Our Favorite TV & Film Dads

Al Bundy

Al Bundy hated most things about his life. His job as a shoe salesman, for example, was an element of his "depressing" life. Al Bundy, played by Ed O'Neill, had a less than commendable parenting style, yet there was something lovable about this disastrous drunk man, who could never keep his hands out of his pants. 

Clark Griswold

Chevy Chase was one of the original players on Saturday Night Live. However, it was his role as good-hearted, yet clumsy family man, Clark Griswold, in the National Lampoon films that shot him into stardom and gained the love of most every American household.

George Banks

Steve Martin's remake of Father of the Bride, originally released in 1950, is a much-loved Hollywood classic. Martin plays George Banks, a befuddled, yet endearing father, who has trouble letting go of his little girl, when she surprises him with her up-coming nuptials. George's comical encounter with a Doberman and his absurd squabble with his daughter's wedding planner (played by Martin Short) are priceless. But it's George's heartwarming reflections on his daughter that make him a part of our favorite dads. 

Tim Taylor

If you watched television at all during the 8 years Home Improvement ran (1991-1999), you knew and loved Tim Taylor. The show was a spin off of Tim Allen's stand-up comedy routine. Tim Taylor, a good-intentioned, but often ludicrous father and host of Tool Time, struggled teaching his three sons the fundamentals of manhood. However, most of the time these lessons were ridden with hilarious mishaps. 

Bryan Mills

"I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you." This is quite possibly the single most important and well-known quote of this film. Therefore,  making Liam Neeson's character, Bryan Mills, one of the most badass fathers in film, which obviously earned him a spot on our list. 

Phil Dunphy, Cam Tucker & Mitchell Pritchett

The men of Modern Family have redefined contemporary fatherhood in television. Phil Dunphy, played by Ty Burrell, endeavors tirelessly to be the cool dad. He is filled with illogical, but extremely amusing one-liners known as "Phil's-osophies." Cam Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) are by far the show's most hilarious parenting duo. They are constantly losing Lily, their adorable and incredibly intelligent daughter.  Cam and Mitch are constantly trying to find alternative parenting techniques and are often put in ridiculous situations, making us all aware of the often hysterical downfalls of parenting. 

Lord Vader

Darth Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker, is possibly one of the most famous fathers in film. Although he definitely isn't winning any "Father of the Year" awards, some would argue his parenting skills weren't all bad. He was there for Luke when he needed it and he did pass down one of his most prized possessions, his light saber. Talk about a family heirloom!

Daniel Hillard

The late Robin William's  brilliant performance as the troubled newly divorced father Daniel Hillard turned British nanny in Mrs. Doubtfire is as touching, as it is funny. Mrs. Doubtfire is a sweet, witty, and occasionally snarky character created by Hillard in an attempt to spend time with his children. Williams' classically crazy improvisations and hilarious antics in combination with his charming character depiction make him quite possibly our favorite dad on our list.