Need movie night ideas with Dad? Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or just spending a quiet evening together, this list rounds up 10 great films—from beloved Malaysian classics to international must-sees—that are perfect for watching with the man who raised you.
Local Films to Check Out
Papadom (2009)
Do you need some comedy? Papadom delivers laughs and heart in equal measure. Starring Afdlin Shauki and Liyana Jasmay, the film follows Saadom, a successful nasi kandar and papadom factory owner who realises—too late—that he’s neglected his family in pursuit of business success.
After a tragic accident takes his wife, Saadom is consumed by guilt and becomes overly protective of his daughter, Miasara. When she moves to another state for university, he secretly follows her and poses as a campus gardener, leading to a series of funny and touching moments about fatherly love, regret, and second chances.
Papa, I Love You (2011)
If your dad enjoys heartfelt love stories, Papa, I Love You is a touching Malaysian rom-com about fatherhood and family. It follows Baha, a single dad raising his daughter Mia, whose hopes for a complete family rise when candy seller Elly enters their lives. But when Elly’s father interferes, things get complicated. The film explores blended families, estranged parents, and the tensions between love and duty.
Balistik (2014)
Is your dad fan of action-packed thrillers? Then he may like what Balistik (2014) has to offer. The film centres on two childhood friends who end up on opposite sides of the law—one a police officer, the other a hired assassin.
At the heart of the story is a tense father-son dynamic, as the main character struggles to reconnect with his estranged son while dealing with the consequences of his violent lifestyle. Balistik mixes action, drama, and emotional depth, making it a solid pick for dads who like their movies with a bit of edge.
Journey to Happiness (2019)
For a quiet, emotional watch, The Journey to Happiness (2019) tells the story of a father and son reconnecting after years of distance. The film follows the Siew family—a depressed father and his three adult children—on a self-planned vacation across Malaysia in an effort to mend their strained relationships.
Through simple, everyday moments, the film gently explores forgiveness, regret, and the enduring nature of a parent’s love. It’s a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to heal old wounds.
Kongsi Raya (2023)
Are you in the mood for something light with a side of family drama? Kongsi Raya (2022) is a festive rom-com that blends laughs, love, and fatherly pride. It follows a Chinese chef and a Malay TV producer who fall in love—much to the disapproval of their traditional fathers.
What starts as a culture clash soon turns into a televised cook-off between both dads, each trying to outdo the other. Behind the comedy and culinary chaos is a heartfelt message about acceptance, generational differences, and learning to let go. It’s a fun, feel-good pick that still hits home for Father’s Day.
International Works For a Mix
After Our Excile (2009)
For those who prefer something more intense and emotionally layered, After This Our Exile (2006) offers a gripping look at a fractured father-son relationship. Set in Malaysia and filmed in Cantonese, the story follows a troubled father who drags his young son into a life of crime after being abandoned by his wife.
As the son is forced to grow up too quickly, the film explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the lasting impact of parental choices. It’s a raw, heartbreaking drama that shows fatherhood at its most flawed—and most human.
A Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
If you’re aiming for a real tearjerker films this Father’s Day, the 2013 Korean film Miracle in Cell No. 7 is a powerful choice. It tells the story of Yong-gu, a mentally challenged father who is wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Despite the harsh environment, his deep bond with his young daughter, Ye-seung, brings light into the darkest moments.
With the help of his fellow inmates, Yong-gu tries to maintain that connection—even behind bars. Heartfelt, emotional, and deeply moving, this film is a beautiful tribute to a father’s unconditional love and sacrifice.
Fatherhood (2011)
Do you need something lighter but still want something emotional mixed in? Consider the 2011 film starring Kevin Hart, Fatherhood. This 2021 comedy-drama follows Matt Logelin, a new widower determined to raise his infant daughter, Maddy, alone after the sudden death of his wife.
Despite facing grief, societal doubts, and the challenges of single parenthood, Matt’s journey is filled with heartfelt moments, humor, and the support of friends and family. The film beautifully portrays the struggles and triumphs of fatherhood, emphasizing that being a great dad means showing up and doing your best, even when things aren’t perfect.
The Boy and The Beast (2015)
Is this an anime? Yes, but it is also a film that depicts that family, especially a father figure, can be found in places you least expect it. The 2015 film The Boy and the Beast follows a lonely boy named Ren who stumbles into a hidden world of beasts and is reluctantly taken in by a rough, stubborn warrior named Kumatetsu.
As the two clash, train, and grow together, their bond slowly evolves into something deeper than mentorship. Full of action, humour, and heart, the film beautifully explores themes of fatherhood, chosen family, and growing up—making it a unique and moving pick to watch.
Bambi II (2006)
What’s a family film viewing without at least one Disney film? Among the many films that depicts family in the Dinsey franchise, there is one that highlights the developing bond between a father and son, and that is Bambi II.
Set between the events of the original Bambi, this sequel focuses on the young fawn’s journey to reconnect with his father, the Great Prince of the Forest, after the loss of his mother. As they navigate their new life together, both struggle to understand each other, slowly forming a bond built on trust, patience, and love. It’s a gentle, heartfelt film that’s perfect for families with younger kids this Father’s Day.
Whether it’s your first Father’s Day film night or an annual tradition, these stories—local and global—offer a shared moment of appreciation for dads everywhere. So pick a film, settle in, and enjoy a good story with the man who’s always been in your corner.
