Czarina Faith Abuso

8 Dad-Centered Films to Watch This Father’s Day

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Fatherhood comes in all shapes and stories — whether it’s one who fights the odds, makes you laugh through life’s chaos, or simply stays present in the quiet moments. This Father’s Day, celebrate the dads, tatays, and father figures in your life with a movie marathon that honors their love, sacrifices, quirks, and strength.</p><p>Here are eight father-centered films, both local and international, that perfectly capture the spirit of fatherhood:</p><div> </div><div><strong>Doll House (2022)</strong></div><p>Starring actor Baron Geisler and child actress Althea Ruedas, the film captures the heart of its viewers with its real-life themes of redemption and reconnection. It follows the life of a troubled lead singer of a rock band who sets out to build a relationship with his long-lost daughter. Baron’s versatility as an actor highlighted both the toughness and tenderness of the father in the story.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UcbCU7abWKw" title="Doll House | Official Trailer | Netflix" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Seven Sundays (2017)</strong></div><p>This heartwarming family drama reminds us of how fleeting life is, and to cherish our parents while they’re still with us. Starring  Ronaldo Valdez, Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes, and Enrique Gil, the film follows the story of the estranged Bonifacio siblings who reunited when they find out that their father has been diagnosed with cancer. Trying to make the most out of it, the family started bonding again only to have old wounds reopen due to unexpected discoveries.  </p><p> <em>Seven Sundays</em> balances humor and heartbreak, showing that while relationships in a Filipino family can be messy at times, it is also real and full of love. The film received recognitions from different award giving bodies and became the seventh highest-grossing Filipino film of 2017.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BMUhYuKN4eo" title="Seven Sundays Official Trailer | Dingdong, Aga, Enrique, Cristine, Ronaldo | &#x27;Seven Sundays&#x27;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Daddy O! Baby O! (2000)</strong></div><p>In this classic comedy-drama, Dolphy plays Mario, a man suddenly left to care for a young girl named Ana (Serena Dalrymple) after her father passes away. Despite her cuteness, Ana is witty, strong-willed, and adamant in searching for her mother, leading to both hilarious and emotional moments.</p><p>Dolphy and Serena’s on-screen chemistry captures a tender, comedic take on fatherhood. One of the favorite scenes from the film was when Dolphy sang Apo Hiking Society’s “Batang-bata Ka Pa”  to lessen the stage fright of Serena during a school presentation.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aL2FddcZSZA" title="Daddy O, Baby O! Official Trailer | Dolphy, Serena Dalrymple, and Angel Aquino | &#x27;Daddy O, Baby O!&#x27;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko (1999)</strong></div><p>King of Philippine movies and late actor Fernando Poe Jr is not only good in action genre films but also in comedy drama as he played the loving role of Judy Ann Santos’s dad in the 1999 film <em>Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko</em>. </p><p>The film follows the story of a widowed, doting father (FPJ) who raised his only “boyish” daughter Joey (played by Judy Ann). Their bond is tested when Badong’s old friend Beth (played by Aileen Damiles) returns, sparking jealousy and fear of change in Joey.</p><p>The film blends action, comedy, and family drama, and holds the distinction of being the first Filipino movie to cross the ₱100 million mark at the box office. A good Filipino classic film will also would not be complete with its iconic dance production where FPJ and Judy Ann danced to VST &amp; Company’s &quot;Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko&quot; </p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkVV9JlUAdY" title="Ganito ang Sing a long namin ng tatay ko" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>MuMu (2025)</strong></div><p>This recently-released Chinese film is a quiet but emotional tale of a deaf father’s love for his daughter. Chinese star and EXO member Lay Zhang gives a heartfelt performance as a man trying to provide a better life for his child, unknowingly getting involved in a criminal scam. </p><p><em>MuMu</em> stands out for its sensitive storytelling and inclusion of more than 30 real-life individuals with hearing impairments in its cast. Director Sha Mo used the film to raise awareness on how vulnerable communities are often exploited. It’s a fresh release in Philippine cinemas this June.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZDS4wNykd78" title="&#x27;MUMU&#x27; Official Trailer | JUNE 11 Exclusively at SM Cinema" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Finding Nemo (2003)</strong></div><p>This Oscar-winning Pixar film tells the heartfelt story of Marlin, a timid clownfish who goes on an epic journey to rescue his son, Nemo. As Marlin navigates the vast ocean and confronts his own fears, he learns how to let go while still being a loving, protective parent. </p><p>With humor, heart, and unforgettable characters from underwater, <em>Finding Nemo</em> resonates with parents and children alike, proving that great fathers come in all forms, even fish.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPHfeNgogVs" title="Finding Nemo 3D Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)</strong></div><p>Based on the real-life story of Chris Gardner, this film follows a struggling salesman who becomes homeless while trying to provide for his son. Will Smith, alongside his real-life son Jaden, delivers a deeply emotional performance that captures the sacrifices and silent battles many fathers face. The film is a powerful portrait of a father’s grit, perseverance, and unconditional love even in the most difficult circumstances.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DMOBlEcRuw8" title="The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Official Trailer 1 - Will Smith Movie" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Fatherhood (2021)</strong></div><p>Best known for his comedic roles, Kevin Hart surprises audiences in this touching portrayal of a man navigating single fatherhood after the unexpected loss of his wife.</p><div><iframe width="1138" height="649" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3mwUEoZdrI" title="FATHERHOOD starring Kevin Hart | Official Trailer | Netflix" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Based on Matthew Logelin’s memoir <em>Two Kisses for Maddy</em>, <em>Fatherhood</em> is an emotionally layered story about grief, love, and the everyday challenges of raising a child alone.</p>