Sign in

Dear Frankie

2004·Movie
1h 45min
74
GoodGoodWatch score

Watch

Set your services

Dear Frankie fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension4
  • Fast Pace3
  • Spectacle2

Heart

Deeply moving and uplifting

Much of it is about family.

  • Pathos9
  • Hopefulness9
  • Family Dynamics9

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy2
  • Physical Comedy1

World

Everyday modern life and family

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances and characters

  • Acting8
  • Character Depth8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7
  • Music Centrality7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Nine-year-old Frankie and his single mum Lizzie have been on the move ever since Frankie can remember, most recently arriving in a seaside Scottish town. Wanting to protect her deaf son from the truth that they've run away from his father, Lizzie has invented a story that he is away at sea on the HMS Accra. Every few weeks, Lizzie writes Frankie a make-believe letter from his father, telling of his adventures in exotic lands. As Frankie tracks the ship's progress around the globe, he discovers that it is due to dock in his hometown. With the real HMS Accra arriving in only a fortnight, Lizzie must choose between telling Frankie the truth or finding the perfect stranger to play Frankie's father for just one day...
Heartwarming DramaSingle MotherhoodDeafness RepresentationScottish SeasideEmotional DeceptionRedemptive LoveFamily BondsSecret KeepingGentle Storytelling

Crew

Directed by:
Written by:
Composed by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Dear Frankie

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Dear Frankie legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Dear Frankie worth watching?

74
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 82%, and Metacritic 63). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How long is Dear Frankie?

1 h 45 min

Dear Frankie runs 1 h 45 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Dear Frankie?

Critics73
Audiences79

Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see Dear Frankie much the same way.

What language is Dear Frankie in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, Ireland.

In how many countries can I watch Dear Frankie?

27AUCACZDKEEFIFRGBGGHUIDIEINIS+13

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Dear Frankie in 27 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.