The best films released in Irish cinemas so far this year
Daragh Nolan lists the five best movies that he has seen at Irish cinemas this year and where to find them now
Just before the halfway point of the year, and ahead of highly anticipated releases like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, here are the five best movies that have been released in Irish cinemas so far this year.
1. The Drama
Led by two current movie-stars in an era where many question if that concept is outdated, A24's The Drama, which centres Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has grossed over $132.5 million at the worldwide box office so far this year. The film is a compelling and debate-inspiring 105 mins as a happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.
This film is incredible fun with superb performances top to bottom that would make a great date night movie. The Drama is also a brilliant movie to either watch with or discuss with friends and family as a classic ‘what would you do?’ arises throughout the film. In an entirely different way than a film like Inception makes you wonder what really happened, The Drama poses a tough moral quandary with no definitive answer.
Both before and after you answer that question, The Drama treats you to excruciatingly hilarious scenes between friends and couples as the darkest corners of our feelings about our nearest and dearest are tested.
Kristoffer Borgli’s fourth feature film has the guts to swing for something and, for this writer’s money, hits it out of the park.
You can buy/rent "The Drama" on Sky Store, Apple TV Store, Amazon Prime Video.
2. Project Hail Mary
A film for everyone. Project Hail Mary arrives as the year’s best blockbuster so far with the numbers to back it up having grossed a staggering $683.3 million. Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there.
This film is a space adventure for the whole family with a heartening story throughout that has succeeded in its desire to please audiences all over the world. Gosling is on a major charm-offensive and works perfectly in tandem with his partner in this film.
German actress Sandra Hüller, who has turned in some of the best performances this decade in Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest, is given a supporting part and does her part with a wonderful ease.
Cinematographer Greig Fraser turns in a sci-fi epic to match anything made in the last five years with stunning visuals from across the galaxy. This film shares plenty of DNA with 2014 masterpiece Interstellar and thanks to that feast for the eyes, wholesome humour and some real heart, Project Hail Mary will no doubt be a hit for you too.
You can buy/rent "Projet Hail Mary" on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Send Help
Office Space meets Cast Away as a woman (Rachel McAdams) and her overbearing boss (Dylan O'Brien) become stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. They must overcome past grievances and work together to survive.
Despite the seriousness of their situation and the unbearable concept of being stranded with a colleague you despise, Send Help is all tongue-in-cheek and great fun. Brilliant in its messaging that even being stuck on a deserted island could give you the break you need from the monotony of a 9-5. Send Help is funny, cynical and unpredictable with two brilliant lead performances.
One of the main issues of Sam Raimi’s film however is the opening stretch where he attempts to ‘dress down’ Rachel McAdams to appear unattractive. He fails.
You can watch "Send Help" on Disney Plus or buy/rent from Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon.
4. Obsession
Curry Barker’s Obsession has become the biggest box-office story of 2026 with a budget of just $750,000 being turned into a $370 million (at the time of writing) Horror sensation.
After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
For all the heady ideas of modern male masculinity and indeed toxicity, Obsession is very simply a simultaneously hilarious and creepy thrill ride in its exploration of those concepts.
Inde Navarette’s performance as our lead female is a revelation and, while the film may not be a rich text in anything beyond the mind of its protagonist, it is a whole load of fun with a recommendation from someone who isn’t typically invested in the Horror genre, but this one won’t be everyone.
You can still see "Obsession" in theatres now.
5. Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell has generated buzz with every film that she has made, to her immense credit. Then, to the surprise of nobody, her adaptation of Emily Brontë’s cornerstone piece of English literature starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi created quite the reception from film and book lovers alike.
After all the speculation, Fennell’s Wuthering Heights was met with the same response as her last outing Saltburn, a hugely divisive film that was a storming financial success with $241 million made at the global box office.
The English filmmaker outlined her desire to adapt the iconic novel and recreate the feeling she had when she first read it at 14 years old and, in that sense, it appears a complete success. Music throughout from Charli XCX and a remarkable levity to the story in its early moments make it an enjoyable watch.
This film is undoubtedly Wuthering Heights forced into a Romeo & Juliet shape but it makes for a fun romp in its early and more playful throws compared to its somewhat hollow feeling in its more serious latter phase, although an emotional moment between Heathcliff and Edgar deep into the film is easily its best.
There are issues with the film like the whitewashing of Heathcliff and the lack of tragic punch compared to the novel, but it feels very certain of itself nonetheless. Whether it all works for you is one thing but it is competently made with one person’s vision and there is plenty to enjoy throughout.
You can see "Wuthering Heights" on Disney+ or Now TV as well as for purchase elsewhere.