Looking for a good movie to watch? Why not catch any one of these ten Irish films on Netflix or Amazon Prime that we have ranked for your benefit?
Both Netflix and Amazon Prime are now our go-to resources for good movies to watch, and both platforms boast a vast and impressive array of outstanding Irish films.
Made over recent decades, these world-class movies and cutting-edge documentaries have achieved critical acclaim and displayed the best of Irish talent in this arena.
Here are the ten best Irish movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime, ranked.
10. Bloody Sunday (Amazon Prime, 2002) – an unjustifiable loss of civilian life
Starring Irish actor James Nesbitt, Bloody Sunday recounts the tragic events of 30 January 1972 in Derry that were to become known as ‘Bloody Sunday’.
On that day, fourteen innocent civilians were killed and fourteen others wounded by the British Army following a civil rights protest march in the heart of the city.
9. The Siege of Jadotville (Netflix, 2016) – for a remarkable true story
Based on a remarkable true story, Jamie Dornan stars in his role where the Irish soldiers at a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Africa defend themselves against an overwhelming number of enemy combatants.
The incident took place in September 1961 in Congo and is based on the book written by Declan Power, and is certainly one of the best Irish movies on Netflix you can watch,
8. The Young Offenders (Netflix, 2016) – for a bit of craic
With a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this is without doubt one of the best Irish movies on Netflix, and follows the lives of two West Cork lads Conor and Jack.
It is inspired by the true story of Ireland’s largest cocaine seizure in 2007, and the lads go in search of missing cocaine worth 7 million euros and provide plenty of laughs along their journey.
7. Unquiet Graves (Amazon Prime, 2018) – cutting-edge documentary
Unquiet Graves is a thorough documentary by Belfast filmmaker Sean Murray detailing the infamous ‘Glennane Gang’ who were responsible for the deaths of 120 civilians in the North of Ireland during the conflict.
The documentary exposes the gangs’ collusion with the British state and is riveting viewing for those interested in our recent past.
6. Cardboard Gangsters (Netflix, 2017) – a classic drug gang movie
Starring John Connors, Cardboard Gangsters is centred around a group of young lads who attempt to take control of the violent drug trade in Darndale.
In their bid for power and money, the gangsters encounter resistance along the way and this makes for a gritty crime drama not to be missed.
5. Evelyn (Amazon Prime, 2002) – a powerfully emotional Irish movie
Set in 1953, this Irish movie focuses on the life of Desmond Doyle, played by Pierce Brosnan, who is abandoned by his wife and the Irish courts rule that his children be placed in Church-controlled orphanages.
It is a powerfully emotional film and you will be gripped as Desmond and others do what they can to get his children back.
4. Bobby Sands 66 Days (Netflix, 2016) – for the story of the 1981 Hunger Strikes
One of the best Irish films on Netflix, it recounts the story of IRA Volunteer Bobby Sands as he embarked on a hunger strike in 1981 to achieve political status.
Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike, and this film consults with Sands’ prison diary, political commentators and close comrades to provide a moving account of his final hours.
3. Black 47 (Amazon Prime, 2018) – exacting revenge during the Famine
Set during the Famine period in Ireland, Black 47 is an excellent movie which follows a determined Irish Ranger who seeks to exact revenge on British soldiers for the treatment they put his family and fellow Irish citizens under.
While fictional, the film powerfully presents life for Irish people during the Famine in the 1840’s and you are sure to follow Feeney’s pursuit of his enemy with awe.
2. In the Name of the Father (Netflix, 1993) – one of the best Irish movies on Netflix
In the Name of the Father, directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day Lewis, is based on the true story of the ‘Guildford Four’, four men who were falsely accused of the 1974 Guildford pub bombings.
The film received seven Academy Award nominations and is essential viewing for those interested in the conflict and the suffering endured by innocent men.
1. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (Amazon Prime, 2006) – the tragedy of the Anglo-Irish Treaty
Our number one Irish movie on Netflix and Amazon Prime is The Wind That Shakes the Barley, starring Cillian Murphy, and is one of the best Irish movies ever made.
The film documents Irish resistance to British rule during the War of Independence (1919-1921) and how the divisive Treaty of 1921 split the country, which is represented in the tragic partition of two brothers in this movie.
