It is impossible to describe in words how important a father is in a child’s life. The role he plays in shaping one’s character, strength, and attitude is a determinative one. As traditions of the society have dictated, he is often burdened with playing the “bad cop,” so to speak. He must be tough on his children to ensure they develop a sound sense of judgment and decision-making. Silver screen films depict these best in father-child relationships.
Best Movies on Father-Child Relationships
The father-child bond is a sacred and cherished one. For all his sacrifices for his children, a day in his commemoration isn’t too much then. Films have touched upon such relationships – often complicated – in their exploration of human behavior. Considering Father’s day is just around the corner, here are some of the best films celebrating this father-child relationship.
In the Name of the Father (1993)
IMDb – 8.1/10, Reviews
This Daniel Day-Lewis starrer is a bit undiscovered by the larger film community. The story is predicated on a real-life incident, making its events even more tragic. The base of its narrative is formed by the tale of the Guildford Four. A case where young boys were accused of involvement in a bombing in an English pub in connection to the IRA. But, its dramatic heft hinges on the father-son relationship of Gerry and Giuseppe.
Many readers would have seen the famous jail scene on social media. It is the same one where Gerry accuses Giuseppe of “following him around because he expects disappointment”. The energy that Day-Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite bring to the roles really elevates the story. During its course, the duo gradually graduates from a hateful and spiteful pair to finding respect for each other. ‘In the Name of the Father’ showcases unfortunate institutional behavior that cost a man his life. However, the father-son tangent shines the brightest.
Finding Nemo (2003)
IMDb – 8.2/10, Reviews
‘Finding Nemo’ is probably your favorite movie from childhood. If you go back and filter through all the happy memories of watching a movie, its most memorable for the big shark, Bruce. ‘Finding Nemo’ is about a clownfish, Marlin, and his danger-filled adventure to get his son, Nemo, back after losing him to humans. When watching it, few would have realized the creators’ profound observations about the complexities of a father-son relationship.
There are marked representations of insecurities and their topsy-turvy nature. Some of them were like a father’s disappointment for not being able to protect his son; the son’s insecurities about whether his father loves him. What is even better about ‘Finding Nemo’ is its colorful animation, ranking as one of the best Pixar films.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
IMDb – 7.6/10, Reviews
Under all its ostensible roughness and pessimism, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ is a tender film about reconciliation and a second chance. It takes some time for its genius creator Wes Anderson to peel off all the layers and show the vulnerable core. But this distinctive masterpiece fills you with joy and tears once it gets there. In typical Wes Anderson style, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ features human emotions rolled into balls of oddball characters and a symmetrical visual style.
Gene Hackman plays the titular Tenenbaum, while Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Luke Wilson play the three children. The plot is based around Tenenbaum’s return to his children’s lives after a significant hiatus under the garb of a terminal illness to become a part of it again. Anderson often dodges back into the past to reveal the details of the father’s memories with his children and wife. He does so to bring out the stark contrast between then and now to significant effect.
Interstellar (2014)
IMDb – 8.6/10, Reviews
All the complex science and technology-related information and ideas in Interstellar couldn’t displace Cooper and Murph’s bond. Think about it. When you recall seeing ‘Interstellar,’ do you think about what speed Cooper’s spaceship went to breach the black hole or even how it did? Or do you recall the scene where he reads all the messages he sent over the years?
Finding the human connection in stories irrespective of their genres is a rare skill. That is why I say Christopher Nolan is an exceptional filmmaker. The father-daughter bond between Cooper and Murph drives the former to go through virtually impossible obstacles to see her one last time. ‘Interstellar’ will leave you teary-eyed and with a renewed love for each other.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
IMDb – 6.6/10, Reviews
Even if the child makes the gravest of mistakes, a father will not sell them as slaves to another person unless the father in question is Borat. Sacha Baron Cohen’s controversial yet prodigal character is his brazen avatar to tell the world what is wrong with it in a funny and most offensive way. His no-holds-barred approach reflects on the sequel to the 2006 original Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. And believe me, when I say this, the film is as absurd as the title is. It introduces us to Borat’s estranged daughter, Tutar.
Borat didn’t know all these years that he had a daughter. And the first thing he thinks of when he discovers this is giving her as a gift to American President Trump to bring back glory to the nation of Kazakhstan. Despite the absurdist premise, the second half eventually brings a moment of reckoning for Borat. He bonds fervently with his daughter on the journey and realizes she is one of his own and how much he missed having a daughter. Maybe not watching this with your father would be a prudent choice! It is a sweet film in the end, but a brutally funny comedy before that.
Honey Boy (2019)
IMDb – 7.2/10, Reviews
Honey Boy is a serious-minded autobiographical film based on star Shia LaBeouf’s childhood memories of his father. Narrated in the form of a phase from Shia’s life, ‘Honey Boy’ oscillates between a fictional adult version of him in 2005 and a child actor version of him from 1995. The wreck he is as an adult is about the innocent, easily distracted child who loved his father.
Genre-wise, the film is a mix of humor and realist drama, mainly in a way that life is for us. The performances from Shia, Hedges, and Jupe liven up the excellent screenplay onto the screen in a way that is not only relatable but also nostalgic. Do not miss this one! This kind of film has the power to bring you closer to your father.
The Godfather (1972)
IMDb – 9.2/10, Reviews
Probably the greatest film of all time, ‘The Godfather’ is the prime father-son story that has seen numerous recreations over the years. “I did not want this for you, Michael,” is something that many fathers can now be seen saying to their children in films. This trope was a product of this cinematic legend that is as good a rewatch today as it was back when it was first released. The dynamic between Michael and Vito in real terms is mostly prefaced in the film’s final scene, where Michael reveals to the family that he has enlisted in the army and will not be going to college, which Vito wanted all along.
In the theatrics terms, Michael and Vito share a relationship akin to a master and student. Though these aspects overlap, they have their significance in defining their bond. The way Michael stood up and took responsibility, even though it wasn’t something he wanted, shows how, in times of adversity, even the staunchest of resentments for your father can turn into limitless adoration and love. ‘The Godfather’ is the most distinguished film on the list, by far, and the ideal choice for you to replenish your love for Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.
Wrapping Up
These picks were our favorite when capturing the special bond between a father and a child. As we have seen, the setting and story do not matter as much as the bond itself. This feeling does not need to be classified, labeled, or viewed in a particular background to mean something important. Let us know your picks in the comments, and check out our other offerings on the site below:
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