This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift he really wants (quality time with you), and strap into a movie you know he’ll love. From dad-centric classics to high-octane newcomers and everything in between, these are the films we suggest watching with the old boy this weekend.
The Godfather
A classic that will always go down a treat, the original 1972 The Godfather always warrants a rewatch. Power, loyalty, family — it’s intense, iconic, and Don Vito Corleone will forever be the ultimate patriarch.
Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise returns as the ultimate ace, mentoring a new generation of pilots. Fast jets, father-figure vibes, and plenty of high-octane fun – it’s a no-brainer.
Meet the Parents
Robert De Niro as the ultimate overprotective dad? Classic. Ben Stiller’s hapless character navigating his in-laws’ terror-testing rituals makes for laughs that hit home for anyone who’s met the parents.
Father of the Bride
Steve Martin at his dad-of-the-year peak. Watching George Banks panic over his daughter’s wedding is both hilarious and strangely relatable — because every dad who has headed down an aisle knows that mix of pride, love, and pure terror.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Robin Williams goes to extraordinary (and increasingly unhinged) lengths to remain close to his children following a difficult divorce. Beneath the prosthetics, elaborate schemes, and endlessly quotable comedy, Mrs. Doubtfire is a surprisingly heartfelt portrait of a father learning what it really means to show up.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Taika Waititi’s beloved local classic pairs Julian Dennison’s rebellious Ricky Baker with the late, great Sam Neill’s spectacularly gruff Uncle Hec. Their chaotic flight through the New Zealand bush gradually becomes a tender story about belonging, chosen family, and finding a father figure in the most unlikely place.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith delivers a deeply moving (read: tear-inducing) performance as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman, and father determined to provide for his son against all odds.
Big Daddy
Adam Sandler’s Sonny Koufax might start off as a carefree bachelor, but fatherhood quickly flips his world upside down. Big Daddy is silly, heartfelt, and reminds us dads can show up in the most unexpected ways.
King Richard
Will Smith embodies dedication itself as Richard Williams, whose vision and grit shaped Venus and Serena into tennis legends. It’s a real-life testament to fathers going above and beyond.
The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson turns succession planning into a typically stylish international caper, pairing Benicio del Toro’s unscrupulous tycoon with Mia Threapleton as his estranged daughter. Meticulously composed and unexpectedly tender, it puts a delightfully unconventional spin on father-daughter bonding.
Field of Dreams
Few films capture the complicated emotions between fathers and sons quite like Field of Dreams. Kevin Costner’s decision to build a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield sets off a strange and sentimental story about regret, reconciliation, and second chances.
Ad Astra
Ad Astra stars Brad Pitt as an astronaut grappling with his father’s absence in this quiet, introspective story about fathers and sons, set against the stunning backdrop of space.
Ford v Ferrari
High-speed thrills meet teamwork and mentorship in this captivating, Oscar-winning film starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Dads who love cars (or just great storytelling) will be hooked.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
You simply can’t beat a classic. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a perfect mix of laughs, thrills, and father-son bonding that always goes down a treat — no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan sends Matthew McConaughey across the galaxy on a mission to save humanity, but the film’s emotional pull remains firmly rooted on Earth. Epic in scale and deeply personal, Interstellar is ultimately a moving story about the seemingly unbreakable bond between a father and daughter.
The Whisper Man
For dads who prefer their family drama with a significantly darker edge, recently released The Whisper Man should do the trick. When his young son disappears, a widowed writer turns to his estranged father — a retired detective played by Robert De Niro — for help. The result is a gripping generational thriller about fathers and sons.
