Here are 30 of the best dad approved Fathers Day movies for movie night with the family!
It’s that time of year, time to celebrate the leading man in your life, DAD of course!
A great way to celebrate Father’s Day is to get inspired by a good dad-centric movie! Cuddle up with the family to watch one of these dad approved movies that are perfect for Father’s Day.
If you’re planning a family movie night for Father’s Day, here’s a list of 30 movies that are great to watch with dad.
We have included all genres of Fathers Day movies, from laugh out loud comedies, to emotional dramas, to inspiring tales, to edge of you seat action. Whatever your movie mood is, we have a suggestion that fits.
In this gripping adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, a father and his young son journey through a desolate, post apocalyptic world. Along the way, they face numerous dangers and challenges while striving to survive and maintain their humanity. It’s showcases the lengths a father will go to protect his child.
2. Big Fish (2003)
Director: Tim Burton
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup
Tim Burton’s whimsical tale follows the fantastical stories told by Edward Bloom, a larger than life father with a penchant for embellishment. As his son seeks to separate fact from fiction, the film delves into the complexities of their relationship, ultimately celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring bond between a father and his son.
M. Night Shyamalan’s suspenseful thriller explores the mysterious appearance of crop circles on a farm and the ensuing events that unfold. At its core, the film is a tale of faith, family, and the unwavering determination of a father to protect his children against an unknown threat. With its tense atmosphere and compelling themes, it’s a gripping choice for Father’s Day viewing.
4. Finding Nemo (2003)
Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
Actors: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
In this heartwarming Pixar classic, Marlin, a clownfish, embarks on an epic journey across the ocean to rescue his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank. Along the way, Marlin learns valuable lessons about trust, letting go, and the depths of parental love. Filled with memorable characters and stunning underwater visuals, it’s a delightful pick for Father’s Day.
Kevin Smith’s heartfelt dramedy follows Ollie, a single father who must navigate the challenges of raising his daughter after his wife tragically passes away. As he struggles with his new role and faces unexpected career setbacks, Ollie discovers that being a father is the most important job of all. With its blend of humor and touching moments, Jersey Girl is a touching ode to fatherhood.
Steven Spielberg’s modern adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel brings the alien invasion story to life with thrilling intensity. As Earth is besieged by extraterrestrial attackers, a father must protect his children and navigate the chaos unfolding around them.
7. Interstellar (2014)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
Christopher Nolan’s epic sci-fi masterpiece follows a group of astronauts who embark on a perilous journey through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet for humanity. At its core, Interstellar is a story of love, sacrifice, and the bond between a father and his daughter across the vast reaches of space and time.
8. Unbreakable (2000)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Actors: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright
M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable is a unique take on the superhero genre. Its about an ordinary man, David Dunn, who discovers he has extraordinary abilities. As David grapples with his newfound powers, he forms an unlikely bond with Elijah Price, a disabled comic book enthusiast. The theme of fatherhood is weaved throughout the film, making it an excellent choice for Father’s Day.
9. Parenthood (1989)
Director: Ron Howard
Actors: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest
Ron Howard’s “Parenthood” follows the trials and tribulations of the Buckman family, tackling themes of parenthood, sibling dynamics, and generational differences with humor and sincerity. Through its relatable characters and touching moments, the film celebrates the imperfect yet beautiful journey of raising children and the enduring bonds of family.
In this comedy, fraternal twin brothers Kyle and Peter Reynolds embark on a road trip to find their long lost father, whom they believed was deceased, after learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about his identity. Along the way, they encounter a series of eccentric characters and comedic misadventures, ultimately discovering the true meaning of family and fatherhood.
11. Fathers’ Day (1997)
Director: Ivan Reitman
Actors: Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
This comedy follows two men, Jack Lawrence and Dale Putley, who discover that they may be the biological fathers of the same teenage boy, Scott. Jack and Dale embark on a wild and chaotic journey to find Scott after he goes missing, leading to a series of hilarious and heartwarming escapades as they confront their own shortcomings and redefine their notions of fatherhood.
In this family comedy, young Timmy Gleason devises a plan to get closer to his estranged father, ex-convict Ray Gleason, by forcing him to spend time with him as part of a scheme to retrieve stolen coins. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship and embark on a series of heists, Timmy and Ray learn valuable lessons about trust, forgiveness, and the true meaning of fatherhood.
13. Instructions Not Included (2013)
Director: Eugenio Derbez
Actors: Eugenio Derbez, Karla Souza, Jessica Lindsey
In this heartwarming comedy drama, Valentin, a carefree bachelor living in Acapulco, unexpectedly becomes a single father when a former fling leaves a baby girl, Maggie, on his doorstep. As Valentin navigates the challenges of parenthood and builds a life for himself and Maggie in Los Angeles, their bond grows stronger through laughter, love, and the shared journey of self discovery. Instructions Not Included is a touching celebration of fatherhood.
14. Mr. Mom (1983)
Director: Stan Dragoti
Actors: Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Frederick Koehler
When Jack Butler loses his job, he finds himself thrust into the unfamiliar role of stay at home dad while his wife returns to the workforce. As Jack struggles to adapt to his new responsibilities, chaos ensues as he attempts to juggle household chores, childcare, and his own personal challenges. Mr. Mom is a charming comedy that humorously explores the ups and downs of modern fatherhood and the changing dynamics of family life.
15. Like Father Like Son (1987)
Director: Rod Daniel
Actors: Dudley Moore, Kirk Cameron, Margaret Colin
In this comedic twist on the classic “Freaky Friday” premise, workaholic father Dr. Jack Hammond and his teenage son Chris mysteriously swap bodies after a bizarre accident. As they navigate each other’s lives, Jack and Chris gain a newfound appreciation for one another and the importance of family.
In this gripping sci-fi thriller, a father and son are mysteriously connected across time through a ham radio. With the ability to communicate 30 years apart, they work together to prevent a series of tragic events, including the father’s untimely death. Through their extraordinary bond and determination, they defy the constraints of time and space, forging a powerful connection that transcends generations.
17. Big Daddy (1999)
Director: Dennis Dugan
Actors: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart
Adam Sandler stars in this comedy as Sonny Koufax, a slacker who unexpectedly becomes the legal guardian of a young boy named Julian. As Sonny navigates the challenges of parenthood and attempts to prove himself responsible, he learns valuable lessons about maturity, love, and the true meaning of family. Filled with humor and heartwarming moments, Big Daddy is a feel good film about the transformative power of fatherhood.
In this family comedy, Tom and Kate Baker find their orderly lives turned upside down when Tom’s dream job requires them to relocate their large family to a new town. As they struggle to adjust to their hectic new lifestyle, chaos ensues as the Bakers attempt to balance career demands with the needs of their 12 children. Cheaper by the Dozen is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of the joys and challenges of raising a large family.
19. Father of the Bride (1991)
Director: Charles Shyer
Actors: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Steve Martin stars in this charming comedy as George Banks, a father who is thrown into a frenzy when his daughter announces her engagement. As he navigates the wedding planning process and grapples with the idea of letting go, George experiences a rollercoaster of emotions and comedic mishaps. Father of the Bride illustrates the bittersweet journey of watching your children grow up.
Based on a true story, The Pursuit of Happyness follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who faces homelessness while raising his young son, Christopher. Determined to build a better life for his family, Chris embarks on a challenging journey to secure a prestigious internship and pursue his dreams of financial stability. Will Smith delivers a powerful performance in this inspirational tale of resilience, fatherhood, and the pursuit of happiness against all odds.
21. About Time (2013)
Director: Richard Curtis
Actors: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy
In this charming romantic comedy, Tim Lake discovers that the men in his family have the ability to travel through time. Using this newfound power, Tim decides to improve his love life, but soon realizes that altering the past can have unforeseen consequences. Through his journey, Tim learns valuable lessons about love, family, and cherishing every moment. About Time is a heartfelt exploration of life’s fleeting moments and the enduring bonds of fatherhood.
22. August Rush (2007)
Director: Kirsten Sheridan
Actors: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
August Rush tells the story of a musically gifted orphan named Evan Taylor, who believes that his parents are alive and searching for him. Through his extraordinary talent and unwavering belief in the power of music, Evan embarks on a journey to reunite with his family. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of love, belonging, and the transformative power of music. August Rush is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the unbreakable bonds of family and the universal language of music.
23. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
Actors: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson
In the Viking village of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless instead of slaying it. As he learns to bond with Toothless and understand dragons, Hiccup challenges the prejudices of his community and discovers his true destiny. How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating animated adventure that explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the bond between a boy and his dragon.
24. Captain Fantastic (2016)
Director: Matt Ross
Actors: Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Samantha Isler
In Captain Fantastic, Viggo Mortensen portrays Ben Cash, a father who raises his six children deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, isolated from modern society. As they live off the grid, Ben imparts his unconventional values and rigorous education to his children. However, when they are forced to reintegrate into society following a family tragedy, they must reconcile their unique upbringing with the realities of the outside world.
Nicolas Cage stars as Jack Campbell, a successful and single Wall Street executive who is given the chance to see what his life would have been like if he had chosen a different path. Waking up one morning in an alternate reality where he is married with children and living a modest lifestyle, Jack must confront his priorities and decide what truly matters in life.
26. We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Director: Cameron Crowe
Actors: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church
Based on a true story, We Bought a Zoo follows the journey of Benjamin Mee, a widowed father who decides to start anew by purchasing a struggling zoo with his children. As they work together to renovate the zoo and care for its animals, Benjamin and his family find healing, hope, and a sense of belonging. We Bought a Zoo is an uplifting tale of resilience, adventure, and the power of family.
27. Proof (2005)
Director: John Madden
Actors: Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal
A young woman Catherine cares for her brilliant but mentally unstable father, Robert. After Robert’s death, Catherine must confront her own fears and doubts about her inherited mathematical genius while navigating her relationship with her estranged sister and a former student of her father’s. Catherine goes on a quest for truth and understanding about mental illness and the importance of family.
28. I Am Sam (2001)
Director: Jessie Nelson
Actors: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning
Sean Penn delivers a powerful performance as Sam Dawson, a mentally disabled man fighting for custody of his daughter, Lucy. With the help of a determined lawyer, Sam strives to prove that he is capable of providing a loving and nurturing home for Lucy. I Am Sam is a powerful movie with a message of parental determination and the strength of unconditional love.
29. The Lion King (1994)
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Actors: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
Disney’s animated classic follows the journey of Simba, a young lion prince who must navigate the complexities of growing up and accepting his destiny as the rightful king of the Pride Lands. Along the way, Simba learns valuable lessons about courage, responsibility, and the circle of life from his wise father figure, Mufasa. The Lion King is a timeless tale of family, friendship, and the enduring legacy of a father’s love.
30. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Director: Roland Emmerich
Actors: Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum
In this thrilling disaster film, climatologist Jack Hall embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his son, Sam, after catastrophic climate changes trigger a new Ice Age. As they navigate the frozen landscape and face numerous dangers, Jack and Sam must rely on their courage and resourcefulness to survive and reunite with their loved ones. The Day After Tomorrow is not only a tale of survival, but is about the sacrifice and enduring bond between a father and his son in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Thanks for reading this article for Fathers Day movies inspiration!
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
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