving, producing numerous critically acclaimed films known for their artistic merit and impactful narratives. Join us as we explore the best films from the beautiful island of Ireland!

1 Abigail (2024)

Abigail (2024)

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Release Date: April 19, 2024

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Runtime: 111 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

Starring: Melissa Barrera, Alisha Weir, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Will Catlett,…

“Abigail” is a vampire horror film. It follows a group of six criminals tasked with abducting and holding Abigail (Alisha Weir), a young ballet dancer and the daughter of a powerful figure in New York. They are promised $50 million if they keep her captive in a remote mansion. However, as night falls, each member of the group is brutally murdered. They soon discover that Abigail is not human. From hunters, the criminals become the hunted, fighting for survival.

2 Poor Things (2023)

Poor Things (2023)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Release Date: January 12, 2024

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Drama

Runtime: 109 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef,…

“Poor Things” is set in Victorian London and centers on Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman who had committed suicide and was resurrected by Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Dr. Godwin replaced Bella’s brain with that of a newborn, leaving her with the mind of a child in an adult woman’s body. After being sheltered by Godwin, Bella becomes curious about the world and escapes with lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo). She embarks on a journey of self-discovery and uncovers her forgotten past.

3 The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Release Date: September 5, 2022

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Runtime: 114 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan,…

“The Banshees of Inisherin” is set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, telling the story of Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), two lifelong friends. One day, Colm unexpectedly decides to end their friendship, leaving their relationship in turmoil. Padraic tries to reconcile with Colm, but this only strengthens Colm’s resolve to sever ties. Their disagreements escalate, leading to an unforeseen outcome.

4 The Quiet Girl (2022)

The Quiet Girl (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Release Date: May 12, 2022

Genre: Drama, Coming-of-Age, Family

Runtime: 94 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Colm Bairéad

Starring: Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennett, Catherine Clinch, Michael Patric,…

“The Quiet Girl” is set in 1981 and follows Cait (Catherine Clinch), a 9-year-old girl from a large, impoverished, and neglectful family. Cait is quiet and struggles to fit in with her peers. When her mother becomes pregnant again, Cait is sent to live with distant relatives, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley) and Sean Kinsella (Andrew Bennett). There, Cait experiences love and care for the first time, understanding the meaning of family.

5 Normal People (2020)

Normal People (2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Release Date: April 26, 2020

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 12 episodes

Country: UK

Directors: Lenny Abrahamson, Hettie Macdonald

Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Sarah Greene,…

“Normal People” tells the story of Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal), from their high school days to college. Both struggle to express their emotions, leading to misunderstandings. Marianne is often isolated by her peers, while Connell is a popular student. Despite this, Connell remains silent when Marianne is bullied.

6 The Favourite (2018)

The Favourite (2018)

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Release Date: August 30, 2018

Genre: Comedy, Drama, History, Biography

Runtime: 120 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz,…

“The Favourite” is set in the early 18th century, during the war between the UK and France. Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is in poor health and shows little interest in governing, focusing instead on her personal pleasures. Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), the Queen’s confidante and secret lover, wields significant political influence.

7 The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Release Date: May 22, 2017

Genre: Horror, Drama

Runtime: 121 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, Raffey Cassidy,…

“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” follows Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), a heart surgeon, and Martin (Barry Keoghan), the son of a patient who died under Steven’s care. After inviting Martin to dinner and introducing him to his family, the Murphy family begins to experience strange misfortunes. Martin reveals that to save the family, Steven must sacrifice one of his family members. The story explores Steven’s difficult decision and the underlying reasons for these events.

8 Sing Street (2016)

Sing Street (2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Release Date: January 24, 2016

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Music

Runtime: 106 minutes

Country: UK

Director: John Carney

Starring: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillen,…

“Sing Street” is set in 1980s Ireland and follows Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a student who transfers from a private to a public school. Struggling in his new environment, Conor meets Raphina (Lucy Boynton) and is captivated by her beauty. To impress her, Conor lies about having a band and recruiting her for a music video. When Raphina agrees, Conor must quickly form a band to turn his lie into reality.

9 Brooklyn (2015)

Brooklyn (2015)

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Release Date: January 26, 2015

Genre: Romance

Runtime: 112 minutes

Country: UK

Director: John Crowley

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent,…

“Brooklyn” is set in the 1950s and follows Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish woman who immigrates to Brooklyn in search of work. She finds a job and falls in love with Tony Fiorello (Emory Cohen). However, her life is disrupted when she receives tragic news from Ireland, forcing her to choose between staying in Brooklyn or returning home.

10 The Lobster (2015)

The Lobster (2015)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Release Date: May 15, 2015

Genre: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Runtime: 118 minutes

Country: UK

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden, Olivia Colman, Ashley Jensen,…

“The Lobster” is set in a dystopian society where single people are taken to a hotel and must find a partner within 45 days or be turned into an animal. The story follows David (Colin Farrell), a recently single man, as he navigates this bizarre world in search of love to avoid transformation.

Above is our compilation of the best films from Ireland. We hope this article helps you discover more great films to enjoy with your family on weekends!