Waking Ned Devine

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Waking Ned Devine

PG

1998

1h 31m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

56 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

When best friends Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly) discover someone in their small Irish village has won the lottery, they immediately set off to see if the winner is in a sharing mood. Deducing that Ned Devine is the lucky man, O'Shea and O'Sullivan pay him a visit, only to find him dead from shock. Since Devine is the only one who can claim the prize, the townsfolk band together to convince the claim inspector that O'Sullivan is really Devine, and split the cash.

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Critics Consensus

A heartwarming comedy with a delightfully light touch, Waking Ned Devine finds feel-good humor in some unexpected -- and unexpectedly effective -- places.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 29, 2010

4/5

Some funny parts, but kids may not be interested.

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Derek Elley

Variety

Mar 11, 2008

A genial, feel-good item.

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Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Mar 11, 2008

Though it strives for broad humor, pushing cuteness and light irony, this bland 1998 movie isn't exactly a comedy.

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Jun 2, 2020

3.5/5

An unpretentious, utterly charming affair.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

May 8, 2019

7/10

A riot of a film that's also very sweet, focusing on community

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Jack Garner

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Oct 18, 2008

9/10

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Henry R

@Yargh Jul 3, 2026

Such a wonderful film. The subtle dark humour shown through the movie is just incredibly well written. The actors are great, as well. For as many as the plot is, it's an incredibly heartwarming movie. 11/10, any day of the week.

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Meri S.

@mschroeder May 17, 2026

How does this movie get such high ratings? Overall just a stupid movie, with no real redeeming qualities. Down to the 8 yo kid smoking a cigar and taking a shot of whiskey.

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Isa D

@RT58890195 Mar 14, 2026

I saw this movie in the theater when it came out in 1998, and I thought it was fabulous. One of the best films to come out of Irish cinema ever. Since then I have rewatched it many times, it is an absolute delight, hilarious, poignant, quirky, original. I wish it was shown on the regular on major TV stations for St. Patrick's Day, for instance. The cast is incredible.

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Louise C

@RT69763679 Dec 31, 2025

A wonderfully humorous film, portrayed by excellent actors. I watched it with friends and we all giggled frequently! The telephone booth was a laugh out loud scene, which everyone enjoyed immensely. Ian Bannon with David Kelly make a great pair of mates. Most will enjoy this romp through a slightly illegal process, for the greater good!

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Scott R

@ScottR Nov 25, 2025

An excellent, entertaining, and funny movie. My friend Chad recommended it and I’m glad he did. The opening sequence alone sold me on this cynical Irish comedy about a dead man winning the lottery and the town coming together to share the winnings. One of my favorite parts was the launching of the telephone booth. Priceless. Saw on Plex with Jeffrey.

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Clinton R

@CWRoss48 Jun 9, 2025

Not unlike Local Hero, The Castle, The Dish, The Commitments... this film is perfect in every regard (with the one exception of stretching the notion that "Maggie" is attractive.) It will become one of your favorite movies. P.S. Stick around for the closing music from The Waterboys.

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Kirk Jones

Director

Ian Bannen

Jackie O'Shea

David Kelly

Michael O'Sullivan

Fionnula Flanagan

Annie O'Shea

Susan Lynch

Maggie O'Toole

James Nesbitt

Pig Finn

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Synopsis

When best friends Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly) discover someone in their small Irish village has won the lottery, they immediately set off to see if the winner is in a sharing mood. Deducing that Ned Devine is the lucky man, O'Shea and O'Sullivan pay him a visit, only to find him dead from shock. Since Devine is the only one who can claim the prize, the townsfolk band together to convince the claim inspector that O'Sullivan is really Devine, and split the cash.

Director: Kirk Jones
Producer: Glynis Murray
Screenwriter: Kirk Jones
Distributor: Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Fox
Production Co: Sundance Channel, Overseas Film Group
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 15, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.8M
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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