Top 20 Father Figures in Movies and TV

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Ron Swanson, aka Duke Silver, aka The Steak Man, was the breakout star of “Parks and Recreation.” Yet it wasn’t his love for breakfast foods and disdain for the government that made him so loveable. Ron really did care about his coworkers. He mentors his assistant April, who he convinces not to quit even after she accidentally scheduled 93 meetings in one day. He supports Andy’s decision to take a women’s studies course and awards him a “scholarship” to pay for it. Ron may show little-to-no emotion, but he is a big old softy when it comes to his quirky staff.

“The Mandalorian” (2019-)

Din Djarin may try to come across as a rough, tough bounty hunter, but he melts at the site of Grogu. And can you blame him? Grogu, aka Baby Yoda, is adorable! Initially, Grogu is Din Djarin’s bounty, but he decides to go on the run and protect the little cutie instead. Din Djarin is probably the best “dad” in the Star Wars verse as he changes his own life to do what’s best for his charge. From teaching Grogu not to press random buttons in his spaceship, to training him as his Foundling, Din Djarin is one caring father. He’s not the perfect dad, but that’s what makes this Mandalorian so relatable.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Rupert Giles may not have initially wanted to be a Watcher, but he did end up becoming an excellent one. He accepted his calling, and helped train Buffy and the rest of the Scooby Gang. Giles provided them with the intel they needed to take down all those pesky monsters. Yet Giles goes above and beyond the duties of your typical librarian. While he didn’t love Buffy at first, he later embraced her. He wasn’t crazy about Buffy’s vampire beau, Angel, but agreed to work with him. But the most fatherly action of Giles was to leave Buffy so she could embrace her own responsibilities.

“The Last of Us” Franchise (2013-)

It’s one thing to try to save a teenager. Smuggling someone across the United States during a global pandemic where the infected are basically zombies is a whole other story. Yet that’s what Joel Miller does for Ellie, the one person immune to the virus. The two go from apprehensive strangers to being each other’s surrogate family. Joel eventually calls Ellie his “baby girl,” and Ellie makes him laugh with her signature puns. Like any father and daughter, Ellie and Joel do get into fights. But their bond is the heart of the series, both in the games and TV show.

“Brooklyn 99” (2013-21)

Captain of Brooklyn’s 99th precinct, Ray Holt shows virtually no emotion. We can understand his reserve, given that he was New York’s first African-American gay police captain. Despite his stoic nature, he does care about his detectives. Holt is less than impressed with his underling Jake Peralta’s antics, but thanks to Holt’s mentorship, he does mature. When his sophisticated husband mocks Holt’s coworkers, he stands up for them. By the end of the series, Holt tells Jake that if he had a son like him, he would be proud. Excuse us – we need to get a few tissues.

“Stranger Things” (2016-)
Hopper, aka Hop, is first introduced as a bitter cop who misuses alcohol, but all that changes once Eleven enters his life. Rather than leave Eleven to fend for herself in the woods, he takes her into his cabin where he even makes her favorite dish: Eggos. When Eleven had to close the gate of the Upside Down for good, Hopper was right there with her. He can be overprotective at times, but hey, that has dad vibes too! He eventually goes from father figure to official dad with her adoption! We have to give a shoutout to Steve Harrington as well, who also has dad vibes as he watches over the kiddos.

“Friday Night Lights” (2006-11)

Tami Taylor, the wife of Coach Eric Taylor, often complains about how the football players at Dillon High can get away with practically anything. While football is almost worshiped in the town, Coach Taylor does hold his players to a moral code. He suspends one athlete for using steroids, which, come on, was totally the right thing to do, and expels another for insubordination. Although Coach Taylor is tough, his players do respect him. Since he’s the closest thing many of the players have to a father, they treat him as such. And Coach Taylor is more than happy to fill that role for them.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

After an accidental run-in with gang members in Philadelphia, Will moves in with his aunt and uncle in the affluent L.A. neighborhood of Bel-Air. With his streetsmart Philly attitude, Will clashes with his stern uncle Phil on multiple occasions. But despite their differences, Will and Uncle Phil do love each other. Uncle Phil proves just how much he cares about Will when he stands up to Will’s absentee father. And after Will breaks down, Uncle Phil is right there to comfort him. He’s the Uncle we all wish we had.

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)

While Ned wasn’t with us for too long, he was by far one of the most honorable characters on the show. Despite Jon Snow being his bastard (supposedly), he treated him as he did his other children. Due to this acceptance, Jon was able to have close relationships with the other Stark children. We later learn of course that Jon is not actually Ned’s son, but the son of Ned’s sister. Ned took Jon in to protect him from the current king, who would otherwise have killed him to protect his claim to the throne. Oh, Ned. You were taken away from us too soon.

“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)

The power that teachers have over their students is often underestimated. It’s undeniable though just how much of an impact Mr. Feeny had over Cory, Shawn, and their friends. He was always there to impart wisdom, all the way from their grade school years to college. He even makes a few cameos in “Girl Meets World.” Topanga compares adult Cory to Mr. Feeny, one of the greatest compliments she could give. Considering his importance in their lives, it’s only fitting that Mr. Feeny gets the last line: [“I love you all. Class Dismissed.”]

“The Hunger Games” franchise (2012-)
When Katniss and Peeta are first reaped for the games, they discover that Haymitch Abernathy isn’t exactly the best mentor. As the victor of the 50th Hunger Games, Haymitch overdrinks to deal with his trauma. At first, Haymitch offers little to no help to his newest tributes. But after Katniss tells him to get off his butt and, you know, actually train them, he becomes their biggest advocate. Haymitch secures the pair sponsors and supports Peeta’s declaration of love for Katniss. Ironically, as the series goes on, Katniss and Peeta become parental figures for Haymitch. Without Haymitch, it’s doubtful that both Katniss and Peeta would have survived the games.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise (2014-)
Neither Yondu nor Peter had an easy childhood, so it’s fitting they became adoptive father and son. Upon realizing that Peter’s life is in danger, Yondu kidnaps him from Earth and kept him as his own son. Since Peter didn’t know this, he resented Yondu. It also didn’t help that Yondu kept threatening to eat him. In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Peter did learn that Yondu was trying to protect him from his father and the other Ravagers. Peter makes up with Yondu, who sacrifices his life to save his son. In a heart-wrenching scene, Peter finally accepts Yondu as his old man. Dang, Marvel. Why do you keep making us cry?

“On Golden Pond” (1981)
Norman Thayer, Jr. is a right old curmudgeon. In all fairness, his memory is slipping, so he decides to spend his time telling his wife about death. Yet when his daughter visits him along with her fiancé and his son, Billy, Norman’s life takes a turn for the better. While the pair don’t get along at first, Billy and Norman quickly bond over fishing. They are particularly obsessed with catching Norman’s rival, a fish named Walter. Having a fish rival is strange enough, but the fact he’s named Walter somehow makes it work. Through their attempts to capture Walter, the two end up forming an endearing friendship. By spending time with Walter, Billy learns a lot about himself and about the complexities of life.

“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
Professor Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, is more than just the founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Under his training, mutants learn how to control their powers, a skill needed here on Earth. He’s also not just respected by his students, but gradually becomes a respected ambassador for mutant kind. Xavier’s fatherly love inspires his students, like Logan. In “Logan,” an aging Wolverine takes care of Xavier, now suffering from amnesia. He also protects Laura, a young mutant who isn’t too different from Logan himself. Xavier isn’t always perfect. Over the course of the series, he makes some poor decisions. But in the end, he does try to do what’s best for his kiddos.

“Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)
The rare case where a sequel may be better than the original, the heart of “Top Gun: Maverick” is between Captain Pete Mitchell, aka Maverick, and Goose’s son, aptly named Rooster. Maverick still feels guilty over the death of Goose. He even made a promise to Rooster’s mother to ensure that Rooster would not become a pilot, which Rooster resents him for. On top of that, Rooster also blames Maverick for his father’s passing. Yet, as the film goes on, Rooster comes to respect Maverick’s unusual teaching style and all that Maverick’s done for him. The climax proves just how much Rooster cares about Maverick.

“Batman” franchise (1966-)
Honestly, where would Bruce Wayne be without Alfred Pennyworth? After Master Wayne’s parents were murdered, his loyal butler Alfred stepped in to help raise him. He even supports Bruce Wayne becoming ‘the Batman,’ which most employees would have quit over. Thanks to Alfred, the Batcave runs smoothly and Batman’s injuries are tended to. We also can’t forget Alfred’s deadpan, sarcastic delivery at times and how he’s always the voice of reason. No matter what snafu Batman finds himself in, Alfred is always there to help bail him out. Give the man a raise, Bruce. Alfred deserves it.

“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
Will Hunting may be a mathematical genius, but he’s not exactly the easiest person to get along with. Luckily, Professor Lambeau realizes this and helps Will by making him go to therapy. Due to Will’s prickly nature, his therapist, Sean Maguire, isn’t too keen on him. But the two soon realize they can help each other in more ways than one. Sean helps Will confront his demons as well as pursue true love. Will helps Sean move on with his life, which has stalled since the death of his wife. While at times the film is sentimental, it’s Sean’s belief in Will that eventually pulls him out of the gutter. And isn’t that what a true father does? Believe in their children?

Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
Speaking of prodigies, there’s no denying Tony Stark’s brilliance. Yet, Iron Man did more than build cool suits and help save the world, which is admittedly a lot. He also mentors Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. Known to Peter as Mr. Stark, Tony first recruits Peter during his tiff with Steve Rogers. Afraid that Mr. Stark will reveal who he really is to Aunt May, Peter agrees to help him. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Tony challenges Peter by believing in his abilities as Spider-Man, sans super suit. And Peter rises to the occasion. And while Mr. Stark tries to come off as the impenetrable Iron Man, he is a big softy when it comes to protecting his Spidey.

“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
Sirius Black is one cool wizard. He has a flying motorcycle, can transform into a massive dog, survived Azkaban, and helped create an entire map of Hogwarts. But his most magical achievement was being a great godfather to Harry Potter. Since his parents were murdered and the Dursleys were garbage guardians, Sirius was the first “parent” Harry could look up to. He keeps up with his godson via owls, providing him with advice Harry sorely needs. He even risks getting caught speaking to Harry through the Gryffindor fireplace. While at times he does confuse Harry for his father, his former bestie, Sirius tries to be the best surrogate dad he can be.

“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) & “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
You could argue Thanos was a great adoptive father to Gamora… nah we’re just kiddin’ ya. We all saw how that ended.

“The Karate Kid” franchise (1984-)

Wax on, wax off. When we think of Mr. Miyagi, this is one of the first things we think of. There was so much wisdom in Mr. Miyagi’s daily lessons beyond just how to properly clean. The wise old handyman teaches Daniel not just karate, but how important it is to train the body and the mind. Mr. Miyagi didn’t have an easy life, but he didn’t let that turn him evil. Unlike John Kreese, Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel how important it is to respect not just others, but yourself. Thanks for the life lessons, Mr. Miyagi.