Some of us grew up watching movies with our dads. Some of us are just starting to.
Maybe it was action flicks on weekend nights. Maybe it was cartoons we didn’t even realize he liked. Maybe he fell asleep halfway through—but he was always there.
This list is more than just about cinema. It’s about connection. Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day, patching things up, or just looking for an excuse to hang out, these movies offer a little bit of everything: laughter, heartache, bonding, and joy.
So grab a seat, pass the popcorn, and let’s pick a story worth sharing.
These are some of the best movies to watch with your dad—and maybe see him a little differently by the end.
For the Emotional Bond: Best Father & Child Stories
Finding Nemo (2003)
Director: Andrew Stanton • Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres
This Pixar classic is more than just a fish tale—it’s one of the most heartfelt movies to watch with your dad. When little Nemo is captured, Marlin (Brooks) crosses the ocean to find him, learning that love often means letting go.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Director: Gabriele Muccino • Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith
In this powerful dad-son movie, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) struggles through homelessness while raising his young son. It’s raw, inspiring, and one of the best Father’s Day movies for real-life impact.
Beautiful Boy (2018)
Director: Felix Van Groeningen • Cast: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet
Based on a true story, this drama follows a father (Carell) coping with his son’s addiction. A sobering but necessary portrait of love, relapse, and resilience—a deeper dive for Father’s Day viewing.
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Director: Matt Ross • Cast: Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay
An off-grid dad raising six kids suddenly faces societal expectations. Mortensen delivers a stirring performance in this intellectual and emotional Father’s Day movie about ideals, grief, and growing up.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Director: Robert Benton • Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep
This Oscar-winning drama about a father fighting for custody in a post-divorce world is timeless. It’s one of the original father-son movies that questioned gender roles and parental love.
For Laughs & Feel-Good Vibes: Comedies With Heart
Father of the Bride (1991)
Director: Charles Shyer • Cast: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton
A light-hearted look at a dad struggling to let go as his daughter prepares to marry. With Steve Martin in peak form, this is a good movie to watch with your dad that delivers laughs and warmth.
Big Daddy (1999)
Director: Dennis Dugan • Cast: Adam Sandler, Cole & Dylan Sprouse
What happens when a slacker suddenly becomes a dad? Chaos, growth, and unexpected tenderness. Sandler shows heart behind the humor in this beloved comedy classic.
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Director: Steve Carr • Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin
Murphy and Garlin open a daycare after being laid off. The result? A mess of diapers and a whole lot of heart. Perfect for nostalgic dads and young kids alike.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Director: Chris Columbus • Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field
In this wildly inventive Father’s Day movie, a devoted dad disguises himself as a nanny to stay close to his children. Robin Williams is unforgettable—equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.
Definitely, Maybe (2008)
Director: Adam Brooks • Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin
A single dad tells his daughter about his past loves, and she tries to figure out who her mom is. It’s clever, emotional, and surprisingly tender—a rare rom-com fit for the whole family.
For the Timeless Legacy: Classic Fatherhood Films
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Director: Robert Mulligan • Cast: Gregory Peck
Atticus Finch is the moral compass of cinematic fatherhood. This literary adaptation remains one of the most powerful and socially resonant movies to watch on Father’s Day.
Field of Dreams (1989)
Director: Phil Alden Robinson • Cast: Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones
“If you build it, he will come.” A love letter to baseball, fatherhood, and second chances—bring tissues.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Director: Frank Capra • Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed
Though not strictly a father-child tale, George Bailey’s devotion to family and sacrifice make it a Father’s Day favorite across generations.
Paper Moon (1973)
Director: Peter Bogdanovich • Cast: Ryan O’Neal, Tatum O’Neal
This black-and-white road dramedy stars a real-life father-daughter duo as Depression-era con artists. Sharp, witty, and full of heart.
For the Action Dads: Bonds Built Through Battle
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Director: Steven Spielberg • Cast: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery
Adventure meets reconciliation when Indy teams up with his estranged father. It’s escapist fun with just enough emotional punch to qualify as a best father and son movie.
Logan (2017)
Director: James Mangold • Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dafne Keen
A brutal and beautiful send-off for Wolverine. Logan protects a young mutant who might be his daughter, adding depth to the action in one of the most powerful modern dad son movies.
Taken (2008)
Director: Pierre Morel • Cast: Liam Neeson
“You don’t mess with my kid.” Liam Neeson created a new father-hero archetype in this relentless thriller. Intense, cathartic, and still a crowd-pleaser.
The Game Plan (2007)
Director: Andy Fickman • Cast: Dwayne Johnson “The Rock” , Madison Pettis
A tough football star finds out he has a daughter. Cue the emotional touchdown. It’s silly, sweet, and great for a light-hearted Father’s Day movie night.
Bonus Round: Animation With Emotional Depth
Onward (2020)
Director: Dan Scanlon • Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt
Two elf brothers attempt to bring back their late father for one day. Funny, poignant, and filled with Pixar’s signature emotional gut-punch.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Directors: Persichetti, Ramsey, Rothman • Cast: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson
Not your typical father and son movie, but packed with themes of mentorship, legacy, and identity. A visual feast with emotional weight.
What is Dad’s Choice?
Watching a movie with your dad is more than just catching up—it’s a fond memory. Something to remember; a silent nod during a dramatic scene, a shared laugh at a dumb joke, or a post-movie debate that turns into a real conversation, these moments are the ones that stay with us.
And Fatherhood, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can be tough, tender, awkward, or heroic. The movies on this list reflect that—and so much more. So go on, say “I love you, Dad”, sit beside him and press play.













