🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Chris Foggin
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Music
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 52min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
City slicker gets tricked into signing a bunch of salty fishermen who sing sea shanties, then accidentally discovers the true meaning of friendship, community, and good music.
🍿 Fisherman’s Friends: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Stag Weekend and the Prank
Danny, a cynical London music executive, travels to Port Isaac, Cornwall for a stag weekend. His boss, Troy, orchestrates a prank, challenging Danny to sign a group of sea shanty singing fishermen. This sets the stage for a culture clash and Danny’s initial skepticism.

Finding the Music in Community
As Danny spends more time with the Fisherman’s Friends, he begins to appreciate their camaraderie and the importance of their traditional music. He faces challenges in convincing them of their potential, and adapting to the slower pace of Cornish life. The film highlights the contrast between London’s fast-paced world and the community values of Port Isaac.

Negotiating the Deal and Finding Love
Danny eventually wins over the group and secures a record deal. Amidst the negotiations, he develops a romantic interest in Alwyn, a local woman connected to the band. His growing affection for Alwyn and the community deepens his understanding of their way of life and influences his decisions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jim (James Purefoy): The stoic and principled leader of the Fisherman’s Friends, valuing community and tradition above fame.
- Danny (Daniel Mays): A cynical London music executive who undergoes a transformation after encountering the Fisherman’s Friends.
- Alwyn (Tuppence Middleton): A strong-willed woman from the Cornish village who challenges Danny’s perspective and values.
- Jago (David Hayman): Jim’s father and a respected elder in the community, offering wisdom and guidance to the group.
- Leadville (Dave Johns): A charismatic member of the Fisherman’s Friends, providing humor and camaraderie to the group.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jago: “But put on a pair of shades… and I’m Bonio.” – Jago makes a humorous mispronunciation when trying to say he looks like Bono while putting on sunglasses.
- Leadville: “It’s Bono, you pillock.” – Leadville corrects Jago’s mispronunciation, highlighting the group’s humorous banter.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $11,647,462
💥 Fisherman’s Friends Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved Fisherman’s Friends! The whole movie just made me feel warm and fuzzy. Watching Daniel Mays’ character, Danny, slowly fall in love with the town and the music was so heartwarming. The pub scenes with everyone singing together gave me chills. It’s a feel-good movie that I’ll definitely watch again and again. The Cornish scenery was beautiful and made me want to book a vacation.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of feel-good movies”
- “Those who enjoy British comedy-dramas”
- “People interested in music-themed films”
- “Viewers who appreciate stories about community and friendship”
- “Anyone who likes films set in picturesque locations”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief strong language”
- “Themes of grief and loss”
- “Some mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Empire Magazine: “Fisherman’s Friends is a charming, if predictable, feel-good movie. The cast is likable, the scenery gorgeous, and the sea shanties are catchy. While it doesn’t break any new ground, it’s a pleasant watch for those seeking a heartwarming story.
- The Guardian: “This film is a by-the-numbers underdog story with a forced romance. The characters lack depth, and the plot is predictable. Though the music provides some enjoyment, it’s not enough to elevate this film beyond mediocrity.
Audience Reactions
The sea shanties were amazing and made me want to learn all the lyrics.: Viewers loved the feel-good story and the heartwarming depiction of community spirit.
The beautiful Cornish scenery made me want to visit Port Isaac.: Many found the performances to be excellent and the movie to be charming and enjoyable.
Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and predictable feel-good movie with great music and beautiful scenery, though some find it clichéd.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Several of the actual Fishermen’s Friends can be seen in the opposing team during the pub quiz scene in The Golden Lion.”
- “The film takes place and was filmed on location in Port Isaac, Cornwall, England, offering an authentic backdrop to the story.”
- “The closing credits include photographs of the real band members and epilogue notes, adding a personal touch and connection to the true story.”
🖥️ How to Watch Fisherman’s Friends?
Fisherman’s Friends is currently available to rent or buy on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Fisherman’s Friends, you might like these similar films:
- The Full Monty (1997): A feel-good British comedy about a group of working-class men who find an unexpected path to success, similar to the underdog story in Fisherman’s Friends.
- Saving Grace (2000): A comedy set in Cornwall about a woman who turns to unconventional means to solve her financial troubles, sharing the Cornish setting and small-town community vibe.
🛒 Fisherman’s Friends Related Products
- Fisherman’s Friends: The Official Soundtrack: Enjoy the complete collection of sea shanties and musical moments from the movie. Immerse yourself in the authentic sounds of the Fisherman’s Friends and relive the magic of the film.
- Fisherman’s Friends Blu-Ray: Own the Fisherman’s Friends movie on Blu-Ray and experience the stunning visuals and heartwarming story in high definition. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Fisherman’s Friends: The Sea Shanty Coloring Book: A coloring book with scenes from the movie and Fisherman’s Friends imagery.
- Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong Lozenges: Inspired by the movie, these lozenges provide soothing relief for sore throats and coughs, just like the ones that kept the Fisherman’s Friends singing strong. Enjoy the original, extra-strong flavor for a taste of Cornwall.
🎧 Soundtrack
Fisherman’s Friends features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Keep Hauling” – performed by Fisherman’s Friends
- “John Kanaka” – performed by Fisherman’s Friends
- “No Hopers, Jokers & Rogues” – performed by Fisherman’s Friends
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Fisherman’s Friends is loosely based on the true story of the Cornish sea shanty group of the same name. While the film takes creative liberties, it captures the essence of their rise to fame.
Fisherman’s Friends was primarily filmed in Port Isaac, Cornwall, England. This charming village provides the authentic backdrop for the story.
The Fisherman’s Friends are a real-life group of Cornish fishermen who sing sea shanties. They gained popularity and signed a record deal, achieving chart success.
🔥 Bonus Content
Fisherman’s Friends singing Drunken Sailor with the cast of Fisherman’s Friends the movie 2018
Ever wondered what it’s like when the cast meets the real Fisherman’s Friends? Check out this awesome jam session of ‘Drunken Sailor’! It’s super cool seeing them all sing together, and it really shows the heart behind the movie.
Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s singing Little Eyes with the cast of Fisherman’s Friends the movie 2018
Watch the cast of Fisherman’s Friends sing Little Eyes with the real band from Port Isaac. It’s a great chance to see a different song performed.
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