When it comes to celebrating Father’s Day, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Not every dad wants to open gifts or take a road trip. However, there’s one activity that seems to transcend individual tastes: watching a great movie together. Whether your father is an action buff, a comedy lover, or a sucker for classics, the world of cinema offers a treasure trove of films perfect for a memorable father-child bonding experience.
Dad movies span a wide range of genres, from thrillers and epics to crime dramas and sports films. They’re the kind of films that invite a leisurely viewing experience; you can start watching them during the day, perhaps doze off for a bit (as dads are known to do), and still catch all the important parts.
Ultimately, what truly sets a dad movie apart isn’t just the genre or the quotability factor. It’s the heart of the story. Many of these films explore the intricate dynamics between fathers and their children, especially father-son relationships (not to say there aren’t some fantastic father-daughter films). They delve into themes of paternal bonding, showcasing the often unspoken but deeply felt connections between fathers and their children.
So, this Father’s Day, why not skip the usual gifts and opt for something more meaningful? A movie marathon might just be the ticket to creating lasting memories. To help you with this, we have curated a list of the 10 best Father’s Day movies that cater to a wide variety of tastes.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
To start us off, there is The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith and his real-life son, Jaden Smith. The acclaimed 2006 film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who overcame homelessness while raising his 5-year-old son. This poignant drama chronicles his efforts to secure a job and a better life for his child.
Will Smith, who received an Oscar nod for his role, demonstrated unwavering care for his son and showcased the lengths a father will go to take care of his child. Fair warning: you’ll probably need some tissues for this.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Marlin, a clownfish out of his depth, braves the vast ocean to rescue his son, Nemo, who has been captured by scuba divers. Armed with nothing but determination and an unlikely sidekick who “speaks whale,” he dives into a world of danger and discovery. This tale of parental love proves that when it comes to family, no tide is too strong and no predator too fierce. Also, your kids will love it!
Life is Beautiful (1997)
A father’s boundless love meets the darkest chapter of history in Life Is Beautiful. This 1997 Italian gem follows a Jewish jokester who, trapped in a Nazi death camp with his young son, concocts an elaborate game. The prize? Survival.
Using wit and imagination, he transforms unspeakable horror into a world of wonder for his child. The amount of laughter and tears in this walk across the abyss of human cruelty will leave you deeply appreciative of the role a father plays in a child’s life. I dare say that even fathers will shed a tear or two by the time the credits roll.
Father of the Bride (1991)
Imagine a dad so lovably neurotic that he can’t bear the thought of his little girl saying, “I do.” That’s George Banks in Father of the Bride, a comedy goldmine where Steve Martin’s character grapples with wedding chaos and letting go.
This box office hit spawned an equally brilliant sequel, Father of the Bride Part II, and both films are packed with laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming scenes that’ll make you want to hug your old man. You can choose to make this a double feature. Just don’t blame us if Dad gets a little misty-eyed!
A Quiet Place (2018)
In the monster-ravaged world of A Quiet Place, John Krasinki’s Lee Abbott redefines fatherhood. Far from the bumbling sitcom dad, he’s a beacon of love and protection. His unwavering devotion challenges the “inept dad” trope, showing that men can be exceptional parents. If your dad leans towards horror films, A Quiet Place is a unique Father’s Day experience that proves that even in silence, a father’s love speaks volumes.
Boyz N the Hood (1991)
In the gritty heart of Los Angeles, Furious Styles (played by Laurence Fishburne) fights to raise his son Tre (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) right, even as gangs and violence threaten to swallow their neighborhood whole. While Tre’s friends fall prey to the streets, Furious’s tough love keeps his boy on track.
This raw look at inner-city life catapulted 24-year-old John Singleton into Oscar history as the youngest and first Black Best Director nominee. No-nonsense dads will likely relate to Furious Style’s parenting method, which makes this a perfect watch for those who grew up with strict dads.
Taken (2008)
Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, an ex-CIA agent whose “particular set of skills” are put to the ultimate test when his family is targeted. From rescuing his daughter from sex traffickers to avenging his ex-wife’s murder, Mills stops at nothing to protect his loved ones.
These exhilarating films showcase the lengths a father will go to keep his family safe. Perfect for action-loving dads, the Taken series delivers high-octane thrills while exploring the fierce bonds of fatherhood. Binge all three for an action-packed Father’s Day movie marathon. We could all use a reminder why Liam Neeson is an OG badass!
King Richard (2021)
Once again, Will Smith appears on the list as one of the best dads cinema has seen. Driven by an unshakable vision, Smith’s character, Richard Williams, forges his daughters Venus and Serena into tennis legends that the world will never forget.
This gritty sports drama unveils the complex dynamics of a father doubling as a relentless coach, crafting a legacy that would redefine the game. King Richard is a must-watch for anyone craving an inspiring true story of determination and family bonds pushed to their limits, with a strong father figure at the center of it all.
Will Smith won an Academy Award for this role, but the highlight of his crowning night was overshadowed by an entirely different performance from him.
Minari (2020)
One of the most compelling films about the immigrant experience stars Steven Yeun, who delivers an unforgettable performance as Jacob Yi, a Korean patriarch. In the mid-1980s, Jacob uproots his family to the American heartland, driven by the dream of a better life.
As he battles the challenges of establishing a farm and grapples with his son David’s health issues, the strains begin to take a toll on his marriage and family dynamics. Minari is a deeply tender, character-driven story that beautifully highlights the profound sacrifices fathers make for their loved ones.
The Godfather (1972)
No list of Father’s Day movies would be complete without The Godfather. This timeless classic delves deep into the intricate dynamics of the Corleone family, with the powerful Don Vito at its center. It’s a masterclass in storytelling that explores the weight of legacy, the complexities of family loyalty, and the sometimes morally ambiguous choices fathers make to protect their own.
Watching this cinematic masterpiece is essential anytime, but there’s something especially fitting about revisiting it on Father’s Day. You might be tempted to go 3 for 3, but be warned: getting through the third film in a single sitting might prove to be a monumental task, even for the biggest movie buffs.
Honorable Mentions: The Lion King, Gifted, The Iron Claw, We Bought a Zoo, Nebraska, Logan
There you have it! All these movies remind us that being a dad isn’t just about biology; it’s about love, sacrifice, and occasionally, a very particular set of skills. Therefore, grab your remote, maybe a box of tissues, and celebrate the fathers in your life with some special TV time.
