Ritesh Sharma
Those who have great relationships with their dads truly cherish them. And many who are not close to their dads do wish deep in their hearts that they were. Whether it’s a rocky relationship, a heartwarming bond, or even a toxic dynamic, films about fathers are always complicated. These stories come in all forms—funny, touching, intense, or even painful—but they all show the depth and complexity of fatherhood. It’s never too late to sit down with your dad and enjoy a movie that truly appreciates fatherhood in its various forms. Netflix has a great selection of such films, each one telling a different story about fatherhood in its own unique way. We’ve put together a list of the best movies that you can watch with your dad on Netflix, each offering something special and meaningful.
12. Father of the Year (2018)
Directed by Tyler Spindel, ‘Father of the Year’ is a light-hearted comedy about two college friends, Ben (Joey Bragg) and Jack (Matt Shively), who find themselves caught in a ridiculous argument about whose dad would win in a fight. This leads to a series of chaotic events as they bring their dads into the mix—Ben’s free-spirited, fun-loving father, Wayne (David Spade), and Jack’s uptight, responsible one, Mardy (Nat Faxon). The film explores the differences between the two fathers and how their sons figure out their own lives, realizing that both of their dads have qualities worth admiring, despite their flaws. It’s an enjoyable watch that blends humor with heartfelt moments, offering a fun, relatable take on fatherhood and family dynamics. You can stream it here.
11. Big Daddy (1999)
Dennis Dugan’s comedy drama ‘Big Daddy’ centers on 32-year-old slacker Sonny Koufax, who has no idea what responsibilities mean. However, when his girlfriend Vanessa leaves him for his laid-back mindset, he adopts a kid named Julian, who is his roommate’s biological child, to try to be responsible. After all, taking care of a kid is no easy feat, although it seems to get almost too difficult for Sonny. However, his ability not to overthink stuff and take it easy enables him to form a strong bond with the kid, despite the daily struggles that caring for a five-year-old brings. Starring Adam Sandler as Sonny Koufax, Dylan Sprouse as Julian, and Kristy Swanson as Vanessa, ‘Big Daddy’ is a funny and heartwarming drama that you can enjoy with your father or father-figure right here.
10. Animal (2023)
In Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal,’ a father-son bond is carved in blood and tested by years of emotional distance. Ranvijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor), the hardened son of powerful industrialist Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor), returns home after years abroad when his father’s life is threatened. Despite his deep love for Balbir, their relationship is scarred by years of neglect, unspoken pain, and a brutal upbringing that shaped Ranvijay into a man desperate for his father’s approval. As he vows to protect Balbir at any cost, the film unravels their complex dynamic—one filled with resentment, longing, and an unbreakable yet fractured bond. With stunning action sequences and raw emotional depth, ‘Animal’ explores the extremes of loyalty, trauma, and the desperate need for validation from a distant father. This movie can be streamed here.
9. Like Father (2018)
Helmed by Lauren Miller Rogen, ‘Like Father’ follows Rachel (Kristen Bell), a workaholic advertising executive who is left at the altar and ends up taking her honeymoon cruise with her estranged father, Harry (Kelsey Grammer). Having been absent for most of her life, Harry tries to reconnect, but their relationship is filled with unresolved tension and emotional baggage. As they spend time together, awkward silences turn into heartfelt conversations, forcing them to confront their past and rediscover what family truly means. Blending humor with touching moments, ‘Like Father’ is a heartfelt and uplifting story about second chances and unexpected bonds. You can watch it here.
8. Old Dads (2023)
The Bill Burr directorial, ‘Old Dads’ is a comedy that follows three longtime friends—Jack (Bill Burr), Connor (Bobby Cannavale), and Mike (Bokeem Woodbine)—who become fathers later in life and struggle to keep up with the modern world of parenting. As they come to terms with changing social norms, generational clashes, and their own personal shortcomings, their old-school ways often land them in hilarious and chaotic situations. Beneath the comedy, the film touches on themes of fatherhood, adapting to change, and the challenge of balancing personal values with evolving expectations. With sharp humor and a dose of heartfelt moments, Old Dads is an entertaining take on what it means to be a parent in today’s world. This movie can be streamed here.
7. Fatherhood (2021)
Paul Weitz’s ‘Fatherhood’ is a heartfelt drama based on the true story of Matthew Logelin, adapted from his memoir ‘Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love.’ The film follows Matt (Kevin Hart), a newly widowed father who is left to raise his infant daughter alone after the unexpected passing of his wife. Now, as he battles grief, sleepless nights, and the overwhelming responsibilities of single parenthood, Matt learns that being a good father isn’t about being perfect — it’s about showing up. Balancing touching emotional moments with light humor, ‘Fatherhood’ is an inspiring and deeply moving story about love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child. Watch this moving tale here.
6. Jersey (2022)
‘Jersey’ is an emotional sports drama that follows Arjun Talwar (Shahid Kapoor), a former cricketer who gave up his dreams years ago and now struggles to provide for his family. His young son, Ketan Talwar (Ronit Kamra), idolizes him and asks for an Indian cricket team jersey as a gift, sparking Arjun’s determination to make a comeback against all odds. With his supportive but frustrated wife, Vidhya Talwar (Mrunal Thakur), watching from the sidelines, Arjun battles self-doubt, societal pressures, and his own past failures to prove himself once again. A remake of the 2019 Telugu film of the same name, the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial is a poignant tale of fatherhood, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, anchored by a deeply moving performance from Shahid Kapoor. You can witness it here.
5. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Directed by Michael Rianda, ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ is an animated sci-fi comedy about a quirky, dysfunctional family that must come together to save the world from a robot uprising. The story centers on Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson), a creative and tech-savvy young woman who feels disconnected from her father, Rick Mitchell (Danny McBride), who struggles to relate to her interests. As they embark on a cross-country road trip, the Mitchell family is thrust into a battle against an army of machines led by a rogue AI, forcing them to put aside their differences and work together. The film beautifully explores the father-daughter relationship, showcasing themes of understanding, acceptance, and the importance of family. With vibrant animation, humor, and heart, ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ is a fun, heartfelt adventure that highlights the power of familial bonds in the face of chaos. This movie is available here.
4. Hi Nanna (2023)
Shouryuv’s ‘Hi Nanna’ tells the emotional story of Mahi (Kiara Khanna), a spirited six-year-old girl battling cystic fibrosis, and her complex relationship with her father, Viraj (Nani), a successful fashion photographer and a dedicated single parent. Mahi’s curiosity about her absent mother leads her to run away with her dog, Pluto, in search of answers. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet Yashna (Mrunal Thakur), a kind woman whose presence alters the course of their lives. ‘Hi Nanna’ is a beautiful and heartfelt exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience, focusing on the powerful bond between father and daughter while delving into themes of family, redemption, and the deep connections that define us. You can stream it here.
3. Maharaja (2024)
Directed by Nithilan Saminathan, ‘Maharaja’ is an intense and gripping revenge drama that centers on a humble barber (Vijay Sethupathi), whose quiet life is shattered after his home is burglarized. In a cryptic statement to the police, he declares that his “Lakshmi” has been taken, leaving law enforcement baffled as they struggle to understand whether he is referring to a person or an object. Initially dismissed and mocked for his ambiguous words, the true significance of his statement soon unfolds, revealing the deep emotional core of the story. At the heart of Maharaja is the powerful love the titular character has for his daughter, Jothi (Sachana Namidass), which drives him to embark on a relentless quest for vengeance. With layers of emotional depth, ‘Maharaja’ is a thought-provoking narrative about identity, retribution, and the profound bonds that shape our lives. Watch this captivating tale of love and revenge unfold on screen here.
2. Kodachrome (2017)
Helmed by Mark Raso, ‘Kodachrome’ centers on a strained father-son relationship as the two set off on a road trip to a Kodachrome lab in Kansas before it shuts down. The film is based on a New York Times article by A.G. Sulzberger and shows the various experiences that the terminally ill father and his son have, which are underscored by their unresolved tension. Heavy on emotions and often humorous, ‘Kodachrome’ seamlessly blends polar opposite emotions to give the viewers a singular binge-watching experience. The film stars Ed Harris as the father and Jason Sudeikis as the son. You can watch it here.
1. The Adam Project (2022)
Shawn Levy’s sci-fi flick ‘The Adam Project’ is inherently an exploration of a father-son relationship. The movie shows how Adam Reed (Ryan Reynolds), hailing from 2050, crash-lands in 2022 while heading to 2018 for a mission. In 2022, he meets his 12-year-old version, who joins him in his journey. They travel together to 2018, where they meet their dead father, Louis (Mark Ruffalo), who invented time travel. While the main plot shows how the trio deals with villainess Maya Sorian (Catherine Keener), who wants the titular time-travel tech all to herself, the sub-plot shows how the two versions of Adam address their meeting with their father, who was never really there for them while alive and was more into his work. An entertaining movie that yet carries a heartwarming/poignant theme, ‘The Adam Project’ is a rare addition to the list. You can enjoy it here.
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