All 17 Ian McElhinney Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Get ready to dive into the world of Ian McElhinney as we present our roundup of his fantastic filmography! In the following article, we will be examining his various roles, discussing his unique talents, and offering insights on the best movies to watch starring this versatile actor.
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1. A Prayer for the Dying (1987)
“A Prayer for the Dying” is a gripping crime drama that explores the precarious lives of individuals caught in the crosshairs of violence and corruption. Martin, a hardened I. R. A. hitman, finds a glimmer of hope when he saves a Catholic priest from a time bomb at a crime scene. As they forge an unlikely bond, Martin’s past and the shadowy figures lurking in the background threaten not only his life but those of the priest and his niece.
2. Hidden Agenda (1990)
“Hidden Agenda” is a gripping drama and thriller from 1990 that takes audiences on a thrilling exploration of intrigue and government cover-ups. Set in Belfast, the film follows the aftermath of the assassination of an American human rights lawyer. His girlfriend and a police detective then embark on a quest to uncover the truth.
3. The Playboys (1992)
In the quaint 1950s Irish village of Coorhaven, the arrival of a circus stirs up chaos and whispers. At the heart of it all is Tara Maguire (Robin Wright), a young woman who scandalized the town with her out-of-wedlock baby. But she’s not one to let the town’s gossip get to her — she’s determined to find the baby’s father on her own terms.
4. Blind Justice (1994)
“Blind Justice” (1994) tells the gripping story of Canaan, a blind and nearly broken gunfighter, who finds himself on a perilous journey to protect an innocent baby from an uncertain fate. Haunted by the scars of the American Civil War, Canaan is a man with a mysterious past and a fierce determination to ensure the child’s future is secure.
5. Hamlet (1996)
“Hamlet”, starring Kenneth Branagh, returns to the big screen in 1996 with an enthralling adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece. The film follows the Prince of Denmark, Hamlet, as he returns home to unearth a conspiracy that casts a shadow over his mother’s new marriage, his uncle’s ambition, and the looming war.
6. Michael Collins (1996)
Experience the epic journey of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins in Neil Jordan’s historical biopic, “Michael Collins” (1996). Set against the backdrop of Ireland’s tumultuous struggle for independence, this captivating film explores the life of the man who led a guerrilla war against the UK, contributed to the creation of the Irish Free State, and led the National Army during the Irish Civil War.
7. This Is the Sea (1997)
“This Is the Sea” is a gripping 1997 Irish drama film directed and written by Mary McGuckian. Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland during a tumultuous time, the movie explores the romantic strife between Hazel, a Protestant woman, and Malachy, a Catholic man. Their blossoming love is met with threats from multiple fronts.
8. The Boxer (1997)
“The Boxer,” an enthralling drama, also goes by the title “1997.” This gripping tale follows young Danny Flynn, recently released from a 14-year-long prison sentence for the Irish Republican Army (IRA). His journey is centered around his attempt to rebuild his life back in Belfast, his old neighborhood, as he grapples with the consequences of assuming responsibility for others’ actions and the sins of his past. With the world of boxing as his sanctuary, Danny discovers a sense of solace in the face of his tumultuous circumstances.
9. Horatio Hornblower: The Fire Ship (1998)
Experience the thrilling adventures of Horatio Hornblower as he navigates the treacherous waters of the 18th century’s nautical world in the 1998 film, “Horatio Hornblower: The Fire Ship”. Based on C. S. Forester’s renowned novels, this riveting tale follows Lieutenant Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) as he prepares for his crucial promotion examination, even as the dangerous supply shortages within his crew threaten to engulf him in a sea of trouble. Amidst the looming plague and the imminent sinking of their vessel, Hornblower must also face the challenges of dealing with quarantine and the uncertain outcome of his examination.
10. Durango (1999)
In the captivating 1999 drama, Durango, set against the backdrop of 1930s Ireland, a young cattle farmer, played by Matt Keeslar, bravely embarks on a monumental journey. With the fate of his cattle at stake, he chooses to lead a grueling forty-mile cattle drive rather than accepting his father’s offer to sell them to an unfair local buyer. The film unfolds an intriguing father-daughter relationship alongside the challenges and thrills of the cattle drive.
11. Closing the Ring (2007)
Closing the Ring is a heartwarming drama romance set in the midst of World War II, where a young man discovers the story behind a ring belonging to a fallen American bomber gunner. The film explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the quest for closure as it delves into the lives of those who faced the war’s harsh realities.
12. A Shine of Rainbows (2009)
A Shine of Rainbows is a heartwarming family drama set in picturesque Ireland. The film follows the life of shy 8-year-old orphan Tomás, who finds a new home and family with the extraordinary Maire O’Donnell and her husband, Alec.
13. Leap Year (2010)
Get ready for an enchanting romantic comedy as Anna Brady embarks on a whimsical journey to Dublin, Ireland, in the movie “Leap Year”. When her boyfriend Jeremy rejects her proposal, Anna decides to seek his forgiveness on the ultimate leap day, February 29th, according to an age-old Irish tradition.
14. Sacrifice (2016)
In “Sacrifice” (2016), physician Tora Hamilton (Radha Mitchell) discovers a gruesome truth involving ancient pagan rituals as she investigates the death of a bizarrely mutilated body on her land. The movie takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the unknown, where mysterious happenings, murders, and unsolved mysteries collide. With a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes, the film combines crime, horror, and mystery into a gripping experience.
15. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story offers an epic adventure that takes place in a time of conflict, as our unlikely group of heroes embarks on a mission that could change the course of history. The stakes are high as they attempt to steal the plans to the infamous Death Star, an ultimate weapon of destruction by the Empire. With the help of an eclectic blend of characters, viewers are taken on an intense journey filled with action, adventure, and the power of unity.
16. Redemption Road (2017)
“Redemption Road, “ originally titled “Landgericht, “ is a thought-provoking drama film released in 2017 that takes the audience on a journey through a family’s personal and historical struggles. Set in the 1930s, the life of a German-Jewish judge is torn apart by the persecution of the Nazi regime. The ensuing turmoil sees their children sent to England via the Kindertransport, forcing the father into Cuban exile, and their mother remaining in Germany. A decade later, the devastated family is reunited, but the weight of their experiences forever changes their lives.
17. The Boys in the Boat (2023)
“The Boys in the Boat” is set in the 1930s and follows the journey of the University of Washington’s rowing team as they navigate their way from their humble beginnings during the Great Depression to ultimate victory at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Fueled by grit and determination, the team endures challenges and perseveres, representing their country and winning the hearts of millions. With an evocative backdrop of historical events, “The Boys in the Boat” is a riveting tale of courage and camaraderie, offering an authentic portrayal of one of America’s most iconic sports stories.
