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8 fun films to watch with dad on Father’s Day

27 August 2023

Father reading card with two kids

Image credit: iStock

After a busy celebration in the morning, what better way to spend Father’s Day than with a family movie? From light-hearted comedies to action-packed adventure films, we’ve got eight great recommendations for your family to watch this Father’s Day. Check them out here.

1. Grown Ups, 2010 (MA 15+)

If your dad’s a fan of edgy and sketch-style comedy, Grown Ups is a funny film that’s sure to be up his alley. Led by big names such as Adam Sandler, Kevin James, and David Spade, the film follows five 40-year-olds who at varying stages of life, gather for a fun weekend at a lake house. From a troubled house-husband to a rich Hollywood agent, each member of the group has their own quirk and is making their way through different struggles in life.

An 80’s comedy-inspired movie, Grown Ups is about adults learning to recognise the importance of family and friendships while celebrating their childhoods. A simple plot premise brought to life by a fun cast, Grown Ups is a great film to put on and laugh to with your family on Father’s Day, available on BINGE.

2. Madagascar, 2005 (G)

Who doesn’t love a classic comedic animation like Madagascar on Father’s Day? Filled with laughs, bizarre plotlines, and fun music, Madagascar is an entertaining masterpiece to watch with your family. A great watch for children and adults alike, the film stars a lion, zebra, giraffe, and hippo as they escape a New York zoo and thanks to a hilarious course of events, end up having to survive the jungles of Madagascar. Pulled into their adventures are also a SWAT team of penguins and comedic duo of lemurs.

A children’s film about survival, friendship, and family, Madagascar is a quirky film sure to have you chuckling with your family. Led by famous voices such as Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith, the film’s plot is simple enough for young kids to follow, but also complex enough to hold adult viewers’ attention. Keen to watch more of the zoo animals partying it up this Father’s Day? Netflix also has Happy Holidays from Madagascar and the spin-off All Hail King Julien for you to enjoy.

3. Ip Man, 2008 (M)

Martial arts are always fun and exciting to watch on the big screen, and undoubtedly one of the best-choreographed martial arts movies to watch is Ip Man. If you’re looking for an action film to watch with your family on Father’s Day, award-winning Ip Man starring Donnie Yen is one to put on. Available on Netflix, the 2008 film follows the life of iconic Bruce Lee’s mentor, Ip Man, as he duals kung fu masters from all over China and gains his reputation as Foshan’s undisputed martial arts champion.

With many intricately choreographed martial arts scenes and a charismatic performance by Donnie Yen, the film is an entertaining watch for action fans. It also explores interesting themes such as the meaning of life, respect, love, dignity, and family. Ip Man 2 and Ip Man 3 are also on Netflix if you’re looking to marathon the action-packed series on Father’s Day.

4. Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, 2023 (MA 15+)

One of the most popular films of this year is on Paramount+. If you haven’t yet had a chance to watch the comedy adventure movie Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, Father’s Day may be a great opportunity to sit down with your family and enjoy the light-hearted film. Based on the role-play game of the same name, Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves is the perfect film for geeky dads to enjoy on their day.

The fantasy movie stars Chris Pine, Sophia Lillis, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page as a makeshift band of thieves and adventurers who embark on a quest to find a lost relic. As they traverse through the land of the Forgotten Realms, the group faces a series of incredible obstacles, from resurrected corpses to pudgy red dragons. A great live-action adaption of the legendary game, Dungeon and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves is a funny, easy-going film to watch with your family on Father’s Day.

5. The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006 (M)

All about the rewarding struggles and touching moments between a father and son, The Pursuit of Happyness is a great emotional watch for Father’s Day. Starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness is a biographic drama following the real life of Christopher Gardner, an American businessman who struggled with homelessness while raising his young son.

Although about the tough times of a single dad and his son, The Pursuit of Happyness has an uplifting message about never giving up and achieving your dreams. Depicting the tight and loving relationship between father and son, the film has a few joyous moments in between the weighty plot, sure to make you both chuckle and emotional at times. A heart-warming film about family and love, The Pursuit of Happyness is a great, reflective watch for Father’s Day. You can find the film on Netflix.

6. Dad’s Army: The Movie, 1971 (PG)

A movie adaptation of the hit British series of the same name, Dad’s Army is a comedy set in WWII. Having premiered in 1971, Dad’s Army is a classic comedy film that’s faithful to the original series about a group of elderly men who bravely enlist in Captain Mainwaring’s home guard unit to defend their small town. The war film has a comedy twist as the group invents unique weaponry and applies makeshift war strategies to protect their home.

For any dads who are fans of the original series, watching Dad’s Army: The Movie is a no-brainer for a Father’s Day movie night. However, regardless of whether you’re familiar with the British sitcom or not, Dad’s Army: The Movie is a light-hearted watch that’s enjoyable for parents and older kids. You find the film on BritBox.

7. Fatherhood, 2021 (PG)

Another comedy drama perfect for this Father’s Day weekend is Fatherhood on Netflix. Starring Kevin Hart, Fatherhood is a touching film based on Matthew Logelin’s memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love. It follows Hart as Matt Logelin, a single parent who navigates both the hardships and joys of raising a child as a single parent, with the story combining themes of love, grief, and sacrifice.

Relatable, heart-warming, and simple, the film’s story grabs your attention and never lets go. Family-friendly and a breakthrough performance from comedian Kevin Hart, Fatherhood is a great movie to watch this Father’s Day.

8. The Bad Guys, 2022 (G)

Available to watch on Amazon Prime, The Bad Guys is an animated film based on the children’s book series of the same name. Following a group of animal criminals who reform into model citizens to avoid being caught, the film is a hilarious, family-friendly watch with a fun plot twist. With a tagline like “good is no fun at all”, The Bad Guys is a movie with a unique premise and great animation.

The Bad Guys also has a star-studded voice-acting cast, with big names like Awkwafina, Sam Rockwell, and Lilly Singh voicing  the animal crew. Filled with beautifully designed characters and fun for the entire family, The Bad Guys is a great film to watch on Father’s Day for young families.

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