Being a father is one of life’s greatest adventures, and cinema has a unique way of capturing the joys, challenges, and rewards of fatherhood. 

Whether you’re a dad, aspiring to be one, or simply appreciate great storytelling, these movies showcase the beauty of fatherhood in ways that might just inspire you to embrace the role. Let’s dive into ten films that have made people want to be fathers.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Who knew a clownfish could teach us so much about fatherhood? In this Pixar classic, Marlin’s quest to find his son Nemo isn’t just an adventure – it’s a masterclass in learning to trust and let go. Albert Brooks brings depth to Marlin‘s character, showing us that being a great dad sometimes means allowing your children to swim on their own.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Robin Williams‘ portrayal of a father who goes to extraordinary lengths to spend time with his children is both hilarious and touching. This comedy reminds us that being a dad isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence and unconditional love, even if it means donning a wig and a floral dress!

The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

While not on our original list, this film deserves a spot. Will Smith‘s portrayal of Chris Gardner, a struggling single father, shows the lengths a dad will go to provide for his child. It’s a testament to perseverance and the unbreakable bond between father and son.

We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Matt Damon stars as Benjamin Mee, a widower who buys a zoo to start fresh with his children. This heartwarming tale shows how fatherhood often means taking leaps of faith and creating adventures for your family, even in the face of grief and uncertainty.

About Time (2013)

This time-traveling romance isn’t just about love – it’s a beautiful exploration of the father-son relationship. Bill Nighy‘s character teaches us that the real magic of fatherhood lies in cherishing every moment with our children, time-travel abilities or not.

Chef (2014)

Carl Casper reminds us that it’s never too late to bond with your kids. By sharing his passion for cooking with his son, Carl not only rebuilds their relationship but also rediscovers his own joy. It’s a delicious reminder that the best ingredients for fatherhood are time, shared interests, and a dash of adventure.

Eighth Grade 

Josh Hamilton‘s portrayal of a single dad supporting his daughter through the trials of adolescence is both realistic and heartwarming. It shows that sometimes, being a great father means simply being there, offering unwavering support through life’s awkward moments.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

This Studio Ghibli classic features a father who embraces his daughters’ magical adventures. He teaches us that being a supportive dad means nurturing your children’s imagination and joining in their world of wonder.

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

Tom Baker shows us that fatherhood can be chaotic, especially with twelve kids! But amidst the mayhem, there’s an abundance of love and laughter, reminding us that the joys of fatherhood often come in unexpected packages – or in this case, a really big package!

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Dustin Hoffman‘s portrayal of Ted Kramer, a workaholic who becomes a single dad, is a powerful journey of growth and self-discovery. This Oscar-winning film shows that becoming a devoted father is a learning process, one that can transform us in profound ways.

These are the movies that made people want to be fathers by  showcase different aspects of fatherhood – from the hilarious to the heartbreaking, the magical to the mundane. They remind us that being a father isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, loving unconditionally, and growing alongside your children.

They show us that fathers come in all forms – single dads, widowers, stay-at-home dads, working dads, and even clownfish dads! What unites them is their love for their children and their desire to do right by them, even when the path isn’t clear. No wonder these are movies that made people want to be fathers.