St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture, history, and of course, to have a bit of fun! To those unfamiliar, March 17th marks the traditional death date of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint). It used to be a religious day to remember him and how Christianity spread in Ireland.
The day is celebrated beyond Ireland as a way to embrace Irish culture. This day offers people a chance to enjoy traditional music, dancing, food, and drinks. Also, wearing green is a big part of it since it’s linked with Ireland.
Now’s the time to put on some green and have a good time with friends. Why not dig into Irish traditions and history with some classic Irish movies?
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with These 5 Movies!
Here’s a curated list of 5 movies that capture the essence of Ireland — from heartwarming romances to historical dramas.
Wolfwalkers (2020)
Wolfwalkers, an Oscar-nominated animated feature from Cartoon Saloon, is more than just a children’s movie. Its deeper themes connect with audiences of all ages, making it ideal for a family movie night on St. Patrick’s Day.
The plot revolves around Robyn, an apprentice hunter, who becomes friends with Mebh, a mysterious girl. As their bond grows, Robyn discovers Mebh’s tribe’s secret: they can transform into wolves at night. With breathtaking visuals and a touching storyline, Wolfwalkers celebrates friendship and the beauty of nature. Watch Wolfwalkers on Apple TV+.
Just my Luck (2006)
The Lindsay Lohan-led comedy is perfect for the St. Patrick’s Day. In the movie, Lohan stars as Ashley, who’s known as one of the luckiest people around. But her luck takes a turn when she swaps fortunes with a stranger, played by Chris Pine, after a chance kiss.
Suddenly, Ashley’s luck goes south, while the janitor she kissed enjoys a lucky streak. The film mixes rom-com as Ashley deals with her new bad luck, while the janitor tries to make the most of his newfound fortune. It touches on themes like fate, destiny, and appreciating what you have. Watch Just My Luck on Hulu.
Brooklyn (2015)
Brooklyn follows the story of Eilis Lacey (played by Saoirse Ronan), an Irish woman who moves to 1950s New York City for a better life. The film explores her struggles with homesickness and adjusting to a new culture, while also finding love with an Italian-American man named Tony (played by Emory Cohen).
The story strikes a chord with anyone who has ever left their homeland for a new start. The movie is celebrated for its stellar performances (especially Ronan’s Oscar-nominated role), and its nostalgic depiction of 1950s Brooklyn. The film offers a heartfelt and relatable exploration of Irish heritage and the immigrant journey. Watch Brooklyn on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Irish Wish (2024)
Get set for some romantic comedy nostalgia Lindsay Lohan’s newest movie, Irish Wish, debuting on Netflix this St. Patrick’s Day. Lohan plays Maddie, a woman who’s secretly in love with her best friend’s fiancé. Despite her feelings, she bravely attends the wedding in Ireland, taking on the role of bridesmaid.
But fueled by frustration and maybe a bit of luck, Maddie makes a desperate wish for true love. The next morning, she wakes up to a shocking twist: she’s the one getting married!
As she navigates this twist, she may find her true soulmate closer than she thought. Irish Wish promises a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, set against the stunning Irish countryside. Watch Irish Wish on Netflix.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
For those seeking a film that delves deeper into the complexities of Irish life, look no further than Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin. This darkly comedic drama, which earned nine Academy Award nominations, is not the typical St. Patrick’s Day movie.
Set on a remote Irish island, the film follows the breakdown of a lifelong friendship between Pádraic (played by Colin Farrell) and Colm (played by Brendan Gleeson). Their strained relationship reveals raw emotions, underlying resentments, and the stifling atmosphere of small-town life.
Watch Banshees of Inisherin on Prime Video and Max.
