Waking Ned (1998)

Kernel Score: 81% · 335 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Comedy

Released: 1998-11-20

Runtime: 91 minutes

Where to watch Waking Ned

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money.

Waking Ned parents' guide: ages 6+

Parents need to know that this PG comedy involves a village conspiring to fraudulently claim a dead neighbor's lottery winnings.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — A character dies of shock early on, but the film is otherwise a light comedy.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Kirk Jones

Cast

  • Ian Bannen as Jackie O'Shea
  • David Kelly as Michael O'Sullivan
  • Fionnula Flanagan as Annie O'Shea
  • Susan Lynch as Maggie O'Toole
  • Brendan Dempsey as Jim Kelly
  • James Nesbitt as Pig Finn
  • Paul Vaughan as Narrator (voice)
  • Maura O'Malley as Mrs. Kennedy
  • Robert Hickey as Maurice O'Toole
  • Paddy Ward as Brendy O'Toole

Waking Ned FAQ

Is Waking Ned good?

Waking Ned has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 335 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Waking Ned?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Waking Ned OK for kids?

Waking Ned is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that this PG comedy involves a village conspiring to fraudulently claim a dead neighbor's lottery winnings.

What movies are like Waking Ned?

If you liked Waking Ned, try Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, And Now for Something Completely Different, The Court Jester and Jerry & Marge Go Large.