An Unlikely Fandom

An Unlikely Fandom is a 2023 American documentary film centering on the adult fandom of the children's television series Thomas & Friends. Principal photography began in July 2019 at a fan convention in Huntingdon, PA. The filmmakers acquired additional funding through a Kickstarter that raised over over the span of 30 days to further expand the scope of the film, as well as allowing the filmmakers to interview crew members from the series, including the series creator Britt Allcroft in her final on-screen appearance before her death on December 25, 2024.
The documentary premiered in New York City on November 27, 2023, Derby [Litchurch Lane Works] in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2025, and released on demand on Typhoon on January 15, 2026.

Synopsis

The documentary takes an intimate look into the adult fandom of the children's television series Thomas & Friends through various fan conventions and personal interviews. Many of those interviewed explain that while this is not a normal interest, they have made careers and hobbies out of their passion for the series. Many are preserving props from the television series, and some have even managed to work on the series itself as both writers and consultants. Around the world and from different walks of life, adult fans reflect on their love for the show, and how it has forever changed the course of their lives.