Ireland’s film scene has proven to be among the best in the world in recent years. With the lineup coming for 2024, it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
From animated festive delights to romantic comedies based on iconic works of literature, we are rounding up the top five Irish movies to watch out for in 2024.
Whether you’re a cinema fanatic or just want to know what’s to come from Ireland’s thriving film scene, you’ll be pleased to know there is plenty to look forward to in the next year.
So, clear your calendars, gather your crew, grab the popcorn and oversized drinks, and head to the cinema. Lights, camera, action: here are the top five Irish movies to watch out for in 2024.
5. Night and Day – an ‘unromantic comedy’
Based on the 1919 novel of the same name by iconic English author Virginia Woolf, Night and Day is a so-called unromantic comedy.
The story contrasts the daily lives and romantic attachments of two acquaintances, Katharine Hilbery and Mary Datchet.
The 2024 film has been adapted by Justine Waddell and is set to be directed by BAFTA nominee Tina Gharavi. The movie is set to star Haley Bennett and Elyas M’Barek alongside Timothy Spall and Jack Farthing. This is certainly one you won’t want to miss.
Supported by Screen Ireland and German-based WestEnd Films, the movie’s prospects were promising when it was brought in front of buyers at Cannes earlier this year.
4. Kneecap – a highly-anticipated release
Next up on our list of Irish movies to watch out for in 2024 is the highly-anticipated release of Kneecap.
The movie will tell the tale of the iconic Irish-language rap group Kneecap. Kneecap first started releasing music back in 2017. This movie is sure to be both hilarious and heartfelt.
Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, known for Supershoppers (2016) and Backseat Driver (2019), Kneecap also boasts a star-studded cast with big names like Michael Fassbender in the lineup.
Set in West Belfast in 2019, the movie reveals how by a chance of fate, disillusioned music teacher JJ is brought together with self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise and Liam Og. What ensues changes “the sound of Irish music forever”.
3. Feed – one for any horror movie fans
Vampire horror starring up-and-coming Irish actors Clinton Liberty, Daisy Jelley, and Niamh McCormack is undoubtedly worthy of a place on our list of Irish movies to watch out for in 2024.
Certain to keep you on the edge of your seats, Feed is a must-watch for horror fans this New Year. Maybe not the one for the faint of heart, however!
The film is set to be produced by Ripple World’s Jac Kerrin and Dominic Wright, with Umedia as co-producers. Set to shoot in autumn 2023, Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann is providing production and development financing with Niamh Fagan as executive producer.
Speaking to the Irish Film and Television Network, a spokesperson from Ripple World said, “Marco has created an original female Irish twist on the vampire horror genre. We’ve assembled a wonderful young cast and we’re all hungry to get our teeth into the production.
“Feed is a roller coaster of a film that should have audiences on the edge of their seats and leave them thinking hard about what they wish for”.
MORE: Top 10 best Irish horror movies of all time
2. Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights – an animated movie to warm your soul
One for all ages, Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights is an animated festive delight. This is one movie that is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Telling the tale of Niko, a flying reindeer boy whose biggest dream is to become a member of Santa’s Flying Forces, this stunning animated creation is one you won’t want to miss.
Supported by Screen Ireland and created by Galway-based animation studio Motion Films, this movie will be the third instalment of the popular Niko franchise.
1. West The Road – one that will make your belly sore from laughing
Topping our list of Irish movies to watch out for in 2024 is West the Road. West the Road is a side-splitting Irish comedy starring Imelda Staunton, Hannah Waddingham, and Siobhan McSweeney.
Directed by Ita Fitzgerald, West the Road tells the story of four Irish women who come together following the death of their close childhood friend.
In a nod to the history of forced adoption in Ireland, the plot shows the women discover that their friend had a daughter who she was forced to put up for adoption. From here, they embark on a journey west to the Atlantic coast to find the girl.
READ MORE: Top 10 best Irish movies of all time, ranked
