Most Sought-After St. Patrick’s Day Films in the UK

New data has revealed the most searched-for St. Patrick’s Day films in the UK, with Leap Year (2010) taking the top spot.

Once (2007) ranked second and Pixie (2020) placed third. The study analysed the average monthly Google searches in the UK for films featuring Ireland or Irish culture.

The experts who commissioned the research used Ahrefs to find the average monthly Google searches in the UK for 245 of the most popular films featuring Ireland as a location or Irish culture as a major theme. The films were then ranked to determine which films are the most sought-after to watch this St. Patrick’s Day. 

1. Leap Year (2010)

Amy Adams leads this romantic comedy film about a woman who travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day, following an Irish tradition that allows women to propose on 29 February. However, her plans go awry when she encounters a charming innkeeper and finds herself reevaluating her feelings and priorities. The film is searched for 4,700 times on average each month.

2. Once (2007)

Once is a musical romantic drama film that follows the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant who form a deep connection through their shared love of music in Dublin, Ireland. As they collaborate on writing and performing songs together, they navigate their complicated personal lives and pursue their dreams in a heartfelt and moving narrative. The two leading actors, Hansard and Irglová, won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘Falling Slowly’, and the soundtrack also received a Grammy Award nomination. With 3,510 searches a month, Once takes the second spot in the ranking.

3. Pixie (2020)

Monthly searches for this British comedy thriller have averaged at 3,500, making it the third most popular St. Patrick’s Day pick. The film follows a young woman named Pixie who orchestrates a heist with two men to avenge her mother's death, leading to unexpected twists and turns in rural Ireland.

4. Michael Collins (1996)

The biographical period drama stars another Irish acting icon, Liam Neeson, as Michael Collins, who was a prominent figure in the Irish independence movement during the early 20th century. As Collins leads the Irish Republican Army in a violent campaign against the British forces, he faces personal and political challenges that shape the course of Irish history. This staple of the Irish film canon is searched for 3,300 times a month in the UK.

5. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Several giants of the Irish acting world, Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, star in this critically acclaimed film, which received nine nominations at the 95^th Academy Awards. Two lifelong friends reach a deadlock when one abruptly ends their relationship, resulting in tragic repercussions for both individuals. Rounding out the top five, on average the film receives 3,220 monthly searches.

6. Hunger (2008) 

Directed by Steve McQueen and starring Michael Fassbender, this powerful historical drama receives 2,100 monthly searches on average in the UK. Depicting the events leading up to the 1981 Irish hunger strike, the film focuses on the imprisonment of IRA member Bobby Sands. Through a visceral portrayal of the brutal conditions faced by Sands and his fellow inmates in Northern Ireland's Maze Prison, the film delves into the complexities of political activism and the human spirit's resilience in the face of extreme adversity.

7. The Guarantee (2014)

This gripping Irish thriller dramatises the events surrounding the 2008 financial crisis in Ireland, particularly focusing on the government's decision to guarantee the country's troubled banks. Through a tense and gripping narrative, the film explores the political and economic ramifications of this controversial decision. The film receives 1,900 searches a month on average.

8. Good Vibrations (2013)

Set in Belfast during the height of The Troubles in the late 1970s, the film follows the true story of Terri Hooley, a music enthusiast who opens a record shop and becomes a central figure in the punk rock scene. The music lover and idealist offered a message of hope and unity amidst the sectarian violence of Northern Ireland. This comedy-drama is searched for 1,330 times a month.

9. Calvary (2014)

With 1,270 searches per month, the darkly comedic drama set in a small coastal town in Ireland takes the penultimate position in the list. The film follows a good-natured Irish priest, played by Irish acting giant Brendan Gleeson, who receives a death threat during confession and must grapple with his faith and morality while navigating his troubled parishioners.

10. Shrooms (2007)

This noughties horror makes for an entertaining St Paddy’s Day watch and fans of are searching for the film 1,210 times per month. It centres around a group of American tourists in Ireland who consume hallucinogenic mushrooms while camping in a forest, only to experience terrifying visions and paranoia as they uncover the dark secrets of the woods. As their trip turns into a nightmarish descent into madness, they must confront their inner demons and the sinister forces lurking in the wilderness.

A spokesperson from the research discussed the findings:

“Whether it's through heartwarming tales of love and friendship, gripping historical dramas, or humorous portrayals of Irish life, the ranking shows that people are simply looking for films that provide an engaging experience that honours the spirit of Ireland on this festive occasion.”