Father’s Day usually brings to mind TV marathons full of wholesome sitcom dads, inspiring movie fathers, and heartwarming family stories. But not every memorable dad on screen deserves a “World’s Best Dad” mug.
Some of television’s and Hollywood’s most iconic fathers are criminals, antiheroes, villains, or simply walking disasters. They’re manipulative, morally complicated, and often leave destruction in their wake, yet they’re also some of the most fascinating characters ever created.
So, if you’ve already watched the feel-good classics and want something a little darker this Father’s Day, here are nine unforgettable TV and movie dads who prove fatherhood doesn’t always come with good parenting.
Darth Vader — The Galaxy’s Most Famous Father
Perhaps no father reveal in movie history is more iconic than Darth Vader’s. From one unforgettable line in The Empire Strikes Back to his eventual redemption in Return of the Jedi, Vader’s relationship with Luke Skywalker helped define the entire Star Wars saga.
Even decades later, Anakin Skywalker’s rise, fall, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences through movies, animated series, and live-action originals. Whether you’re revisiting the original trilogy or diving into newer Star Wars stories, Father’s Day is a perfect excuse to spend some time in a galaxy far, far away.
Where to watch Star Wars: Disney+
Dexter Morgan — The Serial Killer Who Tried to Be a Good Dad
At first glance, Dexter Morgan looks like he has it all together. He works for the Miami Metro Police Department, keeps a low profile, and genuinely loves his son, Harrison. Of course, there’s one rather significant complication: he’s also a serial killer who spends his nights hunting murderers.
One of the most compelling parts of Dexter is watching him struggle to balance his secret life with raising a family. Throughout the series and the newer continuation shows, his relationship with Harrison becomes one of the emotional centers of the franchise.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with plenty of twists, Dexter remains one of streaming’s best binges.
Where to Watch Dexter: Paramount+
Homelander — TV’s Most Terrifying Dad
Few TV characters are as unsettling as Homelander. The seemingly patriotic leader of The Seven spends most of The Boys manipulating everyone around him, but the introduction of his son Ryan revealed an entirely different and equally disturbing side of the character.
Homelander genuinely wants Ryan to become like him, but his warped view of power, love, and parenting makes every father-son interaction incredibly tense. It’s one of the show’s strongest storylines and a reminder that not every superhero makes a great parent. If you’re looking for a Father’s Day marathon that’s equal parts action, satire, and horror, The Boys delivers.
Where to watch The Boys: Prime Video
Tony Soprano — The Mob Boss Trying to Hold His Family Together
Tony Soprano may run one of New Jersey’s most powerful crime families, but some of his toughest battles happen around the dinner table. Between panic attacks, therapy sessions, mob wars, and trying to raise Meadow and A.J., Tony constantly finds himself torn between two worlds.
Those aspects made The Sopranos revolutionary, prestige TV, and more than just a typical mafia series. It was a family drama wrapped inside one, and nearly three decades after its debut, Tony remains one of television’s greatest antiheroes, and Father’s Day is as good an excuse as any to revisit HBO’s groundbreaking classic.
Where to watch The Sopranos: HBO Max
Walter White — “I’m Doing It for My Family”
No TV dad has justified worse decisions with better intentions quite like Walter White. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, the mild-mannered chemistry teacher decides to manufacture methamphetamine to provide for his wife and children. His famous explanation—”I’m doing it for my family”—starts out believable before gradually unraveling as Walter embraces his alter ego, Heisenberg.
Watching his relationship with Walt Jr. and Holly evolve throughout Breaking Bad remains one of the show’s most heartbreaking elements. Years later, the show is still one of the greatest television dramas ever made and an easy recommendation for a Father’s Day watchlist.
Where to watch Breaking Bad: Netflix
Omni-Man — Father of the Year… Until Episode One Ends
If someone tells you to watch the first episode of Invincible without spoilers, listen to them. Omni-Man initially appears to be the perfect superhero dad, a loving husband, devoted father, and Earth’s greatest protector. Then comes one of the most shocking endings in modern television.
The relationship between Nolan Grayson and his son Mark quickly becomes the emotional backbone of the series as questions of loyalty, identity, and family collide in spectacular fashion. Invincible mixes superhero action with genuine emotional depth, making Omni-Man one of streaming’s most unforgettable fathers.
Where to watch Invincible: Prime Video
Frank Reynolds — The Dad Who Somehow Makes Every Situation Worse
Frank Reynolds has never met a terrible idea he didn’t immediately support. Whether he’s financing ridiculous schemes, crawling out of couches, or helping The Gang create complete chaos in Philadelphia, Frank has become one of comedy’s most outrageous father figures.
His unconventional relationship with Dennis and Dee only adds to the madness, and Danny DeVito’s performance remains one of the biggest reasons It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia continues to thrive after nearly two decades. If your Father’s Day needs laughs instead of life lessons, Frank delivers both, just not necessarily in that order.
Where to watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Hulu
Negan — A Brutal Villain Who Slowly Found Redemption
When Negan first appeared on The Walking Dead, he instantly became one of television’s most hated villains. Over time, however, the character evolved into something much more complicated.
His interactions with children throughout the series and later his own experiences with fatherhood added unexpected emotional depth to a man once known only for swinging Lucille. Whether you love him or still can’t forgive him, Negan remains one of the franchise’s most compelling characters.
Where to watch The Walking Dead: Pluto TV | Netflix
Frank Gallagher — The World’s Most Dysfunctional Dad
If there were an award for “Worst Father of the Year,” our second Frank to make this list would probably win it annually. Throughout Shameless, Frank consistently puts himself ahead of his children, forcing Fiona to become the true head of the Gallagher household.
Yet somehow, thanks to William H. Macy’s incredible performance, Frank remains endlessly entertaining to watch. He’s irresponsible, selfish, manipulative, and almost always drunk, but he’s also one of television’s most unforgettable characters.
Where to watch Shameless: Netflix
Father’s Day Doesn’t Always Need a Feel-Good Marathon
Not every great TV or movie dad is someone you’d actually want raising your family. Some are heroes. Others are villains. A few are somewhere in between. But each left a lasting mark on television and movie history, making them perfect additions to a Father’s Day watchlist that’s a little different from the norm.
So skip the predictable marathon this year and spend Father’s Day with serial killers, superheroes, mob bosses, Sith Lords, and sitcom disasters instead. They may not be role models, but they’re certainly unforgettable.
