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Father-daughter bond movies usually tend to attract cinephiles for their emotional storytelling and heartwarming dialogue. From drama to comedy, these narratives can take any shape and form, and this flexibility has allowed filmmakers to tell varied stories that capture the different aspects of said relationship. Why Him? starring Bryan Cranston and Zoey Deutch is a popular title from this genre.
In the John Hamburg movie, Zoey plays the cheerful and bright Stephanie, who is studying at Stanford. Her conservative father, Ned, portrayed by Cranston, is quite set in his ways. When he meets Stephanie's boyfriend, Laird, an eccentric CEO of a video game company, Ned is unimpressed, to say the least. He then does whatever it takes to stop Laird from proposing to his daughter.
In terms of hilarious father-daughter bond movies, Why Him? certainly ranks high. Fans of the movie who would like to indulge in other father-daughter bond movies that are equally engaging should check out the titles on this list.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Leave No Trace and seven other father-daughter bond movies that are emotional and engaging
1) Father of the Bride (1991)
Steve Martin, known for his comic genius, has had a long and productive career. In particular, his team-ups with Martin Short have received much praise from cinephiles, including the recent hit, Only Murders in the Building. Fans of the duo will be delighted to learn that this 1991 movie stars both of them.
In this father-daughter bond movie by Charles Shyer, 79-year-old Martin plays George Banks, who owns an athletic shoe company. He is very close to his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams). When Annie decides to get married shortly after graduation, George has a hard time letting her go. Franck Eggelhoffer, the eccentric wedding coordinator played by Short, only adds to his stress.
Like Ned in Why Him?, George has a hard time accepting that his daughter is mature enough to make her own decisions. Although this movie marks Williams' film debut, she never falters in matching Martin's energy in their intimate bonding scenes that both parents and children will relate to. The chaotic push-and-pull between George and Franck is an added plus that will leave viewers in splits.
Where to watch: This classic father-daughter bond movie is available on Disney+, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
2) What a Girl Wants (2003)
Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth play central characters in this father-daughter bond movie by Dennie Gordon. Adapted from The Reluctant Debutante, it follows the adventures of Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes), who runs off to England to meet her father, Henry, portrayed by Colin Firth. However, the fact that he is the Earl of Wycombe, and doesn't know about Daphne leads to several complications.
It is endearing to see how Daphne's spirited personality helps Henry embrace who he is without feeling overwhelmed about what the people expect from a man of his stature. Like Ned and Stephanie in Why Him? movie, Daphne and Henry's relationship grows stronger as they express their feelings to each other and learn to understand where the other is coming from.
Where to watch: This funny and heartwarming father-daughter bond movie can be streamed on Prime Video.
3) The Descendants (2011)
One common story angle that viewers will find in most father-daughter bond movies, including Why Him?, is how fathers have a tough time understanding strong-willed daughters. In The Descendants by Alexander Payne, the versatile George Clooney plays Matt King, who has to find a way to connect to his two troubled daughters when his wife becomes comatose after a boating accident.
The sisters, portrayed by Amara Miller and Shailene Woodley, don't really get along with their father but with time, they start to warm up to him. The thoughtful narrative reminds viewers that family dynamics are often more complicated than they appear but the solution to most problems lies in heartfelt, honest communication.
Where to watch: This George Clooney starrer is available for streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
4) Leave No Trace (2018)
Why Him? has a lighthearted vibe, but this father-daughter bond movie is more dark and somber. This Debra Granik movie is an adaptation of My Abandonment and is based on a true story. It follows Will (Ben Foster), a military veteran with PTSD, who lives in the woods with his daughter, Tom (Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie.)
When they are brought back to civilization, Tom quickly adapts to everything that life throws at her, but Will slowly starts to spiral. Like Ned in Why Him?, Will is also very protective of his daughter and wants the best for her. Over time, he realizes that she cannot live her best life if he doesn't give her the freedom to do so.
In addition to the cinematic shots, Leave No Trace is a must-watch for its emotional narrative that portrays the strong, everlasting bond between fathers and daughters.
Where to watch: This engaging father-daughter bond movie can be viewed on Netflix, Apple TV+, and Prime Video.
5) Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
Fans of Why Him? who like music-centered narratives should make a point to check out this underrated father-daughter bond movie. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons play father and daughter, respectively, in this Brett Haley comedy-drama. Offerman's character, Frank Fisher, is a former musician who owns a vinyl shop. His daughter, Sam (Clemons), is about to leave home to study pre-med.
However, when they record a song together that goes viral, Frank is tempted to make her stay and pursue music instead. Viewers should especially keep an eye out for the intelligent interactions between the father and daughter duo. Similar to Why Him?, the movie perfectly balances well-written humor and heartwarming moments that make for an entertaining watch from start to finish.
Where to watch: Hearts Beat Loud can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
6) Like Father (2018)
Most father-daughter bond movies show how relationships can become stronger when people open up to each other. In Like Father, Kristen Bell plays Rachel, who gets left at the altar for her workaholic attitude. She then ends up on the Caribbean honeymoon cruise with her estranged father, Harry (Kelsey Grammer).
Even though things are awkward at first, they start to bond over cocktails and adventures. Harry wants to make up for all the times he wasn't there for Rachel, but the road to redemption is slow and unsteady.
Like Ned and Stephanie in Why Him?, Rachel and Harry develop a new-found respect for each other once they start to see each other for who they are. There are moments of subtle humor in the movie but it's mostly a drama with plenty of soul-searching.
Where to watch: This Kelsey Grammer starrer is available on Netflix.
7) On The Rocks (2020)
This father-daughter bond movie stars the talented Bill Murray in the lead. In this comedy-drama by Sofia Coppola, Murray plays a wealthy art dealer named Felix. When his daughter, Laura, portrayed by Rashida Jones, confides in him that her husband might be cheating on her, they set out to find proof.
There is a lot to love about On The Rocks, including Murray's charismatic performance coupled with Rashida's realistic portrayal of a wife who is unsure about her marriage. Like Why Him?, this movie is primarily focused on the father-daughter bond, but at the same time, it also offers a relatable take on modern-day marriages and the different challenges that couples have to face.
Where to watch: This well-written father-daughter bond movie is available on Apple TV+.
8) Fatherhood (2021)
As a comedian, Kevin Hart has always delivered, much to the delight of fans. While people are used to seeing him play goofy characters, he takes a different approach in this father-daughter bond movie by Paul Weitz. Hart plays Matthew Logelin, a new father who has a tough time caring for his daughter all on his own, after the sudden passing of his wife.
Fans of Kevin Hart will find that the 45-year-old does a great job of bringing his character's struggles to the forefront without overdoing the drama. The warm and loving relationship between Hart and Melody Hurd, who plays his daughter, will surely leave viewers emotional. This father-daughter bond movie is not only an engaging watch but also proves Hart's versatility.
Where to watch: This Kevin Hart starrer is available for streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
Cinephiles looking for entertaining titles similar to Why Him? should make a point to check out these well-made father-daughter bond movies that are worth the watch.
