7 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Family Movies
🍀 7 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Family Movies to Watch (Perfect for a Lucky Movie Night!)
(Plus a few bonus St. Patrick’s Day movie ideas)
At Countdown to Christmas, we love any excuse to gather the family, grab some snacks, and enjoy a cozy movie night together. And while Christmas movies may be our specialty, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse for another magical family movie night! 🍿🍀
From mischievous leprechauns to Irish legends and magical adventures, these films will transport your family straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland.
So pour a glass of green milk, grab some popcorn, and enjoy these 7 fun St. Patrick’s Day family movies!
🍀 Make It a St. Patrick’s Day Movie Night!
Turn your movie night into a full St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a few easy ideas:
🍿 Make green popcorn or mint chocolate snacks
🌈 Build a leprechaun trap before the movie
🪙 Hide chocolate gold coins around the house
🍀 Let kids wear green pajamas or shamrock hats
🥛 Add green food coloring to a glass of milk
You might even wake up to discover that a mischievous leprechaun visited overnight!
🌈 1. Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)
This Disney classic is practically the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day movie.
The story follows the clever old Irishman Darby O’Gill, who spends his days trying to outsmart the King of the Leprechauns and capture their famous pot of gold. But as Darby soon learns, leprechauns are far trickier than they appear!
Why families love it:
- Charming Irish folklore
- Mischievous leprechauns
- Classic Disney magic
- A young Sean Connery!
The film’s whimsical storytelling and Irish music make it a must-watch every March.
🍀 Fun idea: Build a leprechaun trap before the movie and see if you catch one overnight!
🐎 2. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
This beautiful Irish film tells the story of Fiona, a young girl who moves to live with her grandparents on the coast of Ireland. Soon she begins uncovering the magical legend of the selkies—mythical creatures who live as seals in the sea but can transform into humans on land.
As Fiona pieces together the mystery of her missing brother, she discovers that her family’s story may be connected to the legend.
Why it’s great for families:
- Magical Irish folklore
- Stunning coastal scenery
- Gentle storytelling perfect for kids
- A heartwarming message about family
It’s a quieter film but absolutely enchanting.
🌈 3. Luck of the Irish (2001)
This Disney Channel favorite has become a St. Patrick’s Day classic for kids.
Kyle Johnson is a normal teenager—until he discovers he comes from a long line of leprechauns! When a magical coin is stolen, Kyle starts shrinking and gaining some unusual powers.
Now he must get the coin back before he turns into a leprechaun forever.
Why kids love it:
- Sports + magic
- Funny leprechaun moments
- Classic early-2000s Disney charm
Perfect for a family movie night with tweens and teens.
🍀 4. The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold (1981)
Yes, it’s technically a Christmas special—but it features leprechauns, magic, and Irish folklore, making it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day too!
This Rankin/Bass animated special follows a sailor who stumbles upon a village of leprechauns being terrorized by a greedy sea witch who wants their gold.
Why it’s fun:
- Classic stop-motion animation
- A short and sweet watch (great for younger kids)
- Lots of Irish charm
- It’s vintage!
It feels like Rudolph meets Irish folklore.
🌈 5. Finian’s Rainbow (1968)
If your family enjoys musicals, this colorful classic is a fantastic pick.
An Irishman named Finian steals a leprechaun’s pot of gold and travels to America, where magical chaos follows—including wishes coming true and unexpected transformations.
Why it’s fun:
- Classic Broadway-style musical
- Whimsical Irish magic
- Big colorful performances
It’s a great pick for families who love old-school musicals.
🍀 6. Song of the Sea (2014)
This breathtaking animated film from Ireland tells the story of a young boy and his sister, who is secretly a selkie—a mythical seal spirit.
Together they must embark on a magical journey to free mystical creatures trapped in the modern world.
Why families adore it:
- Gorgeous animation
- Rich Irish mythology
- A touching story about family and healing
This one is pure magic and has even been nominated for an Academy Award.
🌈 7. The Boxtrolls (2014)
While not specifically Irish, this quirky animated film has the same whimsical folklore vibe.
A boy raised by underground trolls must save his unusual family and the town above from a greedy villain.
Why it works for St. Patrick’s Day:
- Mischievous magical creatures
- Funny and heartwarming
- A little weird in the best way
It’s a fun choice for families who enjoy creative animation and quirky characters.
✨ Countdown to Christmas Tip:
If your family loves holiday traditions, adding a St. Patrick’s Day movie night is a fun way to keep the magic going between Christmas seasons.
Because every holiday deserves a little movie magic.
🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀
May your home be filled with laughter, luck, and maybe even a sneaky leprechaun or two.
Want to see:
20+ St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids: Leprechaun Traps, Shamrocks, Rainbows & More
ADDITIONAL MOVIE IDEAS:
8. BRAVE
This Pixar adventure follows the fearless Scottish princess Merida as she tries to break a magical curse she accidentally unleashes. While it’s set in Scotland rather than Ireland, the Celtic folklore, lush landscapes, and magical elements make it a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day pick.
Why it fits:
Celtic folklore vibes
Strong family themes
Gorgeous castles and forests
9.The Secret of Kells
This beautifully animated Irish film tells the story of a young boy helping to complete the legendary Book of Kells while mystical forest spirits protect them from danger.
Why families love it:
Unique animation style
Deep Irish mythology
Educational and magical
10. Wolfwalkers
Another stunning Irish animated film about a young girl who befriends a mysterious girl capable of turning into a wolf at night.
Why it’s perfect:
Rich Celtic folklore
Beautiful storytelling
A modern animated classic
11. Leap Year
This charming film follows an American woman traveling to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on leap day—but her journey takes some unexpected turns.
Why add it:
Gorgeous Irish scenery
Lighthearted and fun
Great for older teens and parents
12. The Quiet Man
A beloved classic starring John Wayne about an American returning to his Irish homeland and falling in love.
Why it’s iconic:
Classic Irish village life
Beautiful countryside
A legendary film set in Ireland
13. The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns
This whimsical fantasy adventure tells the story of a man who discovers two rival leprechaun kingdoms fighting over love and magic.
Why kids enjoy it:
Lots of leprechauns
Fairy tale adventure
A big magical story
14. The Luck of the Irish
Not to be confused with the Disney Channel movie—this version follows a struggling basketball coach who receives magical help from a mysterious leprechaun.
Why it’s fun:
Sports + Irish folklore
Lighthearted comedy
15. Song of the Sea
A magical Irish animated story about a girl who is secretly a selkie, a mythical seal spirit from Irish folklore.
Why it’s magical:
Stunning animation
Deep mythology
Emotional storytelling
16. Into the West
Two Irish boys discover a mysterious white horse that seems to have magical origins and take it on an unforgettable adventure across Ireland.
Why it’s great:
Adventure story
Beautiful Irish landscapes
A hidden gem family film
17. The Secret of Moonacre
A young girl moves to a magical valley filled with ancient family secrets, mysterious creatures, and a curse that must be broken.
Why it works:
Fairytale setting
Magic and adventure
Cozy fantasy feel
Have a Happy St. Patricks Day!
