Happy Father’s Day: some of our favorite movie/tv dads

For Father's Day, here are some of the most memorable screen dads! Note: this does not mean they're good dads. But let's face it, fathers are complicated.

1. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird – maybe the best example of a great movie dad. 10/10, no notes.
2. George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life – people really need to watch this movie for how dark and disturbing it actually is. Beautiful study of middle-aged frustration and depression.
3. Father of the Bride – Spencer Tracy was exactly the kind of dad we want to have. NoteL in real life, Spencer Tracy was a mean drunk and a very absent dad.
4. Late Spring by Yasijuro Ozu – a four hanky father-daughter movie if ever there was one. Criterion rocks.
5. Archie Bunker in All in the Family – conservative, foul-tempered, but also a devoted father.
6. Mrs. Doubtfire – RIP to Robin Williams. Love this movie father.
7. Lion King – Mufasa and Simba. Going to scroll by before I cry.
8. Finding Nemo – another great animated portrayal of a wonderful father.
9. The Sopranos – can you be a ruthless, philandering mobster and a devoted father? Tony Soprano says you can.
10. Philip Banks in Fresh Prince of Bel Air – often considered one of the best tv dads of all time.
11. Mark Greene in ER – the reason I can't listen to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" without crying.
12. Bill in Big Love – 3 wives, tons of kids, but somehow we love this family? Miss this show so much, and Bill Paxton is a big reason why. RIP.
13. Pursuit of Happyness – remember when Will Smith was more known for wholesome family dramas? But either way, love this movie.
14. Tywin Lannister – yes, he's horrible. But we can't deny that Game of Thrones would have been way worse without this tv dad.
15. Parasite – gripping class war study, but also a family drama with a dad just trying to make a good life for his family.
16. Richie in The Bear – before The Bear became a study in navel gazing, it was a great drama and Richie finding his way as a father was one of the best storylines.
17. Logan Roy – omg. Yes. Horrible. But one memorable tv dad.
18. The Last of Us – not a biological dad, but certainly found family dad. Damn who's cutting onions?
19. Interview With the Vampire – Louis and Lestat are just about the most toxic, manipulative dads out there. But this quirky little vampire family is my new obsession. Just got into this show like two weeks ago.
20. One Battle After Another – can I admit the movie only made sense once I igured out it was actually a father daughter rescue movie? But once that clicked, I was so invested in Bob and Willa.