A couple of weeks before St. Patrick’s Day each year I pull out my Irish and Irish American DVDs and host a film festival. Usually, I am the only attendee, although this year my mom seemed genuinely disappointed that she missed the double feature of In America and The Secret of Roan Inish when I mentioned it. Those two movies are so good they definitely deserve encore screenings closer to the big day.

I just realized that I don’t have a single movie about St. Patrick in my St. Patrick’s Day Film Festival. I should check these out. I ought to be able to squeeze one into the lineup.

Take a look at the list of movies I’ve watched so far. These are all from my collection of DVDs, but I believe most are available to be streamed if you would like to host your own film festival.

Week One Movies:

(Click the links to see a trailer.)

• In America (2002)
• The Secret of Roan Inish (1992)
• Once (2007)
• Dancing at Lughnasa (1998)
• Sing Street (2016)
• Belfast (2021)
• The Commitments (1991)
• The Quiet Man (1952)
• The Brothers McMullen (1995)

I have some good ones yet to watch, like Brooklyn, The Dead, and Intermission. I found an unopened copy of Far and Away in my drawer. I have heard it is terrible, but I will give it a chance. My dad loaned me a few DVDs, including The Wind that Shakes the Barley which I have not seen in years and can’t wait to watch.

This is what is up next: the 1997 gem The Matchmaker starring Janeane Garafolo.

What’s your favorite Irish or Irish American movie? Share it with a comment!