It's Father's Day soon and the cinemas are far from being open so we've come up with a list of films you can watch with your dad in the comfort of your own home!
The films on this listicle have significant fatherly roles or storylines that is relevant to our Father's Day theme. From dramas to comedies and thrillers to even a zombie film? We've got something for everyone here.
Do note that these films are merely suggestions and how you choose to stream/watch the film is beyond our control and we do not wish to be held accountable for your viewing choices. Also, if you're not pleased with our choices, you may take it up with our writer in the comment section below.
There will be spoilers. You have been warned.
#10 Cargo
Yes, you saw that right. We are starting off our list with a zombie film! Amid a terrifying pandemic, a father searches the wilds of Australia for someone willing to protect and care for his infant daughter.
You might think it’s unusual for a post-apocalyptic horror drama to feature a father figure relevant enough to make it on our list, but you’ll understand when you see Martin Freeman’s performance as said father, going out of his way to protect his baby from harm.
Peak dad moment: When Andy prepares himself for his zombie transformation by placing a guard in his mouth, binding his wrists, and wrapping meat on a stick to prevent himself from biting his infant child.
Best dad quote in the film:
Look after her for me, okay? 'Cause I'm going now. Look after her. Will you do that for me, mita?
- Andy Rose
Cargo is available for your viewing pleasure on Netflix.
#9 Hearts Beat Loud
If you love music and you love your dad then this musical dramedy is just for you!
Hearts Beat Loud is a comedy-drama music film that follows a Brooklyn record store owner who tries to convince his daughter to start a band with him when a song they recorded goes viral. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons play the father-daughter musical duo Frank and Sam Fisher in this pleasantly chill film.
Peak dad moment: When Frank proudly announces it's his band and daughter's music playing on the speakers in a cafe.
Best dad quote in the film:
Do you know how many people will kill to have even an ounce of talent that you have? This is not something that you just give up when all of this is happening.
- Frank Fisher
The film is currently not available on any accessible streaming platforms in Singapore at the moment but you can check out its equally fire soundtrack on Spotify!
#8 Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Boy is a biographical film based on the memoirs Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff and Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff. Academy Award nominees Steve Carrell and Timothee Chalamet play real-life father and son David and Nic Sheff respectively.
The core narrative of the film is David Sheff’s undying love and support for his son and his journey in helping him overcome his addiction. If you’re a fan of either actors, you’ll love to know that they truly commit to their performances in this film.
Peak dad moment(s): Every time David Sheff is at Nic's beck and call when he relapses, always ready to provide love and support.
Best dad quote in the film:
There are moments that I look at him, this kid that I raised, who I thought I knew inside and out, and I wonder who he is. He’s been doing all sorts of drugs, but he’s addicted to crystal meth, which seems, uh, to be the worst of all of them. And I guess I’m here because I just want to know all that I can about all of it. Know your enemies, right? So, my two big questions are, what is it doing to him, and what can I do to help him?
- David Sheff
Beautiful Boy is not available on any accessible streaming platforms in Singapore but you may borrow the audiobook here.
#7 Ford v Ferrari
There are a lot of topics that are related to father-son bonding time but if there was anything that stands out most, it would probably be cars and sports. Next up on our list is recent Academy Award nominatee Ford v Ferrari, an American sports drama film directed by James Mangold.
Ford v Ferrari follows a determined team of American engineers and designers, led by automotive designer Carroll Shelby and his British driver, Ken Miles, who are dispatched by Henry Ford II and Lee Iacocca with the mission of building the Ford GT40, a new racing car with the potential to finally defeat the perennially dominant Ferrari racing team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
Now while a father-son storyline isn’t the main focus of Ford v Ferrari, there are little moments in the film between Ken Miles and his son that represent what having a father as your role model feels like.
Peak dad moment: When Ken Miles and his son Peter sit in the peaceful quiet, staring out at a race track.
Best dad quote in the film:
If you’re going to push a piece of machinery to the limit, and expect it to hold together, you have to have some sense of where that limit is.
- Ken Miles
Ford v Ferrari is available for rent and purchase on AppleTV (under the title Le Mans 66).
#6 Taken
At the mention of ‘protective father’, Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills from the Taken franchise is sure to be one of the top names on the list of answers. What other way can we honour that than to have his debut film represented on our list.
2008’s Taken is an English-language French action thriller film starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Katie Cassidy, Leland Orser, and Holly Valance. Neeson plays Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative who sets about tracking down his teenage daughter Kim (Grace) and her best friend Amanda (Cassidy) after the two girls are kidnapped by Albanian human traffickers while traveling in France during a vacation.
Peak dad moment(s): does hurting every bad man in the process of finding his one and only daughter count?
Best dad quote in the film:
That's like telling water not to be wet, sweetie.
- Bryan Mills' response to his daughter telling him not to worry
Taken is not available on any streaming platforms in Singapore but you can find its sequels Taken 2 and Taken 3 on Netflix if you're still looking to see Bryan Mills in action.
#5 The Lion King (1994)
Many might disregard animated films as being children’s movies but if you look past that, you’ll realise that there are messages in them that even adults can take away from.
Disney’s 32nd animated feature film, The Lion King, was widely regarded when it was first released in 1994. The iconic scene where Mufasa falls to his death is still highly discussed and talked about to this day. There are many things that keep this film relevant (we'd have to write a whole other article on it!), so we’ll be damned if we left it off our list.
The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands; however, after Simba's paternal uncle Scar murders Mufasa, Simba is manipulated into thinking he was responsible and flees into exile. After growing up in the company of the carefree outcasts Timon and Pumbaa, Simba receives valuable perspective from his childhood friend, Nala, and his shaman, Rafiki, before returning to challenge Scar to end his tyranny and take his place in the Circle of Life as the rightful King.
Peak dad moment(s): When Mufasa has heart to heart talks with Simba, even after he's gone.
Best dad quote in the film:
Remember who you are.
- Mufasa
Bonus points for it being said in James Earl Jones' voice?
The film is not available on any streaming platforms in Singapore due to the impending rise of Disney+ around the world. Here's hoping it reaches us soon!
#4 About Time
Now before you have a throw down with us over the choice of this film being picked for this list, we’ll have you know that despite its sell as a rom-com drama film starring Rachel McAdams, there is a very relevant father-son subplot that is the true heart of the film. If anything, the romance in the film is the secondary storyline.
About Time is about a young man with the ability to time travel who tries to change his past in hopes of improving his future. At the age of 21, the young man Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) learns from his father James (Bill Nighy) that the men of his family have the secret ability to travel back in time, to moments they have lived before. This secret is something the two share and bond over.
Peak dad father-son moment: When Tim travels to the past to visit his dad whenever he misses him.
Best dad quote in the film:
Life's a mixed bag, no matter who you are.
- James Lake
About Time is available for rent and purchase on AppleTV.
#3 The Godfather
We wouldn’t dare commit the crime (heh) of leaving one of the greatest films of all-time off our list, especially not when it literally has the word ‘father’ in its title!
The Godfather tells a story spanning from 1945 to 1955, the chronicles of the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). It focuses on the transformation of one of his sons, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss.
Peak dad moment(s): Vito Corleone will stop at nothing to serve the interests of those under his protection. Remember what he did when his godson wanted a role in a film but was told he couldn't get the part? Yeah, who'd forget.
Best dad quote in the film:
You cannot say "no" to the people you love, not often. That's the secret. And then when you do, it has to sound like a "yes" or you have to make them say "no." You have to take time and trouble.
- Vito Corleone
The Godfather is available on Netflix, along with Godfather II and Godfather III. Do we see a Godfather marathon happening?
#2 The Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness is a biographical drama film about Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. Life is a struggle for the single father. Evicted from their apartment, him and his young son find themselves alone with no place to go. Eventhough Chris eventually lands a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position pays no money. The pair must live in shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a better life for himself and his son.
Jaden Smith made his film debut when he starred as Gardner’s son, Christopher Jr. while Will Smith who portrayed the senior Gardner was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his work. We’re not saying this film is higher on the list because it stars real-life father and son duo giving us a seamless chemistry performance, but we’re not not saying that either.
Get ready your tissues for this one, you’re in for an emotional ride.
Peak dad moment: When Chris Gardner plays make belief with his son in the station before they retreat to the toilet to spend the night.
Best dad quote in the film:
You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.
- Chris Gardner
The Pursuit of Happyness is available for rent and purchase on AppleTV.
#1 Finding Nemo
Didn’t we say not to disregard animated films? Bet you didn’t see this one coming but we stand by our choice of presenting you with our number one pick for this list, Finding Nemo. It's wholesome, it's an easy-watch, it's got laughter, it's got tears, it's for viewers of all ages - what more can you ask for?
Finding Nemo tells the story of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin, who, along with a regal blue tang named Dory searches for his missing son Nemo. Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and comes to terms with Nemo taking care of himself.
Bryan Mills has nothing on Marlin the clownfish when it comes to going to the ends of the earth for your child.
Peak dad moment(s): When Marlin leaves the Great Barrier Reef and travels to Sydney - overcoming every roadblock and hurdle thrown his way - to find his only son.
Best dad quote in the film:
There, there, there. It's OK. Daddy's here. Daddy's got you. I promise, I will never let anything happen to you.... Nemo.
- Marlin
The film is still available on HBO GO for your viewing. What are you waiting for? Just keep swimming hit that play button and enjoy!
Honourable Mention: Logan
Just like how Logan got his sendoff film, we felt compelled to include him in our list too.
Logan follows an aged Wolverine and an extremely ill Charles Xavier who defend a young mutant named Laura from the villainous Reavers led by Donald Pierce and Zander Rice.
When you think of Logan/Wolverine, you wouldn’t think of him as a father figure type even though he’s proven to care for some of his younger fellow X-Men before (see: Kitty Pryde). In this film, we get to see a different side of the titular character.
Peak dad moment: Not necessarily a 'dad moment' but the moment he realises Laura can speak and they have a screaming back and forth in the car, that's when we know they've finally bonded.
Best dad quote in the film:
You’re going to have to learn how to live with (hurting people).
- Logan
The film is currently available for rent and purchase on AppleTV.
Not satisfied with our list? Sound it off in the comments below and let us know which films you'd pick instead!