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If you’re looking for a simple bonding activity on Father’s Day, or any other day, that doesn’t require expert-level planning, then consider watching a great dad-themed movie together. Whether you and dad are looking for a good comedy, an action flick or a teary-eyed drama, there are plenty of amazing movies that celebrate fatherhood. In no particular order, we have compiled few classic movies to watch with your Dad on any Sunday afternoon...
It’s the kind of epic movie that tugs on your heart strings and will have you calling your dad to tell him ‘thank you’. Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this inspirational film tells the true story of a man struggling to pull himself out of homelessness and create a better life for himself and his son. The ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ shows the lengths a father will go for his children. What makes this movie even more emotionally captivating is that Chris Gardner and his son, little Chris, are played by real-life father and son, Will Smith and Jaden Smith. Will Smith was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his moving performance.
In this father-daughter classic (and remake of Vincent Minnelli’s original from 1950), Steve Martin gets the age-old case of fatherly envy when his one and only daughter finds a guy she likes spending time with more than him - her fiancé! A rare remake that edges out the classic original. Steve Martin steps ably into the Spencer Tracy role of a dad blindsided by his daughter’s engagement and subsequent wedding, which he must, of course, begrudgingly pay for. Steve Martin gives one of the funniest performances of his career as George Banks, a father who can't seem to let go of his adult daughter as she plans the wedding of her dreams. Watch ‘Father of The Bride’ for the non-stop laughs and stay for the sweet, sentimental moments.
Directed by Chris Columbus, ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ is a classic example of how far a father would go to spend more quality time with his kids. In this hilarious and heart warming comedy, Robin Williams stars as a divorced dad who cooks up an elaborate plan where he poses as an older nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire, and tricks his ex-wife into hiring him. The antics that ensue are equally hilarious and eye-opening for Williams’s character as he learns more about his kids and what it means to be their father. This classic comedy graces us with one of the best performances from the late Robin Williams.
Full of heartfelt moments and countless laughs, this classic comedic tale is one that Adam Sandler fans are sure to enjoy. Directed by Dennis Dugan and written by Steve Franks, ‘Big Daddy’ tells the story of a man whose world changes when he unexpectedly becomes a father figure to a young boy, jointly played by Dylan and Cole Sprouse. In this sweet and funny film, Adam Sandler's character adopts a 5-year-old boy to impress his girlfriend. While his plan backfires, the little boy ends up changing his life for the better.
An iconic American family manages to steal our hearts despite their crazy antics in this 2003 comedy. King of ‘dad movies’ Steve Martin stars in this based on a true story family comedy about a dad that becomes responsible for his 12 children while his wife leaves out of town for work. Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are Tom and Kate Baker, parents raising 12 children. But when the family moves and Kate has to go on a book tour, Tom is left to care for the kids on his own. Naturally, a series of misadventures ensue. Though they experience a number of wild and crazy events throughout the film, in the end, they are reminded that family is all that really matters. This movie is filled with moments that will make your dad laugh, gasp, and reflect on his own journey through fatherhood.
Before ‘Big Daddy’, there was ‘Three Men and a Baby’. This classic comedy follows three successful roommates (played by Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson) who go from being single bachelors to single dads when an abandoned baby suddenly appears on their doorstep. The once responsibility-free trio, who spent their time womanizing and socializing, now, find themselves feeding, changing, and caring for the new little lady in their lives. As they try to adjust from being bachelors to caretakers, they find that taking on the role of a dad can be as gratifying as it is difficult. The movie shows how strong the bond of fatherhood is - and it may even take your father back to the time when he was a new dad.
For a light-hearted family movie that the little ones can enjoy as well, ‘Daddy Day Care’ does the trick. This early 2000s comedy stars Eddie Murphy as the ultimate stay-at-home dad. The story revolves around the unemployed Charlie Hinton (Murphy) and his wife Kim (Regina King), who slides into the breadwinner role. After losing his job, Charlie Hinton (Murphy) is conflicted about how to care for his young son, and settles on starting a home childcare center for him and other neighbourhood children. ‘Daddy Day Care’ is surely an entertaining and upbeat film from Eddie Murphy.