7 Movies Dads Need to Watch With Their Sons

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: Finding Nemo completely explores the love between a father and son and the motivations all parents have to keep their children safe and happy. It’s a great way to start a conversation about perhaps not always seeing eye to eye but knowing that Dad always has your best interests at heart.

What to look out for: Though it’s a cartoon, there are a few jumpy moments for really young viewers — think Bruce the shark chasing Marlin and Dory and Nemo's mom getting attacked within the first three minutes of the movie — but other than that, it’s a fun-loving film for the whole family.

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: This movie creates a real picture about life with divorced parents in a digestible way. It aims to convey a parent's unconditional love for their children, as Daniel Hillard goes to great lengths to be with his kids and show his love and devotion despite no longer living with them and their mother. Though Daniel has two daughters as well, his relationship with his son is perhaps the most affected, so he uses his humor and good nature to help his son cope with being the new man of the house.

What to look out for: When Robin Williams gives the ole finger to Pierce Brosnan, you’ll likely get a few giggles and possibly a question or two about his digit choice.

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: Because Mufasa dies so early in the film (spoiler alert?), Simba must go through life without his dad. However, Mufasa appears to Simba through the stars to give him guidance and remind him of the values he instilled in him as a cub, which shows that even when your dad can’t be with you, he is there in spirit.

What to look out for: Most people are still not over Mufasa’s untimely death (ahem, murder), so make sure you’re prepared to talk to your kiddo about that particularly violent and devastating scene.

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: Though this movie seems mostly about time travel, it also very directly addresses father/son relationships, as Marty has to aid his father (as a teenager) to get into a relationship with his future mother so that he can be born. It’s a comedy, but this delicate part of the storyline is perfectly woven in for all fathers and sons to enjoy together.

What to look out for: There's a bit of strong language in this one, some violence (though it’s a bit on the comical side rather than the scary side), and a few scenes with some intense flirting and references to sex. This one’s probably better for a tween.

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: Though this one is definitely aimed more at the tween/teen audience, this film is full of positive messages that stem from a father being left by his wife, forcing him to adapt to life alone with his son. Through financial instability and various other struggles, the dad finds a way to focus on a positive relationship with his son in every way possible.

What to look out for: This movie is extremely inspirational but is also very emotional and deals with heavy topics. There is a bit of language, and as it’s rated PG-13, there is one “f*ck,” which is said in front of the son, opening up a discussion about the word.

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: The poignant moments between Guido and his son are impossible to interpret as anything other than unconditional love, and the way he injects his humor at such a difficult time is truly inspiring. Your kids will laugh at Guido’s carefree spirit and well-timed jokes (just like they laugh at their own dad) but will also learn a fair amount about the seriousness of World War II. It’s an unforgettable movie that proves love and family can conquer all.

What to look out for: It deals with difficult concepts and does take place during World War II, which means guns, Nazis, and some potentially frightening situations that younger tweens might not be able to handle — save this one to watch with your teenager.

Reasons dads should watch with their kids: This movie follows the story of a father who is forced to make vital decisions for his family after losing his wife. Benjamin decides to start a new life in a new home on the property of a zoo with his kids, which his daughter is happy about, but his son is upset over. Benjamin and his son’s relationship appears to get put on the back burner, but by the resolution of the film, they learn to see each other in a different light and work together to pull through their difficulties and save their new zoo.

What to look out for: There are moments throughout the film when the loss of the kids’ mother is discussed, which might be a bit sad for some little ones to think about. Though the movie is rated PG, there is a bit of swearing, and if your kids still believe in the Easter bunny, you might want to skip through the part where it’s implied he may not be real.