List of The Troubles films explained

Below is an incomplete list of feature films, television films or TV series which include events of The Troubles and the Dissident Irish republican campaign. This list does not include documentaries, short films.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

1960s

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(Alternative title)
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(Original script)
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1968United KingdomThe Violent EnemyDon SharpCrime, Drama, Thriller. Based on a novel A Candle for the Dead.

1970s

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(Alternative title)
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(Original script)
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1974CanadaA Quiet Day in BelfastMilad BessadaDrama. Based on the play A Quiet Day in Belfast.
1975United Kingdom
United States
HennessyDon SharpAction, Drama, Thriller.
1979United States
Netherlands
The OutsiderTony LuraschiDrama, History, Thriller. Based on a novel The Heritage of Michael Flaherty.

1980s

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(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
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1980United KingdomThe Long Good FridayJohn MackenzieCrime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller.
1981United KingdomLooks and SmilesKen LoachDrama.
1981IrelandTravellerJoe ComerfordDrama.
1981United Kingdom
Ireland
MaevePat MurphyDrama.
1983United KingdomAcceptable LevelsJohn DaviesDrama.
1983Belgium
France
The Writing On The WallNous étions tous des noms d'arbresArmand GattiDrama.
1984United Kingdom
Ireland
CalPat O'ConnorDrama, Thriller, Romance. Based on a novel Cal.
1985United KingdomNo SurrenderPeter SmithComedy.
1987United KingdomBoy SoldierMilwr BychanKarl FrancisDrama.
1987United KingdomA Prayer for the DyingMike HodgesAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Based on a novel A Prayer for the Dying.
1988United Kingdom
United States
For Queen and CountryMartin StellmanAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller.
1989United Kingdom
United States
ElephantAlan ClarkeDrama.

1990s

Yearwidth= 80CountryMain title
(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
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1990United KingdomHidden AgendaKen LoachDrama, Thriller.
1992United KingdomThe Railway Station ManMichael WhyteDrama, Romance. Based on a novel The Railway Station Man.
1992United StatesPatriot GamesPhillip NoyceAction, Thriller. Based on a novel Patriot Games.
1992United Kingdom
Japan
The Crying GameNeil JordanCrime, Drama, Romance, Thriller. Based on the short story Guests of the Nation.
1993IrelandHigh Boot BennyJoe ComerfordDrama.
1993Ireland
United States
In the Name of the FatherJim SheridanBiography, Crime, Drama. Based on an autobiography Proved Innocent: The Story of Gerry Conlon of the Guildford Four. Guildford pub bombings, Guildford Four and Maguire Seven
1994United StatesPatriotsFrank KerrThriller.
1994United StatesBlown AwayStephen HopkinsAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller.
1995United Kingdom
Ireland
Nothing PersonalThaddeus O'SullivanDrama.
1996Lebanon
Germany
Ireland
WarshotsKriegsbilderHeiner Stadler
1996Ireland
United States
Some Mother's SonTerry GeorgeDrama, History. 1981 Irish hunger strike
1997IrelandThis Is the SeaMary McGuckianDrama, Romance.
1997United KingdomThe EliminatorEnda HughesAction, Comedy.
1997United StatesThe Devil's OwnAlan J. PakulaAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller.
1997United Kingdom
Spain
Germany
Ireland
Japan
A Further GestureRobert DornhelmDrama, Romance, Thriller.
1997Ireland
United States
The BoxerJim SheridanDrama, Romance, Sport.
1997United States
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Japan
The JackalMichael Caton-JonesAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Based on a novel The Day of the Jackal.
1997United StatesMy Brother's WarJames BrolinAction, Thriller.
1998United KingdomCrossmaheartHenry HerbertDrama. Based on a novel Cycle of Violence.
1998United States
United Kingdom
RoninJohn FrankenheimerAction, Crime, Thriller.
1998United Kingdom
Ireland
The GeneralJohn BoormanBiography, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Based on the book The General. Martin Cahill
1998United KingdomDivorcing JackDavid CaffreyThriller, Comedy. Based on a novel Divorcing Jack.
1998United KingdomTitanic TownRoger MichellDrama.
1998United KingdomResurrection ManMarc EvansCrime, Drama, Thriller. Based on a novel Resurrection Man. Shankill Butchers
1999IrelandSunset HeightsColm VillaAction, Thriller.
1999United Kingdom
United States
ShergarDennis LewistonCrime, Drama, Romance, Sport. Shergar

2000s

Yearwidth= 80CountryMain title
(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
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2000Ireland
United States
Moving TargetPaul ZillerAction.
2000United StatesAn Everlasting PieceBarry LevinsonComedy.
2001United Kingdom
Ireland
MapmakerJohnny GoganThriller.
2001IrelandSilent GraceMaeve MurphyDrama. Based on the plays The Armagh Women, Now and at the hour of our Death. Dirty protest
2001IrelandH3Les BlairDrama. 1981 Irish hunger strike
2002United Kingdom
Ireland
BoxedMarion ComerDrama.
2004United Kingdom
France
Ireland
Mickybo and MeTerry LoaneComedy, Drama. Based on the play Mojo Mickybo.
2005ItalyThe Silence of the SkylarkIl silenzio dell'allodolaDavid BalleriniDrama.
2005Ireland
United Kingdom
The Mighty CeltPearse ElliotDrama.
2005Ireland
United Kingdom
Breakfast on PlutoNeil JordanComedy, Drama. Based on a novel Breakfast on Pluto.
2006United States
Ireland
I.R.A.: King of NothingDamian ChapaAction, Drama.
2006United Kingdom
Ireland
Johnny WasMark HammondAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller.
2007United Kingdom
Canada
United States
Closing the RingRichard AttenboroughDrama, Romance.
2008IrelandAntonGraham CantwellAction, Crime, Drama, History, Romance, Thriller.
2008IrelandPeacefireMacdara VallelyDrama.
2008United Kingdom
Ireland
HungerSteve McQueenBiography, Crime, Drama, Thriller. 1981 Irish hunger strike
2008United Kingdom
Canada
Fifty Dead Men WalkingKari SkoglandCrime, Drama, Thriller. Based on Martin McGartland's autobiography.
2009United StatesDisappearing in AmericaErik RodgersDrama.
2009United Kingdom
Ireland
Five Minutes of HeavenOliver HirschbiegelDrama, Thriller.

2010s

Yearwidth= 80CountryMain title
(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
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2011United StatesNo Saints for SinnersNathan FrankowskiAction, Crime.
2012United Kingdom
Ireland
Shadow DancerJames MarshDrama, Mystery, Thriller. Based on a novel Shadow Dancer.
2013United KingdomThe Best YearsDanny PatrickComedy, Crime, Drama, Romance.
2013IrelandA Belfast StoryNathan ToddCrime, Drama.
2014United KingdomShooting for SocratesJames ErskineComedy, Drama, Sport. 1986 FIFA World Cup
2014United Kingdom'71Yann DemangeAction, Crime, Drama, Thriller, War.
2016United KingdomThe Truth CommissionerDeclan RecksCrime, Drama, Thriller.
2016United KingdomThe JourneyNick HammBiography, Drama, History. Ian Paisley, Martin McGuinness, St Andrews Agreement.
2017United Kingdom
China
United States
India
The ForeignerMartin CampbellAction, Thriller. Based on a novel The Chinaman.
2017United Kingdom
Ireland
Sweden
Germany
MazeStephen BurkeBiography, Crime, Drama, History, Mystery, Thriller. Maze Prison escape
2018Ireland
United Kingdom
PenanceAithríTommy CollinsAction, Romance. Based on the story Seacht mBua an Éirí Amach.
2019United KingdomCyprus AvenueRhodri Huw
Vicky Featherstone
Comedy, Drama, Thriller.

2020s

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(Alternative title)
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(Original script)
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2020United Kingdom
Ireland
WildfireCathy BradyDrama.
2021IrelandA Bend in the RiverColin BroderickDrama.
2021United KingdomBelfastKenneth BranaghBiography, Drama, Romance. 1969 Northern Ireland riots
2022IrelandThe Troubles: A Dublin StoryLuke HanlonCrime, Drama.
2023United KingdomDead ShotTom Guard
Charles Guard
Action, Thriller. Based on the book The Road to Balcombe Street.
2023Ireland
United Kingdom
BaltimoreJoe Lawlor
Christine Molloy
Thriller. Rose Dugdale
2023IrelandIn the Land of Saints and SinnersRobert LorenzAction, Crime, Thriller.
2023United KingdomThe Sniper's Daughter
(Stranger with a Camera)
Oorlagh GeorgeMystery.
2024Ireland
United Kingdom
KneecapRich PeppiattComedy, Drama. Kneecap

Science fiction, fantasy, and horror films

Yearwidth= 80CountryMain title
(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
width=100DirectorSubject
1975ItalyMondo candidoGualtiero Jacopetti
Franco E. Prosperi
Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy. Based on a novel Candide.
1976France
Italy
West Germany
Canada
Born for HellDie HinrichtungDenis HérouxDrama, Horror, Thriller. Richard Speck

Television films

Yearwidth= 80CountryMain title
(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
width=100DirectorSubject
1972United States
United Kingdom
A War of ChildrenGeorge SchaeferDrama.
1980United KingdomMurphy's StrokeFrank CvitanovichDrama.
1980United KingdomThe Long MarchChris ParrDrama.
1981United KingdomNailedJune Howson
1982United KingdomGiro CityKarl FrancisDrama, Thriller.
1983United KingdomAcross the WaterPaul SeedDrama.
1984United KingdomKiller WaitingMichael FergusonThriller.
1984United States
Ireland
Children in the CrossfireGeorge SchaeferDrama.
1984United KingdomFour Days in JulyMike LeighDrama.
1985United KingdomWe'll Support You EvermoreDouglas LivingstoneDrama.
1986CanadaIn This CornerAtom EgoyanDrama.
1987United KingdomRat in the SkullGlyn Edwards
Max Stafford-Clark
Drama.
1988New ZealandThe GrasscutterIan MuneCrime.
1989Ireland
United Kingdom
Hush-a-Bye BabyMargo HarkinRomance.
1990IrelandDear SarahFrank CvitanovichDrama. Guildford Four and Maguire Seven
1992United KingdomYou, Me and MarleyRichard SpenceDrama.
1995Canada
United Kingdom
Beyond ReasonJim O'BrienDrama.
1997Ireland
United States
The InformantJim McBrideDrama. Based on the book Field of Blood.
1999United KingdomVicious CircleDavid BlairCrime, Drama. Based on the book The General. Martin Cahill
2002United KingdomAs the Beast SleepsHarry BradbeerDrama. Ulster Defence Association
2002United Kingdom
Ireland
SundayCharles McDougallDrama. Bloody Sunday
2002United Kingdom
Ireland
United States
Bloody SundayPaul GreengrassDrama, History, War. Based on the book Eyewitness Bloody Sunday. Ivan Cooper, Bloody Sunday
2003United Kingdom
Ireland
Holy CrossMark BrozelDrama. Holy Cross dispute
2004Ireland
United Kingdom
OmaghPete TravisDrama. Omagh bombing
2006United KingdomCrackerAntonia BirdCrime, Drama.
2018United KingdomMother's DayFergus O'BrienDrama. Warrington bombings

TV series

Yearwidth= 80CountryMain title
(Alternative title)
Original title
(Original script)
width=100DirectorSubject
1982United KingdomHarry's GameLawrence Gordon ClarkThriller. Based on a novel Harry's Game.
1985United KingdomConfessionalGordon FlemyngThriller. Based on a novel Confessional.
1985United Kingdom
Ireland
The PricePeter SmithDrama, Thriller.
1988United KingdomCrossfireKen HannamThriller.
1988Ireland
Australia
Act of BetrayalLawrence Gordon ClarkDrama, Thriller.
1989-90United KingdomFrederick Forsyth PresentsTom Clegg
Lawrence Gordon Clark
Ian Sharp
James Cellan Jones
Action, Thriller. Based on a novel The Deceiver.
1991United KingdomChildren of the NorthDavid DruryThriller. Based on a novels The Killing of Yesterday's Children, Lonely the Man Without Heroes and A Darkness in the Eye.
1992United KingdomCivviesKarl FrancisDrama.
1993-96United KingdomCircles of DeceitGeoffrey Sax
Nicholas Laughland
Alan Grint
Peter Barber-Fleming
1995
1998-2007
2016
2018-2023
United Kingdom
Ireland
Give My Head PeaceComedy.
2001United KingdomThe BombmakerGraham TheakstonAction. Based on a novel The Bombmaker.
2005United KingdomThe Rotters' ClubTony Dean SmithDrama. Based on a novel The Rotters' Club.
2012United KingdomWhite HeatJohn AlexanderDrama.
2014United KingdomFrom There to HereJames StrongDrama. 1996 Manchester bombing
2018-22United KingdomDerry GirlsMichael LennoxComedy.
2022NetherlandsThe SpectacularPieter Kuijpers
Willem Bosch
Crime, Drama, Thriller. Donna Maguire
2024United KingdomSay NothingMichael LennoxDrama. Based on the book Say Nothing.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Gallagher, Richard . 2023 . Screening Ulster: Cinema and the Unionists . Springer Nature . 9783031234361.
  2. Web site: The Troubles Crime Thriller and the Future of Films about Northern Ireland . Gallagher . Richard . 2021 . Queen's University Belfast.
  3. Web site: Troubles and Northern Ireland: Representations in Film of Belfast as a Site of Conflict . Brereton . Pat . 2022 . Project MUSE.
  4. Web site: Film, Television and the Troubles . McLoone . Martin . 2009 . Troubles Archive.
  5. Web site: Films . Gillespie . Gordon . 3 October 2020 . Shared Future News.
  6. Web site: Why are all the Troubles' films about republicans? . McKittrick . David . 30 October 2008 . Belfast Telegraph.
  7. Web site: Classic films with the Troubles in mind . The Independent.
  8. Web site: The Top 10 Films of the Troubles (1969-1998) . 27 May 2021 . Top 10 Film Lists.
  9. News: The Troubles on film: 'Hollywood has done everywhere and it's always wrong' . Clarke . Donald . 31 August 2019 . The Irish Times.