8 Movies to Watch When
You Feel Like Reminding Yourself that
You Have Daddy Issues
By Jozza Alegre Palaganas
If you have nothing better to do on Father’s Day than pretend you’re a burrito and stay in bed all day, why not marathon these films and hurl yourself into the deep, dark abyss of daddy issues? Who knows, you might even feel better after.
Beginners (2010)
Writer-director Mike Mills’ second full-length feature tells the touching story of how life happens to a father and son left in an unlikely circumstance. And by unlikely we mean mom dies – dad finally comes out of closet – dad gets diagnosed with cancer – dad and son can’t be happier. (Don’t worry, all that’s in the trailer.)
Boyhood (2014)
Richard Linklater’s epic production follows the life of a young boy after his parents’ divorce through a (literal) 12 year period. The coming of age tale sings the song of our longing for the absentee father, and how there’s never really justice—just relief—when they do come back.
The Tree of Life (2011)
Terrence Malick documents father and son in a time warp. He captures the everyday moments of “well-meaning” abuse from the father simply trying to toughen up the sons he loves, and the son’s fear in realizing he’s turning into his father, and it’s a fear that resonates.
Interstellar (2014)
Q: What kind of dad crosses time and space—through a freaking wormhole—just 1) to make sure you get to live a crop blight-free life, and so he’ll 2) see you again? A: An awesome one.
A Goofy Movie (1995)
Goofy brings cranky teenage son Max out for some much-needed family time—sounds Disney enough, right? Wait till you see the tragic daddy-ness in the dog named after the silly version of the word ‘ridiculous.’ Did you know he’s a single parent, too? Gorsh, right?
Juno (2007)
Juno’s dad was every bit the kind of dad you’d hope and pray to have been born from had you gotten knocked up before your 20th birthday. He was obviously disappointed, but all the more accepting, supportive, empathetic and loving.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
We all know a Royal (maybe all too well), but our heart of hearts roots for him (always and) regardless of how sucky he really was just so we can watch him try to finally redeem himself. Even if it’s somehow too late.
Warrior (2011)
Feel free to press pause just to cry some of those feels out. Even just for a bit. Nick Nolte makes a great broken man, even more as an old, lonely, regretful father finally mustering the courage to try his best—and fail—to make amends.
What movies do you cry to over Father’s Day? Share your favorites in the comments (and don’t forget to thank your mom and father figures for putting up with you through puberty).
