The Journey to Fatherhood

Fatherhood isn't instinctive—it's learned. The best films about fatherhood journeys show men:

• Starting with no idea how to be a parent
• Making mistakes and learning from them
• Developing patience and presence
• Discovering new depths of love
• Transforming through responsibility
• Becoming better men through fatherhood

Films About Becoming a Father

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Ted Kramer's fatherhood journey begins with disaster—he can't make French toast, doesn't know his son's routine, prioritizes work over presence. His transformation into a devoted single father, learning through failure, represents cinema's most honest portrayal of paternal growth. Watch →

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Hec Faulkner's journey is reluctant fatherhood—he didn't ask to care for Ricky. His transformation from "I didn't ask for this" to calling Ricky "Son" shows that fatherhood can find you unexpectedly. Watch →

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Chris Gardner is already a father, but his journey is about deepening that bond through adversity. Homelessness strips away everything except his relationship with Christopher, revealing what truly matters. Watch →

Big Fish (2003)

Will Bloom's journey isn't becoming a father—it's understanding what it means to be one. By coming to terms with his own father's legacy, he prepares for his own fatherhood. Watch →

Shoplifters (2018)

Osamu chooses fatherhood—taking in children society has discarded. His journey asks what makes a father: biology or presence, provision or love? Watch →

Departures (2008)

Daigo's journey involves reconciling with his absent father's memory. To become the father he wants to be, he must first forgive the father who left him. Watch →

Stages of the Fatherhood Journey

Incompetence

Ted Kramer burning French toast, Hec not knowing how to comfort Ricky—these men start from zero, and their honesty about not knowing is the first step to learning.

Struggle

Chris Gardner in bathrooms, Antonio Ricci searching for a bicycle—fatherhood often means sacrificing comfort and facing hardship for your child's sake.

Connection

The moments when fathers truly see their children—Ted understanding Billy's needs, Juan teaching Chiron to swim—represent breakthrough connection.

Sacrifice

Choosing children over career (Ted), over safety (Hec), over pride (Antonio)—fatherhood demands putting someone else first.

Transformation

The men these fathers become are different from who they were. Fatherhood changes them fundamentally, making them more patient, more loving, more present.

Frequently Asked Questions