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 fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I developed relationships with a grandfather appreciating gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. An offer he couldn’t refuse, my grandfather loved spending time with gangsters influencing worldviews. Few films I’ve seen have captured roles fathers play in gangster families facing danger as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about dads. With the greatest film of his career, Coppola used innovative cinematic techniques to capture fathers struggling to raise gangster families facing despair. Coppola has always had aptitude for making great movies about fathers in danger, 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 film about dads of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated today, it tackled commemorated themes that everyone would relate to.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 produced memorable films changing the worldviews 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, my dad has motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. I have always appreciated the big sacrifices he has made in raising my family. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that helped me cope with declines in life, I adored “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 well. A powerful portrait of the strong roles desperate fathers play in shaping children’s fate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made 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 profession, he struggled to take care of his children. His inability to find a stable job affecting his responsibility to care for family. 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 commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies contributing to greater awareness of sacrifices made by fathers in business.
4. Ordinary People
Family tragedy can often cause fathers to face depression. Several years ago, my father faced grief when my uncle passed away causing sorrow. His devastating death left my father emotionally affected. No matter how hard he tried, my father couldn’t cope with the loss of a relative that tragically died. As someone that has seen fathers impacted by loss that is painful, I adored “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured fathers affected by a family tragedy. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture a father haunted by the heartbreaking loss of a loved one causing depression. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a strong performance by Donald Sutherland, who embodied a father unable to overcome loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” an extraordinary film is its message. The film delivers a bold message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of painful grief faced by fathers mourning loss of ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre making memorable films audiences consider special.
5. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a painful process that often puts fathers under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience a divorce causing sorrow. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing damage. 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. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A fantastic portrait of fathers that experience a broken marriage, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies with a meaningful message.
6. To Kill a Mockingbird
When it comes to the best books ever written about fathers seeking to be heard, it’s worth discussing To Kill a Mockingbird. Since its publication in 1960, Harper Lee’s book has become a literary classic. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the iconic book about fathers in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” stand out is its depiction of lawyers. Mulligan uses captivating montages capturing obstacles fathers defending innocent convicts in segregation are facing. Assisted by Gregory Peck who is exceptional in the lead role, Mulligan honoured a legendary book’s legacy. As strong as Atticus’ relationship with Scout, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. The Shining
Few films ever made about abusive fathers that are frightening are as beloved 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 admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of an abusive father that treats his children with cruelty has forever tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As precious as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre with timeless stories to tell about fathers that feel unwell in memorable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I excel.
The Film Buff 