My Favourite Films About Fathers

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 a strong bond with a grandfather that appreciated gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with lives of gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. An offer he couldn’t refuse, my grandfather loved spending time with gangsters shaping views. 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 test of time as the greatest film ever made about dads. With the greatest film of his career, Coppola used bold cinema techniques capturing fathers struggling raising gangster families facing despair. Coppola has always had aptitude making great movies about fathers in danger, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Coppola effectively used montages capturing gangster fathers struggling to raise families facing disaster. For instance, the scene in which Don Corleone experiences 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 a great role 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 Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated today, it tackled bold themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 50 years following the release of a great film about gangsters given an offer they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated films changing the views of fathers that deserve to be talked absolutely about.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher always found inspiring. I remember my teacher adored a classic book he considered timeless literature. Fond of Atticus, he loved to discuss an inspirational book he considered precious. Fatherhood has always been a central theme in the book that captures a child growing up during an era of segregation. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the iconic book about children 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 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 Mary Badham, who embodied a girl seeking to discover her identity in the segregation era. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which are outdated, it tackled themes everyone can relate to today. 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 single doubt.

3. 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 commonly appreciate.

4. 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 modern-day business.

5. Kramer vs. Kramer

Divorce is a painful process that puts fathers under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience 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. It delivers a meaningful message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of fathers that experience a broken marriage, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies with a meaningful long-lasting message.

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 commonly 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 modern-day Hollywood.

8. 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 modern-day Cinema.

9. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted parents facing tragedy. Unlike most movies made in the genre, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a genre that produced great movies audiences consider to be extremely special.

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 strong as Jack’s alcoholism, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which offer valuable wisdom about fathers which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.