As a child, having a healthy bond with your parents is crucial; it promotes mental, emotional, and linguistic development and is ultimately one of the most powerful connections two people can share. Many remark that a daughter's first love is her father. While this isn't always the case, it actually happens a lot. It's always heartwarming to witness these strong relationships translated into film, especially when a movie highlights how safe and secure a child feels with her caregiver.

Throughout the years, many touching features have successfully depicted beautiful father-daughter relationships, showing how inspiring, unconditional, and encouraging a father's love can be. To celebrate this unique bond, we look back at some of the best movies about fathers and daughters, ranking them by how accurately they depict this strong connection as well as their entertainment value.

30 'The Royal Tenenbaums' (2001)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Another great watch for those into unconventional, quirky comedies, Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums centers around the members of a dysfunctional family who reluctantly gather under the same roof for various reasons. Gene Hackman portrays the family's patriarch — a flawed and complex but ultimately redemptive character.

Royal's relationship with his children is complicated; this, of course, includes his dynamics with his daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). The two are emotionally distant, with the fact that Margot was adopted and his making light of it often creating even more detachment between the two. However, their relationship eventually evolves and Royal's attempt to reconcile with his children causes Margot's demeanor to soften. While this The Royal Tenenbaums father-daughter relationship is far from perfect, its flaws make it compelling and real.

29 'Poor Things' (2023)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film has captured the attention of critics and general audiences alike thanks to its eccentric visuals and dark humor. Based on Alasdair Gray's novel, it chronicles the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone in an Award-winning performance, as she is brought back to life by the brilliant scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe).

Many striking elements make Poor Things one of a kind and its unconventional father-daughter relationship is at the top of the list. The film provides audiences with a compelling reimagining of the dynamics between the two family members, offering audiences an unconventional take that evolves as the story progresses. While Poor Things is not an incredibly touching film like others mentioned on this list, Bella and God's bond is easily one of the most meaningful in recent cinema.

28 'Father of the Bride' (1991)

Directed by Charles Shyer

Steve Martin’s George Banks is devastated when his beloved daughter (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) decides to marry a wealthy man, as he can’t imagine what life is going to be like without her. When their wedding takes place at their home, George finds himself descending into a nightmare.

This romantic comedy by Charles Shyer may not be fit for everyone’s liking, but it is still a charming and well-executed movie; the average moviegoer who’s keen on the genre may actually enjoy it. On top of featuring one of the most iconic father-and-daughter duos in film, Father of the Bride is funny and even touching at times. Its depiction of a father realizing that his baby daughter is not a baby anymore is precise and makes the movie a relatable picture to some.

27 'Definitely, Maybe' (2008)

Directed by Adam Brooks

Starring Ryan Reynolds in the lead role and set in New York City, Definitely, Maybe is an Adam Brooks romantic comedy that follows 30-something political consultant Will Hayes as he attempts to explain to his 11-year-old daughter, played by Little Miss Sunshine's talented child actor Abigail Breslin, his divorce, past relationships, and how he ended up marrying her mother.

While it doubles as a romantic comedy, Definitely, Maybe is an incredible father-daughter movie, featuring a believable bond between a dad and his kid at its center. What's so great about this all-around nice and enjoyable film is, too, its well-cast characters and the funny, emotional moments. Furthermore, Definitely, Maybe does not shy away from tackling serious themes such as divorce and politics.

26 'Hearts Beat Loud' (2018)

Directed by Brett Haley

In Hearts Beat Loud, a single dad and record store owner (Nick Offerman) and daughter (Kiersey Clemons) form an unlikely songwriting dynamic duo in the summer right before she leaves for college.

Out of all the father-daughter movies here listed, this is probably one of the lesser known. Brett Haley's often overlooked film (which deserves all the audiences' love) is still very much worth watching, as it delivers two great performances — especially from The Last of Us' Offerman — and provides audiences with a meaningful narrative that is both fulfilling and touching with an incredible duo at its center.

25 'King Richard' (2021)

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green

Will Smith steps into the shoes of Richard Williams, the father and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams (played by Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney), in this critically acclaimed film that landed Smith his Best Actor Academy Award in 2021, after getting his first Oscar nomination in 15 years. The biopic follows Williams as he brings willpower and determination to another level, carving his daughters' names into history.

There is no doubt that the highly praised film features heartwarming daughter-father bonds. As it navigates through the Williams' lives, King Richard sheds an important light on the close relationship the family shares, especially the sisters' relationship with their father. It highlights how big of a role Williams played in the girls' lives, both on and off the court.

24 'Gifted' (2017)

Directed by Marc Webb

With a super smart kid at the film's center, 2017's Gifted is set in Florida and focuses on Frank Adler (Chris Evans), a single man who is responsible for raising his highly intelligent child niece Mary (Mckenna Grace, who has been cast in tons of exciting projects). When the mathematical abilities of prodigy 7-year-old Mary catch the attention of Frank's mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), a wild turn of events takes place.

Deeply moving and entertaining, this Marc Webb film touches on very sensitive topics, including suicide and parental abandonment, even if it mostly revolves around a second-grader. Nevertheless, Gifted showcases the importance of standing up for others all while translating a beautifully written and complex daughter-father relationship to the screen.

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23 'Somewhere' (2010)

Directed by Sofia Coppola

Although it isn’t as popular as other Sofia Coppola pictures, Somewhere is an interesting entry by the treasured filmmaker. The movie stars a young Elle Fanning as Cleo and explores her relationship with her father (Stephen Dorff), a passionless Hollywood star who reevaluates his life when she steps back into the picture.

Coppola enjoys examining girlhood and father-daughter bonds in her movies and has successfully done so in the past. The latter is evident not only through Somewhere but also On the Rocks; while both are great and even a tad underrated movies in this niche category, they are likely to appeal to different age groups, as the nostalgic Somewhere plays like a coming-of-age and features a teenage protagonist while On the Rocks, a more mature story, is led by a young woman.

22 'Contact' (1997)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this NASA-approved science fiction psychological thriller stars Jodie Foster as Doctor Ellie Arroway, focusing on her finding of conclusive radio proof of extraterrestrial intelligence after years of searching.

The father-daughter relationship may not be the central aspect of this sci-fi epic. However, it is obvious that Ellie’s father has always been an important figure in her life. The relationship the two shared had a profound impact on her life. David Morse’s character is portrayed in flashbacks and shown to be a supportive parent who happily feeds her interest in science, with his encouragement having a huge impact on her life choices. At Contact’s heart, this beautifully explored father-daughter relationship helps elevate the narrative to higher levels.

21 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991)

Directed by Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

While the main focus of Beauty and the Beast is not Bella's relationship with her father but rather how she comes to meet a prince cursed to spend his days as a monster, the relationship between the two is still an important part of its narrative — if it weren't so strong, Belle and the Beast would never even meet.

Belle's relationship with her father is undoubtedly important because it is one of deep affection and protective love. While the movie begins with Maurice as a protective guardian, their dynamic is eventually shifted by the film's end, as Belle matures and so does they bond, turning into one of mutual respect and understanding. Despite its narrative being more centered on the two protagonists, Beauty and the Beast certainly does a great job of portraying the meaningful relationship between the two.

20 'On the Rocks' (2020)

Directed by Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola's father-daughter movie and comedy-drama On the Rocks stars Bill Murray and Rashida Jones as the ultimate father-daughter duo as they attempt to find out whether her husband (Marlon Wayans) has been unfaithful on an adventure through New York.

While beautifully executed like many other films in Coppola's filmography, On the Rocks is likely a different film from what audiences usually expect of the filmmaker. What is so interesting about On the Rocks is how it perfectly captures the dynamic between both characters. While it is not necessarily among Coppola's best movies, it shines a beautiful light on the relationship between a more mature daughter and her, of course, much older father.

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19 'Mamma Mia!' (2008)

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd

A feel-good summer essential, the first installment of the Mamma Mia! franchise remains the most beloved, and understandably so. The iconic musical provides viewers with catchy ABBA tunes while following an independent hotelier (Meryl Streep) as she prepares her daughter’s (Amanda Seyfried) wedding with the help of two old friends. In the meantime, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s intriguing past in hopes of meeting her real father.

Set against the backdrop of a stunning Greek island, Mamma Mia! provides a fun take on the father-daughter dynamic in movies — it sees a character navigate connections between not one but three (potential) fathers. Because each one of these characters shares a unique bond with Sophie, the Phyllida Lloyd movie explores how they all contribute to Sophie’s understanding of her own identity and place in the world.

18 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005)

Directed by Joe Wright

Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice is another film worth mentioning which, despite not making the father-daughter bond its central plot, strongly focuses on the relationship between Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet (the late Donald Sutherland). Based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, it mostly focuses on the romance story between its heroine and Mr. Darcy, who finds himself falling for a woman beneath his class.

The swoon-worthy Pride & Prejudice thrives through poignant depictions of human connection, and Elizabeth’s relationship with her father is also a crucial part of the plot. In the must-see romance period drama, it is clear that both genuinely care for each other, with Elizabeth deeply respecting her father and even going as far as to ask for his approval before tying the knot with Mr. Darcy towards the end.

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17 'Father and Daughter' (2000)

Directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit and Arjan Wilschut

Directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit and Arjan Wilschut, Father and Daughter is a moving animation short film that sees a father saying goodbye to his young daughter as time passes and she moves through life. As time goes by, she begins to ache for some sort of closure.

Filled with rich symbolism as it depicts poignant moments shared between the two characters, this Oscar-winning short film is equal parts moving and engaging, meditating about the importance of father-daughter relationships and how death does not equal the end of a meaningful bond. Although simplistic in its design, Father and Daughter is a well-crafted, bittersweet, evocative film that will resonate with viewers.

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16 'Taken' (2008)

Directed by Pierre Morel

Although a saddening watch for obvious reasons, Taken is one of the most memorable father-daughter films. Its gripping narrative centers around a retired CIA agent (Liam Neeson) who travels across Europe and relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter (Maggie Grace), who has been kidnapped while on a trip to Paris.

Taken showcases the great lengths a caring and protective parent is willing to go to protect his child, quickly becoming a resonating film among audiences who can relate to Neeson's character. Although it also thrives in the action genre, being quite beloved by fans of the category for its high-stakes scenes and edge-of-your-seat plot, Taken's timeless charm lies in the universal themes it deals with and how it highlights paternal love.

15 'Prisoners' (2013)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

Prisoners is similar to Taken in many ways, making for a great pick for audiences who enjoyed the suspense and thrilling narrative in Morel's film. This Denis Villeneuve must-see centers around Hugh Jackman's character Keller Dover, who decides to take matters into his own hands after the disappearance of his six-year-old daughter, Anna (Erin Gerasimovich) when the police investigation does not yield results.

Whereas Taken is more of an action film, this highly-rated Villeneuve picture is a more intense watch that works best as a psychological thriller. Through its suspenseful narrative, it explores the complexities of justice and vengeance. While there are not many scenes between Keller and his child in Prisoners, their bond is obviously depicted as a powerful one, with the few moments they share emphasizing their close and loving relationship.

14 'Leave No Trace' (2018)

Directed by Debra Granik

In Leave No Trace, a military veteran father (Ben Foster) with post-traumatic stress disorder lives in almost total isolation in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon, with his teenage daughter (Thomasin McKenzie). The lives of both characters take a wild turn when they are picked up by social services after living in total isolation for years.

Dealing with themes of individualism, mental health, and parental relationships, Debra Granik's heartfelt movie depicts a story of survival in the wild, escapism, and disconnection, while also showcasing a strong bond between a daughter and her father. In the meantime, the film also makes a statement on America's support systems for veterans and their families.

13 'The Little Mermaid' (1989)

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

Although it doesn’t solely focus on the relationship between Ariel and her father Triton, The Little Mermaid still delivers a solid father-daughter duo that adds depth to its story. For the extremely few people unfamiliar with John Musker and Ron Clements’ iconic Disney film, it focuses on a 16-year-old mermaid who discovers a newfound fascination with life on land. She also falls for a human prince.

In The Little Mermaid, Ariel and Triton’s relationship is a crucial plot point for the mermaid’s character arc and personal growth; it often explores themes of sacrifice and understanding, highlighting how love — especially family love — is able to overcome adversity. Triton also undergoes a significant transformation in the movie, ultimately accepting his daughter’s choices.

12 'Fly Away Home' (1996)

Directed by Carroll Ballard

Carroll Ballard's Fly Away Home depicts the journey of a father (Jeff Daniels) and daughter (Anna Paquin) as they attempt to lead a flock of Canada Geese south by air. Amy is sent to live with her father in Canada following the death of her mother in a car accident.

Paquin steals the spotlight as Amy and delivers one of her best performances, but not without the help of the talented Daniels. The film is tender and engaging, with the two stars believably delivering a father-daughter relationship audiences can't help but root for. Its poignant narrative often meditates about hope, gratitude, and resilience. The story is a loose dramatization of the actual experiences of Bill Lishman, who started training Canada geese to follow his ultralight aircraft in 1986.

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11 'Eighth Grade' (2018)

Directed by Bo Burnham

Bo Burnham's directorial debut Eighth Grade is a very Gen-Z type of coming-of-age film that depicts an anxious teen girl, Kayla (Elsie Fisher), as she faces the last week of a terrible year of middle school and resorts to YouTube to express herself, making advice blogs in which she pretends to be confident and unbothered.

Apart from shining a positive light on the kids who feel left out, Eight Grade also depicts a strong father-daughter bond between Kayla and her father Mark (Josh Hamilton). Although the two aren't very talkative around each other and rather quiet instead, viewers can tell that Mark actively makes an effort to be present and involved in his daughter's life. This heartwarming film pinpoints the unconventional ways some dads out there have of showing how much they care about their children.