Dads—our superheroes, mentors, and best friends! They bring a unique flavor to our world in their own charming and peculiar ways. Every moment with Dad is special. And to celebrate that bond, we’ve compiled a list of the best movie dads.
Being a good father can be hard work—and these movie dads will give you a wholesome view of what fatherhood looks like. From the wise Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird to the playful Gil Buckman in Parenthood, these best dad movies will take you through a spectrum of emotions and experiences.
Even though they are fictional, these best movie dads are very relatable. They’ll go above and beyond for their kids. Each dad on our list goes through challenges and makes sacrifices to provide the best life for their children. They’re not perfect. But they are always there for their children. These movies break the stereotype that fathers don’t play a big role in parenthood.
These best movies for dads are a reminder that even everyday moments can turn into extraordinary memories. Their ability to make us laugh, their warm hugs, and their never-ending dedication are what truly make dads special. You can count on them to teach you important life lessons, from changing a tire to tackling challenges head-on.
So let’s celebrate all the sweet and influential fathers of the big screen. This is our list of best dads in movies. You can rearrange the list by voting for your favorite dads. Also, if you have more recommendations for the best movie dad, let us know in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
Arthur Weasley - "Harry Potter"
“Now, Harry, you must know all about Muggles. Tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?”
Arthur Weasley is the kind of father anyone would feel lucky to have. He is full of love and laughter, and encourages his children to pursue their own interests and passions. He is also a father figure to Harry, which makes him even more lovable.
Gomez Addams - "The Addams Family"
“Fatherhood is the most wonderful thing that could happen to me, and I’m just glad I have enough love in my heart for all my little monsters.”
The Addams Family is a delightfully eccentric film. Gomez Addams, portrayed by Raul Julia, stands out as an extraordinary dad. He’s mischievous, playful and always encourages his kids to explore their curiosities.
Atticus Finch - "To Kill A Mockingbird"
“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”
Atticus Finch is hands-down the best movie dad ever. He has a strong moral compass and teaches his kids, Scout and Jem, about empathy and compassion. He also encourages critical thinking, even if it means standing up against everyone else.
Guido Orefice - "Life Is Beautiful"
“You are such a good boy. You sleep now. Dream sweet dreams. Maybe we are both dreaming. Maybe this is all a dream, and in the morning, Mommy will wake us up with milk and cookies.”
Guido, portrayed by Roberto Benigni, is a remarkable dad. He stays strong even in the face of unimaginable adversity. He constructs an alternate reality for his son to give him hope and goes to extraordinary lengths to protect him.
Loved this movie, the end absolutely wrecked me. It was days before I was "normal" again.
Mac Macguff - "Juno"
“You know I’ll always be there to love you and support you no matter what kind of pickle you’re in.”
J.K. Simmons’ character stands by his daughter despite being taken aback by the pregnancy. He’s an open-minded, non-judgmental dad who loves his daughter.
Mufasa - "The Lion King"
“Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of Life.”
Mufasa is a wise and noble father figure in The Lion King. The heart-wrenching scene where he saves Simba’s life is one of the best dad moments in movies.
Mr. Ping - "Kung Fu Panda"
“To make something special, you have to believe it’s special.”
Mr. Ping loves noodles as much as he loves his adopted son Po in the Kung Fu Panda series. He is nurturing and caring, and guides Po on his journey to become the Dragon Warrior. This is a movie that you can watch repeatedly and still never get tired of.
Noodle. Don't noodle. This has become something we say to each other a lot. Mostly when we do a stir fry or curry.
Chris Gardner - "The Pursuit Of Happyness"
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you... You can’t do something. Not even me.”
Chris Gardner, portrayed by Will Smith, has an unwavering determination to provide a better life for his son. He is a role model every kid can look up to.
Daniel Hillard - "Mrs. Doubtfire"
“There are all sorts of different families, Katie. Some families have one mommy, some families have one daddy, or two families.”
Daniel Hillard, portrayed by Robin Williams, would do anything to spend time with his children—even dress up as a woman. His hilarious antics as Mrs. Doubtfire make him one of the best dads in movies.
Oh my God!! I miss Robin so much. He would have been so funny during the pandemic ordeal. Still sad that he took his own life.
Marlin - "Finding Nemo"
“I’m coming, Nemo!”
Marlin, the clownfish in the movie Finding Nemo, is incredibly protective of his son Nemo. When Nemo gets caught, Marlin swims across the vast ocean to find him. He sets aside his fear and anxiety to find his son. As the saying goes, “Love conquers all”!
Juan - "Moonlight"
“You’re my only. I’m your only.”
Juan has a profound influence on his son Chiron. One of the best dad moments in movies is when he teaches his son to swim. It’s a powerful metaphor for overcoming fear and embracing the unknown. Mahershala Ali won an Oscar for his brilliant performance as Juan.
Professor Henry Jones - "Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade"
“What happens at 11 o’clock?”
Professor Jones values the pursuit of knowledge. He instills these values in his son, Indiana Jones. His experiences as an adventurer contribute to Indiana’s growth immensely.
Noah Levenstein - “American Pie” Franchise
“Well, they’re safer than tube socks!”
Eugene Levy portrays Noah Levenstein, or “Jim’s Dad.” He is an iconic movie dad for his unique charm and hilarious nuggets of wisdom.
Clark Griswold - "National Lampoon’s" Franchise
“We’re gonna have so much fun together, we’re gonna need plastic surgery to remove our smiles.”
Clark is far from a perfect dad, which makes him all the more relatable. However, he exudes boundless enthusiasm and optimism that helps his family get through embarrassing situations. A very heartwarming movie to watch with your dad.
Gil Buckman - "Parenthood"
You’ll see Gil, portrayed by Steve Martin, often bumbling around and struggling as he navigates the challenges of parenthood. But one thing is clear—he’s always there for his kids.
Steve Martin made this movie for me. All the rest where overblown hacks. In my opinion.
Tom Baker - "Cheaper By The Dozen"
“You soaked his underwear in meat. That is so wrong. Funny, but wrong.”
Another Steve Martin movie where he embraces the chaos of raising multiple kids. This time it’s 12 of them! Steve’s character Tom Baker has an infectious energy and perfect comedic timing. An unmissable family movie.
Bill, Harry And Sam - "Mamma Mia!"
“When you know, you know.”
Three old men attend the wedding of a young woman who they believe might be their daughter. But only one of them is the real father. As the movie progresses, you’ll be cheering for all three of them and hoping they end up as one big family together.
Dill Penderghast - "Easy A"
“A pocketful of sunshine. That’s what you are.”
Stanley Tucci gives a refreshing take on fatherhood in this movie. He’s a “cool dad” who provides a strong foundation of love and support to his daughter as she navigates a sticky situation in school.
Sam Baldwin - "Sleepless In Seattle"
“I have these dreams. About your mom. And we have these long talks about you and how you’re doing, which she sort of knows, but I tell her anyway.”
This movie is one of Tom Hanks’ best roles. He is one of the best dads in movies. Tom plays a widower who puts his son Jonah’s needs and happiness above his own. They are on a quest to find a woman who’ll become a part of their family. You’ll be smiling throughout this sweet movie.
I thought this whole storyline was forced . To me , nothing seemed 'natural'. There wasn't any flow.
Charlie Hinton - "Daddy Day Care"
“If we can take care of a million-dollar deal, we can take care of a few kids.”
In the movie Daddy Day Care, Eddie Murphy plays a loving father who loses his job and starts a daycare center. He brings plenty of playfulness and creativity to his job as he struggles to manage a bunch of small kids. A fun movie to watch with your kids.
Harry Stamper - "Armageddon"
“Houston, you have a problem. You see, I promised my little girl that I’d be comin’ home.”
Bruce Willis takes on a dangerous mission to save the world from an asteroid impact. He only does this to protect his daughter—even if it means sacrificing his life.
Ted Kramer - "Kramer vs. Kramer"
“You want to know what’s wrong with him? I am! I am what’s wrong with him!”
Dustin Hoffman gives a very realistic portrayal of a father who undergoes a major transformation. Initially, he is work-focused and detached. Slowly, he grows into a nurturing dad as he takes on the role of a single parent.
Mr. Perlman - "Call Me By Your Name"
“You’re too old not to accept people for who they are.”
Michael Stuhlbarg gives a stunning performance as Elio’s father, Mr. Perlman. He shows what a lasting impact parents can have on young minds. He gently guides Elio, who is coming to terms with his sexuality in an unaccepting environment. This Oscar-nominated movie should definitely be on your must-watch list.
Seok-Woo - "Train To Busan"
“The world is messed up. It’s easier to just ignore it.”
Seok-woo transforms from a workaholic to a zombie-fighting hero. All to protect his child. Need we say more to explain why Train to Busan is one of the best dad movies?
Jason 'Furious' Styles - "Boyz N The Hood"
“Any fool can make a baby, but only a real man can raise his children.”
Jason ‘Furious’ Styles, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne, is a guiding force and mentor to the neighborhood youth. He encourages his son to resist the negative influences around him and focus on building a better life.
John Quincy Archibald - "John Q."
“I am not going to bury my son! My son is going to bury me!”
John is a struggling dad who goes to an extreme length to save his son’s life. This tear-jerker is one of the best dad movies to watch.
Jack Spier - "Love, Simon"
Sometimes all we need to hear is “I’m there for you!” Jack, played by Josh Duhamel, is a regular father but he is there for his kids. He supports his son Simon as he navigates his sexual identity.
Don Vito Corleone - "The Godfather"
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
Don Vito Corleone, played by the brilliant Marlon Brando, is a complex character. Yet he has an unwavering love for his children and teaches them loyalty and to stand by and protect their own.
Marlon Brando was so good in this movie. All the rest of the cast paled in comparison. In my opinion.
Bryan Mills - "Taken"
“Now, the next part is very important. They are going to take you.”
Bryan Mills, played by Liam Neeson, is a fiercely protective dad. He relentlessly pursues his daughter’s kidnappers and does whatever it takes to bring his child home.
No. Just. No. He's everything but a great dad. If he was a good, nurturing father and had a stable, trustful and honest relationship with his daughter, she'd never been in that situation. She'd carefully listened to him, because she'd known a bit more about him and she'd trusted him more on his expertise. He was an absentee father who tried to make amends and threw his own experience out of the window to appease her. He was so horrible that they had to write his ex into a horrible bthc to distract from the fact that he truly was a very bad father.
Kim Ki-Ttaek - "Parasite"
“You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan. No plan at all. You know why? Because life cannot be planned.”
In this critically acclaimed film, Ki-taek seizes every opportunity to provide a better life for his family. He’s not the most honorable but his captivating performance will have you hooked.
Carlisle Cullen - "Twilight"
“She’s part of the family now. We protect our family.”
Despite being a vampire, Carlisle Cullen is a compassionate and nurturing father. He always has good advice for all his kids.
Matthew Logelin - "Fatherhood"
“It’s amazing what you can do when you’re scared.”
Kevin Hart gives one of his best performances in this movie. It’s both emotional and comic. The story revolves around a father who has to care for his newborn after his wife tragically passes away. His journey and growth as a single father is very touching—it will have you both laughing and crying.
Man - "The Road"
“I told the boy when you dream about bad things happening, it means you’re still fighting and you’re still alive.”
The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world where danger awaits at every turn. “The Man” teaches his son to hold on to his humanity in a world filled with desperation and cruelty.
Andrew Shepherd - "The American President"
Andrew Shepherd juggles his responsibilities as a single father as well as the president of the United States with a lot of charm and humor. It’s funny, intelligent, and a highly enjoyable film.
Jack Byrnes - "Meet The Parents"
“I will be watching you and if I find that you are trying to corrupt my firstborn child, I will bring you down, baby.”
His approach to fatherhood may be controversial. However, Jack Byrnes sets high standards and values for potential suitors for his daughter. He looks out for his daughter, even though she is well into adulthood.
Rocky - "Rocky V"
“Fear is a fighter’s best friend. You know, but it ain’t nothing to be ashamed of. See, fear keeps you sharp, it keeps you awake.”
Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, values his family above all else. Even through his personal setbacks, he is always there for his son Robert as he faces his own struggles.
Howard Langston - "Jingle All The Way"
“I’m going to get the Turbo Man doll, and I’m going to get it NOW!”
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a dad on a mission to find a coveted Christmas toy for his son. A great holiday movie to watch with your family.
Darth Vader - The "Star Wars" Trilogy
“I am your father.”
He is largely absent from Luke and Leia’s lives as he is unaware of their existence. He ultimately redeems himself when he saves Luke from the emperor’s clutches and sacrifices himself in the process.
Nick Parker - "The Parent Trap"
“You may be a twit, but you’re my twit.”
The Parent Trap is a heartwarming and wholesome movie that you can watch on repeat. The story revolves around twins who are separated at birth as their parents divorce. They meet accidentally at a camp and vow to bring their parents back together.
Mason Evans Sr. - "Boyhood"
“You know, you don’t want to be the first one to do something. But you don’t want to be the last, either.”
Boyhood is a simple film about a boy and his father spending quality time together over a period of 12 years. A feel-good film to watch with your dad.
I would have given a nod to the father in "Little Miss Sunshine" too
I’m a sucker for good dads in movies and shows, because I miss mine ;_; He died in 2021 but in some ways I “lost” him in 2000 when he had an accident and sustained a catastrophic brain injury. So, good dad moments in fiction always make me cry XD
Well since we are adding fathers let's add Johnny Lee John's aka Captain Spalding a fiercely protective father of the Firefly family who helps his children follow their hobbies ... WOW he is a great dad
I would have given a nod to the father in "Little Miss Sunshine" too
I’m a sucker for good dads in movies and shows, because I miss mine ;_; He died in 2021 but in some ways I “lost” him in 2000 when he had an accident and sustained a catastrophic brain injury. So, good dad moments in fiction always make me cry XD
Well since we are adding fathers let's add Johnny Lee John's aka Captain Spalding a fiercely protective father of the Firefly family who helps his children follow their hobbies ... WOW he is a great dad