Movie "Dads" Come in All Sizes and Shapes

The Daily Gleaner today published a list highlighting some of the most memorable and revered movie dads that have graced both big and small screens over the years. Furry, fierce, scaly or saintly - take your pick.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

King Triton has his hands full with adventurous young Ariel, who just won't listen to his commands not to go off gallivanting with humans. Then, when everything goes wrong, he offers up his crown to Ursula in exchange for his daughter's freedom. Talk about a dedicated dad.

The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is among the most responsible, self-sacrificing struggling fathers in Hollywood history. Based on a true story, the film depicts Chris's heroic determination to protect and care for his son (as a single dad) under increasingly desperate circumstances, including being homeless.

The Bill Cosby Show, (1984)

The quintessential dad. Always one to find a way to bring the message across to his children with very unique methods, Heathcliff 'Cliff' Huxtable is one who has been growing children for years via The Cosby Showand we can all say that in some way or another we have walked away with valuable lessons from the father of all fathers.

Finding Nemo (2003, pictured)

Marlin (Albert Brooks), the Clownfish, takes on the tumultuous task of combing the ocean in order to be reunited with his missing son, Nemo. Scared by what can be found in the deep beyond, Marlin equips himself with determination to find his son. Fatherhood defines Marlin, and he rises to true heroism - reluctantly at first, but finally with the unstoppable resolve of a father's love.

A Boy Called Dad (2009)

Not a very popular movie to many, but A Boy called Dad is one that defies age stereotypes. Young Robbie is just 14 years old when he realises he's become a father. Yes we know. But in fairness to him, he steps up to his responsibilities far better than his own dad, or any other for that matter. There are a lot of bumps along the way, but he can be forgiven as he is a child himself.

John Q (2002)

Most father's may not go to this extent, but when his son collapsed in the middle of a little league game and John Quincy Archibald (Denzel Washington) finds himself unable to pay the cost of his medical bills, he simply lost it. Any decent dad would do what he did and take a hospital full of people hostage right? Eventually, the doctors warm to his plight and do the job for free. All they needed was a heart donor, and John Q was willing to give his own.

The Sound Of Music (1965)

A loving parent and a man of morals, Captain von Trapp turns his back on his fortune and risks his own life in his mission to evacuate his young children from an Austria that was annexed by the Nazis.

The Lion King (1994)

Apart from being a wise and noble king, Mufasa is also an extremely loving father - playfighting with young Simba whenever he gets the opportunity, and gladly laying down his life in order to save his son. We all know the story and we all cried at his tragic death. Nevertheless, even in death he remains on hand to point Simba on the right path through life.

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

Where in the world will we find another dad like Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) who will dress up as an elderly woman, act as a nanny, setting his 'breasts' on fire, all to be with his children. For all who have seen the movie, there is no denying Hillard's love for his children. An odd dad in the movie, but a pretty decent one in the end.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

Atticus Finch is the most universal fixture on lists of best movie dads for a reason. Not only is he one of cinema's great heroes, he's a hero to his children, and rightly so. Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) is the ultimate role model, a crusader for justice who'd rather get the entire town against him by defending a wrongly accused black man than set a bad example for his children. Hats off to this single dad, whose main task was to steer his kids in the right direction.

The Passion Of The Christ (2004)

Jesus, of course, the father of humankind, who died for all our sins. Which father out there would have chosen crucifixion as his preferred path in life? Well, this one did and ended up there, on our behalf.