The 10 best fishing movies, movies on fishing, fishing movies on netflix, big fishing movies on netflix, A River Runs Through It, Alamo Bay, Gone Fishin’, Ondine, Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, The Perfect Storm, Towed In A Hole, The Old Man And The Sea, Low & Clear, Jaws.
best fishing movies: Henry David Thoreau once wisely remarked, ‘Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.’ Filmmakers have echoed this sentiment, using the act of fishing as a canvas for delving into themes such as friendship, political tension, romance, and even light-hearted antics. Below, Empire has curated a selection of ten films that exemplify these diverse explorations and more.
1. A River Runs Through It
For years, Director Robert Redford persistently pursued the rights to adapt Robert MacLean’s autobiographical novella into a film. The resulting cinematic masterpiece, featuring Brad Pitt in a role Redford had once considered for himself, proved to be a triumph of determination. With an elegiac tone, meticulous storytelling, and the exquisite cinematography of Philippe Rousellot, the movie portrays fly fishing not merely as a hobby but as a profound connection between its characters, elevated to an art form. For many, this film remains the quintessential fishing movie.
In 1992, Robert Redford directed ‘A River Runs Through It,’ an American drama film featuring an ensemble cast that includes Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, and Emily Lloyd. This cinematic gem draws its inspiration from Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella ‘A River Runs Through It,’ originally published in 1976 and skillfully adapted for the screen by Richard Friedenberg.
2. Alamo Bay
This underappreciated but compelling drama features the talents of Ed Harris and Amy Madigan, under the skilled direction of the renowned Louis Malle. The screenplay, crafted by Alice Arlen (known for her work on ‘Silkwood’), is accompanied by a soundtrack composed by the legendary Ry Cooder. Set against a blue-collar backdrop, the story revolves around Harris, a Vietnam veteran who becomes deeply troubled by the impact of Vietnamese immigrants on the local fishing industry in his small town. It’s important to note that this film is not a jingoistic, right-wing narrative; instead, it delves into the complex dynamics of immigrant fishermen facing off against the Ku Klux Klan. While the story is fictionalized, it draws inspiration from actual events that unfolded along the Gulf Coast during the early 1980s.
3. Gone Fishin’
Slightly lighter in tone than the previous film, ‘Gone Fishin” follows the escapades of two accident-prone friends who seek a peaceful fishing trip but inadvertently leave chaos in their wake. What distinguishes this movie, albeit slightly, from being just another run-of-the-mill fishing comedy is the casting of seasoned ‘Lethal Weapon’ stars Danny Glover and Joe Pesci in the roles of the bumbling duo. Their performances elevate the material beyond what it might otherwise deserve (even though John Candy and Rick Moranis were originally considered but unavailable). For maximum enjoyment, it’s best to disregard the initial setup and imagine that you’re watching Roger Murtaugh and Leo Getz enjoying a weekend away from Martin Riggs.
4. Ondine
“Ondine” falls into the category of those charming Irish dramedies that often catch your eye as you browse through various streaming menus (Roku, Tubi, etc.), making you ponder, “Haven’t I watched that before?”
It’s a whimsical tale of a sea sprite romance known as “Selkies,” evoking elements of films like “The Secret of Roan Inish” and the animated gem “Song of the Sea.”
This film tends to pop up in discussions related to “Whatever happened to Colin Farrell?” Even though Farrell is still actively working and delivering commendable performances, even in less impressive films like “Voyagers.”
In this Irish coastal tale, Colin Farrell, a trawlerman, discovers a stunning woman ensnared in his fishing nets, leading him into a captivating mystery where the lines between refugee and mermaid, locally known as a “Selkie,” blur. Neil Jordan’s contemporary fairy tale weaves a heartwarming and humorous narrative, featuring outstanding performances.
Perhaps a more intriguing question would be, “What happened to Neil Jordan?” The enigmatic Irish director, renowned for works such as “The Crying Game,” “The Brave One,” and “Michael Collins,” has occasionally ventured into more obscure territory, including titles like this one, “Byzantium,” and “Greta.” These movies boast impressive casts and unique qualities, but regrettably, they didn’t resonate with a broad audience.
Now, let’s return to this enchanting narrative. Farrell takes on the role of Syracuse, the captain and owner of the trawler Lucy B in the quaint town of Castletown, Eire. Locals affectionately refer to him as “Circus.” He’s a former circus clown, unlucky in love, a recovering alcoholic, the father of a little girl battling kidney failure, and not exactly thriving as a fisherman.
5. Salmon Fishing In The Yemen
While there may not be a significant focus on fishing in this tale, it remains a charmingly eccentric, politically charged, and satirical romantic comedy. Simon Beaufoy, known for ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ skillfully adapted Paul Torday’s novel, with director Lasse Hallström capturing the whimsical narrative. The story revolves around a tall tale involving a sheikh’s ambition to introduce fly fishing to the deserts of western Asia. The film features a stellar cast including Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, and Amr Waked, but the standout performance to watch for is Kristin Scott Thomas, portraying a British government spin doctor reminiscent of ‘The Thick Of It.’
6. The Perfect Storm
The initial hour of this movie delves into the somber, drawn-out portrayal of a fishing community facing hardship, drawing inspiration from Sebastian Junger’s riveting bestseller. However, with Wolfgang Petersen at the helm, you can anticipate an impending spectacle. It materializes in the form of the eponymous meteorological phenomenon, subjecting our rugged crew – George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, William Fichtner, Allen Payne, John Hawkes – to a perilous and waterlogged predicament.
7. Towed In A Hole
In this timeless Laurel & Hardy short film, the comedic duo portray fishmongers who come up with a clever plan to catch their own fish, eliminating the hassle of dealing with suppliers. They acquire a boat in need of repairs, but predictably, their efforts devolve into chaotic mayhem, leaving the boat in ruins. Nonetheless, it was a well-intentioned idea, wouldn’t you agree?
8. The Old Man And The Sea
Ernest Hemingway’s concise masterpiece has received multiple adaptations, including a 1990 miniseries featuring Anthony Quinn and a visually stunning 1999 IMAX animation crafted by Aleksandr Petrov. However, we’ll dare to assert that John Sturges’ 1958 rendition is the one worth selecting. While it falls short in terms of fishing action and was unmistakably filmed in a controlled environment rather than at sea, it compensates with the remarkable performance of Spencer Tracy, who essentially carries the film as a one-man show. It’s worth noting that Hemingway himself reportedly deemed it a worthy adaptation, and that’s a commendation we’ll gladly accept.
9. Low & Clear
Kahlil Hudson’s captivating documentary resonates with certain aspects of ‘A River Runs Through It.’ It celebrates the splendor of the American landscape and the profound connection forged among fishermen. What sets it apart is its contemporary backdrop, one that encompasses the gradual decline of the wilderness in the American West. At its heart, the film explores the friendship between its central characters, J.T. Van Zandt and Alex “Xenie” Hall, revealing a poignant awareness that they might be drifting apart.
10. Jaws
While not precisely centered around the act of fishing, it certainly involves a relentless pursuit of a massive fish. Hence, in alignment with this theme, ‘Jaws’ wraps up our list with a thunderous climax featuring a deafening explosion and a shower of shark remains.
