Father’s Day is all about celebrating the dedication and hard work of fathers from all over the globe. From providing wisdom to help you through problems, or being the person who’s always there to pick you up from school and go for takeout, we share so many cherished memories with our fathers.
But for so many, the impact of a father’s love isn’t just limited to their real life dad—they also feel this love from the dads they see in TV shows or movies. Fathers in pop culture are more than just characters on the screen that provide entertainment. Whether portrayed as the steadfast protector, the flawed but loving mentor, or the comedic figure who’s just there for a laugh, fathers on screen remind us of the best parts of being a parent, and the importance of family.
In celebration of Father’s Day, SEA Wave is back with another list showcasing the best dads from movies and TV shows. Here is SEA Wave’s favorite Dads from Pop Culture Part 3!
All of the Dads from Modern Family
When it comes to family sitcoms, Modern Family is up there with some of the best, and a HUGE reason as to why the series has been so beloved is because of all the fathers in the series: Phil Dunphy, Jay Pritchett, Cameron Tucker, and Mitchell Pritchett.
Each father in the series has their unique approach when it comes to parenting, from Phil’s wackiness and hands on approach to Jay’s distant but tender demeanor, and even Cam and Mitchell’s hypersensitive but caring ways. But what they all have in common is how much they love their family, with each being a great example of a great father.
Kohei Inazuka (Sweetness and Lightning)
Amaama to Inazuma is a wholesome slice of life anime that’s all about the sweetness of good food and family. But what makes this anime such an enjoyable show is the dedication and effort of the show’s protagonist, Kohei Inazuka, a widower and single dad to his adorable daughter Tsumugi.
At the very core of the show is Kohei’s unconditional love for his daughter which pushes Kohei to learn how to cook just so he can feed Tsumugi healthy food instead of convenience store bentos. Throughout the show, and with the help of his student, Kotori, he successfully learns how to cook while also giving his daughter wholesome and memorable moments that would make your heart melt.
George Cooper Sr. (Young Sheldon)
Being a father is no easy task, but when your son is someone like Sheldon Cooper, it gets even more difficult. Whether it’s Georgie’s relationship troubles, or Sheldon’s decision on where to go for college, and even Missy’s desire to drive a car, George always made sure to support and listen to them even if it went against what his wife would want.
Parents will always have their own vision of what they think is best for their kids, but more often than not, kids have their own vision for what they think is best for themselves as well. George’s best aspect is his constant willingness to be open and understanding to each of his children’s problems. He always listened, he always tried to understand (especially with Sheldon), and he did all he could to be there for his kids.
Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
Homer Simpson, despite his many flaws, exemplifies a good dad through his unwavering love and dedication to his family. One of Homer’s most notable qualities is his deep affection for his children, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Regardless of the countless mistakes he makes, his actions often stem from a genuine desire to provide for and protect his family.
Despite his often bumbling and misguided behavior, he consistently strives to do the right thing. For example, he supports Lisa’s intellectual pursuits, even when he doesn’t fully understand them, and he always comes through for Bart in times of need.While Homer may not fit the traditional mold of a perfect father, his heartfelt efforts and genuine love for his family make him one of the best Dads in TV.
Lee Abbott (A Quiet Place)
Finding a way to survive in a post-apocalyptic world is difficult, but finding a way to protect your family with three children is a more daunting task. This is the challenge that Lee Abbott from A Quiet Place faces throughout the entire movie.
As a father, being able to answer the call when your family needs you the most is one of the things every man tries to achieve. Despite being a spine-chilling and suspenseful horror movie, A Quiet Place at its core is a movie about a father’s love for his family, which makes Lee Abbott’s sacrifice so moving.
Marlin (Finding Nemo)
When you’re a father, you are willing to do anything that you can to make sure your family is safe. Marlin from Finding Nemo literally traversed the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean just so he can find his son again.
This relentless perseverance despite the odds exemplifies everything that makes Marlin a good father. Beginning the movie as an overprotective but suffocating father, he eventually learns to be more understanding of his son, and this willingness to learn from his mistakes and be better is an example that so many parents need to follow.
Uncle Phil (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
First things, first. Rest in Peace, Uncle Phil.
When it comes to the best Dads from TV shows and movies, one of the first people to come to mind is Uncle Phil from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He’s the strict but affable uncle of Will Smith’s character that not only provides some of the funniest moments of the show, but also provides its most poignant and meaningful.
Uncle Phil may not be Will’s biological father but he was the father that showed up. Despite Will’s numerous antics that usually lead him to trouble, Uncle Phil always made sure to protect his family and guide them to the right path.
Are there any other Pop Culture Dads that we missed? Share them in the comments below!