Bonding through blockbusters

A list of father/son movies to enjoy together


At a glance

  • A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. —Don Vito Corleone, The Godfather


Whether it’s an action-packed explosive tale of gun-wielding machismo or a heartwarming tale of taking care of the family, there are plenty of films that are perfect for father and son to enjoy. Here are a few that are sure to keep your eyes glued on the screen this Father’s Day, in case you have no plans to go out and celebrate!

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LEGENDS Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather

The Godfather (1972)
Let us start this list with a certified cinema classic, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather.
Based on the brilliant novel by Mario Puzo of the same name, The Godfather is a thrilling tale of how Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, reluctantly passes his family’s criminal empire onto his youngest son Michael, played by Al Pacino. Chaos ensues once other crime families start to clash with the Corleone clan’s interests, leading to utter bloodshed. The film is perfect for fathers as it centers on how to stay strong as a family, whereas for sons it shows a cautionary tale about following the family legacy over one’s own interests.

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WAKANDA FOREVER The late Chadwick Boseman plays the noble Black Panther

Black Panther (2018)
Wakanda forever! Being the only film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first-ever superhero movie nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, Black Panther has been cemented into the minds of many for its stunning visuals and killer soundtrack. The late actor Chadwick Boseman brings T’Challa straight from the comics and into the big screen, giving it his all. While the film primarily focuses on T’Challa and his battle for the throne with Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, a significant amount focuses on dealing with the loss of one’s father, confronting the sins of the father, and carrying on the family legacy.

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ON THE OPEN ROAD A Goofy Movie centers around Goofy and his son, Max, as they go on a cross-country fishing trip

A Goofy Movie (1995)
Who would’ve thought that a movie about Goofy, the well-meaning simpleton from Mickey Mouse’s gang, could be so heavy?
While it didn’t do too well at the box office, it managed to garner a cult following through its home media release, which was big enough to keep its fan base around even to this day. The movie follows Goofy and his son, Max, a high schooler trying hard to be cool at school and chasing after his crush, Roxanne. Hoping to bond with his son just as he did with his father, Goofy decides to take Max on a cross-country fishing trip, much to Max’s annoyance. At its heaviest, the film shows Goofy’s struggles as a single father and his hopes for steering Max in the right direction, whereas Max navigates the angst and social pressures that come with teenage years.

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WE MISS HIM Mrs. Doubtfire showcases Robin Williams at his peak

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
How far is a father willing to go to keep the family together?
The late Robin Williams stars as Daniel Hillard, an actor, whose recent divorce from his wife leads to him having only a limited amount of custody over his kids. Hoping to spend more time with them, he comes up with an elaborate plan to disguise himself as a British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire. Hijinks ensue as Daniel tries to juggle between the two identities. Overall, a heart-warming tale with Robin Williams at his best.

Click.jpg
FAMILY COMES FIRST Adam Sandler gives a brilliant performance for his 2006 flick, Click

Click (2006)
For every cash-grab comedy film Adam Sandler churns out, an occasional gem such as Click comes out.
Sandler plays Michael Newman, an architect who can’t seem to balance his work life with his family life. Grasping at straws, Michael accepts help from an unusual inventor, played by Christopher Walken, by accepting a universal remote control from him that can control aspects of his life. While Sandler delivers laughs with the shenanigans that come from having such a remote, he also learns the importance of cherishing all the precious moments with his family.

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KEEP MOVING FORWARD Sylvester Stallone gives a touching speech addressed to his son in Rocky Balboa

Rocky Balboa (2006)
Presented as the swan song of the iconic Rocky franchise before the Creed movies took the torch, Rocky Balboa is an intimate look into Sylvester Stallone’s breakout character during his retirement years.
From being the ultimate boxing champ to a humble small restaurant owner, Rocky Balboa leans in on the boxer having to fight in an exhibition match with a younger fighter while simultaneously dealing with the loss of his wife, and a crumbling relationship with his son. The film almost mirrors the real-life relationship of Stallone with his late son, Sage, with whom he had a similarly complicated relationship, a surefire way to tug at the heartstrings of you and your father.

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A TOUCHING STORY Will Smith acts alongside his son, Jaden, for this tear-jerker film

Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
For the final film in this list, there is no other film that perfectly captures the struggles of a father desperately trying to make ends meet for his family than Will Smith’s Pursuit of Happyness.
Starring alongside his own son, Jaden, Will Smith portrays single father Chris Gardner. Throughout the film, Chris and his son endure hardships, with them having no home to stay in and Chris trying his best to find a job that can support them both. Through thick and thin, the father does everything he can to keep them afloat, as any father should do for his family.