10 Great Irish Movies On Netflix

Jason Bancroft
Updated April 27, 2024 10 items

There are some great Irish films on Netflix far too many people are sleeping on. From animated works for children to hard-hitting dramas, Ireland has produced many great films over the years, and now, they can finally be seen by viewers all over the globe thanks to the streaming service. 

Brain on Fire is a dramatic independent film that actually stars American actress Chloë Grace Moretz. It follows the story of a young woman looking for some kind of diagnosis as she experiences seizures, memory loss, and other mental problems. Irish films also try to tell stories from the perspective of other cultures, which is the case for The Breadwinner, which sees a young Afghan girl dress up like a boy to take odd jobs to provide for her family. 

What are some of your favorite Irish movies on Netflix? Vote for the ones you'd recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about films from the Emerald Isle. 

  • Song of the Sea
    1

    Song of the Sea

    Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, Pat Shortt
    6 votes

    For Fans Of: The Secret of Kells, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Little Prince
    Why Should I Stream Song of the Sea: This visually stunning, hand-drawn animated film weaves a modern tale inspired by Irish mythology, as it follows siblings Ben and Saoirse on an enchanting adventure. The beautiful artwork, combined with a rich story that delves into themes of family and love, creates a magical experience for viewers of all ages.

    Song of the Sea is a 2014 Irish animated fantasy film by Cartoon Saloon that is directed by Tomm Moore. The traditionally animated film, which began production soon after the release of The Secret of Kells, premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September in the TIFF Kids program. The film was nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards.
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  • Brain on Fire
    2

    Brain on Fire

    Chloë Grace Moretz, Jenny Slate, Thomas Mann
    5 votes

    For Fans Of: Still Alice, A Beautiful Mind, Temple Grandin, The Theory of Everything, Girl, Interrupted
    Why Should I Stream Brain on Fire: Adapted from Susannah Cahalan's harrowing memoir, this powerful drama stars Chloë Grace Moretz in a commendable performance as the author suffering from a sudden and rare autoimmune disease. The movie effectively raises awareness about the life-altering condition while depicting how Cahalan struggled to regain her identity amidst chaos.

    Brain on Fire is a 2016 American-Canadian-Irish biographical drama film directed by Gerard Barrett, based on the memoir by Susannah Cahalan. A young, capable professional (Chloë Grace Moretz) cannot explain her newly erratic behavior.
  • The Lodgers
    3

    The Lodgers

    Charlotte Vega, Bill Milner, Eugene Simon
    3 votes

    For Fans Of: We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Crimson Peak, The Little Stranger, The Others, The Fall of the House of Usher
    Why Should I Stream The Lodgers: This atmospheric gothic horror film set in 1920s Ireland tells the tale of twins Rachel and Edward who are bound to their ancestral mansion by an eerie curse. As they live isolated lives under strict rules, the arrival of unforeseen circumstances threatens their already fragile existence, providing supernatural thriller fans with spine-tingling suspense.

    A family curse confines orphaned twins Rachel and Edwards to their home as punishment for their ancestors' sins. Bound to the rules of a haunting childhood lullaby, the twins must never let any outsiders inside the house, must be in their rooms by the chime of midnight, and must never be separated from one another. Breaking any of these rules will incur the wrath of a sinister presence that inhabits the house after midnight.
  • The Young Offenders
    4

    The Young Offenders

    Hilary Rose, Chris Walley, Ciaran Bermingham
    1 votes

    For Fans Of: Derry Girls, Sing Street, The Commitments, The Snapper, Inbetweeners
    Why Should I Stream The Young Offenders: Combining raucous humor with heartfelt emotion, this Irish comedy offers a refreshing coming-of-age story centered around two bumbling teenage friends searching for a missing bale of cocaine off Ireland’s west coast. Their misadventures not only provide laughter but also offer insights into friendship and personal growth.

    The Young Offenders is a 2016 Irish comedy film written, directed, and co-produced by Peter Foott. It stars Alex Murphy, Chris Walley, Dominic MacHale, Hilary Rose, Shane Casey, Pascal Scott, and P. J. Gallagher.
  • Handsome Devil
    5

    Handsome Devil

    Nicholas Galitzine, Fionn O'Shea
    2 votes

    For Fans Of: Love, Simon, Sing Street, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Billy Elliot, Bend it Like Beckham
    Why Should I Stream Handsome Devil: A poignant exploration of homophobia and bullying within an elite Irish boarding school, this uplifting drama showcases the importance of friendship between two unlikely outcasts. Filled with both humor and sensitivity, it encourages viewers to embrace their true selves despite societal pressures.

    Handsome Devil is a 2016 Irish drama film directed by John Butler. Two opposites, a loner and the top athlete at a rugby-obsessed boarding school become friends, and the authorities test their friendship.
  • The Siege of Jadotville
    6

    The Siege of Jadotville

    Jamie Dornan, Mark Strong, Jason O'Mara
    2 votes

    For Fans Of: Black Hawk Down, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Kajaki, Green Zone, Lone Survivor
    Why Should I Stream The Siege of Jadotville: Based on the true events, this riveting war drama captures the heroism of a group of inexperienced Irish soldiers who valiantly defended their Congo outpost against thousands during the 1961 Congo Crisis. Their extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity make for an inspiring tale that deserves more attention.

    An Irish commander and his battalion of 150 men withstand a siege by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining corporations.
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  • Hostage to the Devil
    7

    Hostage to the Devil

    Pope John Paul II, John Zaffis, Ralph Sarchie
    0 votes

    For Fans Of: The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Rite, The Last Exorcism, Deliver Us from Evil, Paranormal Activity
    Why Should I Stream Hostage to the Devil: This chilling documentary takes viewers into the world of exorcisms as it examines the life and work of Father Malachi Martin, a Jesuit priest renowned for his confrontations with demonic forces. It offers a fascinating glimpse into spiritual warfare and raises questions about faith, good versus evil, and human nature.

    Hostage to the Devil is a 2016 documentary film directed by Marty Stalker. A complicated look at the act of exorcizing a possessed child.
  • The Breadwinner
    8

    The Breadwinner

    Saara Chaudry, Laara Sadiq, Shaista Latif
    1 votes

    For Fans Of: Persepolis, Mulan, Grave of the Fireflies, Song of the Sea, Spirited Away
    Why Should I Stream The Breadwinner: Produced by Angelina Jolie and adapted from Deborah Ellis's bestselling novel, this powerful animated film transports viewers to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan where a young girl disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family after her father’s arrest. Through captivating storytelling and mesmerizing visuals, it shines a light on resilience and courage amidst adversity.

    Parvana is an 11-year-old girl who lives under Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2001. After the wrongful arrest of her father, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy to support her family. Working alongside a friend, she soon discovers a new world of freedom and danger. Drawing strength from the fantastical stories she invents, Parvana embarks on an epic quest to find her father and reunite her family.
  • Cardboard Gangsters
    9

    Cardboard Gangsters

    John Connors, Damien Dempsey, Fíonna Hewitt Twamley
    1 votes

    For Fans Of: Love/Hate, Trainspotting, The Town, Filth, The Football Factory
    Why Should I Stream Cardboard Gangsters: This gritty crime drama delves into Dublin's criminal underworld as it follows four friends vying for power in their city's drug trade while navigating treachery, betrayal, and violence. With gripping performances and a raw portrayal of ambition gone awry, it offers an intense exploration of morality within modern urban life.

  • Bobby Sands: 66 Days
    10

    For Fans Of: Hunger, Bloody Sunday, Michael Collins, Wind That Shakes the Barley, In the Name of the Father
    Why Should I Stream Bobby Sands: 66 Days: Chronicling the life and legacy of Irish Republican Army member Bobby Sands through his harrowing 66-day hunger strike protesting prison conditions, this compelling documentary provides an intimate look at political defiance in Northern Ireland during turbulent times. Combining archival footage with personal accounts from those who knew him best, it paints a vivid picture of a man determined to fight for his beliefs.

    Bobby Sands: 66 Days is a 2016 Irish documentary film about Bobby Sands and the 1981 Irish hunger strike.