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Waking Ned Devine

Play trailer Poster for Waking Ned Devine PG 1998 1h 31m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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Waking Ned Devine

Waking Ned Devine

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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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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 29, 2010
4/5
Some funny parts, but kids may not be interested. Go to Full Review Derek Elley Variety Mar 11, 2008
A genial, feel-good item. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Jun 2, 2020
3.5/5
An unpretentious, utterly charming affair. Go to Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) May 8, 2019
7/10
A riot of a film that's also very sweet, focusing on community Go to Full Review Jack Garner Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Oct 18, 2008
9/10
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Audience Reviews

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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. See more 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. See more 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. See more 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! See more 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. See more 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. See more Read all reviews
Waking Ned Devine

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Cast & Crew

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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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Waking Ned Devine

Waking Ned Devine (1998) Waking Ned Devine (1998) Waking Ned Devine (1998) View more photos

Movie Info

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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