Audiences love a good father figure in a film, and onscreen fathers like Rocky Balboa or Jay Pritchett are more inspirational than not. They are the kind of fathers that, while they may make mistakes from time to time, truly love and want the best for their children.
However, fathers like Al Bundy and John Dutton are more questionable in their actions and the effects that they have on their children. There is plenty of dysfunction in both the Bundy and Dutton families, and the fathers have certainly contributed to that dynamic. These characters were played well, whether they were good or bad.
George Clooney - The Descendants / Ticket To Paradise
Clooney's Matt King in The Descendants doesn't start out as the perfect dad, but he gradually becomes a good one over the course of the film. Initially a workaholic, Matt is forced to be there for his daughters on his own when it's apparent his wife will not survive her accident. His daughters are both struggling, and he especially bonds with his oldest through their process of finding the man that was cheating with Matt's wife. It's clear that their broken family will be alright by the film's end, as he is now present in his daughters' lives.
Clooney's David Cotton in Ticket To Paradise placed a lot of pressure on his daughter, Lily, to succeed the way he thought she should, and played the "fun" parent, never being there to discipline or teach her. David further tried to break up Lily's new relationship despite the fact that she was happy. While he eventually acknowledged his wrongdoing, he had a lot of work ahead to forge a healthier relationship with her.
Joe Morton - Terminator 2: Judgment Day & Scandal
Joe Morton's Miles Dyson in Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a dedicated worker, but an even more dedicated father. When Sarah Connor arrives at his home to murder him, he thinks of his family first. Even when his young son throws himself on top of Miles to protect him from Sarah, Miles pushes him away, only wanting to spare his wife's and son's lives. He also later helps Sarah to ensure a better future, and gives his life in the process. He's a good father and a hero.
Unlike Miles, though, Morton's character on Scandal, Eli Pope, could've taken a few lessons from Miles. He lied to and definitely mistreated his daughter, not trusting or respecting her enough to tell the truth or to be the kind of father that she deserved. Lying to her about her mother was especially low on his part.
Jason Bateman - The Change Up & Ozark
Bateman's Marty Byrde on Ozark has definitely made some mistakes in his life. His family is put in danger because of his choices, so he's not exactly the best at thinking of others or setting good examples. Plus, he has a problem standing up to his wife, who also tends to create more problems for their family.
Yet, Bateman's Dave Lockwood in The Change-Up certainly proves himself to be a good father. Dave is a busy lawyer, but he always makes time for his children. Even as he changes his youngest child's diapers, he listens to his oldest excitedly tell him about her life, despite the fact that he's exhausted.
Sylvester Stallone - Rocky & Over The Top
As Rocky Balboa in the Rocky films, Stallone played an attentive father. He wanted to strive for the best for his family, and he always said he and his son were going to be close, best friends, from day one. His career may have gotten in the way once or twice, but he always reconnected with his son, letting him know that no matter what, he is a priority.
On the other hand, as Lincoln Hawk in Over The Top, Stallone's character was nowhere near obtaining the Father Of The Year award. Lincoln left his family due to his overbearing father-in-law, and while he may have written letters to his son, it doesn't erase the years that he neglected Michael and his wife, or replace the time lost. Lincoln manages to redeem himself by the film's end, but the years are still gone, and there are still undoubtedly issues for him and Michael to work out, given Michael was very angry initially.
Ed O'Neill - Married ... With Children & Modern Family
O'Neill's Al Bundy on Married...With Children was far from the perfect dad. He was lazy, selfish, obnoxious and quite brutal to his wife and children. He never hesitated delivering biting remarks or criticism, and he certainly didn't pay attention to his family. The effects of his parenting, as well as his wife's, are seen in their kids' actions.
However, Jay Pritchett on Modern Family is one of O'Neill's best roles. Jay is close with his family; he may complain about them from time to time, but he is always there for them, especially in a bind. He also always includes them, whether it be dinner at his house or family vacations.
Hugh Jackman - Prisoners & Swordfish
Jackman's Keller Dover in Prisoners obviously cares about his family. However, his subsequent actions after his daughter is kidnapped severely jeopardizes their futures. While Anna is rescued, Keller is trapped by the kidnapper, and his actions prior mean that he will be arrested once he is found, thus taking him away from his family. Keller failed to think things through, or consider the consequences. It's understandable that he was desperate, but his actions mean he doesn't get to go back to his family for a while.
Jackman's Stanley Jobson in Swordfish, while a criminal, was a good father. Stan is determined to be with his daughter despite opposition from her mother, and he does everything in his power to ensure they can be together. His love for his daughter is the driving force behind his actions, and he keeps his promise by the film's end with them road tripping together.
Eddie Murphy - Daddy Day Care & Imagine That
Charlie Hinton in Daddy Day Care is certainly an iconic Eddie Murphy character, given his transformation. Fired from his job and unable to afford childcare, Charlie decides to open a daycare of his own, which thrills his son, Ben. Not only does Charlie bond and spend more time with his son, but he also does the same for several other kids, really showing his dedication as a dad.
Meanwhile, Murphy's character Evan Danielson in Imagine That spends the majority of the film using his daughter to further his own career with her blankie and imaginary friends. Evan's actions as a father are morally questionable, as he only gets to know his daughter's imagination for his own gain. He apologizes in the film's conclusion, but he's already shown that he's prone to put his needs before his daughter's.
Kevin Costner - Field Of Dreams & Yellowstone
Costner's Ray Kinsella in Field Of Dreams leads an important example for his daughter, Karin, in following dreams regardless of what anyone says. He also shows her the value of hard work in making that dream come true by including her in the process, and telling her about the importance of baseball in their family.
However, Costner also currently plays John Dutton on Yellowstone, and John could certainly use some work in his parenting skills. He frequently puts his family in bad positions, orders them around, and does what he can to control them, all for the sake of the ranch, putting it above the welfare of his family. It's clear that the Duttons are beyond dysfunctional, and John's actions as a parent have certainly contributed to that.
Robin Williams - Mrs. Doubtfire & Hook
Mrs. Doubtfire truly was the best nanny ever. She gave the kids fun, laughter and life lessons, but beneath the costume was their father, going to the extremes to ensure he saw his kids every day. Daniel Hillard is undoubtedly one of the best fathers of all time, willing to wear a costume and become a nanny just to make sure he's a regular presence in their lives, and helping them through anything.
On the contrary, Williams' Peter Banning in Hook is a workaholic that frequently breaks his promises, and subsequently his children's hearts, especially his son's. This is what makes his son Jack vulnerable enough to see Captain Hook as a father figure until Peter saves his children from the villain. While Peter was determined to change his ways by the end of the film, it took a kidnapping and nearly losing his children for him to realize what was important. Plus, he's got plenty of time to make up for.
Damon Wayans - Lethal Weapon & Major Payne
Damon Wayans was a far better father in the Lethal Weapon TV series than as a father figure in Major Payne. His character on Lethal Weapon, Roger Murtaugh, was portrayed as a caring and somewhat overbearing father. While he could go overboard regarding his kids' actions and love lives, he took the time to work through things with them and came to better understand them.
Elsewhere, Major Benson Winifred Payne acted as a father figure in a boarding school, but he was a terrifying one, especially to young Tiger. Major Payne works the boys to the bone, threatens and demeans them, and makes their lives miserable. By the film's end, the boys care about Major Payne and vice versa, but Benson could certainly use more lessons in sensitivity from Ms. Walburn to be a better father figure.