St Patrick’s Day is such a fun holiday to celebrate, even if you don’t have Irish heritage. Here is a list of the best Irish films that are the perfect St Patrick’s Day movies for kids. You’ll find trailers, summaries, and where you can stream the best Irish movies to help make the day fun and luckier than a four-leaf clover for the whole family!
St Patrick’s Day Movies for Kids
Secret of Kells – PG (2009)
Stream on: YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes, Apple TV+
“The Secret of Kells” is an animated fantasy film that tells the story of a young boy named Brendan, who lives in the Abbey of Kells in medieval Ireland. As Vikings threaten to invade, Brendan embarks on a magical adventure to complete the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript containing the secrets of the universe. He encounters mystical creatures and a forest spirit named Aisling along the way. The film is known for its unique animation style inspired by the illuminated manuscripts of Ireland and explores themes of creativity, bravery, and the power of art.
Luck – G (2022)
Streams on: Apple TV+
Sam Greenfield, a clumsy and unlucky orphan, discovers a magical world called the Land of Luck after losing a lucky penny down a toilet. Teaming up with a talking cat named Bob, she embarks on a journey to replace the lost penny and help her friend Hazel get adopted. Along the way, Sam encounters leprechauns, a dragon named Babe, and manages the delicate balance of good and bad luck. Despite challenges, she learns valuable lessons about luck, friendship, and the importance of both good and bad luck in life. Ultimately, Sam’s efforts lead to positive changes for her friend Hazel and a newfound appreciation for the quirks of luck in her own life.
Riverdance – Y-7 (2021)
Stream on: Netflix
The animated film follows Keegan, a grieving Irish boy, after his grandfather’s death. Failing to light the lighthouse, he releases the huntsman into the river, endangering the magical dancing deer who sustain life. Guided by his friend Moya, Keegan confronts the huntsman, defeats him using hurling skills, and restores the river’s flow. Benny, the slowest deer, becomes the new king, and Keegan leads the town’s celebration. Benny’s lazy rule leads to isolation from the deer herd.
Song of the Sea – PG (2014)
Stream on: YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Apple TV+, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video
“Song of the Sea” is a visually stunning animated film that follows the story of a young Irish boy named Ben and his mute sister Saoirse. Discovering that Saoirse is a selkie, a mythical creature capable of turning into a seal, the siblings embark on a magical journey to free mythical creatures trapped in the modern world. As they encounter various mythical beings and face challenges, they learn about their family’s connection to the magical realm and the importance of embracing both the real and fantastical elements of life. The film explores themes of family, magic, and the harmony between nature and folklore.
St Patrick’s Day Movies for Older Kids
Luck of the Irish – TV-G (2001)
Stream on: Disney Plus
“Luck of the Irish” is a Disney Channel Original Movie that follows the story of Kyle Johnson (played by Ryan Merriman), a high school basketball player who discovers his family’s Irish heritage in a surprising way. On the night of an important basketball game, Kyle’s lucky coin, a family heirloom, goes missing. As he searches for the coin, he begins to transform into a leprechaun. Kyle must navigate the challenges of being part leprechaun, including dealing with magical mishaps and learning about his cultural roots. The film explores themes of identity, heritage, and the importance of embracing one’s background.
Secret of Roan Inish – TV-PG (2004)
Stream on: YouTube, Hulu, Sling, Roku, Amazon, Apple TV
“The Secret of Roan Inish” is a fantasy drama film that tells the story of a young girl named Fiona who goes to live with her grandparents near the Irish coast. As she explores the surroundings, she learns about the family’s ancestral connection to the island of Roan Inish and the mysterious legend of selkies – seals that can transform into humans. Fiona believes that her brother, who was presumed lost at sea, might be living among the selkies. The film follows Fiona’s journey to uncover the truth about her family’s past and the magical secrets of Roan Inish. It weaves together themes of folklore, family, and the mystical ties between humans and nature.
Leap Year – PG (2010)
Stream on: Apple TV, Amazon, Vudu, YouTube
“Leap Year” is a romantic comedy film that follows the story of Anna Brady, played by Amy Adams. Anna, frustrated with her boyfriend’s reluctance to propose, decides to take advantage of an Irish tradition that allows women to propose to men on leap day. She travels to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend and propose to him. However, her plans go awry due to various unforeseen circumstances, and she ends up getting assistance from a local innkeeper, played by Matthew Goode. Throughout the journey, Anna discovers unexpected things about herself and her relationships, leading to a romantic and comedic adventure. The film explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the unpredictability of life.
Magical Legend of the Leprechauns – TV-PG (1999)
Stream on: Peacock, Roku, Amazon
“The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns” is a fantasy television miniseries that combines live-action and animation. The story revolves around an American businessman named Jack Woods, played by Randy Quaid, who discovers a hidden world of mythical creatures, including leprechauns, fairies, and the evil Banshee (Whoopi Goldberg). Jack becomes entangled in a conflict between the magical creatures and the greedy and destructive industrialist, who aims to exploit their world. Along the way, Jack befriends a leprechaun named Mickey, portrayed by Warwick Davis, and a fairy named Princess Jessica, played by Colm Meaney. The miniseries is known for its whimsical and fantastical elements, taking viewers on a journey into a charming world of Irish folklore and magic.
A Very Unlucky Leprechaun – TV-PG (1998)
Stream on: Amazon, Tubi, Pluto TV
“A Very Unlucky Leprechaun” is a fantasy-comedy film that follows the misadventures of a young leprechaun named Brian O’Rourke. Brian is not particularly lucky for a leprechaun and wishes to change his fate and start a new life. When he meets a human girl named Kathleen, who is facing her own set of challenges, they embark on a series of comedic and magical escapades. The film explores themes of luck, friendship, and the importance of embracing one’s unique qualities. Throughout the story, Brian learns valuable lessons about himself and discovers that sometimes luck can be found in the most unexpected places. The movie combines elements of Irish folklore with a lighthearted and humorous narrative.
Leapin’ Leprechauns – PG (1995)
Stream on: Not available for streaming at the time of writing, available on to purchase on VHS and DVD on Amazon
“Leapin’ Leprechauns!” is a family fantasy film that follows the story of a young American girl named Jessica, played by Hilary Tuck, who visits her grandfather in the Emerald Isle. Upon arriving, Jessica discovers that her grandfather is the caretaker of a magical estate inhabited by leprechauns. Trouble arises when a greedy developer plans to destroy the enchanted land for commercial purposes. Jessica, with the help of a friendly leprechaun named Seamus, played by Randall William Cook, sets out to save the magical creatures and their home. The film combines elements of Irish folklore, humor, and adventure, providing a whimsical and family-friendly experience.
Older Classics for St Patrick’s Day
Darby O’Gill and the Little People – G (1959)
Stream on: Disney+
“Darby O’Gill and the Little People” is a live-action fantasy film produced by Walt Disney. The story revolves around Darby O’Gill, played by Albert Sharpe, an elderly Irish caretaker, and his encounters with leprechauns, particularly the king of the leprechauns, King Brian, played by Jimmy O’Dea. Darby finds himself in a series of misadventures involving magical wishes and tricky leprechaun deals. As the film progresses, Darby tries to outsmart the evil leprechaun and navigate the whimsical and sometimes perilous world of Irish folklore. The movie is known for its charming blend of fantasy, humor, and Irish cultural elements.
Finian’s Rainbow – G (1968)
Stream on: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime
“Finian’s Rainbow” is a musical fantasy film based on the Broadway musical of the same name. The story revolves around an Irishman named Finian McLonergan, played by Fred Astaire, and his family of Irish immigrants, who arrive in the fictional Southern state of Missitucky with a pot of gold stolen from a leprechaun. Finian hopes that burying the gold near Fort Knox will make it multiply. The film addresses themes of racial prejudice, as Finian and his daughter Sharon, played by Petula Clark, become involved in the lives of the local African American community. The plot also includes a leprechaun named Og, played by Tommy Steele, trying to retrieve his stolen gold. “Finian’s Rainbow” combines whimsical elements with social commentary, and the musical numbers are a significant part of its charm.
Pot O Gold – Rated “Approved” (1941)
Streams on: MGM+, Amazon Prime, YouTube
In “Pot O’ Gold”, James Hamilton, portrayed by James Stewart, dreams of a musical career but must contend with family pressure to work in insurance; however, his life takes a musical turn when he discovers his family unknowingly supports a struggling band, leading him to navigate the complexities of pursuing his passion, family expectations, and a budding romance with the band’s singer, played by Paulette Goddard, in this musical comedy that features lively performances by Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights.
This post is the best St Patrick’s Day Movies for kids (and the whole family) – the perfect way to celebrate Irish culture and Irish history in a fun and different way!
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