Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like fathers. Since the 1970’s, fathers have appeared in unforgettable movies. Whether it’s gangster fathers, divorced dads or struggling stockbrokers, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the massive number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite movies about fathers that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Godfather
Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather admiring gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with grim gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. An offer that he simply couldn’t refuse, my grandfather loved spending time with dark gangsters that shaped his worldviews. Through his lifelong love for gangsters, my grandfather inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that loved dark gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about fathers. With the greatest film of his career, Coppola used innovative cinematic techniques to capture gangsters facing despair. Coppola has always had aptitude for making movies about fathers, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Coppola effectively used montages to capture gangster fathers struggling to raise families facing disaster. For instance, the scene in which Don Corleone breaks down in tears seeing the dead body of Sonny lamenting how gangs have killed his son causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who embodied a gangster facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite father film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about cold-blooded gangsters, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about gangsters given an offer they can’t refuse, it’s a commemorated reminder of a genre that has manufactured timeless films transforming the views of fathers that deserve to be talked about in headline news.
2. The Place Beyond the Pines
Fathers are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I can remember, I have always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. I have always appreciated sacrifices he has made in raising my family. His inspiring words of wisdom motivated me to pursue film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured roles fathers play in lives of children facing declines as powerfully as “The Place Beyond the Pines”. Released in 2013, Derek Cianfrance’s movie captured the lives of fathers committing crimes impacting children. Cianfrance used captivating montages to capture fathers bonding with their sons. For instance, the scene in which Luke takes his baby son to have ice cream before his death causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ryan Gosling, who portrays a conflicted father committing crimes to provide for his son. Ultimately, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” a masterpiece is its bravery. The film takes huge risks in storytelling that pay off tremendously. A powerful portrait of the larger-than-life roles desperate fathers play in shaping children’s fate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness
Unemployment is a tense situation that can affect fathers’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a stable profession, he struggled to take care of his children. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie honoured the true story of a father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Will Smith, who embodies a father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies contributing to greater awareness of sacrifices made by fathers in business.
4. Kramer V. Kramer
Fathers that file for divorce often face tension. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience a divorce causing sorrow. A drastic decision, the divorce left my cousins heartbroken. They drifted apart from a beloved father that had once held a special place in their heart. As someone that has seen divorce causing fathers to face disaster, I adored “Kramer V. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured impact of divorce on a father. The film forever changed the genre by becoming one of the first films to address impact of divorce on fathers. Benton uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the bond between a divorced father and his son. For instance, the scene in which Ted rushes his son to the hospital after he faces an accident causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who portrays a heartbroken father facing divorce tension. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer V. Kramer” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of fathers facing a broken marriage, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre that has made movies with a meaningful message.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher always loved dearly. I remember my teacher adored a classic book about racism that he considered timeless literature. Fond of Atticus, he would love to discuss a book about lawyers that were courageous. Fatherhood has always been a crucial theme in the book with Atticus Finch being a father figure that’s inspiring. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the classic book about fathers seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book to the big-screen through dramatic monologues. For instance, the scene in which Atticus spends time with Scout on the porch teaching her valuable lessons about life during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who created one of the most inspirational fathers in literary history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic film is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the book to appreciate its strong themes of fatherhood. As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
6. Aftersun
Fathers often face tension providing for children. Being a father comes with a great deal of responsibility that can impact a person. Fathers are often under pressure to be caregivers. Mental health issues faced by fathers struggling to raise children are depicted in the film “Aftersun”. Released in 2022, Charlotte Wells’ movie captured mental health struggles of fathers facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Aftersun” stand out is its strong depiction of mental health. Wells uses silence to capture fathers that are impacted by depression. Assisted by Paul Mescal who is phenomenal in the lead role, Wells created a fantastic film about depressed fathers. As strong as Sophie’s bond with her father, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences treasure.
7. Boyhood
Fathers’ relationships with children change over time. As they grow older, their relationships driven by wisdom often become more mature. The roles fathers play in lives of kids over time throughout childhood is beautifully depicted in Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age movie depicted fathers growing up over 12 years. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its innovative technique. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over 12 years captures evolution of fathers. Assisted by Ethan Hawke who is amazing in the lead role, Linklater creates a portrait of fatherhood that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of fathers guiding kids in childhood, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are treasured in Hollywood.
8. Dangal
When it comes to the most inspiring wrestlers in Indian history, it’s worth discussing Mahavir Singh. A world-famous Indian athelete, Singh raised his daughters to become wrestlers. Through his dedication, Singh earned recognition. In 2016, Nitesh Tiwari honoured the inspirational Indian wrestler in his movie “Dangal”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dangal” stand out is its depiction of fathers in India. Tiwari uses captivating montages to capture a father raising his daughters to become wrestlers. Assisted by Aamir Khan who is amazing in the lead role, Tiwari honoured a renowned Indian wrestling father. An incredible tribute towards an Indian father that changed wrestling, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating.
9. The Father
Memory loss is a painful process that causes stress. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. She had a tendency to become forgetful being unable to remember things which were crucial. As someone witnessing his grandmother suffer memory loss, I adored “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s movie captured impact of memory loss on an aging father. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Father” stand out is its depiction of mental disorders. Zeller uses unreliable narration to capture a father facing mental disorientation. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is amazing in the lead role, Zeller created a powerful portrait of fathers. A dazzling depiction of fathers with Dementia, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made meaningful movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
10. The Shining
Few movies ever made about abusive fathers are as frightening as “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has become a horror classic. Kubrick used captivating foreshadowing to capture a frightening father terrorizing his family. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Kubrick honoured a classic book. Although I have always been a huge fan of the movie, its depiction of abusive fathers has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an abusive father that threatens his family has forever destroyed its legacy. Nevertheless, the film remains a shining addition to the genre. As strong as Jack’s desire to escape isolation, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about fathers that face tension which I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 