Top 10 Fathers in Film

Luciana Villalba

12 years ago

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there!

In my opinion, something that I have always admired is the relationship between a father and their kids. Coming from a relationship where my father is very distant, this is something I have always loved about movies, seeing fathers protect and support their children through hell and back, no matter what the adversity was, the father figure was always there. So, I’ve compiled a list of Top 10 Fathers in Film, and there’s also honorable mentions to those who didn’t make the cut!

10. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) – National Lampoon Vacation Series

National Lampoon Vacation Series are some of my favorite family comedies, and Chevy Chase brings to life a charming, fun father that besides all of the mishaps along the way, all he really wants to do is give his family a nice vacation. At the end of the day, no matter how unlucky the obstacles are along the way he always remembers the most important thing: family.

9. Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) – Mrs Doubtfire

How far would you go to see your kids everyday? Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard answers this question, and if involves dressing up as a woman and pretend to be your kids nanny, bring it on. This film brings out something I love about to which extent fathers are willing to go for their kids.

8. Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) – Big Daddy

Even though he isn’t the legitimate father of Julian (Dylan & Cole Sprouse), Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) is the funniest and by all means eclectic dad by far that you will find in this list. Not going to lie, the first time I saw it I got teary eyed with the court scene.

7. Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) – Taken

If your parents haven’t seen Taken, consider yourself lucky if you get to go around Europe with a friend. Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is the protective father we all need, especially when we are in a foreign country and this dad pretty much kicks ass. The phone speech is a classic now!

6. Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni) – La Vita è Bella

Tears. Tears everywhere. If you haven’t seen La Vita è Bella please do so now, and get some Kleenex ready. This movie will be forever in my heart, Roberto Benigni as Guido Orefice shows how strong the bond between father and son can be, even in the worst situations.

5. Matt King (George Clooney) – The Descendants

After not being fully involved with his family, the back up parent comes back to his daughters. Matt King (George Clooney) is a strong father, trying to get his family back together after tragedy struck home, as well as his relationship with his daughters.

4. Mufasa (James Earl Jones – voice) – The Lion King

One of the best dads ever, period. The Lion King was my favorite movie as a kid, I went to see it at the movie theater probably 17 times, and I would love to see the king of the jungle look after the animal kingdom and still have time for Simba.

3. Marlin (Albert Brooks – voice) – Finding Nemo

I’m pretty sure every father’s biggest fear is to lose their children, in Finding Nemo, Marlin goes above and beyond looking for his son, the only one he has left, keeping the hope that one day they will be reunited.

2. Ed Bloom senior (Albert Finney) – Big Fish

A father that is a storyteller by heart in his death bed. A son that doesn’t believe his father’s stories. A stranged relationship that is doing it’s best to overcome the differences and have a chance of being good right before death knocks on the door. Looking back at Ed Bloom’s life, it’s adventurous and magical, and while there were many story telling devices, the heart of his story was always there.

1. Chris Gardner (Will Smith) – The Pursuit of Happyness

In my opinion, one of the most inspirational films ever. Based on a true story, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) loses his job, his wife and all of his money, yet with perseverance he passes the obstacles along the way in order to give his son a better future.

Honorable mentions:

Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) – Harry Potter series. Even though he isn’t Harry’s dad, he is very much appreciated as Harry’s father figure.

Noah Levenstein (Eugene Levy) – American Pie series

Charlie Swan (Billy Burke) – The Twilight Saga

Darth Vader – Star Wars Series

Which are your top fathers in film? Let us know in the comments!