The 50 Best Movies & Films to Watch on Father’s Day

For many, few people have more of an impact on our lives than our fathers. That’s why there’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating everything our dads do for us and all the great memories we’ve made together.

What better way to celebrate than to grab some snacks and a beverage or two and pop on the couch for a relaxing day of movie-watching next to dad? Here’s our list of the 50 best Father’s Day movies to consider queueing up for your pops on Father’s Day.

You can watch tons of these movies right on DIRECTV. Don’t have DIRECTV yet? Let’s fix that.

Top Father’s Day Movies to Watch with Dad

1. ‘The Godfather’

Arguably the most complicated father-son relationship on screen, The Godfather features Marlon Brando as Don Corleone, the head of a crime family who has three very different relationships with his sons: Sonny, Fredo and Michael. Played by Al Pacino, Michael is the youngest of the three and is the most reluctant to join the family business. The film traces his journey to becoming a spitting image of his own father with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

2. ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’

In this iconic sequel to Star Wars: A New Hope, Darth Vader reveals himself as Luke Skywalker’s father in one of the most dramatic moments in film history. Luke, played by Mark Hamill, wrestles with this revelation alongside the growing pressures of his fight against the Empire. The story deepens the complexities of their relationship, highlighted by Vader’s attempts to sway Luke to the dark side of the Force.

3. ‘Black Panther’

In Black Panther, Prince T’Challa, portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman, grapples with the legacy of his father, King T’Chaka, the weight of assuming his mantle. The film explores the profound influence T’Chaka’s past actions have on T’Challa’s own reign as king of Wakanda when a threat from the past emerges to challenge his claim to the throne. It’s a narrative of paternal expectations and the weight of the crown, as T’Challa strives to forge his path as both a king and a son.

4. ‘Road to Perdition’

Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, a mob hitman who embarks on a path of revenge while protecting his son, Michael Sullivan Jr., in Road to Perdition. The film navigates their tense yet evolving relationship, underpinned by secrets, survival and a father’s desperate hope for his son’s better future away from his own violent life.

5. ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’

The third entry in the Indiana Jones franchise introduces Indy’s father, Henry Jones Sr., played by Sean Connery. The film is as much an adventure as a reconciliation journey between father and son, who have been estranged for years but must join forces once more to race the Nazi’s to find the Holy Grail. Their mutual quest to find the Grail becomes a backdrop for resolving past misunderstandings and strengthening familial bonds.

6. ‘Finding Nemo’

This heartwarming tale follows Marlin, an overprotective clownfish father who traverses the ocean to find his son, Nemo, after he is abducted by fishermen. Marlin’s journey is filled with challenges and allies, reflecting his deep love and dedication. It’s a story of trust and letting go as Nemo also learns to navigate his own trials while in captivity.

7. ‘The Lion King’

Young lion prince Simba’s relationship with his father, Mufasa, sets the stage for this beloved animated film. Simba just can’t wait to be king, but after a tragic betrayal, he learns the true, devastating cost that title carries. Simba flees, haunted by his father’s legacy and a brooding, manipulative uncle’s scheming. His eventual return to claim his rightful place on Pride Rock is a poignant tale of redemption and understanding the true meaning of responsibility.

8. ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

Robin Williams stars as Daniel Hillard, a father who creates an elaborate disguise as a British nanny to be closer to his children amidst a bitter custody battle in Mrs. Doubtfire. The film blends raucous humor with the serious undertones of a father’s fight to stay involved in his children’s lives amid the end of his marriage, showcasing the lengths he will go to for love and family.

9. ‘Real Steel’

In this futuristic world of robot boxing, Hugh Jackman’s character, a former boxer, reconnects with his estranged son as they build a mechanical contender for the robot boxing championship in a journey of redemption that illustrates how shared dreams and challenges can mend fractured bonds.

10. ‘The Rookie’

Based on a true story, The Rookie stars Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris, a high school science teacher and coach who makes an unexpected entrance into professional baseball at the age of 35. His journey is spurred by a promise to his young team, reflecting themes of perseverance and the inspirational role a father figure can play in encouraging others to achieve their dreams.

11. ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’

Gene Hackman stars as Royal Tenenbaum, an eccentric father who tries to reconnect with his estranged children after years of absence, in The Royal Tenenbaums. The film explores his quirky attempts at redemption and the complex relationships with his three uniquely talented children, showcasing themes of familial reconciliation and the impact of a father’s earlier neglect.

12. ‘Big Daddy’

Adam Sandler plays lazy law school graduate Sonny Koufax, who unexpectedly becomes a caretaker to a young boy named Julian. Although not the boy’s biological father (that’s his roommate, Kevin), Sonny’s unconventional parenting methods bring humor and heart to the screen, as he begins to understand the responsibilities of fatherhood and turns his life around.

13. ‘Click’

Busy dad Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) navigates the challenges of balancing a successful career and raising a family with the help of a magical universal remote that controls time, allowing him to simply press pause. The story emphasizes the consequences of neglecting family for work and the realization of the importance of every moment spent with loved ones, especially his children.

14. ‘Back to the Future’

In this iconic time-travel adventure, Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, is taken to the past by the eccentric Dr. Emmett Brown and interacts with his parents, accidentally altering his father’s personality. The film cleverly uses time travel to explore father-son dynamics and the influence a son can have on his father’s confidence and life trajectory. If Marty fails to reunite his parents in the past, he’ll cease to exist in the future!

15. ‘Field of Dreams’

Kevin Costner stars as Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield, inspired by a mysterious voice that tells him, memorably, that “If you build it, they will come.” This heartfelt story culminates in a dreamlike game of catch with his late father, exploring themes of reconciliation, redemption and the enduring connection between father and son through the love of baseball.

16. ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’

Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a single father struggling with homelessness while raising his son (played by Jaden Smith) and pursuing a career in stockbroking. The film is a poignant portrayal of a true story of perseverance and paternal love, highlighting the sacrifices a father is willing to make for his child’s happiness and future against all odds. Gardner went on to secure his future in stockbroking and become a well-known philanthropist.

17. ‘The Karate Kid’

Daniel LaRusso, terrorized by bullies after moving to a new city, forms a transformative relationship with Mr. Miyagi, an elderly Japanese man who becomes his karate instructor. While not a biological father-son relationship, Mr. Miyagi’s mentorship fills a paternal role that Danny desperately needs, teaching him not only martial arts but also important life lessons as he trains to avenge his victimization by the local bully gang.

18. ‘October Sky’

Based on a true story, October Sky centers on a boy from a coal mining town who dreams of building rockets. His journey is marked by the tough love of his father, who has different aspirations for him. The film explores their tense yet supportive relationship, reflecting on how a father’s expectations can both challenge and motivate a child.

19. ‘Billy Elliot’

Set against the backdrop of a miners’ strike in England, this film tells the story of a young boy, Billy, whose passion for ballet conflicts with his widowed father’s traditional views. It’s a touching narrative about understanding and acceptance as his father eventually supports Billy’s aspirations, symbolizing a father’s love transcending societal norms.

20. ‘Big Fish’

Edward Bloom, played by Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney at different ages, is a father known for his tall tales. The film explores his son’s attempt to unravel the truth behind these fantastical stories as Edward’s life draws to a close, highlighting themes of understanding and reconciliation between father and son.

21. ‘Little Miss Sunshine’

This film follows a dysfunctional family on a road trip to a children’s beauty pageant. The father, Richard, struggles with his own professional failures while trying to support his daughter’s unconventional ambitions, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of overcoming familial turmoil to support a child’s dreams against all odds.

22. ‘The Birdcage’

Robin Williams stars as Armand, a gay nightclub owner whose son (from a previous heterosexual relationship) announces his engagement to the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician in the iconic film The Birdcage. The film humorously and touchingly explores the dynamics of a non-traditional family as they navigate societal expectations and familial bonds.

23. ‘Father of the Bride’

Steve Martin plays George Banks, a loving but overprotective father who struggles with the impending marriage of his daughter. The film comically depicts his attempts to come to terms with letting go, reflecting on a father’s love and the difficulties of seeing his child grow up.

24. ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’

Think you got a big family? How about twelve kids? In this family comedy, Steve Martin again takes on the role of a father, this time managing a household of twelve. The film explores the chaos and love of a large family, focusing on the challenges and rewards of balancing individual attention with collective needs.

25. ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Tevye, a poor Jewish father and milkman, navigates the challenges of maintaining his cultural traditions while dealing with the strong wills of his daughters, who wish to marry for love. The film is a poignant exploration of a father’s struggle between preserving traditions and supporting his children’s happiness.

26. ‘We Bought a Zoo’

Benjamin Mee, a widowed father, buys a dilapidated zoo in hopes of healing his family. This true story explores themes of starting over and the healing power of care and dedication, both in the context of the zoo and within the fractured family.

27. ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’

Chevy Chase plays the iconic Clark Griswold, a father who is determined to have a perfect family vacation despite numerous comical setbacks. The film is an exaggerated look at the trials and joys of family trips and a dedicated father’s desire to create perfect memories with his family.

28. ‘Three Men and a Baby’

Three Men and a Baby features three bachelors who are unexpectedly tasked with caring for a baby girl. The story highlights their transformation from carefree single men to loving, protective caretakers, reflecting on the unexpected ways fatherhood can change a person.

29. ‘Parenthood’

Parenthood examines the diverse parenting styles of a large family. With Steve Martin leading as the well-intentioned but often anxious father, this film explores the pressures and rewards of parenthood through multiple generations and family dynamics.

30. ‘Daddy Day Care’

Eddie Murphy stars as Charlie Hinton, a father who opens a day care with his friend after losing his job. The film humorously explores the trials of parenting and daycare management, highlighting the bond between fathers and their children and the insights gained from spending more time with them.

31. ‘Mamma Mia!’

This iconic musical features a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father by inviting three of her mother’s past loves to her wedding. The story playfully explores themes of family, identity and the bonds that form through shared history and music.

32. ‘Taken’

Liam Neeson plays Bryan Mills, a former spy whose daughter is kidnapped while traveling in Europe. This action-packed thriller centers on his relentless pursuit to save her, emphasizing this father’s very particular set of skills and his determination in the face of his worst fears for his child’s safety.

33. ‘The Judge’

Robert Downey Jr. stars as a successful lawyer who returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral only to discover that his estranged father, a judge, is suspected of murder. The film delves into their complicated relationship, exploring themes of redemption, understanding and the unspoken bonds of family.

34. ‘Elf’

This iconic Christmas comedy stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves who travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his biological father. The film humorously and touchingly explores the themes of identity and belonging as the eccentric Buddy integrates into his newfound father’s life in an unfamiliar environment. Jump on your Narwhal and head for the living room. You won’t want to pass this one over.

35. ‘Interstellar’

Matthew McConaughey plays Cooper, a pilot and engineer turned farmer who leaves Earth—and his children — to find humanity a new home as Earth degrades. An epic watch set to an equally epic soundtrack, the film deeply explores the sacrifices made for the greater good and the personal toll it takes, especially in the poignant relationship between Cooper and his daughter, Murph.

36. ‘Daddy’s Home’

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg play the roles of stepfather and biological father, respectively, competing bitterly for the affection of their children. The comedy explores the dynamics of blended families and the extents to which fathers will go to prove their love.

37. ‘The Incredibles’

This animated film follows a family of superheroes with the father, Mr. Incredible, struggling to balance heroic duties with family life. The film reflects on the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, including protecting and nurturing one’s family while pursuing personal aspirations.

38. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’

The sequel to the hit film Guardians of the Galaxy, this Marvel film explores the backstory of Peter Quill/Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt, focusing on his relationship with his biological father Ego, a living planet with a sinister plan. The film combines action and humor to explore themes of parental expectation, betrayal and the meaning of family.

39. ‘The Adam Project’

Ryan Reynolds plays a time-traveling fighter pilot who teams up with his younger self and his late father to save the future. The film blends sci-fi action with emotional moments, focusing on reconciling and understanding the complexities of familial relationships and trauma.

40. ‘Hustle’

Hustle stars Adam Sandler as a down-on-his-luck basketball scout who discovers a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad. While not directly focusing on his own family, the film portrays a father-figure role as he mentors the young player, highlighting themes of redemption and the paternal form of encouragement and support in sports.

41. ‘Ad Astra’

Brad Pitt plays Roy McBride, an astronaut who travels across the solar system to find his father and unravel a mystery that threatens human existence. The film delves into their estranged relationship, exploring the emotional and psychological impacts of following in one’s father’s footsteps and the quest for reconciliation.

42. ‘King Richard’

Telling the story of legendary tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams from the perspective of their father, this biopic portrays Richard Williams’ dedication to coaching and transforming his daughters into tennis superstars. The film highlights his rigorous methods and unwavering belief in his daughters’ potential, emphasizing the impact of paternal ambition and support on their successful careers.

43. ‘The Road’

This post-apocalyptic drama features a father-son duo, played by Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, as they travel across a devastated landscape. The story is a grim testament to a father’s determination to protect his son at all costs, highlighting the depths of paternal love amidst despair and chaos.

44. ‘Onward’

In this animated adventure, two elf brothers embark on a quest to spend one last day with their deceased father, using magic to temporarily bring him back to life. The film explores their journey of brotherly bonding and the quest to reconnect with their father, emphasizing the lasting influence of a parent even after they are gone.

45. ‘Definitely, Maybe’

Ryan Reynolds plays a father who recounts his romantic past to his daughter, trying to help her understand his impending divorce. The film uses a storytelling framework to explore relationships and understanding, showcasing a father’s effort to connect with his daughter through stories of his life.

46. ‘Father of the Year’

When two college graduates debate which of their fathers would win in a fight, an outrageous and hilarious series of events ensues when one of the fathers takes the challenge seriously. It humorously explores the extents of paternal pride and competitiveness.

47. ‘Coco’

In this vibrant animated film, young Miguel uncovers the stories of his ancestors in the Land of the Dead, learning about his great-great-grandfather’s ambitions and the real story behind his family’s ban on music. The film celebrates cultural heritage, family bonds, and the reconciliation between past and present generations. This film is simply “poco loco!”

48. ‘The Parent Trap’

This classic family film involves twin sisters separated at birth who reunite at summer camp and switch places to meet their respective estranged parent. The story unfolds as they hatch a plot to bring their divorced parents back together, highlighting the daughters’ ingenuity and the parents’ rediscovery of their love.

49. ‘Father Figures’

This comedy follows two brothers who discover that their mother has been lying about their father’s death. They embark on a road trip to find their real father, encountering multiple potential candidates and exploring various aspects of fatherhood and family secrets.

50. ‘Grown Ups’

Grown Ups follows a group of old friends who reunite after the death of their basketball coach, bringing together their families. The film humorously tackles the challenges and joys of parenthood as they reminisce about their youth and deal with their own kids, reflecting on the transition from being carefree youths to responsible parents.

Watch Father’s Day Movies on DIRECTV

You can catch these films and other great Father’s Day flicks on DIRECTV. Start watching today!