Hey mummies, Father’s Day is coming soon, and this one is for the dads who show up in all the big and small ways.
The dads who do school runs, change diapers, pack snacks, calm tantrums, wash bottles, carry tired children, and still somehow become the “fun parent” at the end of the day.
These days, fatherhood looks a little different as more dads are breaking old stereotypes and sharing the everyday weight of parenting.
So if you are thinking of a simple way to celebrate dad this weekend, a cosy family movie night may be just right.
Here are some of the best Father’s Day movies to watch with the family this weekend.
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo follows Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, who sets out across the ocean to find his son, Nemo, after Nemo is taken from the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, Marlin meets Dory, a forgetful but kind-hearted blue tang fish who joins him on the journey.
For children, the movie is colourful, funny, and full of memorable sea creatures. For parents, it carries a much deeper message about fear, protection, trust, and learning to let children grow.
It is a lovely Father’s Day pick because Marlin’s journey is driven by one thing: his love for his son.
Best for: Younger children and families who want something sweet, funny, and meaningful.
The Incredibles
The Incredibles follows Bob and Helen Parr, also known as Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, who are trying to live a quiet family life after superheroes are forced into hiding. But when Bob is pulled back into a dangerous mission, the whole family eventually has to come together to face a bigger threat.
This movie is packed with action, humour, and superhero fun, but it is also very much about family teamwork. Bob wants to feel useful again, Helen tries to hold the family together, and the children slowly learn how to use their own strengths.
For Father’s Day, it works well because it shows that being a hero is not just about saving the world. Sometimes, it is also about showing up for your family.
Best for: Families who enjoy superhero movies with humour and heart.
Onward
Onward tells the story of two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley, who go on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. When a spell does not go as planned, they have only a short time to complete their journey and find the magic they need.
This is one of the more emotional movies on the list. It touches on grief, sibling love, and the longing to know a parent who is no longer around.
While the story is magical and adventurous, the message is very human. It reminds families that love and guidance can come from the people who have been beside us all along.
Best for: Families with older children who can understand more emotional themes.
Cheaper by the Dozen
Cheaper by the Dozen follows Tom and Kate Baker, parents of 12 children, as they try to manage the beautiful chaos of a very large family. When Tom gets his dream job as a football coach and Kate’s book is set to be published, the family has to adjust to a new home, new routines, and plenty of changes.
The movie is funny, messy, and full of the kind of family moments many parents will recognise, even if they do not have 12 children at home.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, being a dad means juggling work, family, mistakes, and a whole lot of noise, while still trying to keep everyone close.
Best for: Families who enjoy light-hearted comedies about big, chaotic family life.
The Lion King
The Lion King follows Simba, a young lion prince whose life changes after the death of his father, Mufasa. After running away from home, Simba grows up away from the Pride Lands before eventually learning that he must face his past and return to take his place.
This classic Disney film is full of music, adventure, and unforgettable characters. At the heart of the story is the bond between Simba and Mufasa and the lessons a child carries from a parent even after they are gone.
It is a meaningful watch because it celebrates guidance, courage, responsibility, and the lasting impact of a father’s love.
Best for: Families who enjoy classic animated movies with big emotions.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines
The Mitchells vs. The Machines follows Katie Mitchell, a creative teenager who is excited to start film school, and her family, who decide to take one last road trip together. Their plans quickly go sideways when a robot uprising begins, leaving the Mitchells to save each other and the world.
This movie is funny, fast-paced, and very modern. It also captures something many families will recognise: the gap between parents and children when they do not always understand each other.
The father-daughter relationship between Rick and Katie gives the movie its emotional centre. Rick may not always know how to connect with Katie, but he keeps trying in his own awkward, loving way.
Best for: Families with tweens or teens who enjoy comedy, tech, and chaotic family adventures.
Fatherhood
Fatherhood follows a widowed new father who must raise his daughter on his own after the sudden death of his wife. As he deals with grief, self-doubt, work, family expectations, and the everyday challenges of caring for a baby, he slowly learns what fatherhood means for him.
This movie is more emotional and grounded than the animated titles on this list. It is heartfelt, tender, and honest about how difficult parenting can be when life changes suddenly.
For Father’s Day, it is a touching reminder that dads do not need to have everything figured out. Sometimes, love is simply choosing to keep going and keep showing up.
Best for: Families with teens or adults watching together.
The Game Plan
The Game Plan follows Joe Kingman, a famous American football quarterback whose bachelor lifestyle changes when he discovers he has an eight-year-old daughter named Peyton. Suddenly, his life of fame, football, and carefully planned routines is interrupted by ballet classes, bedtime, and learning how to be a dad.
The movie is light, funny, and easy to watch as a family. It shows how fatherhood can soften even the most self-focused person and teach them what really matters.
Best for: Families who want a fun, easy comedy about fatherhood.
Daddy Day Care
Daddy Day Care follows Charlie and Phil, two advertising executives who lose their jobs after a failed product campaign. When their wives return to work and childcare becomes too expensive, they decide to start a daycare from home.
At first, they have no idea what they are doing. The children are chaotic, the house becomes messy, and the two dads quickly realise that caring for children is much harder than they expected.
This movie is silly and light-hearted, but it also gives families a fun reminder that caregiving is real work. Dads may do things differently, but that does not mean they cannot learn, adapt, and become more involved in their children’s everyday lives.
Best for: Families who want a funny throwback movie with lots of kid-friendly chaos.
Big Hero 6
Big Hero 6 follows Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy who forms a special bond with Baymax, a healthcare robot created by his late older brother, Tadashi. After a tragedy, Hiro teams up with his friends and Baymax to uncover the truth behind a masked villain.
Although this is not a traditional Father’s Day movie, it still explores family, loss, guidance, and the people who help shape us. The relationship between Hiro and Tadashi gives the story its emotional heart, while Baymax brings comfort, care, and plenty of humour.
It is a good choice for families who want something exciting but still meaningful.
Best for: Children who enjoy action, animation, superheroes, and heartwarming stories.
Make It a Father’s Day Family Night In
Since we are also in the middle of World Cup season, why not turn Father’s Day into a family night in?
Start with a movie, then let the fun continue with a late-night football match, snacks, drinks, pillows on the floor, and the children trying their best to stay awake.
It does not have to be fancy. In fact, that may be the best part.
So pick a movie, stay up a little later, and make it a Father’s Day sleepover the whole family can remember.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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