From Danny Tanner to Homer Simpson, the TV or movie “Dad” is an iconic role to play. The early ‘50s and ‘60s brought us Ward Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver), and the ‘70s and ‘80s swept in the era of Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch). In later years, Hollywood evolved to include more complex father roles and plotlines, such as Tony Soprano hiding his career as a mobster from his daughter and son, Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell feeling ignored by his workaholic dad, and Jay from Modern Family taking his stepson to Disneyland after his biological father doesn’t fulfill the promise.
The complicated relationship between fathers and their children (or surrogate children) even expands to comic books (Lex Luthor and Lionel Luther as well as Clark Kent and his adopted father Jonathan Kent), the stage (All My Sons), as well as books (“Big Fish” by Daniel Wallace).
TV Shows and Movies About Fatherhood
In honor of Father’s Day, we asked NYFA faculty and staff about who they would cast to play their father in a hypothetical movie or television show. Answers ranged from Gregory Peck, inspired by his role of Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird, Morris Chestnut, Jimmy Smits, Richard E. Grant, Patrick Swayze, Michael Chiklis, Vin Diesel, and Jack Black. Of course, Liam Neeson was selected for his film Taken, where he plays a father trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter abroad.
We also curated a list of television shows and movies that represent fatherhood. Read more of our selections below or explore our Letterboxd list!
The Lion King (1994)
Father-son relationships even extend to the animated world, as illustrated in the 1994 classic The Lion King. The relationship between Simba and his father Mufasa is central to this Disney classic, highlighting themes of legacy and responsibility. Some of the best-animated films that depict fatherhood also include Migration (2023), The Incredibles (2004), and Finding Nemo (2003).
Marriage Story (2019)
In this critically acclaimed drama, Charlie Barber, played by NYFA Guest Speaker Adam Driver plays a director navigating a divorce with his wife (Scarlett Johansson). During the divorce, Charlie builds a new relationship with their young son, Henry, highlighting the complexities of single fatherhood. Driver also played a father in Annette (2021) and White Noise (2022) alongside Barbie director Greta Gerwig.
Boyhood (2014)
Boyhood (2014), directed by Richard Linklater, was famously filmed over 12 years. The story explores the evolving relationship between a boy and his parents, including his father (Ethan Hawke.) Hawke has also taken on father roles in Leave The World Behind (2023), as well as two films in the Before series.
Big Fish (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton, this book-to-film adaptation tells the story of Edward Bloom (Ewan MacGregor), a traveling salesman known for his tall tales, and his level-headed son, Will (Billy Crudup). With Edward at the end of his life, Will attempts to uncover the truth behind the stories, ultimately building a better connection with his estranged father. While MacGregor plays the younger Edward Bloom, he went on to star in roles as a father in Christopher Robin (2018), August: Osage County (2013), The Impossible (2012), and Beginners (2010).
Fences (2016)
Fences, adapted from August Wilson’s famous Pulitzer Prize-winning play, features Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson, a former baseball player in 1950s Pittsburgh. Washington, who also directs, created a masterpiece with the film, which follows Troy’s relationships with his sons as he grapples with the impact of his decisions on his family. Washington’s portrayal makes this film one of the greatest movies about fatherhood to date.
Family Matters (1989-1999)
Reginald VelJohnson is known for his role as Carl Winslow, a beloved cop and family man dedicated to his wife, Harriette, son Eddie, and daughter Laura. Similar to other sitcoms in the late 80’s and 90’s, the show tackles both dramatic and comedic elements, bringing audiences into the average American family.
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996)
The hit television series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was known for both it’s comedic and dramatic plotlines, especially regarding Will (Will Smith) and his relationship with his estranged father. NYFA Guest Speaker James Avery, who played his Uncle Phil and father to his cousin Carlton, NYFA alum Alfonso Ribeiro, starred in a famous scene where Will broke down after his father ditched their plans.
Throughout the series, he plays a fatherly role to Will, guiding him through life’s ups and downs. Notably, Will Smith went on to star in another incredible father-son story, The Pursuit of Happyness, a film based on true events.
The Sopranos (1999–2007)
Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini) is one of the most infamous television characters, a mafia boss and a father providing for his affluent family in Northern New Jersey. The series explores his struggles with mental health and mafia dealings while showing how they impact his son, AJ, and daughter, Meadow.
Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)
In Friday Night Lights, Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) is a father and father figure to the young athletes on his football team. The series demonstrates his passion and dedication to his family and community, successfully creating a beloved TV Dad with a strong moral compass. Taylor’s moral fiber and influence over the team is a reason why Friday Night Lights is considered to be one of the best TV shows or movies about fatherhood.
Fresh Off The Boat (2015-2020)
In Fresh Off The Boat, Randall Park stars as the patriarch of a Taiwanese family living in America in the 1990s. The show focuses on Louis (Park’s) role as a father to a family of immigrants trying to assimilate into American culture while holding on to their roots, besides his wife Jessica (Constance Wu).
Create Your Character at NYFA
For aspiring filmmakers and performers, learning and mastering the fundamentals is vital to creating your own iconic characters. At NYFA, students are equipped with hands-on classes and projects that enable them to excel in their craft, as well as cutting-edge equipment, mentorship, and the opportunity to work with their peers. Want to learn more about our filmmaking, media, and performing arts programs? Learn more here!