50 of the Best Father’s Day Movies to Enjoy with Dad, from ‘Parenthood’ to ‘The Godfather’
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So you’ve finally figured out what to get your dad for Father’s Day (after combing through several gift guides, of course). But now comes the hardest challenge: planning a fun Father's Day activity to celebrate the occasion. Should you treat him to an outdoor picnic? Or perhaps a beer tasting?
I can tell you from experience that planning events for Father's Day can be even trickier than choosing the right gift. But I realized that even the simplest bonding activities—like watching Father's Day movies together—can do the trick. Whether your dad is a sucker for action-packed thrillers or into poignant dramas that explore fatherhood, I highly recommend watching a great dad-themed movie to celebrate the occasion.
From Parenthood to The Godfather, here are 50 titles that will definitely make your pops feel special.
91 FUNNY FATHER’S DAY QUOTES FROM FAMOUS DADS
1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Who's in it: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
Rating: 16+
Grab the tissues, because this poignant drama is sure to bring the waterworks. Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a businessman who previously struggled with homelessness while raising a toddler, the movie chronicles his efforts to land a job and secure a better life for his child.
PureWow Assistant Editor Karelle McKay said, "Will Smith's character truly cared about his son. Despite the adversity they faced throughout the film, there were some sweet, tender moments that you can't help but smile at. This movie really showed the unconditional love between a father and son."
2. Onward (2020)
Who's in it: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer
Rating: PG
Ian and Barley, two elf brothers, go on a magical adventure to reunite with their late father, but not without some challenges along the way. The Oscar-nominated flick is sure to resonate with all age groups, and it tackles themes like sacrifice, courage and acceptance.
Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay said, "Prepare for water works with Onward, it really tugs at the heartstrings! I think anyone who's lost their dad will be able to relate and find solace in the relationship between brothers Ian and Barley. I love that it's not your average Disney story and deals with real-life loses and big feelings."
3. Fences (2016)
Who's in it: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson
Rating: 18+
Washington and Davis both deliver powerful performances in this period drama film, which is inspired by August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Washington plays Troy Maxson, a sanitation worker and aspiring athlete who grapples with a harsh reality: that he’ll never become a pro baseball player. Meanwhile, both his wife and son have to deal with his bitterness and anger, which creates tension in the family.
If there's one thing I appreciate about this movie, it's the realistic portrayal of a flawed father grappling with his failures and short-comings while trying to lead his family.
4. Father’s Day (1997)
Who's in it: Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Nastassja Kinski
Rating: PG-13
When Collette’s (Kinski) teenage son runs away from home, she enlists the help of two former romantic partners by telling them both that they’re both the father of her child. But it’s only a matter of time before both men cross paths and figure out what’s really going on. Sure, the plot is ridiculously far-fetched and it received mixed reviews from critics, but it features heart-warming performances, as well as appearances by Sugar Ray and the Muffs.
5. He Got Game (1998)
Who's in it: Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich
Rating: R
Prepare for hard-hitting commentary and stunning visuals in this timeless Spike Lee joint. The film centers on Jake Shuttleworth (Washington), a jailed convict who gets released on parole on one unique condition: At the governor’s request, Jake must convince his son Jesus (Allen), one of the top-ranked basketball players in the country, to attend the governor’s alma mater. His reward? A much shorter sentence. I could never forget Jake's powerful advice to his son before he gets sent back to jail: "Let me tell you something, son: You get that hatred out your heart."
6. Big Daddy (1999)
Who's in it: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse
Rating: PG-13
At 32 years old, Sonny Koufax (Sandler) is the textbook definition of a slacker, and he has no intention of changing. That is, until his girlfriend leaves him for an older man. In a desperate attempt to win her back, he decides to adopt a 5-year-old boy. But things don’t turn out the way he expected. (BTW, did you know that Pete Davidson auditioned for a role in the movie?)
Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario said, "Big Daddy is a classic! This movie really cemented my love for Adam Sandler. It’s such a hilarious but heartwarming movie. And come on adorable baby spouse twins."
7. Father of the Bride (1991)
Who's in it: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams
Rating: PG
George Banks (Martin) knows all too well how challenging it is for dads to let go of their precious little girls. When his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams), shares the news of her engagement, he’s not too thrilled about having to give her away. The movie became a box office hit and led to the sequel, Father of the Bride Part II (which is equally brilliant, might I add). Watch both installments for the non-stop laughs and stay for the sweet, sentimental moments.
Per Philip Mutz, PureWow's VP of Entertainment and News, "Steve Martin is at his best" in this timeless classic.
8. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Who's in it: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Rating: PG-13
Daniel Hillard (Williams) is a classic example of how far a father would go to spend more quality time with his kids. With the help of his brother, Daniel cooks up an elaborate plan where he poses as an older nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire, and tricks his ex-wife into hiring him. He manages to pull it off at first, but things get tricky for Daniel when his personal life starts to conflict with Mrs. Doubtfire’s. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy. Williams also earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy.
"Mrs. Doubtfire is definitely creepy if you think too much about the idea behind it," says PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint, "But it does speak to a father’s devotion to his kids—and it’s one my own children love to watch with their dad, imagining if they would know it was him dressed up like an old lady."
9. Daddy Day Care (2003)
Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Anjelica Huston, Steve Zahn
Rating: PG-13
Sign us up for literally any movie where Regina King is the breadwinner in the family. In Daddy Day Care, her character's husband, Charlie (Murphy), decides to open a daycare center after getting laid off from his job. However, Charlie struggles to keep the business afloat—and it certainly doesn't help that his top competitor, Gwyneth Harridan, is trying to shut them down.
PureWow Assistant Editor Delia Curtis said, "I loved that the story revolves around expectations around gender roles and undoing the stereotypes that women are the only capable caretakers. Plus, I will never get over the scene of Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin having a boxing match dressed as a carrot and a broccoli."
10. Eighth Grade (2021)
Who's in it: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton
Rating: 16+
If there’s one lesson you’ll learn from this coming-of-age drama, it’s that parenting a teen is no easy feat. Middle school student Kayla (Fisher) is eager to be accepted by her peers during her final week of the eighth grade, causing her to obsess over social media and alienate her father (Hamilton) in the process.
PureWow Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen said, "I love Eighth Grade for a lot of reasons, but I was surprised by the very sweet depiction of a well-meaning dad trying to understand his tween daughter and help her through an awkward life stage. Plus, hot dad alert: Josh Hamilton."
11. Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Who's in it: Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo
Rating: PG
Inspired by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr.'s semi-autobiographical book, this film will make any dad extra grateful that he doesn’t have over a dozen kids. Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are Tom and Kate Baker, parents raising 12—yep, 12—children. But when the family moves and Kate has to go on a book tour, Tom is left to care for the kids on his own. Naturally, a series of misadventures ensue.
Curtis said, "How in the heck did Steve Martin and Bonny Hunt raise 12 kiddos in one house!? The world may never know. But with iconic actors like Piper Perabo, Hilary Duff and Alyson Stoner playing the kids and Ashton Kutcher as the eldest’s loser boyfriend, what’s not to love?! The meat in the pants scene will forever go down as one of the most iconic pranks in a kids movie."
12. The Game Plan (2007)
Who's in it: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick, Morris Chestnut
Rating: PG
Star athlete Joe Kingman's (Johnson) life is turned upside down when he discovers that he has an 8-year-old daughter named Peyton Kelly (Pettis) from his previous marriage. As it turns out, Johnson identified with his character. He told Black Film, "Being a parent, being a proud daddy—I have a little six year-old girl at home who challenges me every day, just like Madison challenged me in the movie."
PureWow Associate Editor Destinee Scott said, "The Game Plan is one of my favorite movies—I cry every single time I watch it. Even though there's an actual football plot, you're rooting for Joe the whole time. And it's just so beautiful to see his and Peyton's father-daughter bond transform from beginning to end. I just love it!"
13. Three Men and a Baby (1987)
Who's in it: Ted Danson, Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg
Rating: PG
Whether you've watched it once or a million times, Selleck, Guttenberg and Danson will always be hysterical in this classic. The film follows three successful roommates who go from being single bachelors to single dads when an abandoned baby suddenly appears on their doorstep. Although caring for the little girl proves to be extremely challenging, they all grow quite fond of her.
Mutz said, "Three Men and a Baby was one of my faves growing up. It's peak '80s and the trio of Ted Danson, Tom Selleck and Steve Guttenberg is genius casting."
14. Daddy’s Little Girls (2007)
Who's in it: Idris Elba, Gabrielle Union, Louis Gossett Jr.
Rating: PG-13
When Monty (Elba), a single dad and struggling mechanic, loses custody of his three daughters to his wife, he turns to a top-notch attorney named Julia (Union) for help. But as they work together to get his girls back, an unexpected romance begins to blossom between the two. It may not be Oscar-worthy, but the comedy-drama delivers a great message about the lengths a father will go to protect and care for his kids.
Tyler Perry, who directed the film, told Movie Web, "I think these characters really tell a simple story; I'm concerned that it feels right. And it feels right to encourage the fathers out there."
15. Finding Nemo (2003)
Who's in it: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
Rating: G
The Academy Award-winning film follows Marlin (Brooks), a worried clownfish who tries to find his missing son, Nemo (Gould), after he's captured by scuba divers and domesticated as a pet. Marlin goes to great lengths to reunite with his boy, proving that dads will stop at nothing to protect their kids.
Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals Rachel Bowie said, "This one is such a hit in our fam! My son is ocean-obsessed and he loves to watch and call out all the sea creatures he knows. Bruce is of course his favorite, being a Great White Shark and all. My six-year-old loves to gloat about how 'not scared' he is during those scenes!"
16. Dad (1989)
Who's in it: Ted Danson, Kathy Baker, Kevin Spacey
Rating: PG
Directed by Gary David Goldberg and based on William Wharton's 1981 novel of the same title, Dad centers around John Tremont (Danson), a businessman who reluctantly decides to care for his father after his mother passes away. But as he bonds with his father, he realizes that he has been neglecting his own son. Consider this one a touching ode to the dads who don't always get it right, but make a genuine effort to be there for their kids.
17. Definitely, Maybe (2008)
Who's in it: Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Derek Luke
Rating: PG-13
Perhaps you’ve asked your dad about the first time he met your mother, but we bet he never told the story quite like this. Will Hayes (Reynolds), who’s in the middle of getting a divorce, decides to tell his daughter the story of how he fell in love with her mother. The only catch? He refuses to use real names, so his daughter has to guess which woman in the story becomes his wife.
18. Parenthood (1989)
Who's in it: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest
Rating: PG-13
Meet the Buckmans, a midwestern family who knows a thing or two about dysfunction. Steve Martin, Joaquin Phoenix, Keanu Reeves and Tom Hulce all star in this feel-good comedy-drama, which follows Gilbert (Martin) and his siblings as they navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. Charming, thoughtful and so relatable, this Oscar-nominated film will give you a deeper appreciation for your own dad.
19. Boyz N the Hood (1991)
Who's in it: Tyra Terrell, Laurence Fishburne, Ice Cube
Rating: R
When Furious Styles’s (Fishburne) son, Tre, moves to inner-city Los Angeles to live with him, Furious works hard to instill the right values, despite living in a crime-filled neighborhood. And fortunately, Tre’s upbringing keeps him out of trouble—but the same can’t be said for his close friends. Thanks to this classic film, which offers a lot of insight into gang culture, violence and racism, director John Singleton became the youngest person and first African American to be nominated for Best Director in 1992.
20. Like Father, Like Son (2013)
Who's in it: Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono, Yoko Maki
Rating: NR
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, this touching Japanese drama follows Ryōta Nonomiya, a successful architect who learns that his biological child was switched at birth. As a result, he and his wife are faced with a life-altering choice: Do they keep the son that they raised, or exchange him for their true son?
Fun fact: When the movie premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, it was met with a ten-minute standing ovation, and Fukuyama, who stars as Ryōta Nonomiya, was moved to tears. So, you may want to keep some tissues nearby.
21. Daddy’s Home (2015)
Who's in it: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini
Rating: PG-13
After starring as a team of detectives in The Other Guys, Ferrell and Wahlberg teamed up again for this laugh-out-loud comedy. In it, Brad Whitaker (Ferrell) is determined to be a good dad to his two stepchildren, but when his wife’s ex-husband, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg), comes back into the picture, it only fuels Brad’s feelings of insecurity. Can he outshine Dusty and finally win the kids’ approval?
FYI, this is Will Ferrell's highest-grossing live-action movie to date. (Yes, even surpassing Elf.)
22. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
Who's in it: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'angelo, Christie Brinkley
Rating: R
Planning family vacations ain’t easy, and the Griswolds totally get the struggle. In an attempt to spend more time with his wife and kids, Clark Griswold (Chase) embarks on a journey to the infamous California amusement park, Walley World. But the journey there turns out to be far from smooth. The movie became such a huge success that it spawned five sequels, including European Vacation and Christmas Vacation.
Mutz said, "I used to love watching National Lampoon's Vacation with my dad. He would just laugh and laugh and laugh at Chevy Chase, which would then make me laugh and laugh and laugh."
23. Taken (2008)
Who's in it: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Maggie Grace
Rating: PG-13
Liam Neeson plays Bryan Mills, a former CIA officer whose 17-year-old daughter, Kim (Grace), gets kidnapped by human traffickers during her trip to Europe. Knowing that she will be auctioned off in a matter of days, Bryan must track her down and rescue her before it’s too late.
The movie has since blossomed into a franchise, including two sequels (Taken 2 and Taken 3) and an NBC thriller series, which ran for two seasons.
24. The Godfather (1972)
Who's in it: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
Rating: R
What better way to ring in Father’s Day than with the Corleone clan? Revisit the famous crime boss and patriarch, Vito Corleone (Brando), and his youngest son, Michael (Pacino), as he follows in his father’s footsteps.
The iconic film revolutionized the gangster genre by introducing more nuanced portrayals of mobsters and offered a more intimate look at Italian immigrant culture. But surprisingly, director Francis Ford Coppola didn't expect his film to become such a hit. He told Variety, “I thought it was going to be a special failure. When you make a film going against the grain of what’s going on at the time, those kind of films are tough. You’re not doing what everyone expects or wants you to do.”
25. Imagine That (2009)
Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Yara Shahidi
Rating: PG
Pre-Grown-ish Yara Shahidi is so charming as Olivia, the young daughter of financial advisor Evan Danielson (Murphy). In a strange twist of fate, Evan learns that his daughter's imaginary friends are the key to his professional success. But as his career takes off, he realizes that it comes at a price he might not be willing to pay. From Evan's heartwarming bond with his daughter to his inspiring character arc, this one will put a smile on any dad's face.
26. Mr. Mom (1983)
Who's in it: Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Ann Jillian
Rating: PG
When Jack (Keaton), an auto engineer, gets laid off during the ‘80s recession, his wife lands a new job, making him, for the first time ever, a stay-at-home dad. With three young kids and zero experience with this new role, Jack struggles to deal with his new responsibilities. Meanwhile, his wife Caroline (Garr) also struggles to blend in at work.
The comedy film led to a sequel TV show, which follows Jack's daughter, Megan Butler, as an adult. Similar to the original film, she heads back to work while her husband stays home to care for their two children.
27. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Who's in it: Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Jane Alexander
Rating: PG
Right after landing a major opportunity at his job, Ted Kramer’s (Hoffman) wife informs him that she’s leaving both him and their son. Left with no other options, Ted sacrifices his career to take care of his son as a single dad. But chaos ensues when his wife returns and demands custody of their child.
At the 52nd Academy Awards, Kramer vs. Kramer led with nine nominations and won five, including Best Picture, Best Director (for Robert Benton), Best Actor (for Hoffman), Best Supporting Actress (for Streep) and Best Adapted Screenplay.
28. Big Fish (2003)
Who's in it: Billy Crudup, Hailey Anne Nelson, Ewan McGregor
Rating: PG-13
You’ll definitely relate to this story if you’ve ever suspected your dad has told some white lies about his past. In the film, a journalist named William travels to Alabama to spend time with his ailing father. While there, he struggles to figure out which parts of his father’s exaggerated stories are truth and which are fiction.
Big Fish hits close to home for director Tim Burton, whose father passed away just three years before the release of the film. Per The Morning Call, Burton said, "I had just lost my dad. He’d been sick. I didn’t really have a close relationship with him, but the last couple of years, we’d made some attempts to connect a little bit."
29. Field of Dreams (1989)
Who's in it: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones
Rating: PG
Ray Kinsella (Costner) is a husband and father who’s haunted by his troubled relationship with his late father, who was a major baseball fan. But when he starts to hear a strange message from a mysterious voice, he’s inspired to build a baseball field right in his backyard. For what it’s worth, the film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
30. Ode to My Father (2014)
Who's in it: Hwang Jung-min, Kim Yoon-jin, Oh Dal-soo, Jung Jin-young
Rating: TV-MA
We see a number of historical events unfold in South Korea through the eyes of Deok-soo (Jung-min), a man who longs to reunite with his missing father and sister after getting separated during the Korean War in 1950. It's a heartwarming tale of bravery and family, and despite mixed reviews, this movie wound up becoming one of the highest-grossing films in South Korea.
31. Fatherhood (2021)
Who's in it: Kevin Hart, Alfre Woodard, Frankie R. Faison, Lil Rel Howery
Rating: PG-13
Inspired by Matthew Logelin's memoir, Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love, this feel-good dramedy follows Matthew (Hart), who becomes a single dad when his wife unexpectedly passes away after welcoming their child. Expect a few chuckle-worthy moments and plenty of parenting fails.
In her review of the film, Greta Heggeness, PureWow's Senior Editor of News & Entertainment, wrote, "Fatherhood has some silly references and a few poorly timed jokes, highlighting parenting fails à la Three Men and a Baby. But overall, it’s definitely more of a drama than a comedy (which I genuinely appreciate, given the plot)."
32. Father of the Year (2018)
Who's in it: David Spade, Nat Faxon, Bridgit Mendler, Joey Bragg, Matt Shively
Rating: TV-MA
What starts as a silly, drunken debate between two college grads spirals into an intense fight between their fathers. If you're down to share some laughs over a silly comedy flick that's so bad it's good, then Father of the Year is your best bet.
Spade told Maxim, “My character’s least fatherly quality is that he’s drunk 24 hours a day. His most fatherly quality is that he actually does care about his son and wants to do right by him and gain respect somehow.”
33. Getting Even With Dad (1994)
Who's in it: Macaulay Culkin, Ted Danson, Glenne Headly, Saul Rubinek
Rating: PG
Culkin is Timmy, the estranged son of a con man who's too occupied with his latest heist to pay him any attention. But Timmy isn't giving up on their relationship that easily. To get his dad’s recognition, he concocts a plan that involves hiding a stash of valuable coins. (Sounds like he and Kevin McCallister would get along.)
34. We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Who's in it: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Maggie Elizabeth Jones
Rating: PG
If you're in need of a family-friendly movie that feels like a cozy blanket, you’ll enjoy We Bought a Zoo. Damon stars as Benjamin, a widowed dad who decides to get a fresh start by purchasing a new home and a zoo.
Regarding Damon's standout performance, Director Cameron Crowe said , "Matt’s a guy that can do drama. He’s that rare guy that makes it look easy...That’s because it’s so hard to be a guy who’s romantic and funny and soulful, and will cry and just say, 'I’m your partner, as an actor, and let’s do all this stuff. And, by the way, I’ll be a great father to these kids in your movie, and I’ll do a scene with a tiger.'”
35. I Am Sam (2002)
Who's in it: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianne Wiest
Rating: PG-13
After he's abandoned by the mother of his child, Sam Dawson, who lives with an intellectual disability, has to raise his daughter as a single father. This thoughtful drama earned Penn an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, and it launched the careers of both Dakota and Elle Fanning.
McKay said, "I've only watched the movie once or twice, but each time, I loved the overall story. Sam Dean is trying to raise his daughter, Lucy, and they have the sweetest relationship!"
36. Like Father (2018)
Who's in it: Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer, Seth Rogen
Rating: R
After her fiancé leaves her at the altar, Rachel decides to spend her honeymoon cruise with her estranged father. As they bond, they develop a newfound appreciation for life—and each other.
Bell told Parade, "Being left at the altar and seeing her father for the first time in 26 years creates a volcano of emotions. She really has all this fury and anger about the abandonment inside her and lets her father have it. Then she is faced with a decision: Is forgiving him going to be healthier for her, or is letting him go?"
37. Coco (2017)
Who's in it: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
Rating: PG
When Miguel, a 12-year-old boy with a passion for music, gets transported to the Land of the Dead, he enlists the help of a homeless skeleton to return home—but not without learning the truth about his great-great-grandfather.
This fun animated fantasy, which was inspired by the Day of the Dead, won Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
38. Liar Liar (1997)
Who's in it: Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz
Rating: PG-13
Fletcher Reede may not be the best dad, but he's one heck of a lawyer. That is, until his son inadvertently puts him under a spell that compels him to always tell the truth.
Jim Carrey's comedic chops are what truly make this movie shine—and I can't tell you how many times I've cried laughing while watching Fletcher try to lie about the color of his pen.
39. The Parent Trap (1998)
Who's in it: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
Rating: PG
While spending time at summer camp, Annie and Hallie meet for the first time and are stunned to find out that they're identical twins. Naturally, the sisters hatch a plan to get their parents back together and decide to switch places. But they've got an issue to resolve first: their dad's gold-digging girlfriend.
"I cannot count the number of times my family has watched The Parent Trap," says PureWow Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. "It's the perfect film: Lindsay Lohan (x2, kinda), Natasha Richardson (RIP), Lisa Ann Walter (thank you to Abbott Elementary for bringing her back to our screens) and the list goes on. All that plus a great soundtrack, swoon-worthy houses and the coolest handshake known to man."
40. Father Figures (2017)
Who's in it: Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Glenn Close
Rating: R
Wilson and Helms star as twin brothers Kyle and Peter Reynolds, who go on a road trip to find their biological father. As they encounter an unlikely mix of guys from their mother's dating history, hilarity ensues.
This marked the directorial debut of Lawrence Sher, who's best known for The Hangover series, Garden State and The Dictator.
41. Double Dad (2021)
Who's in it: Bill Rogers, Maisa Silva, Eduardo Moscovis
Rating: G
While her mom is away, a teenager named Vicenza sneaks out of her home and embarks on an exciting adventure to discover who her father is. The Brazilian film, which was directed by Cris D'Amato, is a fun cross between Mamma Mia! and Eat, Pray, Love.
42. Grown Ups (2010)
Who's in it: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade
Rating: R
Three decades after winning their junior high basketball championship, five childhood friends reunite for a 4th of July weekend while bonding over the challenges of adulthood, from marriage to fatherhood.
While discussing his inspiration for the film, Sandler told Collider, "When you’re around the kids, you feel like you act the most grown up just because you’re supposed to lead. I say things, like every other parent, that reminds you of your own parents. One thing I do know about being a parent, you understand why your father was in a bad mood a lot."
43. It Takes Two (1995)
Who's in it: Kirstie Alley, Andy Tennant, Mary-Kate Olsen, Asley Olsen
Rating: PG-13
Fans of The Parent Trap will appreciate this feel-good rom-com, starring the Olsen twins as two identical strangers named Amanda and Alyssa. The two switch places and play matchmaker for their guardians. The only problem? Alyssa's dad already has a fiancé. (BTW, the title is inspired by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston's popular song of the same name.)
44. Playing Father (2013)
Who's in it: Eddie Cibrian, Josie Davis, Eriq La Salle
Rating: PG
A talented jazz musician takes a new job as a high school music teacher, but it proves to be more challenging than he anticipated. Fortunately, his fatherly instincts kick in when he discovers a young prodigy. If you're like me and you have a soft spot for wholesome movies about inspiring teachers, you need to add this to your queue.
45. Minari (2020)
Who's in it: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho
Rating: PG-13
The Oscar-winning film follows a Korean-American family who moves to Arkansas during the '80s in hopes of achieving the American Dream. The movie features strong performances and tackles themes like family, sacrifice and hope.
Minari scored six Oscar nominations, and Youn Yuh-jung, who plays Soon-ja, made history as the first Korean to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
46. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Who's in it: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett
Rating: R
Murray stars as Steve Zissou, a famed oceanographer who embarks on a mission to kill the mysterious sea creature who ate his best friend. His estranged son, Ned, gets involved and what ensues is a love triangle, pirates and a heist.
PureWow's Associate SEO Editor, Marissa Wu, said, "At the end of the day it's about family. What I love about Wes's films is that families are always dysfunctional, but they're yours."
47. Old Dads (2023)
Who's in it: Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, Bokeem Woodbine
Rating: R
It's no secret that older generations have different parenting styles. And in this fascinating film, three middle-aged dads find themselves struggling to adjust to the more progressive, modernized world of parenting as they raise their kids.
This is Burr's directorial debut, and according to Mike Bertolina, “It’s Bill’s stand-up in a narrative format. You see this progression in him as he’s working on his own issues—most centered around his anger.”
48. Life With Father (1947)
Who's in it: William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor
Rating: G
Inspired by the autobiography of author and cartoonist Clarence Day, Life with Father tells the story of his dad, Clarence Day Sr., who tries to run a tight ship at home with his wife and three sons. However, his efforts ultimately fail, and his wife Vinnie insists that he get baptized.
Life with Father was met with high praise from critics and it earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Powell.
49. The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963)
Who's in it: William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor
Rating: G
Not to be confused with the '60s ABC sitcom, this heartwarming comedy follows young Eddie as he tries to find a new wife for his widowed dad, Tom.
Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the film is based on Mark Toby's 1961 novel. It features a brief appearance by Ron Howard's little brother and fellow actor, Clint Howard. Plus, per IMDB, there's some recycled footage from the 1959 film, North by Northwest.
50. Captain Fantastic (2016)
Who's in it: Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn
Rating: R
After living in total isolation in rural Washington for over a decade, survivalist Ben Cash and his six children are forced to return to society when his wife suddenly dies. Naturally, this proves to be a challenge for his sheltered kids, and Ben has to reconsider his parenting methods.
Mortensen's epic portrayal of Ben earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
