How synchronization changed technology forever
Played by Lamberto Maggiorani, this dad from the 1948 Vittorio De Sica film 'Bicycle Thieves' will bring tears to your eyes. He might be poor, but he makes sure his kid doesn't feel like he's less than the other kids.
'Kramer vs. Kramer' might be quite dramatic in how it portrays divorce and family law, but Ted (Dustin Hoffman) really develops a special bond with his son throughout the movie.
Portrayed by David Harbour, Hawkins' Chief of Police in 'Stranger Things' might drink and smoke a bit too much, but he'll do anything to keep his kid safe and happy. Having lost his first daughter, he finds himself caring for Eleven, a young girl with superpowers. We love you, Chief!
If Marlin from 'Finding Nemo' was your dad and you disappeared, you'd be sure he'd do anything to find you.
Uncle Phil (James Avery) was THE father figure in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' He was successful, hard-working, at times strict, but he was also caring and loved his family.
We know–the average dad doesn't save the planet by blowing up an asteroid and sacrificing his life while doing it. But Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) from 'Armageddon' is not your average dad.
A mobster with feelings. The best of both worlds, right? A protective kicka** dad who can also give you emotional support.
A man in a very important position like Don Corleone in 'The Godfather' can teach his children a bit about being self-made, having a strong work ethic, and how important loyalty is.
Indian Jones' father had to be as bads** as him. Played by the late Sean Connery, this dad sacrifices the Holy Grail (which he had searched for all his life) to save his son.
We just love it when bullies get what they deserve. George McFly did just that in 'Back to the Future' (1985).
Wouldn't you just love it if he told you he was your father? Maybe...
If there's a dad we'd love to take us on vacation, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) from the 'National Lampoon's Vacation' movies would be it.
Tim Allen played this dad in 'Home Improvement.' He was funny, he was cool, and we'd just love to call him dad.
This character from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' not only is an amazing lawyer, but he's also an amazing father.
Ed O'Neill's character in 'Married... with Children' was the ultimate working class dad who, at the end of the day, was always there for his family when they most needed him.
Wouldn't you love it if your dad built a baseball field in the backyard? Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) did this in 'Field of Dreams.'
The bad guys kidnapped the 'Taken' protagonist's daughter. This is what he said to them: "I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. [...] If you let my daughter go now that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you." Sounds like a great dad to us!
Dr. Evil from the 'Austin Powers' movies is one ambitious dad. He sure can teach us a lot about dreaming big, including world domination!
Probably not the most obvious choice, given that he left Earth, but nonetheless a great inspiration to get out of your comfort zone. The movie is 'Interstellar' (2014).
Danny DeVito as your dad? How perfect does that sound? We'd just love to hang out with the star of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.'
Jack (Michael Keaton) from 'Mr. Mum' always has a word of wisdom to share with his kids.
If Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in 'Commando' was your dad, we're pretty sure the bad guys would think twice before they kidnap you.
Phil (Ty Burrell) from 'Modern Family' might be a bit clumsy, accident-prone, and up to all sorts of shenanigans, but in the end he has a very good heart and always wants the best for his family.
This father figure from 'Boyz n the Hood' (played by Laurence Fishburne) made sure his son didn't succumb to the gangster lifestyle around him. And he did it in style!
This dad, played by Will Smith in 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' has made many people cry. He loses his money, his job, and his wife, but manages to turn his life around. He's such a great dad. And bonus points because the kid is played by Jaden Smith!
Who wouldn't like to trade places with Simba from 'Lion King?' If there is one animated dad we wish we all had, it's Mufasa. Except, we'd like him to stay around for longer!
Okay, maybe we went too far with this one, but it's Jack Nicholson. He's allowed to lose it once in a while. Deep down, he's a great dad–we must believe that.
Sources: (BuzzFeed) (8Ball)
See also: On-screen siblings you didn't know hooked up in real life
This dad from 'Game of Thrones' is father to six children, so he know a thing or two about parenthood. He definitely leads by example.
Sometimes we look up to fictional fathers and imagine how life would be if we were their kids. Some on-screen dads really do have amazing qualities, and who couldn't use a good father figure in their lives? But there are many factors that make these men some of the coolest dads in the history of TV and film. Some are strong, driven men who can teach us a lot about overcoming life's adversities. Others are simply nice guys who genuinely love their families.
Click through the following gallery and get to know the coolest on-screen dads.
The coolest on-screen dads
Today kicks off Universal Father's Week
CELEBRITY Father
Sometimes we look up to fictional fathers and imagine how life would be if we were their kids. Some on-screen dads really do have amazing qualities, and who couldn't use a good father figure in their lives? But there are many factors that make these men some of the coolest dads in the history of TV and film. Some are strong, driven men who can teach us a lot about overcoming life's adversities. Others are simply nice guys who genuinely love their families.
Click through the following gallery and get to know the coolest on-screen dads.