There are many great movies about father-son relationships. But only a few movies make this theme their center focus.
The relationship between a father and his son is, though complicated, the real inspiration for the son in his life.
Sometimes fathers have strong bonds with their sons, and sometimes it becomes difficult.
Here are the 14 best movies about father-son relationships for you that show the tension and difficulties as well as the celebration of strong bonds between fathers and sons.
Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Cast– Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano, Horst Buchholz, Marisa Paredes, Lydia Alfonsi.
Director– Roberto Benigni
IMDB rating– 8.6
Story Line: Guido Orefice, who is a gentle Jewish – Italian waiter, marries Dora, who is a pretty school teacher.
Dora and Guido eventually have a son named Giosue and spend a happy life.
But their happiness is abruptly halted because Guido and Giosue get separated from Dora during World War II when they are taken to different separation camps.
That time Guido convinces Giosue that it is merely a game to be in this camp. The father-son relationship shown in this movie is so heart-touching that it makes everyone overwhelmed.
Beautiful Boy (2018)
Cast – Steve Carell, Maura Tierney, Jack Dylan Grazer, Oakley Bull, Christian Convery, Timothēe Chalamet.
Director – Felix van Groeningen
IMDB rating – 7.3
Story Line: The original story of this movie is written by a journalist, David Sheff, and his son, Nic Sheff.
Throughout the movie, you will get flashes of Nic’s loving upbringing. When Nic gets addicted to methamphetamine, his father tries to make him get rid of this addiction.
This is a heartbreaking true story of a father who is desperate to save his son from the devilish clutches of addiction.
Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Cast – Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell.
Director – Vittorio De Sica
IMDB rating – 8.3
Story Line: This movie is plotted at the time when Rome was devastated by war. Antonio Ricci, who is an unemployed man, finds some work hanging posters around Rome.
He needs a bicycle to get the job. His wife, Maria, sells the family’s bed linens to retrieve Antonio’s bicycle.
But unfortunately, it is stolen, and his new job comes under insecurity. Bruno, Antonio’s son, helps his father comb the city, and they become increasingly desperate to get justice.
This story features a lively relationship between a father and a son.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Cast – Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel.
Director – Luca Guadagnino
IMDB rating – 7.8
Story Line: This movie is one of the most popular coming-of-age LGBT movies of recent years.
Besides showcasing the so-called unacceptable relationship between Elio and Oliver, a positive example of acceptance in fatherhood is shown in this movie. Elio’s father encourages him to spend time with Oliver.
He supports his son in a way that shows how wonderfully he fosters an accepting and loving environment for Elio.
The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
Cast – Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe, James Karen.
Director – Gabriele Muccino
IMDB rating – 8
Story Line: The movie, The Pursuit of Happiness, shows the struggle of Chris Gardner, who is a bright and talented yet marginally employed salesman.
Chris and his son get evicted from their apartment in San Francisco and start struggling very hard in pursuit of a better life.
Throughout the movie, Chris continues to remain a loving and caring father, which influences his son in his pursuit of true happiness.
Field of Dreams (1989)
Cast – Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Dwier Brown, Amy Madigan, Gaby Hoffmann.
Director – Phil Alden Robinson
IMDB rating – 7.5
Story Line: This is a perfect story about a father and a son, which starts with the line, “My father’s name was John Kinsella.” John and his son, Ray, are fond of baseball.
John single-handedly raised Ray after Ray’s mother passed away.
Ray leaves home after college and never comes back. His father dies before meeting his daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
The Lion King (2019)
Cast – James Earl Jones, Beyonce, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, JD McCrary.
Director – Jon Favreau
IMDB rating – 6.8
Story Line: The Lion King explores a father-son relationship in a deep way, and this relationship becomes increasingly important as the movie continues.
Simba and Mufasa have an intense bond that grows with Simba. He takes inspiration from Mufasa in every way.
Mufasa gives his son valuable advice when Simba tries to show unnecessary bravery, and as a result, he is chased by hyenas.
This movie takes a unique approach to depict the father-son relationship. Being a responsible father, Mufasa taught Simba how to behave in times of danger.
Simba learned from his father how to become a good king.
The Blind Side (2009)
Cast – Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Tim McGraw, Lily Collins, Kathy Beats.
Director – John Lee Hancock
IMDB rating – 7.6
Story Line: It is a true story about a perfect father who takes care of his young son, Michael Oher, who was born into a broken home.
Michael has a rough childhood. His father uses his intelligence and luck to be the best father for Michael.
He does everything possible to make sure his son gets everything he needs and wants in his life.
The Godfather (1974)
Cast – Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, Diane Keaton, Robert de Niro, Talia Shire.
Director – Francis Ford Coppola
IMDB rating – 9.2
Story Line: In this movie, the importance of a strong father-son relationship is shown through the sacrifices of Vito Corleone for the well-being of his son, Michael.
Vito sacrifices everything to protect his son from being killed by a rival mob boss. He teaches Michael the way to become a ruthless boss, which helps Michael save his life.
The Godfather is largely considered the best movie on the father-son relationship.
Boyhood (2014)
Cast – Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette.
Director – Richard Linklater
IMDB rating – 7.9
Story Line: The film, Boyhood spans from bedtime stories to packing for college. In this movie, the parents get separated, and the custody of the kids is under Olivia, their mother.
Their father, Masson Sr., gets two weekends a month and the summertime to spend time with his children.
Mason Sr. does so many things for his children. He advises his son to break up with Samantha when he sees they are not happy.
This shows how the parent-child relationship changes and gets matures with life and aging.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Cast – Andrew Stanton, Alexander Gould, Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe, Bob Peterson, Allison Janney.
Director – Andrew Stanton
IMDB rating – 8.2
Story Line: This movie portrays the theme of family in a very realistic way that very few movies have done so far.
This is one of the best children’s animation movies featuring the quest of a father searching for his son, Nemo.
He comes across so many hurdles in his journey, but with his tremendous love for his son, he gathers the courage to continue his journey.
Though the movie is a little comic, the final moments depicting the father’s victory add an emotional edge to it.
Chef (2014)
Cast – Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, John Leguizamo, Robert Downey Jr, Emjay Anthony.
Director – Jon Favreau
IMDB rating – 7.3
Story Line: This movie features a successful chef who now operates a food truck after falling from career heights.
He and his son drive the truck from Miami to LA. While throughout the first half of this movie, Carl, the father, constantly lets his son, Percy, down and does not show interest in spending time together, the next half shows a special bond between the father and the son.
Especially at the end of the movie, Carl repairs his relationship with Percy and starts to share his success with his family.
Big Fish (2003)
Cast – Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Helena Bonham Carter, Billy Crudup, Matthew McGrory.
Director – Tim Burton
IMDB rating – 8
Story Line: This fantasy drama features the character of Will Bloom, who analyzes his dying father’s life.
This movie is quite a reflection of Tim Burton himself, who lost his father in 2000, and after two years, he lost his mother also.
It is a story of reconciliation between a son and his dying father, which is very significant. This movie shows how a son stays connected to his father even after his death.
About A Boy (2002)
Cast – Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz, Natalia Tena.
Director – Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz.
IMDB rating – 7.1
Story Line: This movie is based on a novel written by Nick Hornby. It shows a complicated aspect of a father-son relationship. I
n this movie, Will pretends to be a single father to meet a woman in a group of single parents.
Eventually, he meets Fiona and her son Marcus. Ultimately he ends with a loving relationship with them.