What happens when Father’s Day coincides with the release of a highly anticipated Pixar movie? Why, you combine the two of course! In honor of Father’s Day, and in celebration of Pixar’s new film Finding Dory, Christian Movie Blogs is bringing you the definitive ranking of Pixar fathers. We’ll be taking a look at each of these animated patriarchs and separating the best from the not-so-great. Will your favorite Pixar dad reign supreme?
Let’s find out!
King Fergus – Brave
To be fair, the boisterous King Fergus isn’t a bad father. He’s brave and fun-loving, and clearly cares about his family. The problem is he’s just not the most attentive parent. Even someone who lives in a fictitious, medieval Scotland, should notice when three-quarters of their family transforms into bears.
Django & Chef Gusteau – Ratatouille
These two dads have a lot in common, which is why they tie for the #4 spot on this list (well, that and they’re both in the same movie). The rat Django doesn’t approve of his son’s passion for cooking, and poor Gusteau died before ever meeting his child. However, despite their faults, both fathers are able to make good on their parental roles in the end. Django, by helping Remy achieve his dream of becoming a master chef, and Gusteau by posthumously providing a friend for his lonely son.
Carl Fredricksen – Up
Ok, technically this is cheating, but there’s a real argument to be made for Carl Fredrickson. While he may not be an actual parent, Carl still plays the role of surrogate father to Russell throughout the movie. He looks after the boy while lost in the jungle, encourages him to face his fears, and even presents Russell with “the highest honor he can bestow”: The Ellie Badge. That’s more than enough to give him a comfortable place on this list.
Mr. Incredible – The Incredibles
Bob Parr, aka Mr. Incredible, falls just short of being a super-dad. A midlife crisis causes him to unwittingly place his family in some serious danger, and for that, he only gets as far as #2. Still, what’s important is that Parr learns his lesson, and by the end of the film he’s matured into one “incredible” father. Whether it’s cheering his kids from the stands or giving their self-esteem a little boost, Bob Parr will always be their hero.
Marlin – Finding Nemo
Was there ever any doubt? Sure, Marlin can be overprotective and a bit of a “grumpy-gills”, but he’s also willing to do anything to protect his son. When Nemo is suddenly kidnapped by divers, Marlin sets out on an ocean-spanning quest that includes battling monsters, escaping jellyfish, and even hitching a ride in the mouth of a Blue Whale! With his lovable sidekick, Dory, encouraging him to “just keep swimming”, Marlin takes the top spot on our list of Pixar fathers.
What about you? Who would you say is the top Pixar dad? If you liked this article, you may like Crosswalks 5 Best Pixar Movies of All Time and be sure to check out our review of Finding Dory.
*Published 6/19/2015