Top 5 Father And Son Movies

Here Come The Feels

Whether it’s tradition in your household to watch these classic films with dear old Dad or you’re just a sucker for an emotional tale between parent and child, these five flicks have stood firm over the years as the perfect examples of how to convey the complexities, obstacles and unyielding love that stem from a father’s love for his son. Sure, you’ll be bawling your eyes out halfway through, but the beautiful payoff is always worth it in the end!

Fair warning, there are SPOILERS AHEAD!

#5: “Beginners” (2010)

Told through a series of flashbacks, this story centers on the relationship between a young man and his father, who comes out as gay following his wife’s death. Certainly a case of “better late than never”, the older gentleman begins to explore his life out in the open, while also building his relationship with his son. Over the course of the romantic comedy, the son witnesses a transformation in his father that inspires him in his own life, namely his romantic pursuits. Filled with humor and touching moments, “Beginners” is a coming of age tale for a father and son that are just figuring out how to live their lives.

#4: “Road to Perdition” (2002)

In this somber crime thriller, Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, Sr., the adopted and highly favored son of a mob boss. The life of an enforcer doesn’t come without its hazards though, as Sullivan’s own son witnesses a crime that sets in motion a course of events leading to the death of his mother and younger brother. Sullivan and his son then go on the run, looking for sanctuary as well as a means to avenge the deaths in their family. And while their relationship propels the film forward, Michael also has to contend with the actions of his adopted father and unstable brother.

#3: “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979)

This drama sees Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play a divorced couple locked in a fierce custody battle for their young son. In the critically acclaimed film, Ted Kramer’s wife Joanna suddenly walks out on him and her son to find herself. This means Ted and Billy are suddenly thrown together and must adjust to a life without her. And while it’s not initially easy, the two eventually form an intense father and son bond – however, it’s later threatened by Joanna’s sudden reappearance.

#2: “Life Is Beautiful” (1997)

Having your entire family put in a concentration camp is not supposed to be an enjoyable experience by any stretch of the imagination. And yet, imagination is exactly what the father in this film relies on to shelter his son from the horrors of their surroundings. After Jewish shop owner Guido, his wife and his son are placed in one such camp at the height of World War II, he convinces Joshua that it’s all an elaborate game that everyone else is in on. But, while he may have shielded his son from the brutality of their situation, his imagination won’t be enough for all of them to make it out completely unscathed.

#1: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)

This poignant, biographical drama follows Will Smith as Chris Gardner, an ambitious man struggling to make it amidst hardship. As Gardner vies for a position at a brokerage firm, he and his young son, played by Smith’s real-life son, Jaden, soon find themselves without a roof to live under. This father/son duo endures homeless shelters and overnight stays in public restrooms as Gardner struggles to keep a brave face for Christopher. Thankfully, the ending is one that sort of makes it okay to unleash the man-tears that’ve accumulated over the course of the last two hours.

Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Bad Dads Gone Good.