The 9 best movies to watch over Father’s Day weekend

In between grilling burgers and brats and checking sports scores, celebrating fatherhood presents a chance for men (and masculine-identifying people) to enjoy the people who appreciate and support them. Bonding over a great story on the big screen that both dads and children can relate to brings the entire family together for some fun!

Sure, they’ll still have to take out the garbage and clean the garage. But when the paternal figures in your life get an opportunity to rest on their day, the best Father’s Day gift you can give is quality time. If his favorite hobby is watching movies, then you’re in luck! Here are some Father’s Day movies to watch with dear old Dad (Gramps, or Freat Grandpa). 

Daddy's Home (2015)

42%

6.1/10

pg-13

96m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini

Directed by

Sean Anders

Watch on Amazon

This comedy from director Sean Anders cashes in on the hilarious bromance actor Will Farrell shares with co-star Mark Wahlberg. Farrell stars as a mild-mannered radio executive who is the proud stepfather to his wife Sara’s two kids. Once the children’s biological father Dusty (Wahlberg) comes back into the picture, it becomes an all-out war for the hearts of Sara and the children.

Fences (2016)

79%

7.2/10

pg-13

139m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson

Directed by

Denzel Washington

Watch on Amazon

Based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1985 play of the same name, this Oscar-nominated film centers on the story of a Black working-class man dealing with his past demons while raising a family in the 1950s. With film icon Denzel Washington in the director’s seat, Fences was praised by critics for how it blended impeccable cinematography into the storytelling while invoking a compelling emotional tone.

Bad Boys for Life (2020)

59%

6.5/10

r

124m

Genre

Thriller, Action, Crime

Stars

Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Paola Nuñez

Directed by

Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah

Watch on Amazon

Action flicks are big on any male-inspired holiday. Bad Boys For Life combines all the bravado and over-the-top car chases that men clamor for. This time around, Miami cops Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) square off against a mother-son duo of destructive drug dealers that show a questionable interest in one of the Bad Boys.

He Got Game (1998)

64%

6.9/10

136m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson

Directed by

Spike Lee

Watch on Amazon

NBA legend Ray Allen is a major success in his acting debut as a preps basketball phenom set on a path to stardom. Though the film has just a few action sports sequences, He Got Game dazzles in its portrayal of the ups and downs of a prodigious, rising athlete. While Jesus Shuttlesworth (Allen) may seem to have the world at his feet, his family issues bring him just as much pressure as scoring against double teams on the hardwood.

Taken (2008)

51%

7.8/10

pg-13

94m

Genre

Action, Thriller

Stars

Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser

Directed by

Pierre Morel

Watch on Amazon

Over the years, Taken has become a cultural staple. The film is often depicted in memes and other digital media on the web. But when it was first released, it set a new precedent for action-thrillers. Retired CIA agent Bryan Mills traverses across Europe to save his daughter from the hands of nefarious traffickers with a particular set of skills. What film better showcases how far a father is willing to go to protect his child? Liam Neeson is phenomenal as the kick-ass dad taking down the bad guys!

Big Daddy (1999)

41%

6.4/10

pg-13

93m

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Stars

Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart

Directed by

Dennis Dugan

Watch on Amazon

When an aloof law school student adopts a wise-cracking boy to impress his girlfriend, he learns that fatherhood is nothing to be taken lightly. The boy warms up to his new foster parent and the two develop a heart-warming relationship that highlights one of Adam Sandler’s most beloved films to date.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

132m

Genre

Romance, Drama

Stars

Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg

Directed by

Luca Guadagnino

Watch on Amazon

Not only is Call Me By Your Name a Pride Month staple, the queer drama represents the pinnacle of father/gay son relationships. When a 17-year-old sees his burgeoning romance with an older man come to a close at the end of summer, his father steps in at the end of the film with one of the most powerful speeches in film. Michael Stuhlbarg is phenomenal as the dad who lets his son know to hold on to every emotion and stay true to himself through challenging changes in life.

Return of the Jedi (1983)

132m

Genre

Adventure, Action, Science Fiction

Stars

Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

Directed by

Richard Marquand

Watch on Amazon

The entire original Star Wars trilogy possesses great father and son themes, but Return of the Jedi culminates with a great redemption arc for Darth Vader. Luke Skywalker must understand that his destiny differs from his evil dad’s while also grappling with the similarities between the two men. The movie is a great way to wind down with Dad at the end of a summer night!

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

116m

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Stars

Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini

Directed by

Roberto Benigni

Watch on Amazon

Whether you’re a World War II historian or a casual movie fan who wants a poignant, heartbreaking comedy-drama this Father’s Day, Life is Beautiful is sure to make you think, laugh, and cry. Roberto Benigni gives an Academy Award-winning performance as a Jewish dad who leverages his optimism and sense of humor during the Holocaust to protect his young son. The film will make you marvel at how a simple change in perspective and attitude can bring levity to even the horrifying scenarios in human history.