A Family-Friendly Leprechaun Movie List for St. Patrick's Day

A Leprechaun Movie List for Families

If you are looking for a wonderful, family-friendly St. Patrick's Day leprechaun movie, you have come to the right place.

In this article, you will find a list of some wonderful Irish-themed movies, including the likes of Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns, Finian's Rainbow and more. Most of these movies are classics, but you will also find a few more modern movie recommendations, including a bit of information about Hallmark's 2012 movie Chasing Leprechauns.

I am sure that you will find a leprechaun movie or two to add to your Saint Patrick's Day movies list. They're arranged in no special order since ranking them would be difficult given their different vintages.

A Very Unlucky Leprechaun (1998)

A Very Unlucky Leprechaun stars Warwick Davis, Danielle Lombardi, Stephanie Lombardi, Tim Matheson and Lisa Thornhill.

Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959)

Darby O'Gill and the Little People stars Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro and Sean Connery. It is a Walt Disney film that has stood the test of time remarkably well.

Darby is an older estate caretaker who prefers telling tall tales in the pub than actually working. When he is replaced, Darby is not sure what will happen to both himself and his daughter, so when three opportunities present themselves, he grabs them up. It is a whimsical but not silly, supernatural but not outlandish film that is perfect for the entire family.

Age Recommendation: 8 years old and up. Be cautioned, though, that there are some quite scary scenes in this movie which may upset some children.

Highlights: A very young Sean Connery sings a song-and-dance number with hundreds of little people.

The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold (1981)

The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold features the voices of Art Carney, Peggy Cass, Bob McFadden, Ken Jennings and Gerry Matthews. It is a beautiful Rankin/Bass stop-motion movie featuring both 'full-grown human beings' and leprechauns.

As you know, there's always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and, in this story, the fact that the rainbow leads to the gold is a dead giveaway and attracts screaming banshees (or evil fairies) that, in turn, cause all sorts of problems in their attempts to obtain Christmas gold! I was impressed by the quality of this film, and I enjoyed the story, too.

Finian's Rainbow (1968)

Finian's Rainbow stars Fred Astaire, Petula Clark, Tommy Steele, Don Francks and Keenan Wynn and is another trip to Ireland! It is beautiful to look at and lovely to listen to.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1995)

The Secret of Roan Inish stars Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, Mick Lally, Pat Slowey and Dave Duffy. It is a tale of myth and magic, in which an Irish girl goes to live with her grandparents and is certain that her missing baby brother is actually alive and being raised by Selkies – seals who can turn into human beings.

Fiona is not certain at first whether she believes in these creatures but eventually realizes that believing allows her to reclaim her family heritage. A quiet movie filmed on the west coast of Ireland, it is filled with beautiful images which help portray the magic that surrounds the people who believe in it.

Age Recommendation: 8 years old and up.

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Review: "This magical story reunites a family on a small Irish island with little more than a young girl's dream and some hard work by her and her cousin ... Whether you are a fan of the Selkie myth, Ireland, or are looking for a film that you, your children, and your parents can watch together, I heartily recommend this one."

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns (1999)

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns features Randy Quaid, Whoopi Goldberg, Roger Daltrey, Colm Meaney and Kieran Culkin. It was originally a television miniseries produced by Hallmark Entertainment and is a romantic comedy movie in a fantasy setting which features a doomed romance between a princess fairy and a teenage leprechaun and some humorous characters (like that played by Whoopie Goldberg). An American travels to Ireland and rents a cottage but finds out that the cottage is inhabited by leprechauns involved in a battle with the fairies.

Reviewer T.R. says that this movie made her fall in love with Ireland. With the legends, music and even one leprechaun named Mickey Muldoon. She says that the story took some creative license but that it was true to Irish folktales. She recommends it for anyone who has a "romantic bone in their body" who loves fairy tales and dreams of Ireland.

Leapin Leprechauns (1995)

Leapin' Leprechauns stars Ray Bright (II), Mihai Niculescu, Mihai Bunea, Sylvester McCoy and Razvan Ionescu. It tells the fun story of a man who tries to keep a theme park from being built on land that is home to leprechauns.

Luck of the Irish (2002)

Kid today. Leprechaun tomorrow. Luck of the Irish is a Disney Channel original movie from 2002. It starred Ryan Merriman as a youngster for whom everything was easy. He was in the basketball team finals, girls loved him and he kept finding money, but his luck changes when his gold coin necklace is stolen.

It turns out that Kyle is from a leprechaun family and that the necklace kept him from turning into a leprechaun. It's definitely a fun, family-friendly movie.

Hallmark's Chasing Leprechauns (2012)

Hallmark's Chasing Leprechauns premiered on Hallmark Channel on March 17, 2012. It stars Adrian Pasdar, Amy Huberman and Sean Duggan and is the story of a New York business executive who needs a vacation.

However, instead of going on a vacation, he finds himself traveling to Ireland to finish up a deal on a smelting plant construction site, which is supposedly the home of leprechauns. In an effort to close the deal, ahe tries to get the local leprechaun expert on his side. She believes that the land is occupied by leprechauns and, therefore, won't agree to the building permit. He tries to get her approval by learning about the customs of the town, but of course (since this Hallmark movie), he falls in love ...

The History of St. Patrick's Day (2010)

The History of St. Patrick's Day is a documentary film that looks at St. Patrick's Day in America. It tells the story of how Irish people immigrated to America and changed what was a religious festival into what we know today as St. Patrick's Day, the celebration of all things Irish. Enjoy parades, assemblies, marches and bagpipers.

© 2010 Treasures By Brenda

What Leprechaun Movie Do You Recommend We See?

Treasures By Brenda (author) from Canada on April 29, 2015:

Thanks for your visit, Lorelei. I hope you were able to see a few St. Patrick's Day themed movies!

Treasures By Brenda (author) from Canada on April 29, 2015:

You are welcome, Pat. As you likely know, I love themed movie lists!

Lorelei Cohen on March 16, 2015:

I had no idea that there were so many movies ideal for St. Patrick's day. I think that I will be watching more than a few Leprechauns over the next week or so. I love those little guys.

Wednesday-Elf from Savannah, Georgia on March 16, 2015:

I never realized there was a whole movie category for just St. Patrick's Day. Wonderful to have a list all in one place. Thanks for the reviews!

Treasures By Brenda (author) from Canada on June 23, 2014:

@OhMe: They are great fun and nothing offensive about them either!

Treasures By Brenda (author) from Canada on April 23, 2014:

@Zeross4: Thanks for the visit and the pin, Daisy. I appreciate them. I hope you were able to check out a couple of these movies.

Treasures By Brenda (author) from Canada on April 03, 2014:

@The_Kelster: You are welcome. I hope you get to watch some of them!

TerriCarr on March 14, 2014:

I had no idea there were so many Irish movies. Hmmm. I wonder if I can get a hold of something before Monday :-)

Nancy Tate Hellams from Pendleton, SC on March 08, 2014:

I haven't seen any of these movies but they sure sound like they would be fun to watch on St. Patrick's Day

Renee Dixon from Kentucky on February 06, 2014:

Pinned to my Holiday board! Great ideas. St Patrick's Day is one of those holidays that I'm never really sure how to celebrate- lots of great movies here to watch though. I like scary movies, and remember watching the Leprechaun horror movies many years ago. Some family friendly ones I'd like to see would be "The Magical Legend of Leprechauns" and "Finian's Rainbow" those looked good!

The_Kelster on January 07, 2014:

This was a great lens! I haven't seen ANY of these movies, so this St. Patrick's day I have some catching up to do! Thank you for putting them all together like this! :)

MusicMadness LM on March 18, 2013:

Wow, Sean Connery looks so young on that cover for the Darby O'Gill flick. I had no idea either that he did movies for Disney . . . that's kind of funny actually.

BuckHawkcenter on February 12, 2013:

What a fun thing to play these movies during my St. Pat's day party. I love them all, but there is just something about Fred Astaire in Finnegan's Rainbow that is so wonderful. Has to take the cake for me as top leprechaun movie.

Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on February 11, 2013:

What a great list of movie recommendations for St. Patricks Day! I don't believe I have seen any of these movies before, so I should have lots of fun catching up :)

DecoratingEvents on February 11, 2013:

"Darby O'Gill and the Little People" brings back memories! Wonderful collection of leprechaun movies, Brenda!

goo2eyes lm on March 28, 2012:

i have see lots of leprechaun movies but i can't remember the titles. sorry. at any rate, angelblessings for this entertaining lens.

soniazahan on March 24, 2012:

Great Lens!!! Thanks for sharing this important topic!

PennyHowe on March 21, 2012:

My favorite is Darby O'gill and the Little People. I have seen it several times and would recommend it. Thanks for a fantastic lens.

Chocolatealchemy from London, United Kingdom on March 18, 2012:

Awesome Lens - so many movies about leprechauns! Congrat - you so deserve LOTD.

Scraps2treasures on March 13, 2012:

I have been looking for a movie to watch this St. Patrick's Day with the kids. I had no idea there were so many leprechaun movies!

Kathryn Grace from San Francisco on March 12, 2012:

Excellent selection. I was especially happy to find the history documentary here. Thank you!

MartieG aka 'survivoryea' from Jersey Shore on March 12, 2012:

What a great list for St Paddy's Day entertainment! Thanks :>)

Clairissa from OREFIELD, PA on March 12, 2012:

Wow! What a great list and so many I have never seen. Nice job and congrats on being featured on LOTD.

MelonyVaughan on March 12, 2012:

These movies look like a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa Auch from Scotland on March 11, 2012:

Ha ha.....I can see my husband getting a few of these into his presents this year, since he shares his birthday with the Leprechuns! Have a great St Patricks Day too!

AlleyCatLane on March 07, 2012:

Great list. I haven't heard of most of these. The luck of the Irish to you, blessed!

AJ from Australia on March 07, 2012:

Happy Saint Patrick's Day 2012! All the best of green Irish luck to you.

jaredsgirl on March 06, 2012:

Awesome list! Congrats on LOTD. Great job!

JoyfulReviewer on February 29, 2012:

Cute lens ... had no idea there were that many Leprechaun movies.

gods_grace_notes on February 29, 2012:

I had no idea there were so many movies about Leprechauns. Thanks for taking the time to share your family friendly list!

im1337mi on February 25, 2012:

Lovely stuff, thanks for sharing!

anonymous on February 23, 2012:

I didn't know some of these stars were in these movies, enjoyed seeing this ... *blessed!*

myamya on February 23, 2012:

Very nice lens well done! squidlikes!

Black_Eagle_Martial_Arts on February 21, 2012:

Avoid Leprechaun In The Hood though, for the sake of the children and your time!

anonymous on February 21, 2012:

Nice to see this lens featured on the front page of Squidoo. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

kaposzta on February 20, 2012:

A great looking lens! :)

Blackspaniel1 on February 20, 2012:

Nice lens

Frankie Kangas from California on March 26, 2011:

I didn't know there were that many Leprechaun movies. Congrats on a well deserved LOTD. Bear hugs, Frankster

norma-holt on March 24, 2011:

Congrats on the award and it is now featured on Squidoo LOTD Lenses, well done.

cinstress on March 23, 2011:

I didn't realize there were so many

distancelearningcourses on March 21, 2011:

Hi Brenda, thanks for writing such a nice lens. Its great that you have been rewarded Best Lens Of The Day. Do you have idea on what criteria SQUIDOO choosing best lens of the day.. if you have any idea then please let me know...

anonymous on March 21, 2011:

Wonderful lens! I've added to my favs, thanks.

jackieb99 on March 21, 2011:

Excellent recommendation!

gypsyman27 lm on March 21, 2011:

I'm afraid I can't think of a movie to recommend, but I like this lens. Congrats on LotD, see you around the galaxy...

Trendblazers on March 21, 2011:

lovely lens. It seems you don't need the luck of the Irish when your work is as good as this!

greencurator on March 21, 2011:

Leprechaun opens the gateway to the positive side of our imagination. I would like to check out your leprechaun movie recommendations. Thanks for sharing.

dahlia369 on March 21, 2011:

Congratulations on the lens of the day and thank you for this helpful list!

Angela_Rosas on March 21, 2011:

My dad's heavy metal band in the 1980s was called Irish.

Cath1125 on March 21, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD, great lense, I am a little embarrassed to say I am Irish and I only heard of a few of them. Slap on the Wrist for me, but kudo's to you. Well done.

Pete Schultz on March 21, 2011:

congrats on the LOTD....could've been just before St. Pat's...but right after is okay too I guess.

tiff0315 on March 21, 2011:

Very well done! I haven't seen any of these movies. I will have to check them out!

erik12 on March 21, 2011:

Great

Michey LM on March 20, 2011:

Congrats, great LOTD, lot of info and great presentationRegards

lasertek lm on March 20, 2011:

You have listed all of the Leprechaun movies I know of. Congrats on LOTD!

greetingcardsinfo on March 20, 2011:

Well done for getting lens of the day really good lens

blessedmomto7 on March 20, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD!

CruiseReady from East Central Florida on March 20, 2011:

Some of these sound like fun. Congratulations on getting LOTD for it!

Joyce T. Mann from Bucks County, Pennsylvania USA on March 20, 2011:

I am so happy to see Darby O'Gill and the Little People on your list. One of my favorite childhood movies.

kathysart on March 20, 2011:

Gosh.. I don't know.. hummm

Rusty Quill on March 20, 2011:

Great idea for a lens - congrats on the LotD

anonymous on March 20, 2011:

Hello again Brenda, had to return to leave my congratulations on your Lens of the Day!

Laraine Sims from Lake Country, B.C. on March 20, 2011:

Another "Lens of the Day" for you. Hooray! Congratulations!

Ramona from Arkansas on March 19, 2011:

Cool, To bad Leprechaun day is over. Nice Lens

anonymous on March 19, 2011:

Like This.

JennySui on March 19, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD!

jvsper63 on March 19, 2011:

Finian's rainbow was really good!! Congrats on LOTD!! Joni

lilymom24 on March 19, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD!! =)

capriliz lm on March 19, 2011:

Great movie selections. And congrats on LOTD.

ChrissLJ on March 19, 2011:

Darby O'Gill and the Little People was a favorite growing up. I insisted my parents rent it at the video store at least a half dozen times per year. I don't know why they didn't just buy me a copy. =0)

writerkath on March 19, 2011:

Hi Brenda! Congratulations on your LOTD! I was smiling as I went through this lens. I never knew there were so many movies out there on the lepechaun theme. What a wonderful collection you've put together. Good work on the research and putting it all together in a fun lens. :) Kath

AnnaleeBlysse on March 19, 2011:

My favorite of these is Darby O'Gill ... loved that show as a kid. Kids in my family just don't find it as entertaining. It's a nice story, but they like the high tech stories that aren't so great better.

hayleylou lm on March 19, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD

Debbie from England on March 19, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD!

Indigo Janson from UK on March 19, 2011:

Congratulations on your St Patrick's LOTD -- I didn't know there were so many fun Leprechaun movies. One I have fond memories of (it's an oldie) is Finian's Rainbow.

jolou on March 19, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD. I remember Finian's Rainbow, loved that movie. I also agree Amazon has a great selection of movies, much better than any store.

anonymous on March 18, 2011:

Nice job with lotd!LOVED your lensVERY UNIQUE

Nancy Carol Brown Hardin from Las Vegas, NV on March 18, 2011:

This is an excellent lens, one I'm favoriting. I love Darby O'Gill and the Little People the best of the ones you've mentioned. Congratulations on LOTD.

I-sparkle on March 18, 2011:

As I recall, I loved Darby O'Gill and the Little People. Congrats on your LotD. Very nice lens.

Diana Romaxx from Chicago on March 18, 2011:

Congratulations on your LOTD!

Sandy Mertens from Frozen Tundra on March 18, 2011:

Congratulations on your LOTD!

Stonecutter on March 18, 2011:

Wow, I remember watching "Darby O'Gill and the Little People", really enjoyed it and this Lens as well.

CandleMakingology on March 18, 2011:

Ha I love Darby Ogill and the Little People, glad you mentioned it. You're right though, small kids won't like the banshee scene :-/

Sheryl Polomka on March 18, 2011:

Fantastic lens - congrats on LOTD!

justholidays on March 18, 2011:

Wow! Yesterday the best of Squidoo list, today LOTD! Congratulations, Brenda! Way to go!

Asinka Fields from Los Angeles, CA on March 18, 2011:

Nice work, congrats on LOTD

Lee Hansen from Vermont on March 18, 2011:

They all sound terrific and you are such a great movie expert ... I loved Roan Inish. Congrats on a wonderful LOTD. I'm 'rolling to mine ... fun for everyone!

JackalyeYe on March 18, 2011:

super len, congration.

Vinduespudser on March 18, 2011:

That's a lot of Leprechaun movies

SofiaMann on March 18, 2011:

Fantastic selection of movies. Congratulations on LOTD.

Delia on March 18, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD! interesting that there are Leprechaun movies...

PiLemma on March 18, 2011:

Good list.

JennySui on March 18, 2011:

Wonderful Lens! Congrats on LOTD!

Robin S from USA on March 18, 2011:

Congratulations!

religions7 on March 18, 2011:

Congrats on another LOTD :)

modz on March 18, 2011:

Congratulations Treasures-By-Brenda on LOTD! :)

lizziehumphreys1 on March 18, 2011:

wow! that's so cool :) something i would never have thought of!

AdriennePetersen on March 18, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD!

cinstress on March 18, 2011:

great layoutcongrats on being the lens of the day

awakeningwellness on March 18, 2011:

It is nice to know there are leprechaun movies that aren't horror films!

anonymous on March 18, 2011:

I never knew there were so many leprechaun movies. Next March 17, I plan to have a leprechaun film festival with my three grandkids! Thanks for all of this great information!