By Isaac Atunlute
This Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting five movies that honour the strength and quiet heroism of fatherhood.
Whether you’re spending time with your dad, reflecting on his influence, or simply curious about what it means to be a father, these movies are sure to strike a chord. From emotional true stories to light-hearted comedies, here’s a watchlist that captures the many faces of paternal love.
Fatherhood
Genre: Family/Comedy
Kevin Hart steps out of his typical comedic comfort zone in this heartfelt drama built on a true story. After the sudden loss of his wife, a new father must raise his daughter alone. Raw, honest and filled with tender moments, Fatherhood is a moving tribute to resilience, vulnerability and unconditional love.
King Richard
Genre: Drama
In this Oscar-winning biopic, Will Smith plays Richard Williams, the determined father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film captures a father’s unwavering belief in his daughters’ potentials. It’s a powerful portrait of vision, sacrifice, and the legacy a father can build through sheer devotion.
Father of the Bride
Genre: Comedy/Romance
This modern remake with a Latino-American twist follows a father navigating his daughter’s surprise wedding while grappling with his own evolving role in the family. Packed with laughs and heartful moments, this flick explores the bittersweet joy of letting go and how a father’s love doesn’t disappear as children grow–it simply evolves.
Dangal
Genre: Sport/Action
Based on the true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, Dangal chronicles the journey of a former wrestler who trains his daughters to become world-class champions, challenging gender nroms and social expectations in rural India. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of tough love, ambition, and a fierce belief in one’s children.
Nowhere special
Genre: Drama
This understated 2020 British-Irish gem tells the story of a terminally ill father as he quietly searches for a new family to adopt his 4-year-old son before his time runs out. With touching performances and delicate storytelling, Nowhere Special is a meditation on parental love, sacrifice and legacy. It’s soft, slow and utterly unforgettable.
This Father's Day, five movies are highlighted to celebrate the essence of fatherhood, showcasing its various facets through drama, comedy, and true stories.
"Fatherhood" features Kevin Hart in a serious role as a father raising his daughter alone after his wife's death, highlighting themes of resilience and love. "King Richard" stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena Williams, emphasizing his unwavering belief and dedication to their success in tennis. "Father of the Bride" presents a comedic yet heartfelt story of a father's role evolution during his daughter's wedding preparations.
"Dangal" portrays Mahavir Singh Phogat's journey training his daughters to become wrestling champions in India, challenging societal norms with tough love and ambition. Lastly, "Nowhere Special" tells of a terminally ill father seeking adoptive parents for his son, reflecting on love, sacrifice, and legacy. These films collectively offer a diverse exploration of paternal experiences and emotions.
