Some of the Best (and Favorites!) TV and Movie Fathers
As its Father’s Day, today seems the most ideal of days to share some of my favorite fathers from TV and film. Some of these might seem a bit unusual to feature, but I like picking various different fathers’ in various different stages of life, which is to say they all have different relationships with their children and children in different phases of life (child, adult, in-between). As this list forms, I hope the choices reflect this. favorite tv movie fathers
LIST | A Few Good Movies to Watch On Father’s Day
Since it is Father’s Day, it’s a day to honor our fathers and be grateful to them for how they care for us, and have raised us. My dad is one of the best men I know or ever will, and I’m so very thankful he is who he is. I’m thankful I’m his daughter, and that no matter how different we sometimes are, we are also very much alike. Most of all, he’s taught me more than he’ll ever realize, and no matter how old I get, I’m always going to care and be affected by his advice.
Some of these fathers are among my most favorite characters, ever, whether they’re a father or not. But for the purpose of this list, that is what they are. Let’s take a look at some of my picks – and then, at the end, don’t forget, share some of your favorite TV and movie fathers (or from fiction!).
FAVORITE TV AND MOVIE FATHERS
1: George Banks
From: Father of the Bride (Movie)
George Banks seems kind of like a “classic” addition, right? Seems like the right kind of dad to include on this sort of list to get things started. PG
2: Mike Baxter
From: Fox’s Last Man Standing
This Fox (used to be ABC) show is hilarious. I also love the relationship he has with all of his children, all of whom are girls, which makes the comedy all the more hilarious because of the living-with-all-women plot. Plus it’s hard not to like a show when you can so often see the actors having fun as they barely contain their laughter over the zingers. TV-PG
3: Mr. Bennet
From: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
I mean we need at least one Austen father, right? (Oh, and I’ll admit, I think I like Mr. Bennet best in the A&E series, but in all other respects, I’m team 2005-adaptation.)TV-PG
4: Richard Castle and Alexis
From: ABC’s Castle
Pretty sure I put these two on any list I create with these boundaries. What can I say? I like them too much. TV-14
5: Cinderella and Father
From: Disney’s Cinderella (2015)
This character is in this film all too short a period of time, but I love the sweet father-daughter relationship it depicts in short order. Plus, it’s nice to see how the script shows how much good her parents instilled in Cinderella. PG
6: Robert Crawley
From Downton Abbey
Robert is a favorite of mine, and Caitlyn Santi agrees. I mean, he may have his “stiff upper lip” British thing going on, but he’s also a good person, and I LOVE how he’s able to recognize good change when it’s necessary – even if it does take him a bit longer to adapt. TV-14
7: Matthew Cuthbert
From: Anne of Green Gables
I’ve only ever seen the 80s Sullivan adaptations of this story, but I adore them. They were my favorites growing up. Paula and I both thought of this character, and he’s certainly worth more than one nomination. G
8: Carson and Nancy Drew (Nancy Drew)
From: Nancy Drew (2007) adaptation
I’ve only seen the 2007 film and the 70s show in which Nancy and her father share a close relationship. Still, I like to think this is true of the Carolyn Keene novels as well.PG
9: Andy Griffith
From: The Andy Griffin Show
When I asked for some favorite fathers on Facebook a while back, Andy got more than one shout-out (thank you, Stacey and Karen), and as I do remember watching this show with my dad once in a while on a Sunday morning, he certainly deserves a spot on this list.
10: Scott Lang
From: Marvel’s Ant-Man (Movie)
A relationship that isn’t the “focus” of the story, but that’s kind of the point of this list. Just to pick some characters who are fathers that I like, and Scott Lang is certainly one such character, plus I believe he loves his daughter Cassie very much, and their reunion is really sweet. PG-13
11: Robert and Morgan Phillip
From: Disney’s Enchanted (Movie)
I mean, the relationship between these two isn’t the focus of this Disney film, but Morgan is such a sweet character, and of course, we love Robert’s “prince” of a hero, so… whether it’s the nostalgia or something else talking, I had to include these two. PG
12: Frank Reagan
From: CBS’ Blue Bloods
Some of the Best (and Favorites!) TV and Movie Fathers. A list of some of our favorite TV and movie fathers for Father's Day 2020. #Movies #Characters #FavoriteCharacters #WhattoWatch #FathersDay Share on XLove this show in its entity, but also, Tom Selleck as the father of these blue bloods.TV-14
13: Matt Shade and Jules
From: Private Eyes
This Canadian show is similar in many respects to Castle, and I love it as well as the sweet relationship between Matt and his daughter, Jules. TV-14
14: Elijah and Sydney Strait
From: NBC’s Bluff City Law
Though this is now cancelled this law drama really interested me. Elijah may be the least of the “best” father’s on this list, but I cannot help but feel he tries to repair the damage. I was invested in the characters and liked this unique father-daughter duo. (I would add another character here too, but I’d rather not leave any spoilers!) Fortunately for me, I still get to enjoy some of their stories as I haven’t finished its one and only season.TV-14
15: Mr. Stratford
From: 10 Things I Hate About You
Yes, I know. This might be an unusual pick, but I recently re-watched the 1999 film adaptation and cannot help but think he’s a good father. Sure as teenagers his daughters don’t appreciate him or his rules, but as we grow up, I think we all look back and are grateful to our parents for setting rules and boundaries for us. PG-13
16: Tim Taylor
From: Home Improvement
Melissa suggested Tim Allen’s “Tim the Tool Man,” and though I don’t remember the specifics, I do know I watched this show on occasion with my dad; it was once one of his favorites. TV-PG
17: Wade
From: CBS’ The Unicorn
LOVED this show that follows the widowed father of two daughters. While season one is great, what makes things even better is that there’ll be a second season! Yay, CBS. TV-14
18: Mr. Woodhouse
From: Jane Austen’s Emma
How can I not include the hypochondriac Mr. Woodhouse? I think of those I’ve seen, he and Emma’s relationship is the best in the 2009 BBC adaptation though I don’t know how it compares to the novel. Either way, this adaptation really shines a light on this father-daughter bond. PG
To you we turn. Tell me all about YOUR favorite TV and movie fathers; I want to meet them. Let me know if you like (or dislike!) any of this characters, too. Comment all of the thoughts down below.
Thank you for visiting!
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