Top 5 Fishing Movies for Your Next Movie Night

By Alycia Downs

Jun 04, 2020

Best fishing movies for movie night. Grab the popcorn and enjoy the best fishing movies of all time. Here are 5 recommendations everyone will love.

Who doesn’t love a good movie night? What about a marathon of fishing movies? Whether it’s a night in with the family or date night with your love, cozying up and tuning into a movie is one of our favorite things to do at home. Grab the popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the best fishing movies of all time. Here’s a list of recommendations that everyone will love.

1. A River Runs Through It (1992)

Starring Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer, and Tom Skerritt

Based on a novel by Norman McLean, follow two brothers living the idyllic Montana life and spending most of their time fly fishing. One is rebellious and the other leaves for college, later reunited by fly-fishing and recounting their adventures and where they’re going in life.

2. Gone Fishin’ (1997)

Starring Joe Pesci and Danny Glover

Two lifelong friends who seem to always run into trouble win a fishing trip to Florida and embark on a disastrous road trip. Follow their outlandish adventure that includes run-ins with some shady characters and nefarious situations.

3. The Old Man and the Sea (1990)

Starring Anthony Quinn

Based on the novel by fishing great, Ernest Hemingway. Santiago, a Cuban fisherman, fights sharks and huge marlin, reliving his youth and proving to himself that he still has gumption and strength. Once of the classic must-watch fishing movies.

4. The River Why (2010)

Starring: Zach Gilford, Amber Heard, William Hurt

Based on a 1983 novel by David James Duncan, this movie begins as a trout fishing story but is, underneath, a story about a young man grappling with love, the meaning of life, and finding his way in the modern world.

5. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Angelica Huston, Cate Blanchett

A world-renowned oceanographer seeks revenge against a shark that devoured his beloved friend and crew member. Part parody, part love story, follow their zany adventures that include family dysfunction, romance, pirates, and vengeance on the high seas.

Look no further for things to do at home. Most of these fishing movies can be found on streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu or rented from your cable TV provider. Enjoy!

Alycia Downs
Alycia Downs
Alycia Downs is a freelance content creator and avid sportsman who contributes to numerous publications promoting tourism, fishing, and outdoors. Alycia is a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association and is actively involved with conservation and fishing non-profit organizations. Visit her personal blog at tideandtale.com or on Instagram @tideandtale.