It’s Father’s Day and navigating the world of parents in Disney and Pixar films and series can be tough. Many characters, especially in animated films, end up orphaned or living in single parent households for a variety of reasons. Despite all of this, some characters still find their way on the good end of the spectrum when it comes to being a parent. On this Father’s Day, we’re going to look at some of the best Disney Dads.

THOMAS O’MALLEY – THE ARISTOCATS

This is a cat who didn’t expect to become a father but as soon as Thomas O’Malley saw the lovely Duchess, he was smitten. He helped her and her three kittens get back home and then stepped up to come to their rescue as soon as he learned the butler they thought was their friend was actually the one who kidnapped them. O’Malley saves the day and becomes a loving husband to Duchess and a doting father to her kittens.

MR. INCREDIBLE – THE INCREDIBLES & INCREDIBLES 2

While Bob Parr may be struggling with living a normal life after having previously been a superhero, he still steps up in his fatherly role, especially in the second film in the “Incredibles” series. He is brave and strong and when he steps aside to raise his kids and let his wife be the hero, he shows internal strength on par with his super strength.

AGUSTIN MADRIGAL – ENCANTO

Agustin steps up to support his family and nurture his daughters as they struggle through life in “Encanto.” Besides offering general support, Agustin always checks in to see if his girls are upset and doesn’t hesitate to defend Mirabel when Alma is blaming her for the problems they are experiencing. Agustin always stands up for his family.

STEVE STEVENS – EVEN STEVENS

A successful lawyer with several quirky habits, Steve Stevens passed many of those traits on to his three kids on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.” Still, Steve would prove time and again that he was an excellent father capable of handling anything his three children could throw his way. From his airhead oldest son to his neurotic and way too serious for her own good daughter to his class clown youngest son, Steven keeps all of their antics in check while still being a loving dad.

GEPETTO – PINOCCHIO

Gepetto definitely has his faults, but he still rises to the occasion to be an excellent father. He loves a puppet made out of wood so much the Blue Fairy brought the puppet to life. Gepetto valued Pinocchio’s education and encouraged him to go to school. Plus, when he learns Pinocchio is in trouble, Gepetto goes to sea to look for him and gets swallowed by a whale. Now, that’s a loving father.

MR. BANKS AND MICHAEL BANKS — MARY POPPINS & MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Father and son end up having a parallel story in the “Mary Poppins” series of films. Both Mr. Banks in the original, and his son Michael in the sequel, are loving fathers but are often too busy at work and end up neglecting their children. Mary Poppins returns to assist and leads the Banks’ children on adventures while the fathers learn to become better parents to their kids.

MARLIN – FINDING NEMO

Marlin is the only father to literally swim the lengths of the ocean for his son. Marlin was an overprotective parent at first which led to Nemo’s rebellion that caused Nemo to get captured. However, Marlin swam all the way to Australia to save his son. That’s love.

LLOYD DIFFY – PHIL OF THE FUTURE

While Lloyd Diffy was definitely another version of the bumbling dad trope on “Phil of the Future,” he still goes a long way in helping his kids adapt to the 21st century. He is able to design and fix a variety of projects from the 22-century to improve their lives in the present. He is also very knowledgeable about the future, since that’s where he’s from, and helps keep the timeline from spiraling out of control.

FERGUS – BRAVE

Fergus is one of the toughest men in Scotland. He took on a bear and lived to tell the tale. He was also a loving and supportive father who listened to his daughter when she didn’t want to be betrothed to the oldest son of one of the other clans. He is also a protector and teacher.

MAURICE – BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

As an inventor and single father, Maurice spends a lot of his time working, but he is trying his best to make a better life for his daughter. He encouraged her passion for reading and taught her to be self-reliant and independent. That’s a good father.

MUFASA – THE LION KING

Mufasa is the protector of all the Pride Lands who loves his son Simba. When he learns Simba’s life is in danger, Mufasa risks his own life to save Simba’s. Mufasa would’ve continued to be an excellent father if his brother hadn’t killed him to usurp the throne. Still, his wisdom continued to guide Simba long after Mufasa’s death.

PONGO – 101 DALMATIANS

Pongo is the ultimate biological and adoptive father. When his 15 puppies are kidnapped, Pongo and Perdita use the Twilight Bark to locate them and then rush to find them. When they discover Cruella has actually acquired 99 puppies, Pongo decides to save all of the puppies from becoming a coat. He then raises them as his own. That’s a great dad.

JERRY RUSSO – WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE

What happens when a magical man falls in love with a nonmagical woman? He gives up his powers for his family. That’s Jerry Russo’s story on “Wizards of Waverly Place.” As his children become magical, he’s able to guide them in the magical world and as they lose their magic, he’s able to guide them in the nonmagical world. He’s the best of both worlds.

PROFESSOR PORTER – TARZAN

Professor Porter extends his love of science to his daughter and encourages her to follow her passion. While he made a mistake with who he hired to protect them, he still does everything he can to keep his daughter safe.

GOOFY – A GOOFY MOVIE

Goofy just wants to connect with his son, Max, while Max just wants to impress a girl named Roxanne. It’s the typical coming of age story where a father wants a little more time with his little boy while his little boy is growing up. Goofy just wants to go fishing with his son. Go fishing Max, you can see how much it means to him.

Those are some of the best Disney dads. These films and series are all available on Disney+. Happy Father’s Day.

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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