If you are an adventurous person, you are probably searching for the best fishing movies.
Fishing movies tell the story of fishermen embarking on different paths and going along with their passion for fishing. Luckily for you, we’ve listed the top fishing movies you should give a try!
Fishing Movies
These movies fall under various genres, like horror, thriller, drama, romance, and even comedy.
Fishing movies are perfect for a quiet weekend with your family. Some classic fishing movies are heart-warming—they are an excellent choice to view with children and young adults. They give lessons and morals that will inspire you throughout life.
With that, here are the 12 best fishing movies you should watch:
1. A River Runs Through It (1992)
English 2h 3m IMDb
Director: Robert Redford
Stars: Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt
A River Runs Through It is one of the best fishing movies. The film narrates the story of The Maclean brothers Paul and Norman.
They spend most of their time fishing in an area around Montana. This story shows the true story of Norman and his life experiences with his brother. They embark on different journeys as they pay homage to their father.
This movie is picturesque and literary. This movie is a stunning film. It is an ode to American Wilderness. The film’s casting is perfect, with fantastic performances of brilliant actors. Reviews also say this film is heart-searching, showing the life of many families.
2. Salmon Fishing In The Yemen (2011)
English 1h 47m IMDb
Director: Lasse Hallström
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked
If you’re looking for the best fishing movies with a comedic twist, check out Salmon Fishing in Yemen. This film is a British romantic comedy by Lasse Hallström. The movie was produced by Paul Webster, and it stars Kristin Scott, Emily Blunt, and Ewan McGregor.
Salmon Fishing in Yemen (2011) follows the story of a fisheries expert, Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor), who talks with a businessman named Harriet (Emily Blunt). She approaches him, gives him an unusual request, and the story begins from there.
Reviews love this movie for its sweet story and brilliant cast performance. The storyline is simple, but it is excitingly fancy and beautiful. Reviews also mention how charming this romantic comedy is.
As they say, this movie brings humor and faith back to science and politics. They keep comedy throughout the film, so every viewer will end the movie feeling good about this refreshing fishing movie!
3. Jaws (1975)
English 2h 4m IMDb
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Are you up for a fishing movie in a thriller genre? If you are a little adventurous, this next movie is for you: Jaws (1975). Jaws (1975) is a thriller movie by Steven Spielberg. It is an adaptation of the novel written by Peter Benchley in the previous year.
Jaws (1975) is about the chaos unleashed by a killer shark on a small community on Long Island. Sheriff Martin Brody finds a body attacked by sharks. Then, a marine biologist, police, and seafarer try to navigate through things and tackle the shark.
Reviews say Jaws (1975) is one of the best movies ever made. It is a whole experience that will make viewers fall in love with movies. Everything about the film is magical, like the atmosphere, performances, cast, and plot. It’s more than a horror shark movie. It is well-rounded and iconic, too!
4. Cast Away (2000)
English 2h 23m IMDb
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez
Cast Away (2000) is an adventure drama by Robert Zemeckis. Tom Hanks, Nick Searcy, and Helen Hunt star in this film. While it is not based on a true story, Cast Away (2000) is among the best fishing movies with similar stories in history.
The story is about Chuck Noland and Kelly Frears. They are dating and living together, but are still not married as Chuck spends most of his time on business trips. Chuck encounters technical difficulties during a flight, where his plane crashes in the South Pacific.
He got washed on a shore, unaware of what happened to his fellow flight mates and plane crew.
Reviews love the amazing performance throughout the film. Cast Away (2000) is outstanding and phenomenal–it is worth a couple of viewings! The storyline is intriguing with a powerful character study of Tom Hanks.
Fun fact: Tom Hanks nearly died while shooting this film! They tried to make the movie as close to reality with an authentic screenplay by the screenwriter.
5. Deep Blue Sea (1999)
English 1h 45m IMDb
Director: Renny Harlin
Stars: Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, Samuel L. Jackson
If you love Jaws, you’ll like Deep Blue Sea (1999). This film is a science fiction horror movie by Renny Harlin. Saffron Burrows, Samuel Jackson, Thomas Jane, and LL Cool J star in this film. It started showing in cinemas on September 8, 2009.
Deep Blue Sea (1999) is about a scientist, Dr. Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows), who uses the tissue of sharks to make a substance to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Her group becomes the prey as they try to escape the intelligent and terrifying sharks.
Reviews say this ’90s classic is a must-watch if you like shark movies. Deep Blue Sea (1999) has an excellent mix of a good story, fantastic pace, and exciting action. It is similar to Jaws (1975), although some believe Jaws is still top-notch.
Reviews also mention that the shark attacks are heart-pumping, so brace yourselves for this adrenalizing movie!
6. The Perfect Storm (2000)
English 2h 10m IMDb
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Stars: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly
The Perfect Storm (2000) is a biographical disaster movie by Wolfgang Petersen. This film is an adaptation of the non-fiction novel The Perfect Storm in 1997. The Perfect Storm (2000) claims to be based on a real-life story, starring Mark Wahlberg, George Clooney, Diane Lane, John C. Reilly, and Diane Lane.
fiction novel The Perfect Storm released in 1997. The Perfect Storm (2000) claims to be based on a real-life story, starring Mark Wahlberg, George Clooney, Diane Lane, John C. Reilly, and Diane Lane.
The Perfect Storm (2000) tells the story of courageous workers of the “Andrea Gail,” a fishing ship. They risk their lives rescuing vessels. The group is headed by Billy Tyne, who is played by George Clooney.
Reviews of this film say this movie is terrifying and adventurous. The graphics and visual effects are thrilling, making it a perfect fishing movie. Viewers also love the stellar cast performance in this film who made an effort to take the film to the next level, similar to real-life events.
7. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
English 1h 59m IMDb
Director: Wes Anderson
Stars: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) is a fantastic film directed by Wes Anderson. It is a comedy adventure movie that was released on December 25, 2004, in the United States. Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach wrote the screenplay for this film.
It stars Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Noah Taylor, Michael Gambon, and Jeff Goldblum.
The movie follows the story of Steve Zissou (Bill Murray), as he seeks vengeance upon a shark that attacked one of his crews. He joins with other team members as they unfold people from Zissou’s past, like his wife (Anjelica Huston).
Reviews of this film say this movie is terrifying and adventurous. The graphics and visual effects are thrilling, making it a perfect fishing movie. Viewers also love the stellar cast performance in this film who made effort to take the movie to the next level, similar to real-life events.
8. The River Why (2010)
English 1h 41m IMDb
Director: Matthew Leutwyler
Stars: Zach Gilford, Amber Heard, William Hurt
The River Why (2010) is one of the best fishing movies about fly fishing. This film is an independent drama and an adaptation of the Sierra Club book by David James Duncan in 1983. This film stars William Hurt, Amber Heard, and Zach Gilford.
The River Why (2010) is about a young man leaving his family to fly fishing. He tries to make a name for himself in the wishing world. This young man then finds himself in love throughout his journey to self-discovery.
This film has mixed reviews, but most critics love the beautiful setting of the movie. Some scenes are in Portland, Oregon, showcasing the breathtaking views of the town. Reviews also say the film had great music and relaxing nature sounds.
The acting of the stars in The River Why (2010) is commendable. Some reviews say this film is a girly fishing movie, so if you’re into that, you should watch The River Why (2010).
9. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
English 1h 43m IMDb
Director: Donald Petrie
Stars: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret
Grumpy Old Men (1993) is, without a doubt, one of the best fishing movies. It is a romantic comedy film released on December 25, 1993. Donald Petrie directed Grumpy Old Men, and its screenplay is by Mark Steven Johnson.
The story is about a quarrel among neighbors, triggered when a new one moves in across the street. The movie showcases a love-hate relationship between these neighbors and gives a funny, eccentric rivalry.
Grumpy Old Men (1993)’s reviews say this film is fun and sweet. The movie will make you think about your grandparents and their funny memories. You’ll have good laughs now and then as you watch this movie—the comedic timing and brilliant performances of the cast are some things to applaud!
10. On Golden Pond (1981)
English 1h 49m IMDb
Director: Mark Rydell
Stars: Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda
On Golden Pond (1981) is an award-winning family drama. It was directed by Mark Rydell, with a screenplay by Ernest Thompson. The movie started showing in theaters on January 22, 1982. The genre for On Golden Pond (1981) is comedy and drama.
The film is about a long-married couple played by Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. They are on a summer holiday, trying to resolve issues and relationship problems with their daughter. On Golden Pond (1981) gives you a series of conflicts, developments, and resolutions.
Critics say this film is warm, reflective, and touching. It is filled with veteran actors who have memorable acting throughout the movie. On Golden Pond (1981) is heartwarming.
It will remind you of the memories with your grandparents. It’s simply affirmative and entertaining. Most reviews say this movie deserves a second watch.
11. Crocodile Dundee II (1988)
English 1h 48m IMDb
Director: John Cornell
Stars: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon
Crocodile Dundee II (1988) is an action-comedy movie. It is the second film in the Crocodile Dundee series and is considered a sequel. It was directed by John Cornell. Paul Hogan, John Meillon, Linda Kozlowski, and Ernie Dingo star in this movie. It was released on May 25, 1988.
The film follows the excursions of Mick “Crocodile” Dundee, an Australian bushman. He lives with his girlfriend in New York City. Things change when a drug dealer kidnaps his gorgeous girlfriend. He goes fishing and takes on escapades as he tries to find his girlfriend.
Reviews say this film is fun and is an excellent sequel to Crocodile Dundee I. This film has a perfect balance of drama, action, comedy, and great music. The film has no fluff, as reviews say, with a runtime of 110 minutes.
Critics mention it is a better and funnier sequel, even outdoing the original Crocodile Dundee. It never gets old, so rewatching this film is an exciting idea if you love the best fishing movies!
12. Blue Miracle (2021)
English 1h 35m IMDb
Director: Julio Quintana
Stars: Dennis Quaid, Jimmy Gonzales, Miguel Angel Garcia
If you’re searching for the best fishing movies released lately, this next movie might be your top choice. Blue Miracle (2021) is a pretty new film. Julio Quintana directed it. This drama’s screenplay is by Chris Dowling and Quintana. It started showing on May 27, 2021.
Blue Miracle (2021) tells the story of Latino kids joining a fishing tournament to save their orphanage. They try to exceed expectations as they collaborate with a boat captain. The story’s inspiration is the real-life story of Casa Hogar in Mexico, who won a fishing competition in 2014.
Reviews love the storyline of this film, and it is a plus that the plot is based on a true story in Cabo San Lucas. Critics also describe this film as heartwarming and family-friendly. It is one of the best fishing movies to watch with parents and children. This movie is lively and charming.
Summary
Wow–that’s a long but exciting list of the best fishing movies! As you see, the films’ genres vary from horror and thriller to drama, romance, and comedy.
There are many fishing movies you can watch alone, or you can call your friends and family for a movie night. What other fishing movies can you suggest? Comment them below!
