Whether you like comedic classics, raw dramas, or films based on real-life father-daughter relationships, you’ll find something on our list to watch together
Relationships between dads and their daughters are exceptionally important. Fathers teach their daughters so many lessons and offer both comfort and protection. They also watch as their daughters become their own people and head into the world. For those times when quality time is an absolute must, we have created a list of movies that celebrates the unique dad/daughter dynamic and offers a chance for fathers and daughters to reconnect for a few hours in the comfort of their home.
The Parent Trap (1961)
This 1961 Disney classic finds two teenage twin girls meeting up at summer camp after leading separate lives. The twins, played by Hayley Mills, work together to reunite their parents, who separated just after they were born. Father-daughter audiences will enjoy the fantastic adventures of the twins as they scheme to bring happiness to their father by reuniting him with their mother and releasing him from the grip of his gold-digging fiance, Vicky. The 1998 remake of the film finds Lindsay Lohan taking over the role of the twins.
Where to stream: Disney+
Rating: G
Age recommendation: 6+
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Lawyer and single father Atticus Finch raises his two children in the Deep South in this film based on the book by Harper Lee. When Atticus takes on a case where he defends a Black man named Tom against a white woman, things go very wrong. While the movie won three Oscars and was nominated for several others, what makes it worth a watch for dads and their daughters is the relationship Finch has with his two children. He is a true role model for both, but especially his daughter, Scout, to whom he teaches lessons about prejudice and bravery. With mature themes surrounding race and rape, the film is best viewed by kids 12+.
Where to stream: Apple TV (Rent)
Rating: Not rated
Age recommendation: 12+
Father of the Bride (1991)
Steve Martin plays George Banks, a man living the typical American Dream alongside his wife and two kids. When his daughter, Annie, decides to get married, the chaos of planning a wedding leaves George feeling overwhelmed and left out. This sweet comedy is a perfect reminder to all fathers and daughters that while their relationships will change and grow with each major milestone, especially marriage, the father-daughter dynamic will always remain one of the most important. While there are some sexual references, the film should be fine for kids 9 and up.
Where to stream: Disney+
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 9+
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
The late Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, a father who takes on the acting role of a lifetime when he pretends to be Euphegenia Doubtfire, a British caregiver, in an attempt to gain employment as his children’s nanny. After his split from their mother, Daniel falls on hard times and must fight to show everyone, including his ex-wife, that he is a responsible parent. Daniel proves he is a loving father who is willing to learn some important lessons to be a part of his kids’ lives. The film won an Oscar for Best Makeup and scored Williams a Best Actor Golden Globe. Mrs. Doubtfire features some language and difficult themes such as divorce and separation.
Where to stream: Hulu
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 12+
Fly Away Home (1996)
A teenage girl, Amy, whose mother dies, moves to Canada to live with a father she barely knows. They learn lessons about what family means when they teach a group of geese to fly and migrate south using an ultralight plane in this heartwarming ’90s film starring Anna Paquin, Jeff Daniels, and Dana Delaney. This father-daughter movie, loosely based on the story of Bill Lishman, an inventor from Canada, offers powerful scenes between a grieving daughter and her estranged father as they work to find each other. Watching them bond over their love of the geese and flying may make fathers tear up right alongside their daughters. The car accident that claims the life of Amy’s mother may be difficult viewing for kids younger than eight.
Where to stream: Amazon (Rent)
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 8+
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Set in the bustling city of New Orleans during the 1920s, Tiana grows up dreaming that she and her father will one day own a restaurant together. While the journey is a much harder one than she anticipated, her father instilled a strong work ethic and sense of self in Tiana. When a prince comes to New Orleans and gets tricked by voodoo magic, he and Tiana are turned into frogs. Her father’s love and the lessons he taught her as a girl help her to chase after her dreams even when they seem impossible. With some violence and perilous situations, the film may be a bit frightening for very young viewers.
Where to stream: Disney+
Rating: G
Age recommendation: 5+
Despicable Me (2010)
A criminal mastermind named Gru does his best not to fall in love with the three little girls he uses to help him steal the moon. The three orphans have other ideas and want Gru for their dad. The heartwarming relationship that develops between Gru and the girls makes the first film in the franchise worthy of a father-daughter movie night. Gru’s relationship with his minions has given him the tools to care for others. Parents should be aware of some very mild language and cartoonish violence.
Where to stream: Netflix
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 6+
Related: TV Shows Every Mom and Daughter Should Watch Together
Interstellar (2014)
When the planet undergoes horrible and catastrophic events due to climate change, Cooper, a former astronaut, must decide whether to head to space to find a new planet to sustain human life or remain with his son and daughter. Choosing the former, Cooper does his best to save humanity while maintaining a connection with his family. Cooper’s belief in his daughter, Murphy, his urge to share his love of science with her, and the unbreakable bond they share, which defies time and space, make this the perfect father-daughter movie. Some violent and intense scenes and language make the film best for kids over 12.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 12+
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Ben and Leslie Cash raise their children in the wilderness to avoid the chaos of the real world. When Leslie dies, Ben must bring the Cash kids into the world he worked so hard to protect them from. Fighting against relatives who claim his parenting methods are abusive, Ben must figure out a way to keep his kids together. Ben has forged a beautiful relationship with all his children, especially his daughters. It carries them through figuring out a way to remain in the world they’ve so carefully cultivated with their father and blaze a new path on the one he’s tried to keep them hidden from. Fathers and daughters will marvel at Ben’s strength of conviction and dedication to his family. With an R-rating and some graphic content, the film is best viewed by fathers and their teenage daughters 17 and over.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Rating: R
Age recommendation: 17+
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
Nick Offerman plays widowed father, Frank to teen daughter, Sam in this music-centric comedy. While Sam gets ready to leave for college in the fall, Sam encourages her to join him in forming a band. When things take an unexpected turn, Sam needs to figure out what her dream is. This film features a kid who acts more like an adult than her dad, but Frank is attentive to his daughter and reminds her that life is about enjoyment and not just hard work. The two balance each other out and Frank proves that fathers can be fun and inspire their daughters to take chances. With some mature content including drinking and kissing, Hearts Beat Loud is best for older tweens.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Apple TV (Rent)
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 12+
Leave No Trace (2018)
A teen daughter, Tom, and her father, Will, survive and thrive in a remote forest. When authorities discover them, they are forced to adapt to life in the real world. This harrowing story finds not only a father protecting his daughter but her protecting him as well. Tom and Will provide a safe place for each other, proving that often that home isn’t found in a place but in a person. Parents should note that the film features perilous moments and difficult topics like mental illness.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Apple TV (Rent)
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 12+
Eighth Grade (2018)
This father-daughter movie focuses on teenager Kayla’s coming-of-age during middle school in a small town. Kayla does her best to vlog about being confident but struggles to be seen and heard in real life. Raised by her father, Mark, the two must navigate the murky depths of social media and middle school while trying to carve out a relationship. While Mark isn’t always the most communicative, he truly cares about her daughter, and the two forge a tight and enviable father-daughter bond. Eighth Grade received an R rating for tackling difficult themes such as teen sexuality and having some strong language.
Where to stream: Max
Rating: R
Age recommendation: 14+
King Richard (2021)
Based on the lives of tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams, King Richard focuses on one of the most profound relationships in their lives. Their father, Richard, played by Will Smith, proves to be their constant cheerleader and advocate. The belief he has in his daughters makes this a standout film that garnered Will Smith an Oscar for Best Actor in 2021. Some violence and language make this best for teens 13 and over.
Where to stream: Max
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 13+
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
When technology rises up to take over humanity, a suburban family on a road trip to drop their daughter at college must fight back. While the film is a comedic gem, what stands out is Rick Mitchell’s relationship with his daughter, Katie. Once extremely close, the father-daughter duo has grown apart. To gain back some of the closeness he thinks they’ve lost, Rick cancels Katie’s flight to college and decides to drive her instead. His genuine love for his daughter is evident throughout the film. Dads will enjoy the nostalgic nods to 1980s road trip movies, while daughters may be reminded of what true heroes fathers can be.
Where to stream: Netflix
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 7+
The Little Mermaid (2023)
While the relationship between mermaid Princess Ariel and her undersea king father Triton is a bit rocky, partly because Ariel is obsessed with all things human and partly because King Triton is a bit overprotective, it is still filled with love. When Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric and makes a bargain with the sea witch Ursula, King Triton does his best to help his daughter. His loyalty to all his daughters and his need to keep them safe in their under-the-sea home make this a perfect father-daughter flick. The film does have some moments of danger that may frighten viewers under the age of 8.
Where to stream: Available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 8+
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