The Best Movies to Watch to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Every month, our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum shares her insights and tips on all things cinematic. From film festivals to must-see new releases – and of course, the awards season – she’ll be our expert guide to the silver screen. In this dispatch, Greenbaum shares her list of the best movies to watch to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. These films are either set in Ireland, or feature lead characters who are Irish. You can add these to the list of the top films you need to see this March.

how about a movie marathon this St. Patrick’s Day?

As we all know, St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrating the patron saint of Ireland. Though the holiday began as a religious one, over time it has transformed into a celebration of all things Irish. As well as the perfect occasion for general merriment.

If this year you are looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a movie marathon, here is a list of the best films to get you started on the right track.

the Best Movies to Watch to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

1. The Secret of Kells (2009)

If you’ve ever been to Dublin, hopefully you’ve had a chance to take a look at the famously exquisite Book of Kells in the Trinity College Library. If not, The Secret of Kells will fulfill at least some of the wonders of looking at the volume itself.

With its gorgeous animation, watching this feature is like bringing to life the experience of reading folklore. It is absolutely magical. The world around the Abbey of Kells is brushed with the supernatural, and young Brendan’s quest to help complete the Book’s creation will absolutely sweep you away. If you’re interested in a movie that feels like the stories you loved as a child, but is also truly beautiful to look at, you will adore this splendid Irish film.

2. Brooklyn (2015)

You may remember Brooklyn from the 2015 Academy Awards, where it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and its star, Saoirse Ronan, for best actress. Based on Colm Tóibín’s novel of the same name, this utterly appealing film tells the story of a young immigrant who moves to New York from a small Irish town in the middle of the twentieth century. Its heroine, Ellis, is lovely and lovable. And her story of feeling split between her two homes is an easy access point for any viewer to enjoy.

3. P.S. I Love You (2007)

This American romantic film is based on the novel by Irish author Cecelia Ahern. It’s an excellent film to watch any time of the year. Hilary Swank is Holly, a woman whose husband, Gerry (Gerard Butler), passes away unexpectedly. When he dies, he leaves behind letters for her, with the hopes that they will help her move on from his death. The letters prompt her to travel with her two best friends to the place where he grew up, Ireland. There, she begins to emerge from her grief. This classic romantic film is a sad one. But its peppered with comforting, heartfelt wisdom that you can definitely enjoy at a movie night this March.

4. Sing Street (2016)

This coming-of-age movie musical is an absolute gem, and a must-watch for any fans of the genre. It’s directed by John Carney and set in Dublin in the mid-80’s. Conor is a teenager who is forced to switch schools when his family struggles with financial hardship. In an attempt to impress a girl he likes, he and his new friends start a band. The movie’s tone is a graceful mix of emotions, balancing the absolute joy of Conor’s music with the difficulties he faces as everything begins to collapse around him. The excellent soundtrack is the cherry on top of this great film. You’ll find yourself saving the music to listen to after you watch.

5. Leap Year (2010)

The premise of Leap Year is a play on an alleged Irish tradition. On leap day a man who is proposed to by a woman must accept her hand in marriage. Amy Adams plays a woman named Anna. She flies from America to Ireland to ask her long term boyfriend, played by Adam Scott, to marry her. Of course, she then crosses paths with a handsome Irish innkeeper. Played by Matthew Goode, this new acquaintance forces her to reconsider her plans. Whatever critics may say, we think the film is sweet and enjoyable. And was filmed in Dublin and other parts of Ireland. Which means that watching it would be the perfect tribute to everyone’s favorite Irish holiday.

6. Once (2007)

Another film by John Carney, some may remember that an adaptation of this popular Irish film came to Broadway in 2012. Two nameless strangers are brought together by music on the streets of Dublin. In the most basic terms Once is a love story. But it is unconventional in every way, including the beautiful and simple way it is filmed.  This rare and special movie is powerful and comes with great songs. It shows how sometimes, chance encounters in love are passageways to something else incredible.

7. Love, Rosie (2014)

Love Rosie is also based on a novel by Cecelia Ahern, this one called Where Rainbows End. The film adaptation starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin is a celebration of love and friendship told over many years. Its a generous and sweet retelling of an age-old, romantic comedy plot. Rosie and Alex are two best friends who cannot admit their love for each other. They’re driven apart by geography, life’s surprises and other romantic entanglements. Fans of love stories that come together slowly over long periods of time, with wonderful emotional payoff, will definitely appreciate this delightful little movie.

8. Bonus Suggestions: The Departed (2006) or Gangs of New York (2002)

If this list has more than enough romantic comedies for you, fear note. Watching (or more likely, re-watching) a famous Martin Scorsese film could be a great feature at a St. Patrick’s Day party. Gangs of New York and The Departed would both fit the bill. Both films star Leonardo DiCaprio and tell two different, but equally epic stories that feature Irish immigrants. If you’re looking to watch a highly regarded film with many award nominations, featuring an incredible ensemble, then one of these classics is definitely the way to go.

Those are our recommendations for the best movies to watch to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Have a great time!

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Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

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