10 Best Irish Movies to Stream on Disney+ Right Now
From heartwarming family tales to gritty dramas, what better way to immerse yourself in Irish culture than by streaming some of the best Irish movies on Disney+? Irish culture is a well-known inspiration for some of the best movies ever made, and some of them found their way to Disney+. Due to that, we’ve decided to visit this streaming giant’s library and bring you a curated list of the best movies inspired by the Emerald Isle. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best Irish Movies to stream on Disney+.
1. The Luck of the Irish (2001)
What it’s about: The Luck of the Irish is a movie about a teenage boy named Kyle Johnson, who discovers that his family has a secret Irish heritage and that he is not entirely human. He is actually a leprechaun, and his family has been keeping this a secret for generations. Kyle’s family gold charm, which has been passed down through the family, is stolen by a fellow student who is a selfish leprechaun. Without the charm, Kyle begins to lose his luck, causing him to lose his basketball skills and causing strange things to happen to him.
Why you should watch it: This movie is a perfect opportunity to learn about the importance of family, heritage, and the true meaning of luck. The movie is a fun and lighthearted adventure with themes of identity, belonging, and family.
2. Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1935)
What it’s about: The movie centers on Darby, who is known for his stories about leprechauns and other mythical creatures, which many people do not believe. One day, Darby catches the king of the leprechauns, King Brian, in a trap and is granted three wishes in exchange for his release. Darby uses his first wish to have his heart’s desire, which is to be able to stay young and work for the landowner forever. However, he soon realizes that this is not a wise choice, and he uses his remaining wishes to try to fix the situation.
Why you should watch it: The film features lively Irish music and dancing and is known for its special effects, including scenes with leprechauns and a banshee. “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” is a charming, family-friendly movie with themes of Irish folklore, love, and the importance of family.
3. The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966)
What it’s about: “The Fighting Prince of Donegal” is a 1966 Disney film set in 16th-century Ireland. The movie follows the story of a young Irish prince named Hugh O’Donnell, who leads a rebellion against the English colonizers who have taken control of his homeland.
Hugh’s father is imprisoned by the English, and Hugh must take on the responsibility of leading his people in a fight for freedom. With the help of his loyal followers and a skilled warrior named Harry, Hugh launches a series of daring attacks on the English army, hoping to drive them out of Ireland for good.
Why you should watch it: “The Fighting Prince of Donegal” is a swashbuckling adventure with themes of bravery, loyalty, and perseverance. The movie is known for its action-packed battle scenes and its portrayal of Irish culture and history.
4. Artemis Fowl (2020)
What it’s about: Artemis Fowl movie is based on the popular young adult book series of the same name. The movie tells the story of Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old genius and descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. When his father disappears, Artemis learns about a hidden world of fairies and sets out to find them in order to rescue his father and restore his family’s fortune.
With the help of his loyal bodyguard Butler and a fairy named Holly Short, Artemis must navigate the dangerous underground world of fairies and outsmart a powerful villain named Opal Koboi. Along the way, he discovers secrets about his family’s past and learns the true meaning of friendship and trust.
Why you should watch it: The movie is an action-packed adventure with stunning visuals and special effects. It also features a diverse cast, including Irish actor Ferdia Shaw as Artemis Fowl and veteran actors Judi Dench and Josh Gad. While the movie was met with mixed reviews from fans of the book series, it remains an exciting and entertaining family-friendly film.
5. King Arthur (2004)
What it’s about: King Arthur is a retelling of the classic story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table but with a more historically grounded approach.
The movie portrays Arthur, played by Clive Owen, as a Roman cavalry officer who serves as the leader of a group of knights tasked with protecting the Roman Empire in Britain from invading Saxon forces. As Arthur and his knights prepare to leave Britain and return to Rome, they are given one last mission to rescue a Roman family held captive by the Saxon army.
Why you should watch it: The movie is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the Arthurian legend, and it was shot in Ireland! The movie features intense battle scenes and a strong emphasis on the bonds of brotherhood and loyalty between Arthur and his knights.
6. Disenchanted (2022)
What it’s about: “Disenchanted” is a 2022 American musical fantasy movie directed by Adam Shankman and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is a sequel to the 2007 movie “Enchanted” and follows the story of Giselle, a fairy-tale princess who has become disillusioned with her life in the real world and longs to return to the magical kingdom of Andalasia.
When Giselle discovers that her true love, Prince Edward, is in danger, she returns to Andalasia with her daughter Morgan and her friend Nancy. Once there, Giselle finds that the kingdom has been taken over by a new villain, a former handmaiden named Malvina, who seeks to become queen.
Why you should watch it: Disenchanted might not have any direct ties to Irish culture, but the reason why this movie is on this list is that it was filmed in Ireland. It’s a fun and colorful movie that captures the spirit of the original movie while being set in a beautiful enchanting environment.
7. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
What it’s about: The movie follows the story of a small Irish town called Inisherin, where the residents are plagued by strange occurrences, including sightings of banshees and other supernatural phenomena. A group of women comes together to form a choir, hoping to compete in a national competition and bring some joy and purpose to their lives. As they practice and prepare, they become embroiled in the town’s supernatural events, which seem to be connected to the dark history of Inisherin and its residents.
Why you should watch it: The Banshees of Inisherin combines elements of comedy, drama, and horror with a focus on the relationships and struggles of the female characters. The beautiful scenery and traditional music of Ireland add to the movie’s charm and authenticity.
8. The Last Duel (2021)
What it’s about: The movie follows the story of two friends turned bitter enemies, Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, who become embroiled in a dispute over allegations of rape. The movie is told in three parts, each from a different character’s perspective: first, from the perspective of Jean; then from the perspective of Jacques; and finally, from the perspective of Marguerite, Jean’s wife.
Why you should watch it: Once again, this movie’s connection to Ireland is the fact that it was filmed there. As the story unfolds, we see the complex web of relationships and power dynamics at play in medieval France, including the roles of women, knights, and the church. The movie explores themes of honor, justice, and truth and raises questions about the reliability of memory and the nature of testimony.
9. Braveheart (1995)
What it’s about: The movie begins with the brutal murder of William’s father and his childhood sweetheart by English soldiers. As William grows up, he becomes a fierce fighter and rallies his fellow Scots to join him in their fight for freedom. Along the way, William falls in love with a Scottish princess, marries her, and has a child.
The movie portrays the struggle between the Scottish rebels and the English army, with several battles and political maneuvers. The movie also explores William’s personal journey, including his love for his country, his relationship with his wife, and his desire for revenge.
Why you should watch it: All major Braveheart battles were filmed in Ireland, which greatly helped with tourism, but besides that, Braveheart is a powerful and emotional movie that captures the spirit of the Scottish rebellion and the fight for freedom. It remains a beloved classic and a testament to the enduring human spirit.
10. Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
What it’s about: This musical comedy movie was directed by James Bobin and starred the Muppets ensemble cast, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo. The movie is a sequel to “The Muppets” (2011) and follows the Muppets on a world tour, during which they become embroiled in a heist orchestrated by the evil Constantine, a criminal mastermind who bears a striking resemblance to Kermit.
Why you should watch it: The movie features several catchy musical numbers and showcases the Muppets’ trademark humor and irreverence. The movie also includes several celebrity cameos, including Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais, and Ty Burrell.
