Best Father-Son Movies

Last updated: February 27, 2026

Need an excuse for a little male bonding? Plan a dad-son movie night featuring one of these films, all of which showcase a memorable father-son (or father-son-style) relationship. From gripping adventures and inspiring dramas to tearjerkers and heartwarming comedies, there are great ideas here for all kinds of dads and sons to watch together. For more great picks for movie night, check out one of our favorite Father-Daughter Movies and Mother-Daughter Movies.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Finding Nemo Poster Image

MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

May 30, 2003 2003 G (101 minutes)

See full review

A Goofy Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

A Goofy Movie

age 6+

Even tweens will enjoy this road trip with Goofy.

January 1, 1995 1995 G (78 minutes)

See full review

Elio Movie Poster: Elio and the other main characters appear against a purplish-blue background

MOVIE

Elio

age 6+

Moments of peril in heartfelt adventure about lonely boy.

June 20, 2025 2025 PG (99 minutes)

See full review

Kung Fu Panda 3 Poster Image

MOVIE

Kung Fu Panda 3

age 6+

Upbeat but intense threequel looks at identity, family ties.

January 29, 2016 2016 PG (95 minutes)

See full review

Pinocchio Poster Image

MOVIE

Pinocchio

age 6+

Disney masterpiece is darker than you may remember.

February 23, 1940 1940 G (88 minutes)

See full review

The Lion King (1994) Poster Image: Simba above Rafiki, Timon, and Pumba

MOVIE

The Lion King (1994)

age 6+

Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.

June 15, 1994 1994 G (89 minutes)

See full review

Up Poster Image

MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

May 29, 2009 2009 PG (98 minutes)

See full review

Coco Movie Poster: Miguel and Hector stand back to back on a path made out of marigold petals

MOVIE

Coco

age 7+

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture.

November 22, 2017 2017 PG (109 minutes)

See full review

Onward Poster Image

MOVIE

Onward

age 7+

Original, heartfelt sibling adventure about love and loss.

March 6, 2020 2020 PG (102 minutes)

See full review

The Rookie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Rookie

age 7+

Sweet, engaging true story more appealing to tweens and up.

March 29, 2002 2002 G (128 minutes)

See full review

Elf Poster Image

MOVIE

Elf

age 8+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

November 7, 2003 2003 PG (90 minutes)

See full review

My Octopus Teacher Poster Image

MOVIE

My Octopus Teacher

age 8+

Octopus befriends troubled diver and teaches him about life.

September 7, 2020 2020 NR (85 minutes)

See full review

Pangolin: Kulu's Journey movie poster: Pangolin eats from a man's hand.

MOVIE

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey

age 8+

Peril, mild language in gorgeous, moving nature docu.

April 21, 2025 2025 PG (89 minutes)

See full review

Back to the Future Poster Image

MOVIE

Back to the Future

age 10+

'80s time-travel favorite; some violence, bullying, cursing.

July 3, 1985 1985 PG (116 minutes)

See full review

Dog Gone movie poster

MOVIE

Dog Gone (2023)

age 10+

Uplifting family-and-dog tale has emotional intensity.

January 13, 2023 2023 NR (95 minutes)

See full review

Field of Dreams Movie Poster: Kevin Costner stands against the night sky with a patch of blue in the middle

MOVIE

Field of Dreams

age 10+

Father-son baseball crowd-pleaser with a supernatural twist.

April 21, 1989 1989 PG (107 minutes)

See full review

K-POPS! movie poster: Musician Anderson .Paak, smiling, wears sunglasses and looks left, while Soul Rasheed, wearing a tie and glasses, looks left

MOVIE

K-POPS!

age 10+

Fun music, lots of laughs in slightly salty dad-son comedy.

February 27, 2026 2026 PG-13 (116 minutes)

See full review

October Sky Poster Image

MOVIE

October Sky

age 10+

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

February 21, 1999 1999 PG (108 minutes)

See full review

The Water Man Poster Image

MOVIE

The Water Man

age 10+

Touching family drama explores love, friendship, and loss.

May 7, 2021 2021 PG (91 minutes)

See full review

After Earth Poster Image

MOVIE

After Earth

age 12+

Exciting sci-fi action and warm father-son bonding.

May 31, 2013 2013 PG-13 (100 minutes)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.