It's Father's Day, and that means a day spent with dear old dad.
For most people, this will probably entail rushing out to the retail store of choice to buy Dad a brand-spanking-new tie to add to his collection, you know, like every year. You're probably going to do that before heading out to a family gathering that will consist of a nice meal at a restaurant, preferably one that your dad actually likes, or some sort of outdoor activity like a barbecue. Hey, it is June after all. You've got to take advantage of that nice weather while you can.
However, if you're looking for a much more low-key celebration or just need something to do when you wind down from all of these Father's Day festivities, look no further than Netflix. Though you probably spend more time binge-watching Dexter than interacting with your actual father these days, you should invite your dad to join you in your streaming this Father's Day. There are plenty of movies and TV shows now available on Netflix Instant Streaming that you would actually both enjoy.
A child's relationship with his or her father is a special one, which is why this is often explored in movies and TV shows, providing humor and dramatic tension alike. Whether they are beloved or reviled, fathers have made for some of the most memorable movie and TV characters throughout the years.
You can watch several of the most iconic dads ever seen on screen through Netflix Instant Streaming this Father's Day. Here are the movies and TV shows you're definitely going to want to check out with your pop.
1. World War Z (2013)
Being a dad doesn't just mean dropping your kids off at school and playing catch with them in the backyard. Sometimes, it can also mean saving the world from succumbing to a zombie apocalypse. What a dad indeed.
2. Arrested Development (Seasons 1-4)
There are lots of dads on Arrested Development. This includes the responsible-but-ultimately-a-schlemiel Michael Bluth, Maeby's dopey dad Tobias Funke and the patriarch of this one big, weird family George Bluth, who got them all in this mess of trouble in the first place. These fathers sure are funny, but you still wouldn't want them in your family.
3. Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator is a tough one for dads to get through because there really aren't any happy father-son relationships in it. However, complicated relationships are worth exploring just as much as pleasant ones, especially in a film with as much action, drama and political scheming as this one.
4. American Dad (Seasons 1-9)
"Dad" is in the title, so this one had to make it on the list by default. However, American Dad is always worth a watch no matter what the occasion because you can never have enough goofy dads in your life.
5. Leon: The Professional (1994)
A father figure doesn't always have to be biological. Leon: The Professional shows that a paternal instinct can kick in when you least expect it.
6. The Tudors (Seasons 1-4)
With all of the sex on this show, The Tudors may seem like an odd choice for a TV show to watch with your dad. But if you think about it, Henry VIII went to extreme measures to produce a male heir during his reign as King of England in the 1500s. See what I mean? Dude just really wanted to be a dad.
7. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Caractacus Potts is basically the coolest dad ever. He builds the craziest inventions, can sing and dance and he's got the personality of Dick Van Dyke. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we love you.
8. Family Guy (Seasons 1-12)
Love him or hate him, Peter Griffin has become one of the most iconic dads in TV history. He's definitely not the best role model, but at least you never have a dull moment while watching him.
9. The Bicycle Thief (1948)
The Bicycle Thief chronicles one of the most depressing father-son journeys you'll ever see on film. However, it is a beautiful and important movie about the lengths a father will go to in order to be a hero in his son's eyes.
10. Everybody Loves Raymond (Seasons 1-9)
You don't just have to be a dad to experience the feeling of your family driving you crazy, but in Ray Barone's case, it helps.
11. Chef (2014)
Chef shows that no matter how strained a relationship is, it doesn't mean it can't be mended. There's plenty of yummy food to ogle in this movie too.
12. The Andy Griffith Show (Seasons 1-8)
With his southern drawl, status as the sheriff of Mayberry and adorable relationship with his son Opie, Andy Taylor gives you such a warm-and-fuzzy feeling every time you watch him that you almost wish he was your father.
13. Big Fish (2003)
The thing about dads is that they lived these whole other lives before children came into the picture. In Big Fish, Will Bloom learns all about his father's adventures before becoming a parent, and they're pretty spectacular.
14. Pawn Stars (Collection)
Pawn Stars is like the quintessential show for a dad. Not only are there a couple of dads on this show about a family-owned pawn shop in Las Vegas, but the items that come through this shop are also usually of the antique weapon, sports memorabilia and one-of-a-kind car variety. There may be no TV show on the planet that your dad will love more.
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