9 movies about fathers and daughters full of laughs, tears and everything in between
2. 'Father of the Bride' (1991)
Above 'Father of the Bride' (1991) captures every father's struggle to reconcile his protective instincts with his daughter's independence
Steve Martin's George Banks transforms the universal parental experience of 'letting go' into both comedy gold and genuine pathos. The engagement of his daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams) triggers an emotional maelstrom that's simultaneously hilarious and deeply moving, capturing every father's struggle to reconcile his protective instincts with his daughter's independence. George's journey from curmudgeonly resistance to tearful acceptance mirrors the arc that significant life transitions demand of parents themselves. The film's enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of how a daughter's milestones become a catalyst for her father's emotional recalibration. 3. 'CODA' (2021)
Above 'CODA' (2021) depicts the courage required for both fathers and daughters to embrace change
This Academy Award-winning film explores the poignant tension between family loyalty and personal aspiration through the story of Ruby (Emilia), the film's titular CODA—a child of deaf adults—who is also the only hearing member of her family. Her bond with her father, Frank (Troy Kotsur), transcends sensory barriers through pure emotional connection, culminating in the film's most moving scene where he asks her to sing while feeling the vibrations through her throat. This moment shows how love creates bridges across seemingly insurmountable differences, while Ruby's eventual departure to pursue music represents the necessity of supporting dreams that may lead children away from family. The film balances themes of duty, independence and the courage required for both fathers and daughters to embrace change. 4. 'I Am Sam' (2001)
Above 'I Am Sam' (2001) questions what truly constitutes fitness for parenthood
Sean Penn's portrayal of Sam Dawson challenges society's narrow definitions of parental capability, championing emotional connection over intellectual capacity. Sam's developmental disability becomes irrelevant beside his unwavering devotion to his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning), whose growing intellectual abilities create a touching role reversal that questions what truly constitutes fitness for parenthood. The heart of the film lies in its belief that love means more than intellect, as Sam's fight for custody forces us to reconsider how we measure parental worth. 5. 'Leave No Trace' (2018)
Above 'Leave No Trace' (2018) shows the inevitable moment when children must venture beyond parental care
Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie's quietly devastating performances explore the painful recognition that love sometimes requires separation. Will's (Ben Foster) PTSD-driven isolation conflicts with his daughter Tom's (Thomasin McKenzie) need for community, creating a heartbreaking tension between protection and growth. The film's power lies in its refusal to villainise either perspective—Will's trauma is real, but so is Tom's right to choose her path. Their forest sanctuary becomes a metaphor for the protective spaces fathers create, while Tom's gradual integration into society represents the inevitable moment when children must venture beyond parental care to discover their identities. 6. 'Hearts Beat Loud' (2018)
Above 'Hearts Beat Loud' (2018) explores how fathers can honour their children's independence while cherishing moments of connection
Nick Offerman's Frank discovers that music becomes the perfect language for navigating his daughter Sam's (Kiersey Clemons) impending departure for university. Their collaborative songwriting shows how shared passions can strengthen relationships, exploring how fathers can honour their children's independence while cherishing moments of connection. Frank's support for Sam's academic dreams, despite his own musical aspirations, exemplifies the selfless nature of paternal love. 7. 'The Little Mermaid' (1989)
Above 'The Little Mermaid' (1989) embodies the classic struggle between protection and freedom that defines the dynamics of fathers and daughters
King Triton's relationship with the adventurous Ariel embodies the classic struggle between protection and freedom that defines the dynamics of many fathers and daughters. His initial restrictiveness stems from genuine fear for her safety, yet the narrative's emotional arc hinges on his recognition that true love requires trusting his daughter's judgment. The animated film explores how fathers must evolve from protectors to supporters, learning that safeguarding their children sometimes means allowing them to face risks. Triton's ultimate sacrifice—granting Ariel her human form—represents the profound act of putting a daughter's happiness above his desires. 8. 'Definitely, Maybe' (2008)
Above 'Definitely, Maybe' (2008) reveals how relationships can be healing when approached with openness
Will (Ryan Reynolds) finds himself explaining his romantic history to precocious daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin), whose innocent questions become catalysts for deeper self-reflection. The film's clever narrative structure—presenting three potential mothers for Maya to identify—creates opportunities for both characters to understand each other more fully. Maya's curiosity about her father's past demonstrates how children often help parents process their own experiences, while Will's honesty about his mistakes models true communication. This charming exploration reveals how the relationships of fathers and daughters can be reciprocally healing when approached with openness. 9. 'King Richard' (2021)
Above 'King Richard' (2021) explores the fine line between supportive guidance and controlling behaviour
Richard Williams (Will Smith) embodies the complex figure of the ambitious father whose dreams intertwine with his daughters's destinies. His meticulous planning and fierce determination to shepherd Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) to tennis greatness reflect both admirable dedication and potentially overwhelming pressure. This biopic explores the fine line between supportive guidance and controlling behaviour while acknowledging how Richard's vision ultimately empowered his daughters to achieve extraordinary success. This nuanced portrayal examines how paternal ambition can be both catalyst and burden, requiring a careful balance between pushing children toward excellence and allowing them space to develop their own motivations.
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9 movies about fathers and daughters full of laughs, tears and everything in between
2. 'Father of the Bride' (1991) Above 'Father of the Bride' (1991) captures every father's struggle to reconcile his protective instincts with his daughter's independence Steve Martin's George Banks transforms the universal parental experience of 'letting go' into both comedy gold and genuine pathos. The engagement of his daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams) triggers an emotional maelstrom that's simultaneously hilarious and deeply moving, capturing every father's struggle to reconcile his protective instincts with his daughter's independence. George's journey from curmudgeonly resistance to tearful acceptance mirrors the arc that significant life transitions demand of parents themselves. The film's enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of how a daughter's milestones become a catalyst for her father's emotional recalibration. 3. 'CODA' (2021) Above 'CODA' (2021) depicts the courage required for both fathers and daughters to embrace change This Academy Award-winning film explores the poignant tension between family loyalty and personal aspiration through the story of Ruby (Emilia), the film's titular CODA—a child of deaf adults—who is also the only hearing member of her family. Her bond with her father, Frank (Troy Kotsur), transcends sensory barriers through pure emotional connection, culminating in the film's most moving scene where he asks her to sing while feeling the vibrations through her throat. This moment shows how love creates bridges across seemingly insurmountable differences, while Ruby's eventual departure to pursue music represents the necessity of supporting dreams that may lead children away from family. The film balances themes of duty, independence and the courage required for both fathers and daughters to embrace change. 4. 'I Am Sam' (2001) Above 'I Am Sam' (2001) questions what truly constitutes fitness for parenthood Sean Penn's portrayal of Sam Dawson challenges society's narrow definitions of parental capability, championing emotional connection over intellectual capacity. Sam's developmental disability becomes irrelevant beside his unwavering devotion to his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning), whose growing intellectual abilities create a touching role reversal that questions what truly constitutes fitness for parenthood. The heart of the film lies in its belief that love means more than intellect, as Sam's fight for custody forces us to reconsider how we measure parental worth. 5. 'Leave No Trace' (2018) Above 'Leave No Trace' (2018) shows the inevitable moment when children must venture beyond parental care Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie's quietly devastating performances explore the painful recognition that love sometimes requires separation. Will's (Ben Foster) PTSD-driven isolation conflicts with his daughter Tom's (Thomasin McKenzie) need for community, creating a heartbreaking tension between protection and growth. The film's power lies in its refusal to villainise either perspective—Will's trauma is real, but so is Tom's right to choose her path. Their forest sanctuary becomes a metaphor for the protective spaces fathers create, while Tom's gradual integration into society represents the inevitable moment when children must venture beyond parental care to discover their identities. 6. 'Hearts Beat Loud' (2018) Above 'Hearts Beat Loud' (2018) explores how fathers can honour their children's independence while cherishing moments of connection Nick Offerman's Frank discovers that music becomes the perfect language for navigating his daughter Sam's (Kiersey Clemons) impending departure for university. Their collaborative songwriting shows how shared passions can strengthen relationships, exploring how fathers can honour their children's independence while cherishing moments of connection. Frank's support for Sam's academic dreams, despite his own musical aspirations, exemplifies the selfless nature of paternal love. 7. 'The Little Mermaid' (1989) Above 'The Little Mermaid' (1989) embodies the classic struggle between protection and freedom that defines the dynamics of fathers and daughters King Triton's relationship with the adventurous Ariel embodies the classic struggle between protection and freedom that defines the dynamics of many fathers and daughters. His initial restrictiveness stems from genuine fear for her safety, yet the narrative's emotional arc hinges on his recognition that true love requires trusting his daughter's judgment. The animated film explores how fathers must evolve from protectors to supporters, learning that safeguarding their children sometimes means allowing them to face risks. Triton's ultimate sacrifice—granting Ariel her human form—represents the profound act of putting a daughter's happiness above his desires. 8. 'Definitely, Maybe' (2008) Above 'Definitely, Maybe' (2008) reveals how relationships can be healing when approached with openness Will (Ryan Reynolds) finds himself explaining his romantic history to precocious daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin), whose innocent questions become catalysts for deeper self-reflection. The film's clever narrative structure—presenting three potential mothers for Maya to identify—creates opportunities for both characters to understand each other more fully. Maya's curiosity about her father's past demonstrates how children often help parents process their own experiences, while Will's honesty about his mistakes models true communication. This charming exploration reveals how the relationships of fathers and daughters can be reciprocally healing when approached with openness. 9. 'King Richard' (2021) Above 'King Richard' (2021) explores the fine line between supportive guidance and controlling behaviour Richard Williams (Will Smith) embodies the complex figure of the ambitious father whose dreams intertwine with his daughters's destinies. His meticulous planning and fierce determination to shepherd Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) to tennis greatness reflect both admirable dedication and potentially overwhelming pressure. This biopic explores the fine line between supportive guidance and controlling behaviour while acknowledging how Richard's vision ultimately empowered his daughters to achieve extraordinary success. This nuanced portrayal examines how paternal ambition can be both catalyst and burden, requiring a careful balance between pushing children toward excellence and allowing them space to develop their own motivations. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
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Boo first, applaud later: 12 Cannes cult classics that outlived the jeers
2. 'Dancer in the Dark' (2000) Lars von Trier has a long, messy relationship with Cannes, and Dancer in the Dark is his most operatic offence. This heartbreaking musical stars Björk as a blind factory worker saving up for her son's eye surgery. Between tearjerking tragedies and abrupt, dreamlike musical numbers, audiences were split—some moved to tears, others to the exits. The Palme d'Or win didn't silence the sceptics, but in time, its raw emotion, jagged beauty and Björk's once-in-a-lifetime performance cemented its status as one of the strangest, saddest musicals ever made. 3. 'Crash' (1996) Not to be confused with the Oscar-winning drama of the same name, this David Cronenberg film is about car crash fetishists. Based on the J.G. Ballard novel, Crash features James Spader and Holly Hunter in a world where mangled metal equals erotic thrill. When it screened at Cannes, audience members reportedly fled the theatre in disgust, and one jury member called it 'the most repulsive film' he'd ever seen. Naturally, it's now a cult classic—studied, fetishised and deeply respected as a bold examination of modern alienation and obsession. 4. 'The Neon Demon' (2016) Nicolas Winding Refn's blood-soaked, neon-lit descent into the fashion industry might as well have come with a 'Viewer Discretion Advised' warning. Elle Fanning stars as an aspiring model who becomes the target of envy, violence and possibly supernatural forces. At Cannes, the film's cannibalism, necrophilia and vacant stares drew audible gasps and widespread mockery. But over time, its high-gloss aesthetic and unflinching nihilism found its tribe. Now, it lives on in mood boards and horror-film retrospectives as goth couture gold. 5. 'The Tree of Life' (2011) Terrence Malick's metaphysical epic, featuring dinosaurs, galactic wombs and Jessica Chastain twirling in sunlight, was booed by audiences who just wanted a linear story, or at least a clear point. Instead, they got a meditation on grief, grace and the cosmos. Brad Pitt plays a strict 1950s father, while Sean Penn wanders through modern architecture looking confused. The film was either an existential masterpiece or a pretentious snoozefest, depending on who you asked. A decade later, it's lauded as one of the most ambitious films of the 21st century. This is definitely one of the most memorable Cannes cult classics. 6. 'Southland Tales' (2006) After the success of Donnie Darko , Richard Kelly went full apocalypse in this chaotic messiah satire starring Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott and Justin Timberlake lip-syncing to The Killers in a military uniform. Cannes audiences weren't impressed. It was long, incoherent and drowning in references to everything from Revelations to reality TV. The boos were deafening. But in hindsight, Southland Tales reads like a prophecy—one that predicted the era of influencer politics and media collapse. It's a misunderstood fever dream turned Cannes cult classic. 7. 'L'Avventura' (1960) Michelangelo Antonioni's L'Avventura might be the OG of Cannes boos. A woman disappears during a Mediterranean yachting trip, but no one really tries that hard to find her. Instead, the remaining characters drift into existential malaise and complicated affairs. Viewers in 1960 were outraged. Where's the plot? Where's the resolution? But that's the point. What was once called boring is now recognised as revolutionary. It broke the rules of narrative and gave mood as story. Today, it's a textbook staple for film students and arthouse lovers. 8. 'Inglourious Basterds' (2009) When Quentin Tarantino returned to Cannes with this revisionist WWII flick, not everyone was thrilled by the sight of Hitler getting shot in a burning movie theatre. Some critics were uneasy with its gleeful violence and alternate history. But others saw brilliance in Christoph Waltz's turn as a charmingly cruel Nazi and the film's operatic tension. Despite early grumbles, Inglourious Basterds became a critical and commercial hit—and another entry in Tarantino's long list of genre-bending cult masterpieces. 9. 'The House That Jack Built' (2018) Only Lars von Trier could turn serial killing into a philosophical monologue. In this deeply polarising horror film, Matt Dillon plays Jack, a murderer who sees his crimes as art. The audience? Not so sure. With graphic violence, disturbing imagery and a finale that literally ends in Hell, over 100 Cannes attendees walked out. Still, for those who stayed, the film offered a provocative and chilling examination of art, cruelty and the male ego. Uncomfortable? Absolutely. Unforgettable? Even more so. See more: 5 cult classic movies that are so bad, they're good 10. 'The Brown Bunny' (2003) The boos were biblical. Vincent Gallo's slow, minimal road film—with an infamous scene with Chloë Sevigny—was the scandal of Cannes. Critics pounced, with Roger Ebert calling it one of the worst films ever screened at the festival. Gallo, never one to shy away from drama, fired back. Years later, a re-edited version emerged, and some began to see it differently: a meditative, melancholy look at guilt and male fragility. Still divisive, but undeniably unforgettable. 11. 'Marie Antoinette' (2006) Sofia Coppola dared to punk-rock Versailles. Set to New Order and Bow Wow Wow, her pastel-soaked portrayal of France's most infamous teen royal (played with vacant charm by Kirsten Dunst) was met with chilly disdain at Cannes. Audiences wanted powdered wigs; Coppola gave them Converse sneakers and ennui. But years later, Marie Antoinette is beloved for exactly that, a cotton-candy rebellion that made historical fiction chic again. This film is well beyond a list of Cannes cult classics. 12. 'Only God Forgives' (2013) Nicolas Winding Refn reunited with Ryan Gosling post- Drive for this Thai neon fever dream, but the reception at Cannes was anything but romantic. The film, featuring Gosling as a near-mute boxer avenging his brother's death, was booed for being ultra-violent, glacially slow and proudly opaque. But style-wise? It's jaw-dropping. As time passed, its hypnotic visuals, synth soundtrack and Kristen Scott Thomas's terrifying mother-from-hell performance have earned it a strange, silent cult following.
