Movies About Father And Son

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. Based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, the film stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a powerful New York crime family. The story covers the family's history and their struggle to maintain control in an increasingly violent world. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and its powerful performances, cinematic style, and story have made it one of the most influential films ever made. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando's performance.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a timeless classic directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. The film follows the story of George Bailey, a generous and selfless man whose life appears to be heading in a downward spiral. On the brink of losing everything he has worked so hard for, George is saved by his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who shows him how different the world would be had he never been born. Through this journey, George learns the significance of his life and how many lives he has touched. In the end, George is able to find salvation and his family and friends are able to have their happily ever after. It's a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming story of hope and inspiration that has stood the test of time.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama directed by Roberto Benigni and starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, and Giustino Durano. The film follows the story of Guido Orefice (Benigni), a Jewish-Italian book shop owner during World War II, as he uses his imagination and humor to protect his son Giosué (Cantarini) from the horrors of the Holocaust. Guido and Giosué are eventually sent to a concentration camp, where Guido attempts to use his imagination and humor to shield Giosué from the truth of their fate. Despite the darkness of the subject matter, Life Is Beautiful is ultimately a story of resilience, hope, and the power of a father's love.

From Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated G

The Lion King is a 1994 animated musical film directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film and is set in a kingdom of anthropomorphic animals in Africa. The story follows the lion cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king. With the help of his friends—Timon, Pumbaa, and his guardian, Rafiki—Simba must fight to take back his kingdom from his evil uncle Scar. The film features an all-star voice cast including Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, and Nathan Lane. It is an epic tale of courage and redemption, and features an iconic soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice. The film was critically acclaimed and has since become a beloved classic.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a science fiction adventure comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Crispin Glover. The film follows high school student Marty McFly (Fox) as he is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, where he meets his future parents and becomes his mother’s romantic interest. With the help of mad scientist Dr. Emmett Brown (Lloyd), Marty and his friends must find a way to return Marty back to 1985 before it is too late. The film is full of fun, adventure, and humor, as Marty and his friends race against time to save their future.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining is a horror movie directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel by Stephen King. It tells the story of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Along with Jack is his wife Wendy and young son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as "the shining." While staying at the hotel, Jack slowly descends into madness as he is influenced by the supernatural forces within the hotel. The family is terrorized by the malevolent entities, with Jack going so far as to attempt to murder his family. With the help of Danny's special powers and the hotel's chef, the family narrowly escapes the terror. The Shining is considered one of the best horror films of all time and is considered a classic in the genre.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a 1962 American drama film based on Harper Lee’s novel of the same name. The film was directed by Robert Mulligan and stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South. The film follows Atticus and his two children, Jem and Scout, as they confront racism in their small-town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus is appointed to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, against the unjust accusation of rape of a white woman. The children, who gradually learn of the racism that exists in their town, and come to understand the courage and integrity of their father. As the trial progresses, and further injustice is revealed, the children begin to understand the importance of standing up against bigotry and injustice. The powerful film won three Academy Awards: Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood follows the story of Daniel Plainview, a silver miner-turned-oilman in the early 20th century. Plainview is a cold, ruthless, and ambitious man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He quickly rises to power and wealth after striking oil, but his ambition brings with it a darkness that affects the lives of those he comes into contact with. As his power and wealth grow, so too does his paranoia and obsession with religion, leading to a catastrophic climax that changes the lives of everyone around him. The film is a study of power, ambition, and morality, and its moral is that no matter how much power one has, it cannot protect them from the consequences of their actions.

From Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Rated G

Finding Nemo is an animated adventure film about an overprotective clownfish named Marlin who embarks on a journey to find his missing son Nemo. Along the way, Marlin meets a forgetful fish named Dory, who joins him on his quest. They encounter various obstacles, including sharks, jellyfish, and an entire colony of aggressive seagulls. Ultimately, Marlin and Dory must work together to survive the challenges and find Nemo. Along the way, Marlin learns to let go of his fears and trust Dory to help him find his son. The film follows Nemo as he is taken away from his home by a diver and placed in a fish tank in a dentist office. With the help of his new friends, including a fish named Gill, Nemo attempts to escape and reunite with his father. The film concludes with Marlin and Nemo reuniting in a heartwarming reunion, and both of them learning the importance of family.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham
Rated R

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a British gangster film, directed by Guy Ritchie, that follows four Londoners who, after losing a card game to a dangerous mobster, must come up with a large sum of money to pay off their debt and avoid severe consequences. The four friends hatch a plan to steal money from a rival gang of criminals, but things quickly spiral out of control, leading them to become entangled in a larger criminal underworld. The film stars Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, and Vinnie Jones, and is filled with unexpected twists, humor, and suspense.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her
Rated R

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the film. The film follows Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a recently widowed Korean War veteran alienated from his family and angry at the world. When a young Hmong teenager, Thao Vang Lor, tries to steal Kowalski's prized 1972 Ford Gran Torino, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth. Through their interactions, Kowalski helps Thao and his family confront racism and gang violence that is present in their neighborhood. In the end, Kowalski sacrifices his own life to save Thao and his family. Gran Torino is a story of redemption, understanding, and acceptance.

From Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson
Rated PG

"How to Train Your Dragon" is an animated adventure film released in 2010 and directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. The film follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup, an outcast in his tribe, and his dragon, Toothless. After a chance encounter, Hiccup and Toothless form an unlikely friendship and together they embark on a journey to discover a secret dragon world. Along the way, Hiccup learns the importance of courage and friendship as he struggles to find a way to unite the Vikings and dragons. Through their adventure, Hiccup and Toothless prove that even the most unlikely friendships can be formed and that even the bravest of heroes have something to learn.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary
Rated PG

Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name. The film stars Roy Scheider as Police Chief Martin Brody, Richard Dreyfuss as oceanographer Matt Hooper, and Robert Shaw as shark hunter Quint. When a great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, Brody, Hooper, and Quint set out to hunt it down. As the trio of unlikely heroes attempt to stop the deadly predator, they must also confront their own fears and inner demons. With its groundbreaking special effects and iconic score, Jaws is an enduring classic of the horror genre, and one of the most successful films of all time.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Alison Crosbie, Philip King
Rated R

In the Name of the Father is a 1993 biographical drama written and directed by Jim Sheridan. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Gerry Conlon, a young Irishman falsely accused of the 1974 Guildford pub bombings in England. After being arrested and wrongfully convicted, Gerry and his father Giuseppe (Pete Postlethwaite) are sentenced to life terms in prison. With the help of a British attorney, Gareth Peirce (Emma Thompson), Gerry and his father make a desperate attempt to prove their innocence and expose the truth of the case. Along the way, Gerry confronts his personal demons and discovers the power of forgiveness and the importance of family. The film went on to earn seven Academy Award nominations.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a 2013 psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film follows two families whose daughters are kidnapped and the desperate lengths they go to to bring them home. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is the lead investigator on the case and is under intense pressure to find the girls. Meanwhile, the girls' fathers, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) take matters into their own hands and are willing to go to extreme lengths to bring their girls home. As the investigation progresses, secrets and lies come to the surface and the film builds to a shocking and heartbreaking conclusion.

From Wim Wenders, starring Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Sam Berry
Rated R

Paris, Texas is a 1984 film directed by Wim Wenders, starring Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, and Dean Stockwell. The story follows Travis, a man who attempts to reconnect with his long-lost son and family after four years of wandering in the American Southwest. As he struggles to put his life back together, he is forced to confront his past and make difficult decisions about his future. Along the way, he discovers the strength of family bonds and what it means to forgive and be forgiven. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Wenders an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, and earning the Palme d'Or at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 drama film based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a salesman from San Francisco. Gardner has invested heavily in a device known as a "bone density scanner." Unfortunately, his investments have not paid off and he finds himself struggling to pay the bills and take care of his son. With the help of his wife, Gardner embarks on a journey of self-betterment and optimism as he strives to create a better life for himself and his son. During this journey, he faces many hardships, but ultimately achieves his goal of becoming a stockbroker and finding happiness. Chris Gardner's story serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit and its ability to overcome extreme odds.

From Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar
Rated R

Scent of a Woman is a 1992 American drama film directed by Martin Brest and starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. Set in New York City during the weekend of Thanksgiving in November 1974, the movie follows a preparatory school student, Charlie Simms (O'Donnell), who is taken on a cross-country trip by the school's headmaster, Colonel Frank Slade (Pacino). Slade is a retiring, blind, and cantankerous U.S. Army veteran who is bitter about his lost career and the death of his beloved wife. Slade takes Charlie along as his assistant, and the pair strike out on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and redemption. As their journey progresses, Charlie grows to understand and appreciate Slade, and the pair develop a strong bond of friendship. In the end, their friendship helps Slade come to terms with his life and accept his impending death.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy adventure film directed by Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney and Billy Crudup. The story follows Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who likes to tell tall tales of his adventures. His son, Will, is determined to find out what is real and what is not in his father's life. Will learns the extraordinary truth of his father's life as he embarks on an adventure of his own. Through imagination and fantastic storytelling, Edward and Will explore life, love, and the extraordinary power of friendship. Along the way, they learn to appreciate the power of imagination and the importance of accepting life's twists and turns.

From Billy Bob Thornton, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter
Rated R

Sling Blade is a 1996 drama film written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton. The film follows Karl Childers, a mentally challenged man with a violent history who is released from a mental hospital 25 years after he murdered his mother and her lover. Karl finds himself at odds with his surroundings and has difficulty adjusting to the outside world. He eventually befriends a young boy, Frank Wheatley, and his single mother, Linda, who teach him how to be a part of society and how to make friends. Karl comes to the aid of Linda, who is dealing with a violent boyfriend. In the end, Karl is forced to confront his violent past in order to protect the people he cares about.

From Richard Brooks, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson
Rated Not Rated

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a 1958 American drama film directed by Richard Brooks and starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, and Burl Ives. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Tennessee Williams. The film follows the story of the troubled Pollitt family, who have gathered at their Mississippi plantation for the 65th birthday of patriarch Big Daddy. As the day wears on, the family members must grapple with long-standing resentments, secrets, and the specter of potential disinheritance. The film was a success at the box office and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won two Oscars for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is widely recognized as an enduring classic of American cinema.

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond
Rated Passed

The Searchers is a classic Western film that follows a Civil War veteran, Ethan Edwards (portrayed by John Wayne), who sets out on a quest to find his niece, Debbie (portrayed by Natalie Wood), after she is abducted by a Comanche raiding party. With the help of his estranged nephew, Martin (portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter), Ethan embarks on a five-year journey across the wilderness of Texas, searching for Debbie and battling both Native Americans and his own personal demons in the process. As Ethan's obsession with finding Debbie grows, he begins to contemplate killing her if he finds her with the Comanches, leading him to a moral dilemma between his own misguided sense of justice and a newfound understanding of what it means to be truly human. The Searchers is an epic, western masterpiece that is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is a movie based on the memoirs of Homer H. Hickam, Jr., a young man from a small town in West Virginia who dreams of becoming a rocket scientist. When the Russian satellite Sputnik is launched in 1957, it inspires Homer and his friends to try and build their own rockets, despite the disapproval of Homer's father, a hardworking coal miner. Despite numerous obstacles, the group is determined to pursue their dreams and eventually achieve success in the field of rocket science. The film follows their journey of self-discovery and perseverance as they make their way to the National Science Fair and strive to make a name for themselves in the world of rocket science.

From Robert De Niro, starring Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Rated R

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro and based on Chazz Palminteri’s 1989 play of the same name. It tells the story of Calogero Anello, a young Italian-American boy who is torn between the temptations of organized crime and the values of his honest, hardworking father. The film follows the story of Calogero, a nine-year-old boy growing up in the Bronx. After witnessing a murder committed by local mob boss Sonny, Calogero is befriended by the older man and begins to spend more and more time in his company. As Calogero grows older, and comes to terms with his divided loyalty, he must make a choice between the criminal lifestyle he is drawn to, and the honest and hardworking values of his father. This story of a young man coming of age and finding his place between two worlds is a classic morality tale.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film directed by Robert Benton and starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The story follows the lead character, Ted Kramer (Hoffman), who is an advertising executive in New York City. After his wife Joanna (Streep) unexpectedly leaves him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry), Ted must confront his own fears and worries about being a single parent. With the support of his family and friends, Ted slowly learns to become a competent parent and re-discovers the joys of fatherhood. In the end, both Ted and Joanna must decide who will get custody of their son, which sets off a heated courtroom battle. In the end, Ted wins custody of his son, but the court allows Joanna visitation rights. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Supporting Actress (Streep), Best Director (Benton), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Benton).