Fisherman's Friends

From the small harbor of Cornwall, ten fishermen form an unlikely choir whose rough sea songs land a record deal with Universal. Their debut album of sea shanties climbs into the top ten, turning long days on the docks into headline moments on tour schedules. The men juggle family duties, fishing schedules, and the sudden glare of cameras as fame grows, without losing their workingman camaraderie. Comedic mishaps mix with warm, stubborn pride as old friendships hold firm while new ones form around the band. The film celebrates community, music, and the stubborn pride of a coastal town.

Directed by Chris Foggin, the film adapts the true life story created by Meg Leonard, Nick Moorcroft and Piers Ashworth. It stars Daniel Mays, James Purefoy and Tuppence Middleton, and was released in 2019 with Universal backing and a distinctly Cornish sensibility.

Fisherman's Friends taps into a wave of renewed interest in sea shanties and maritime culture, spotlighting a real Cornish community with singing at its heart. The film helped bring regional music to a wider audience and celebrate coastal pride, with performances that feel earned and unpretentious. It mirrors how a tight knit crew on the harbor can turn tradition into a shared experience that travels beyond Cornwall.

Audience reception sits in the middle, with a modest but steady 6.7 out of 10 from viewers. Critics note the film keeps things light with humor and heart while honoring friendship, work ethic, and the power of shared songs to unite a town. Themes of community, resilience, and staying loyal to your roots run through the humor and warmth, making it a comforting watch rather than a bold departure.

Box office details are not widely reported for this title, but it was released in theaters in the UK and internationally under Universal's banner. It found an appreciative audience among fans of feel good comedy drama and maritime music while remaining a modest commercial proposition.