Daddy Dearest -- The Best Movie Dads Ever

Best Movie Dads

What makes a good dad? Seems simple, but in the movies, being a great dad sometimes requires fending off hostile aliens, taking a hospital staff hostage, or dressing up like an old woman.

We polled users to find out who they think is the best movie dad of them all. Click through to see the results.

Sony / Everett (2) / Universal

18. Ray Ferrier, 'War of the Worlds' (2005)

Played by: Tom Cruise

Why He's a Good Dad: He was a deadbeat dad ... until the day gigantic alien tripod machines began emerging from the ground and killing everyone. Then Cruise made it his mission: possible to ensure his kids' survival at any length.

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Paramount

17. Gil Buckman, 'Parenthood' (1989)

Played by: Steve Martin

Why He's a Good Dad: Now a parental pro (see also 'Father of the Bride,' 'Cheaper by the Dozen,' etc), Martin shed his "wild and crazy guy" persona to play this stressed suburban dad from a dysfunctional clan who finally realizes that flaws are what make a family.

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Everett Collection

16. Mr. Parker, 'A Christmas Story' (1983)

Played by: Darren McGavin

Why He's a Good Dad: In addition to not destroying Ralphie for beating the snot out of bully Scott Farkus, "the old man" comes through like a real champ on Christmas morning, delivering into his son's hands that most coveted of gifts: a Red Ryder BB gun.

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Everett Collection

15. Henry Jones Sr., 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)

Played by: Sean Connery

Why He's a Good Dad: Henry Sr. may not have been around while Indiana was growing up, but he sure makes up for lost time in his old age, sharing a Holy Grail quest, multiple Nazi-pummeling sessions, a quiet drink and a love interest with "Junior."

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Paramount

14. Peter, Michael and Jack, 'Three Men and a Baby' (1987)

Played by: Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson

Why He's a Good Dad: They all gave up their wild bachelorhoods to care for a little baby girl with hilariously dirty diapers, despite the odds being only 33 percent that she was one of theirs. Paternity tests, be damned.

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Everett Collection

13. Stanley Banks, 'Father of the Bride' (1950)

Played by: Spencer Tracy

Why He's a Good Dad: Dear old dad may be a grump when it comes to the chaos -- and expense -- of throwing a wedding, but it's just a cover for the bittersweet pain of giving his little girl away.

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Everett Collection

12. Mac MacGuff, 'Juno' (2007)

Played by: J.K. Simmons

Why He's a Good Dad: Sarcastic, hilarious and understanding to a fault, Mac doesn't judge his pregnant daughter Juno (Ellen Page) but offers her support and counsel. Bonus: Next time he sees her impregnator, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera), he doesn't punch him in the wiener.

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Doane Gregory

11. Marlin, 'Finding Nemo' (2003)

Played by: Albert Brooks

Why He's a Good Dad: Although he starts out as a neurotic, overbearing mess (no wonder they cast Brooks), Marlin learns how to strike that tricky parental balance of guiding and letting go while on a quest to find his missing son, lost in the deep blue sea.

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Getty Images / Disney

10. Ted Kramer, 'Kramer vs. Kramer' (1979)

Played by: Dustin Hoffman

Why He's a Good Dad: After his wife (Meryl Streep) leaves him, not only does this workaholic learn to take care of their son, but he also loses his job (happily!) in the process. And in the ultimate measure of success, he FINALLY cooks a decent French toast.

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Everett Collection