Our Favorite Disney Dads, Ranked

Dads have always been around to pick us up when we fall down and give us advice on pretty much everything, from career choices to budgeting money, and they are somehow never short on both wisdom and cheesy quips. Seriously, there's a reason why "Dad jokes" are a thing. Disney dads are no different: they are goofy, sweet, wise, loving, and — when it comes to the serious stuff — able to put their foot down for the right reasons. Here are some of the most memorable patriarchs who played big parts in our favorite characters' lives, ranked based on the valuable life lessons we've learned from them.

— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

18
King Stefan, Sleeping Beauty
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King Stefan, Sleeping Beauty

King Stefan is a loving father — so loving in fact, that he commands his entire kingdom to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Aurora. Unfortunately, he forgets to invite Maleficent, who in turn curses Aurora and forces King Stefan to give her up to protect her. Although we don't get to see King Stefan and Aurora together all that much, it's noble of him to ensure that she stays safe.

Best line (from Narrator): "But King Stefan, still fearful of his daughter's life, did then and there decree that every spinning wheel in the kingdom should on that very day be burned, and so 'twas done."

17
Thomas O'Malley, The Aristocats
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Thomas O'Malley, The Aristocats

Thomas O'Malley is a smooth-talking street cat who traded his life of freedom for Duchess, a mom of three kittens. Although Thomas was turned off to learn Duchess was a mother, he immediately bonds with her kittens, treating them like children of his own.

Best line: "Why, your eyes are like sapphires sparkling so bright. They make the morning radiant and light."

16
King Agnarr, Frozen and Frozen 2
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King Agnarr, Frozen and Frozen 2

King Agnarr's appearance is short in the first movie (we get more of his story in Frozen 2), but it is enough for us to understand he is a loving, kind, and caring dad. In the novel A Frozen Heart, it's said Agnarr spoils his daughters Elsa and Anna, and has a hard time punishing them when they misbehave. He is petrified of magic, which causes him to make some questionable parenting decisions to protect his daughters.

Best line: "No! We'll protect her. She can learn to control it, I'm sure. Until then, we'll lock the gates. We'll reduce the staff. We will limit her contact with people and keep her powers hidden from everyone . . . including Anna."

15
Roger and Pongo, 101 Dalmations
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Roger and Pongo, 101 Dalmations

Ever heard that an owner and their pet take on each other's qualities? Prime example: Pongo and Roger. Both are extremely proud and protective dads of the spotted pups (and later, a baby — not spotted). Their rapport with each other and their resolve to find the missing dogs is just part of what makes them a great daddy duo.

Best line: "W-w-we're n-not s-selling t-the puppies. N-n-not a sing — a single one. Do you understand?"

14
Geppetto, Pinocchio
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Geppetto, Pinocchio

OK, so Geppetto isn't technically Pinocchio's dad, but he is his creator and treats Pinocchio just like a son. Despite what Pinocchio puts him through, Gepetto chooses to feel love over anger. For Pinocchio being a puppet come to life, Gepetto's love for him is nothing but real.

Best line: "You're alive! And . . . and you are a real boy!"

13
Zeus, Hercules
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Zeus, Hercules

The King of the Olympian gods is pretty easygoing considering the responsibilities he has, but his wit does not get in the way of his wisdom when it is needed most. The powerful god is also an encouraging, fun, and hilarious father to Hercules.

Best line: "A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart."

12
Marlin, Finding Nemo
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Marlin, Finding Nemo

Marlin is the poster dad for overprotective parenting. Don't get us wrong — he totally has reason to be a little anxious for Nemo, what with the whole barracuda-eats-wife-and-kids thing, so really we find his helicopter parenting style understandable and endearing. At the end of the day, this dad won't let anything — not even giant sharks, jellyfish, and creepy anglerfish — stop him from helping his kid when he needs it.

Best line: "Now go have an adventure!"

11
The Sultan, Aladdin
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The Sultan, Aladdin

Whimsical, silly, and sweet, Jasmine's dad, although a tad bit misguided, ultimately wants what is best for his daughter. Like with some of our other favorite Disney princesses (Belle and Ariel, for example), the Sultan has to be both mother and father to Jasmine, and with a little help from Rajah, we think he does a great job. Poor guy is always fighting a losing battle with that tiger and his boxers, but bless him: he never stops trying.

Best line: "Well, am I Sultan or am I Sultan? From this day forth, the Princess shall marry whomever she deems worthy."

10
King Triton, The Little Mermaid
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King Triton, The Little Mermaid

We aren't going to lie: King Triton is a little intimidating when he busts out that trident — rest in peace, Prince Eric statue — but he always has the best intentions. When it comes down to it, he just wants Ariel to be happy. Any dad who would take his daughter's place as a sad sea polyp and then magically throw some legs on her so that she could be with the love of her life deserves a gold medal in the dad department.

Best line: "Fathers have to learn that daughters have to grow, and if you truly love them, you must let them go."

09
King Fergus, Brave
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King Fergus, Brave

We could not love this hilarious Disney dad more. King Fergus, on top of being the biggest, most lovable papa bear in the world, also happens to not care one bit about gender stereotypes in their era. He hands his little girl a bow from the get-go so that she can get to shooting things — which makes Merida indescribably happy. You go, King Fergus!

Best line: "Princess or not, learning to fight is essential!"

08
Chief Tui, Moana
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Chief Tui, Moana

A well-respected leader, Chief Tui wants nothing but the best for his island and his family. Moana is much like her father and has his same adventurous spirit. However, Tui feels protective over Moana (as every father does) and doesn't want her to get hurt voyaging across the ocean, something he's been fearful to do since a tragedy years before. Despite her father's wishes, Moana successfully sails across the sea, reawakening Tui's love of the ocean.

Best line: "There will come a time when you will stand on this peak and place a stone on this mountain, like I did, like my father did, like his father and every chief that has ever been."

07
Mr. Incredible, The Incredibles
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Mr. Incredible, The Incredibles

Bob Parr, or Mr. Incredible, is not your average father and husband. His incredible (yes, we went there) love for his kids and strong relationship with his wife contribute to their success as parents — they both have a deep mutual respect for each other and are equals as mother and father figures. He's definitely not afraid to step aside and let his wife take the reins if need be.

Best line: "You are my greatest adventure."

06
Goofy, A Goofy Movie
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Goofy, A Goofy Movie

Goofy's just a regular dad who loves his son, except Max can't take just how goofy he actually is. Goofy's silliness constantly embarrasses Max, who's just trying to fit in at school. However, after a cross-country road trip, the two come together and mend their relationship.

Best line: "You're my son, Max. No matter how big you get, you'll always be my son."

05
Maurice, Beauty and the Beast
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Maurice, Beauty and the Beast

Kooky and brilliant, Maurice is the definition of a devoted dad. He accepts Belle for what she is — an introverted bookworm who just so happens to also turn the heads of all the eligible bachelors. He even gets on board with the whole Beast thing! Maurice and Belle are both different than the rest of their town, but they are alike in their eccentricities. Belle has a father who not only supports her, but also truly understands her. What more could a girl ask for?

Best line: "My daughter? Odd? Eh? Where would you get an idea like that?"

04
Mufasa, The Lion King
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Mufasa, The Lion King

The dad of all dads, Mufasa teaches us about life, love, and loss. We know that like us, you still hear his booming voice in your heads when you're about to make a bad decision, reminding you to "remember who you are." Not even getting thrown into a stampede by his brother stops this dad from returning in spirit to impart wisdom on his son.

Best line: "Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble."

03
Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas
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Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas

Perhaps the wisest of all the Disney dads, Chief Powhatan gives us food for thought in each line he speaks. When Pocahontas chooses John Smith and asks for peace between the two sides, he respects her decision, saying that she must choose her own path in life.

Best line: "Why will you take by force what you may obtain by love?"

02
James, The Princess and the Frog
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James, The Princess and the Frog

James instills in Tiana some of the most important lessons a father can teach his daughter: that she is special, gifted, and loved. Though he has a sad ending, he gives her a foundation that she keeps with her all of her life. At least The Lion King prepared us for Disney tragedy, but come on — kids have to watch this stuff!

Best line: "You can do anything you set your mind to. Just promise your daddy one thing? That you'll never, ever lose sight of what is really important."

01
Fa Zhou, Mulan
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Fa Zhou, Mulan

Mulan's love and respect for her father is what motivates her to take his place when he is called to war. When she returns successfully, Fa Zhou tells her that "the greatest gift and honor" is having her as his daughter. If that's not a proud papa, we don't know what is.

Best line: "What beautiful blossoms we have this year. But look, this one's late! But I'll bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all."

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