If you've got a couple of mates coming over to have a few pints this St. Paddy's day, or if you're planning a romantic evening in, just you, your sweetheart and some green beer, you'll definitely need some films to set the mood in appropriate shades of green.  No matter what your cinematic preferences, there's something for everyone in this list, from Romance to Action to Documentary (ish) movies.  Head to your local video store (sorry it's probably too late to get these from Netflix) and pick up a few of these Irish treasures.

The Secret of Roan Inish

An independent film that made made it as a success.  It really captures a lot of the Irish culture of family legends and storytelling.  The film follows young Fiona who has been sent to live with her grandparents, as she works her way through the family legends including the Selkie - part human/part seals who can shed their skins to become human, and the story of a younger brother who was stolen by the sea.  It's a great visual independent film for anytime, not just at St. Patrick's day.

The Brothers McMullen

A lot of St. Patrick's day celebration comes from the Irish American immigrant culture.  This film about three Irish Catholic brothers in New York is a good view on Irish family in America.  The film follows the three brothers through their struggles in their relationships and dealing with the meaning of their father's death.

Once

One of the most recent films on this list, this one takes place in Dublin, as a street troubadour meets and befriends a Czech immigrant through their music.  Another great little independent film.  I would definitely recommend giving this one a chance. Even if you've already seen it, as this is one of those movies that even if you may have walked away unsatisfied from your first viewing, can grow on you.  If nothing else, the soundtrack is fantastic and it's worth watching just for watching the duets between Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.

Michael Collins

If you'd like a good little dose of Irish history, and to learn why there's a Northern Ireland and a separate Republic of Ireland, this film is worth a look as a biography of the Irish revolutionary and title character Michael Collins. 

The Quiet Man

Another of the classic films of Ireland.  This sweeping cinematic masterpiece by John Ford holds up well anyone looking for a good Irish romance.  If you're looking for a good classic movie (like AMC used to show), this is your pick.  If you're familiar with the Duke I'll just say it's not your stereotypical John Wayne movie.

This is My Father

Here's another recent film and another romance.  This film follows the story of a man coming back to Ireland and piecing together the story of his roots.  It's told in split-time, with part appearing in modern times and flashbacks to the main story of the film, of the man's mother and father and why his mother left Ireland pregnant and alone.

Darby O'Gill and the Little People

A delightful classic for St. Patrick's day.  This movie is a film adaptation of a few books of short Irish short stories about Darby O'Gill.  It follows an Irishman, the aforementioned Mr. O'Gill, who finds and captures the king of the Leprechauns.  This movie had a huge effect on how Leprechauns are commonly depicted to this day.  Obviously the special effects are a little old and you have to give them some credit, but if you'd like to see a very young Sean Connery, take a look.

The MatchMaker

Another good romantic film, the MatchMaker follows a political assistant sent to Ireland to discover her candidate's Irish roots, right in the middle of the annual match-making festival.  Of course, romantic wackiness ensues.  Definitely a more American movie but you can appreciate the scenery, the Irish customs and the friendly nature of the Irish.

Finian's Rainbow

Fred Astaire's last musical film.  This classic movie was an adaptation of an earlier stage version, though the movie was reworked a bit for Fred Astaire.  It's about an Irishman who flees Ireland for America with his daughter in tow, having abscounded with the pot of gold from under a rainbow, being pursued by an angry leprechaun.  Good fun.

In the Name of the Father

Another dramatic story based on some actual Irish history, this Academy Award nominated film starring Daniel Day Lewis tells the story of four men falsely accused of an IRA attack on a local pub and then tortured into confession.  It provides a again a good backdrop to some of the history surrounding the IRA and a lot of the grudges that have only recently begun to pass.

And one for luck...

Man of Aran

I can't mention movies about Ireland without mentioning this documentary-drama from the 1930s about life on the small island of Aran on the West coast of Ireland.  There have apparently been some questions about some facts in the movie which may have been enhanced to make the island culture seem even less modern.  But on an interesting note, the actual cottage used in the film has been made into a bed and breakfast and you can stay there if you want a quiet picturesque retreat.

I hope you've enjoyed the list, and more I hope you enjoy some of these movies.  Make sure you make time between pints to leave some feedback or reviews.