Movie

Second Best

“A man who dreams of being a father. A boy disillusioned with life. Together they share a compelling story of friendship, trust, and hope.”

★ 6.8(40)19941h 45m

Drama Family

▶ Watch trailer IMDb

Second Best is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube in United Kingdom. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 23 June 2026.

Where to watch Second Best

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Good to know

Director: Chris Menges
Release date: 1994-09-30
Runtime: 1h 45m
Language: English
Box office: $86,115
Status: Released
Country: United Kingdom
Studio: Regency Enterprises

Second Best — trailer

About Second Best

Second Best is a 1994 movie in the Drama and Family genres, directed by Chris Menges, starring William Hurt, Nathan Yapp and Jane Horrocks. It has a runtime of 1 hour 45 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.8/10 from 40 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Second Best in United Kingdom — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

The difficult relationship between a british postal officer and his adoptive son.

Cast

William Hurt

Graham Holt

Nathan Yapp

Jimmy

Jane Horrocks

Debbie

Prunella Scales

Margery

Keith Allen

John

Alan Cumming

Bernard

John Hurt

Uncle Turpin

Nerys Hughes

Maureen

Alfred Lynch

Edward

Chris Cleary Miles

James

Adam Wills

Graham, age 12

Doris Irving

Adoption Shop Volunteer

Themes & keywords

suicidesocial workerorphanagevillageorphanpostal workersmall villageadopted son

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Second Best in United Kingdom?+

In United Kingdom, Second Best is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is Second Best on Netflix?+

Second Best is not on Netflix in United Kingdom right now.

How long is Second Best?+

Second Best has a runtime of 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

Who stars in Second Best?+

Second Best stars William Hurt, Nathan Yapp, Jane Horrocks, Prunella Scales and Keith Allen.

When did Second Best come out?+

Second Best is a 1994 movie directed by Chris Menges.

What genre is Second Best?+

Second Best is Drama and Family film.

Who directed Second Best?+

Second Best was directed by Chris Menges.