“Utterly delightful” British drama with Daniel Mays is the perfect bank holiday movie watch

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Hey, if you’re looking for something chill to do this bank holiday, I’d recommend checking out Fisherman’s Friends. It’s a British movie and a really cool true story about a group of fishermen from Cornwall who started singing sea shanties. Seriously, they got so good they actually landed a top 10 album! It’s a fun watch if you want something a bit different.

Danny, a music executive from London, travels to Cornwall for a bachelor party and unexpectedly tries to convince a local fishing group to make a record. Initially, Danny doesn’t think they have what it takes, and the fishermen are equally wary of the music business.

As Danny becomes part of the close-knit community, he starts to wonder if the deal he’s offering is the right thing. Will he succeed in getting them to agree, or will learning about their lifestyle make him see things differently?

After doing well in UK cinemas, a sequel to the movie, called Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, came out in 2022. You can currently watch the first movie for free in the UK, so if you’re in the mood for a cheerful musical experience, read on to find out more!

Who’s in Fisherman’s Friends?

The cast includes Daniel Mays as Danny, James Purefoy as Jim, David Hayman as Jago, Dave Johns as Leadville, Sam Swainsbury as Rowan, Tuppence Middleton as Alwyn, Noel Clark as Troy, Christian Brassington as Henry, and Maggie Steed as Maggie.

What did the critics say about Fisherman’s Friends?

The movie Fisherman’s Friends received a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 58 reviews, which were generally positive. North Shore Movies called it “utterly delightful,” and many critics enjoyed its heartwarming story and strong performances. However, some reviewers pointed out that the plot followed a predictable pattern.

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Richard Crouse described Fisherman’s Friends as predictable and overly sentimental, noting that any nuance it might have had was lost early in the filmmaking process. However, he also found its heartwarming story of underdogs, combined with themes of kindness and faithfulness, surprisingly uplifting and welcome in a world often lacking those qualities.

Keith & the Movies praised Fisherman’s Friends, saying its charming atmosphere, catchy songs, strong chemistry between the actors, and lighthearted humor make up for a predictable plot.

According to The Guardian, this charming and feel-good comedy is boosted by its lovable characters and heartwarming performances from actors like Daniel Mays and Tuppence Middleton.

FilmWeek described the movie as familiar territory, but comforting and enjoyable – like a cozy, well-loved blanket.

Where can I watch Fisherman’s Friends?

You can currently watch Fisherman’s Friends on Channel 4’s streaming service for free, with ads. It will be available there for the next 23 days.

You can watch the movie on Prime Video by renting it for £3.49 or buying it for £7.99. It’s also available on Apple TV and YouTube, where you can rent it for £2.49 or buy it for £5.99.

Other Daniel Mays movies you can stream now

I just finished watching the Netflix movie, The Thursday Murder Club, and it was great! It’s based on the really popular book by Richard Osman, and it’s about these clever seniors who end up investigating a real murder. It came out in 2025, so if you haven’t seen it yet, you should check it out on Netflix!

The actor also starred in the 2026 thriller Shelter, featuring Jason Statham as a former British government assassin living in seclusion. He’s pulled back into a dangerous world when he has to protect a young girl. You can watch the movie on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Sky.

Check out our Streaming Guide to quickly find out where you can watch all your favorite shows and movies.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a special collector’s edition about the royal family, is now available! You can purchase The Royals at newsstands or online.

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2026-05-25 09:20