Ireland has a long history of creating hilarious films and television shows that have entertained audiences worldwide. Their works have struck a chord with readers from all over the world, whether due to the Irish’s endearing accent or their distinct sense of humour. This is true now more than ever because recent films from the country have received a lot of praise during the year of release.
One of the best directors of his time, Martin McDonagh consistently produces films that are nominated for awards and garner favourable reviews. The Banshees of Inisherin, his most recent film, may be his most well-known because it has a whopping 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and is one of the front-runners to win Best Picture at the next Oscars. There are several additional well-known comedies from The Emerald Isle for those who want more of McDonagh’s sharp Irish wit and humour.
‘Calvary’ (2014)
Calvary, another grim comedy by John Michael McDonagh, reunites him with Brendan Gleeson, a regular McDonagh collaborator. Father James (Gleeson), a good-hearted and gentle priest who receives an anonymous death threat during confession, is the focus of the film. He is given a week’s notice before the murderer will strike.
Calvary, a dramedy in the same vein as Banshees, makes amusing yet serious observations about contemporary issues. As Father James, Gleeson offers one of his best performances, assisted by some of the top actors in the nation, such as Aidan Gillen, Kelly Reilly, and Domhnall Gleeson.
‘Derry Girls’ (2018-2022)
Derry Girls is a television show that follows a group of Irish schoolgirls as they navigate love, life, and various wild escapades in the 1990s. The show highlights the life of Catholics during this historical period as well as the significant cultural events that took place during this century. The four teenagers, along with their male classmate, attend a Catholic school.
Each of the main characters is endearing in their own special way, making it simple for viewers to identify with one of them. Even The Simpsons gave the show a shout-out in its 33rd season, demonstrating how popular it was both domestically and abroad. Through all three of its seasons, Derry Girls has remained constantly funny, with the third season concluding everything.
‘Father Ted’ (1995-1998)
One of the most well-known pieces of literature to come out of Ireland is Father Ted, a classic television comedy from the 1990s. The comedy, which is set on the made-up island of Craggy, centres on three priests who have distinct personalities and their housekeeper, who frequently finds herself in absurdly funny circumstances.
The series frequently makes fun of the church and individuals who participate in it because of its strong religious emphasis. Father Ted’s satire feels timely even though it is almost three decades old since the topics it mocks are still in the news. However, it is just entertaining to watch and one of the greatest TV comedy ever.
‘Frank’ (2014)
Domhnall Gleeson plays Jon, an aspiring musician, in Frank, a movie that was loosely based on a real person. Jon finds out that being in a band is not all it’s made up to be as he enters their peculiar world after having a chance encounter with Frank (Michael Fassbender), a singer who is never seen without his paper-mache mask.
Frank serves as both a portrayal of a tortured figure and a glimpse into the often challenging world of being an artist. It is both amusing and heartbreaking. As the man who conceals himself away from the world, Fassbender provides one of his most profound performances. He is fantastic as the mask-wearing singer.
‘Grabbers’ (2012)
In the amusing horror-comedy Grabbers, blood-sucking aliens invade a small Irish island. Two police officers are obliged to gather everyone at the neighbourhood bar where they spend the night getting wasted in order to dodge the monsters outside after learning that the beasts do not devour anyone who has alcohol in their bloodstream.
Grabbers is a witty comedy with an intriguing concept, and as the film progresses, its colourful array of characters all become increasingly inebriated. This is one of the funniest horror comedies to come out in the last ten years because it makes sense given how many Irish stories centre around the neighbourhood bar.
‘In Bruges’ (2008)
In his directorial debut, In Bruges, McDonagh collaborates with his Banshees co-stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two hitmen. One of the men is aiming a gun at himself while the other is pointing a gun at him. The professional assassins are sent to Bruges, Belgium to hide out after a job goes horribly wrong. There, they run with a variety of eccentric locals and intriguing personalities.
In Bruges is a fantastic black comedy made even better by its witty storyline and fantastic performances by Farrell and Gleeson. As Harry, their boss, Ralph Fiennes steals the show by making the most of his limited screen time to deliver some of the best scenes in the picture. A must-see for Banshees fans.
‘Sing Street’ (2016)
Sing Street, which is set in Dublin in the middle of the 1980s, centres on Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a youngster whose family is in danger of going into poverty. Conor meets Ralphina (Lucy Boynton), an aspiring model, and falls in love right away. He then gathers some pals to form a band in an effort to win her over.
Sing Street is a feel-good comedy with a musical theme similar to The Commitments. Its characters are endearing and likeable, and you can’t help but pull for Conor in his struggle with a budding romance. The film is also helped by a fantastic music from the time period, which includes artists like The Clash and The Cure.
‘The Commitments’ (1991)
The Commitments are performed by three vocalists as Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a Dublin-based music enthusiast, watches. Jimmy gathers people from his working-class neighbourhood to establish the musical group “The Commitments” in an effort to acquire performances in their region because he has a dream of managing a band.
The Commitments, which peaked at the biggest box office ever in its native Ireland, is still among the most well-known Irish movies of all time. A feel-good comedy for those looking for something a little lighter than Banshees, both the movie and its music have persisted in the decades since its release. It is considered a cult classic.
‘The Guard’ (2011)
The Guard, a film written and directed by Martin McDonagh’s brother John Michael, stars Brendan Gleeson as Gerry Boyle, a drug- and prostitution-addicted police officer. Gerry is linked with Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle), a no-nonsense FBI agent who conflicts with Boyle’s casual lifestyle, when a drug smuggling organisation is thought to be operating in his area.
Another timeless Irish black comedy that pays homage to his brother’s works, McDonagh’s The Guard has a fantastic comedic pairing between Gleeson and Cheadle. Boyle does a variety of taboo behaviours as he wanders about the city, which leads to a number of unforgettable moments that you will remember long after you have seen the movie.
‘Waking Ned Devine’ (1998)
When Jackie and Michael learn that one of the 52 residents of their 52-person town has won the lottery, they decide to find out who it is. When Jackie, Michael, and the rest of the community learn that Ned is the winner and that he passed away from shock after the announcement, they decide to try to trick the claims inspector into believing Ned is still alive so they may split the prize.
The characters in Waking Ned Devine, a type of black comedy that the Irish specialise at, are less worried with their neighbor’s passing than they are with getting their hands on his money. The colourful cast of town residents comes up with fresh, improbable ways to maintain Ned’s survival, which makes for a comic adventure.
