Watching movies with your parents as adults can be a lot of fun. But there are many factors to consider. A popular online forum questions the best films to watch with your father.

I thoroughly enjoy watching movies with my Dad, especially if I can introduce him to something new and laugh, cry, or bond over the subject matter. If you’re contemplating a movie night with your Father, many fantastic choices exist.

1. Father of the Bride (1951, 1991, 2022)

Scene from Father of the Bride
Photo Credit: Touchstone Pictures.

The Father of the Bride films are the most obvious but also an apropos choice for fathers and daughters to watch together. Whether married, engaged, or single, it doesn’t matter because these films focus on the great love between a parent and child, as the father struggles to let his daughter go and accept his soon-to-be son-in-law.

1. Father of the Bride (1951, 1991, 2022)

Scene from Father of the Bride
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

As one person says, “watching Father of the Bride with your dad is a must.” Spencer Tracy, Steve Martin, and Andy Garcia are very different fathers with one fundamental commonality. They adore their daughters and would do anything for them. Each version has unique charms, sweetness, and individuality while following the same basic story.

2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The third in the Indiana Jones Saga is the favorite for many, including my Father and me. It’s also the ultimate father/son adventure flick. Indeed, it is hard to top the story of Henry “Indiana” Jones, his father, Henry Senior, and their quest for the Holy Grail. They must decipher clues, thwart Nazis, and fight temptations of glory and immortality. I can’t imagine any father not loving this rousing tale.

3. Field of Dreams (1989)

Scene from Field of Dreams
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Field of Dreams is a tender and thoughtful drama about faith, belief, and family. It is also an ideal choice for a father and son or daughter movie night. Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who hears a whisper say, “If you build it, he will come.” He then proceeds to build a baseball field on his farmland. And soon, the ghosts of past players miraculously appear.

3. Field of Dreams (1989)

Scene from Field of Dreams
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Field of Dreams is not just about baseball. It’s about learning what you’re meant for and the depth that simple acts can mean. The end of this film will likely touch any father’s heart, even the most stoic. It’s a beautiful and excellent choice if you are looking for a more profound film.

4. Big Fish (2003)

Scene from Big Fish
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

One of Tim Burton’s most underrated films is this joyful, gorgeous, and moving film. In Big Fish, a son visits his ailing Father and still struggles to believe in his father’s tall tales about his life. He speaks about fantastic adventures and the most significant times of his life: when he met his wife. Big Fish is the perfect film for Dads who enjoy a little whimsy with their grounded drama. Both abound in this lovely film.

5. North By Northwest

Scene from North by Northwest
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Some fathers enjoy mysteries, action, and spy thrillers. These kinds of movies are always guaranteed to entertain and surprise viewers. As one classic movie fan says, “If he likes Bond, show him North by Northwest.” This is a fantastic suggestion.

5. North By Northwest

Scene from North by Northwest
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

North by Northwest is my favorite film by director Alfred Hitchcock and one I’ve frequently watched with my Dad. We both enjoy the twists and turns of the story of an advertisement executive who inadvertently gets mixed up in a tangled web of espionage. There’s intrigue, a little romance, and iconic moments. If your dad loves a thrilling mystery, show him one of the first and most exceptional of all time.

6. Star Wars (1977)

Scene from Star Wars
Photo Credit: Lucasfim.

Is there a movie more perfect for a fun time with your dad? Indeed, the Star Wars Saga has a multi-generational appeal and is often a rite of passage film for fathers to show to their children. For my money, George Lucas’ original from 1977 is the way to go because of its humor and thrilling and triumphant conclusion.

6. Star Wars (1977)

Scene from Star Wars
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm.

My dad and I always enjoy a Star Wars night and especially crack up at Han Solo’s hilarious ad-libbing with an Imperial officer saying, “We’re all fine here now, thank you. How are you?” Are you even living if you’re not laughing reciting these lines with your dad?

7. Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Scene from Bridge on the River Kwai
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

People claim several films are “the ultimate dad movie.” Bridge on the River Kwai more than fits those criteria. Another says that their dad and others from their childhood enjoy this film, which is only natural.

7. Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Scene from Bridge on the River Kwai
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

This story follows a group of soldiers whose mission is to destroy the title bridge and the British prisoner of war who is helping construct it. The contrasting stories are compelling, and fathers who love WWII dramas would undoubtedly love this David Lean adventure.

8. News of the World (2020)

Scene from News of the World
Photo Credit: Universal Studios.

If your dad enjoys Westerns, you can introduce this drama starring Tom Hanks for his viewing pleasure. The post-Civil War story follows a man who travels the country reading the news and becomes the protector of a girl raised by a Native American tribe.

8. News of the World (2020)

Scene from News of the World
Phot Credit: Universal Pictures.

Now alone, he agrees to take her to her only living relatives, forming an unbreakable bond with her. This is an engaging story with many of the classic Western tropes, and the father-and-daughter-like relationship that develops is heartfelt.

9. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Scene from Master and Commander
Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Master and Commander is another film someone calls “the ultimate dad movie.” It’s easy to understand why. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this Russell Crowe-led film follows a British ship and its crew. You see the tedious days of monotony, ravaging storms, happy explorations, and epic battles. Fathers who love historical fiction will no doubt find this film absorbing.

10. Remember the Titans (2000)

Scene from Remember the Titans
Photo Credit: Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

Remember the Titans is ideal if you love watching sports, particularly football, with your father. It follows a team that overcomes adversity when schools are integrated for the first time. The Black students face racism on and off the field, and the community learns hard lessons about what matters.

10. Remember the Titans (2000)

Scene from Remember the Titans
Photo Credit: Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

Football is the catalyst for brotherhood and unity that forms. This gripping true story is an incredible choice for the Fads who love sports and the more profound influences they can inspire.

11. Three Men and a Baby (1986)

Scene from Three Men and a Baby
Photo Credit: Buena Vista Films.

Comedies are always a possible choice for any movie night with your Dad. So, why not choose this heartwarming and hilarious tale of three men who become fathers overnight? Carefree bachelors Peter, Michael, and Jack see their lives turn upside down when Jack’s former fling leaves a baby girl on their doorstep.

11. Three Men and a Baby (1986)

Scene from Three Men and a Baby
Photo Credit: Buena Vista Films.

Their clueless attempts to take care of her are hilarious. And the almost instant bonds formed are heartfelt. When watching this one, stories of when you were a baby will likely arise, making Three Men and a Baby the sweetest possible choice.

Source: Reddit.

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Image Credit: Rosebud Releasing Corporation

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Image Credit: Lionsgate

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15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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Photo Credit: Lightstorm Entertainment / TSG Entertainment II

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Marianne Paluso
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