Movie Dads

Last updated: November 17, 2025

From To Kill a Mockingbird's Atticus Finch to Finding Nemo's Marlin, movies have given us some pretty memorable dads -- and dads and kids make fabulous teams, whether they're on vacation or fighting villains. These cinematic fathers, from new dads and stepdads to adoptive dads and king of the pridelands, are sure to entertain you and your kids. So pop some popcorn, grab some blankets, and snuggle up. For more fun movies about families, take a look at our lists Father-Daughter Movies and Movie Moms.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Finding Nemo Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

2003 G (101 minutes)
Hotel Transylvania Poster Image
MOVIE

Hotel Transylvania

age 6+

Father-daughter tale has mild scares, innuendo, potty humor.

2012 PG (92 minutes)
Kung Fu Panda 2 Poster Image
MOVIE

Kung Fu Panda 2

age 6+

Panda hero saves the day in thoughtful family film.

2011 PG (90 minutes)
Migration Movie Poster: A mallard holding two smaller ducks and a chipmunk stands in a sea of yellow rubber ducky toys.
MOVIE

Migration

age 6+

Funny animated adventure is just ducky; some peril, threats.

2023 PG (83 minutes)
The Game Plan Poster Image
MOVIE

The Game Plan

age 6+

The Rock scores in cute (if predictable) comedy.

2007 PG (115 minutes)
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.

1994 G (89 minutes)
The Sound of Music Movie Poster: Maria stands in a meadow, her arms outstretched, and the children behind her
MOVIE

The Sound of Music

age 6+

Outstanding family classic has glorious music.

1965 G (174 minutes)
Annie (2014) Poster Image
MOVIE

Annie (2014)

age 7+

Update of classic musical is cute but a bit hokey.

2014 PG (118 minutes)
Fantastic Mr. Fox Poster Image
MOVIE

Fantastic Mr. Fox

age 7+

Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

2009 PG (90 minutes)
Hotel Transylvania 2 Poster Image
MOVIE

Hotel Transylvania 2

age 7+

Slightly spooky sequel isn't stellar, but fine for families.

2015 PG (89 minutes)
Onward Poster Image
MOVIE

Onward

age 7+

Original, heartfelt sibling adventure about love and loss.

2020 PG (102 minutes)
Elf Poster Image
MOVIE

Elf

age 8+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

2003 PG (90 minutes)
Fly Away Home Poster Image
MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

1998 PG (107 minutes)
The Croods Poster Image
MOVIE

The Croods

age 8+

Gorgeously animated adventure has intense themes.

2013 PG (98 minutes)
Dads Poster Image
MOVIE

Dads

age 10+

Poignant docu finds common themes among diverse dads.

2020 NR (87 minutes)
Father of the Bride Poster Image
MOVIE

Father of the Bride

age 10+

Appealing remake has sweet messages, sexual references.

1991 PG (105 minutes)
Rebuilding movie poster: Cowboy Dusty (Josh O'Connor) sits on his truck next to 8-year-old daughter (Lily LaTorre) with Colorado mountains behind them
MOVIE

Rebuilding

age 10+

Poignant, serious cowboy drama is a controlled burn.

2025 PG (95 minutes)
Mr. Mom Poster Image
MOVIE

Mr. Mom

age 11+

Classic '80s comedy with some salty language, racy scenes.

1983 PG (91 minutes)
Sleepless in Seattle Poster Image
MOVIE

Sleepless in Seattle

age 11+

Romantic '90s fairy tale has some cursing, sex.

1993 PG (100 minutes)
The Dad Quest movie poster: Father and son interact.
MOVIE

The Dad Quest

age 11+

Parent death, some swearing in gentle Mexican dad-son tale.

2025 NR (83 minutes)
Common Sense Media

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.