20 of the Best Movie Dads of All Time (Just in Time for Father’s Day)

With Father’s Day landing this Sunday, it’s the perfect excuse to revisit some of the greatest dads in movie history. Whether they’re brave, bumbling, endlessly wise, or just trying their best, these on-screen fathers have made us laugh, cry, and maybe even text our own dads more often.

From action stars to sitcom-level softies, here are 20 of the most unforgettable movie dads of all time:

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1. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962)

No dad list is complete without Atticus. Gregory Peck’s quiet, principled lawyer raised his kids with compassion and conviction in one of the most admired roles in cinema history.

2. Clark Griswold (National Lampoon’s Vacation series)

Chevy Chase’s eternally optimistic dad is the king of forced family fun. His road trips may crash and burn, but his intentions are pure dad gold.

3. Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006)

Will Smith’s emotional performance as a homeless father fighting for a better life is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring — and even more powerful because it’s based on a true story.

4. Daniel Hillard / Mrs. Doubtfire (Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993)

Robin Williams’ role as a dad who disguises himself as a nanny just to spend time with his kids is the kind of comedic heartbreak that hits even harder as an adult.

5. Bryan Mills (Taken, 2008)

A very specific set of skills — and one of the most quoted dad monologues ever. Liam Neeson’s laser-focused rescue mission turned him into an action-dad icon.

6. Marlin (Finding Nemo, 2003)

Who knew a clownfish could break our hearts? Marlin’s ocean-spanning search for his son is a crash course in overprotection and devotion.

7. Jason “Furious” Styles (Boyz n the Hood, 1991)

Laurence Fishburne’s calm, powerful presence stood in contrast to the chaos around him — a portrait of strength, guidance, and grounded fatherhood.

8. Harry Stamper (Armageddon, 1998)

Bruce Willis saving the planet is impressive. But doing it so his daughter can live? That’s next-level dad energy.

9. Howard Langston (Jingle All the Way, 1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger punches, races, and turbo-charges his way through holiday madness — all for a toy and a chance to redeem himself as a dad.

10. Mr. Levenstein (American Pie series)

Eugene Levy’s awkward, overly honest dad became the MVP of the American Pie movies. Awkward? Sure. But weirdly comforting too.

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11. Mufasa (The Lion King, 1994)

Regal, brave, and wise, Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones) was everything a kid could want in a dad. And his death still wrecks us.

12. John Quincy Archibald (John Q., 2002)

Denzel Washington’s desperate father takes a hospital hostage to save his son. It’s a gut punch of a performance with a very clear message: he’ll do anything for his child.

13. Gil Buckman (Parenthood, 1989)

Steve Martin’s portrayal of a stressed, self-doubting dad is one of the most relatable in film. Parenthood is messy, and Gil knows it.

14. Darth Vader (Star Wars saga)

Yes, he tried to kill his kid. But redemption matters — and in the end, Vader made the ultimate sacrifice for Luke. A complicated legacy, sure, but still iconic.

15. Don Vito Corleone (The Godfather, 1972)

Not exactly warm and fuzzy, but Marlon Brando’s patriarch protected his family at all costs — in his own chilling, strategic way. Just… maybe not your parenting role model.

16. Professor Henry Jones, Sr. (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, 1989)

Sean Connery’s academic foil to Indy brought unexpected warmth and humor — and gave us one of the best father-son pairings in action-adventure history.

17. Cameron Poe (Con Air, 1997)

Nicolas Cage’s Southern-drawled ex-con just wants to get home to his daughter. Hijacked plane? No problem. He’s got a teddy bear to deliver.

18. George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946)

Jimmy Stewart’s everyman dad reminds us that being present, loving, and selfless matters more than money or success. A timeless Father’s Day mood.

19. Jack Byrnes (Meet the Parents, 2000)

Robert De Niro’s CIA dad-from-hell interrogates his daughter’s fiancé like a suspect. Terrifying? Sure. But also darkly hilarious.

20. Mac MacGuff (Juno, 2007)

J.K. Simmons delivers a quiet but powerful performance as a dad who meets his teen daughter’s pregnancy with support, sarcasm, and love — just how she needs it.

Want more? You can see YardBarker’s full list here.