We all love a good laugh, don’t we? Now add some Irish dark humour and storytelling to the mix, and you get great Irish movies.
One thing is for sure: Irish humour is a league of its own. It might not be for everyone. It’s dark. Twisted. It can even get to the point of “Am I allowed to laugh about this?”
However, you will laugh. We know it. To give you an idea where to start, we’re looking at the ten funniest Irish movies of all time. It’s a wonderful mix of all types of humour, from dark and twisted to more light-hearted options, and everything in between.
10. The Guard – unorthodox, but funny
The Guard follows an unorthodox Irish policeman who is partnered up with an FBI agent to investigate a drug-smuggling ring. It’s among the best you can watch on Netflix and Prime. Get the popcorn ready, but please don’t choke on it with all the laughing.
9. Sing Street – coming of age in Dublin
Starting a band to impress a girl? We’re here for it. Sing Street will make you root for the guy to get the girl, and it’ll make you sing along. Touching upon topics like life’s struggles, it’s a movie that’ll stay with you because of the story and the catchy music.
8. Frank – partially inspired by real events
Domhnall Gleeson, Michael Fassbender, and Maggie Gyllenhaal are in this movie about an aspiring musician who joins a band led by Frank. Who’s Frank, you ask? The one who never takes off his papier-mâché head. Sounds odd? Possibly. Funny? Absolutely.
7. Waking Ned Devine – dead lottery winner
Listen to this: A lottery winner is so shocked by the win that he dies. The people in his town are trying to claim his winnings. Even this mini description is everything you need to know – this movie will make you laugh. We’d almost bet our lottery winnings on it.
6. The Van – Roddy Doyle #1
After losing his job as a baker, Bimbo buys a van and starts selling fish and chips with his best friend, Larry. We all know that working with your friends can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, right? Can the friendship survive the van-ture?
5. The Snapper – wild and funny
Another Roddy Doyle story for the list. It’s actually one of the movies that will make you fall in love with Ireland. 20-year-old Sharon announces she is pregnant – but refuses to tell people who the father is. Cue: The Irish family. This will be good.
4. Four Mothers – from 2024
Edward, a writer, is about to publish his new novel. However, he has to take care of his ageing mother – and three other older women. Let’s just say he’s in for a very chaotic weekend – and you’re in for a very good laugh.
3. The Commitments – a classic
One of the best Irish movies of all time, The Commitments follows Jimmy Rabbitte, who puts together a soul band consisting of Irish working-class members. Another Roddy Doyle story that will stay with you.
2. The Banshees of Inisherin – an Oscar nominee
Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star in this dark comedy movie about friendship, or rather, the end of a friendship. Bonus: While the island of Inisherin is fictional, you can visit the real filming locations that brought it to life.
1. In Bruges – the Irish in Belgium
The two stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are dominating this list – this time as hitmen. Where? In Bruges. The title gives that part away, but to figure out the rest of the movie, you’ll just have to watch it. You can thank us later.
The upcoming movie nights are saved. The only question is: Which of these funny movies will you watch first? While you might not be able to decide, you can know for sure that you will laugh at the jokes – dark or not.
