Strong Fathers, Strong Stories: Black Films That Celebrate Fatherhood
- BFW Staff
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
By Black Film Wire Editorial Team
As we celebrate Father’s Day today, we're spotlighting the layered, emotional, and powerful portrayals of Black fatherhood on screen. Whether in South Central LA or Lagos, these stories reflect the heartache, humor, legacy, and love that come with being a Black dad.
From classic dramas to contemporary African cinema, these films and series center on father figures who protect, struggle, guide, and grow—reminding us that there’s nothing more cinematic than a father who shows up.
Global Classics & Diaspora Dads
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Will Smith & Jaden Smith (Oscar- Nominated)
A timeless, emotional portrayal of a father who refuses to give up on his son—or himself.
We love the fatherhood portrayal in The Pursuit of Happyness because it captures the raw, relentless sacrifice and unwavering devotion of a dad doing everything in his power to provide a better life for his child. Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) is vulnerable yet resilient, showing us that fatherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, perseverance, and love in the face of impossible odds. The real-life chemistry between Will and Jaden Smith deepens the authenticity, making this a powerful ode to Black fatherhood that still moves audiences today.
Daddy’s Little Girls (2007) – Idris Elba
A mechanic and single dad fights to win custody of his daughters in Tyler Perry’s heartfelt drama.
We love this film for its unapologetic celebration of a Black man who is nurturing, present, and willing to defy systems for the sake of his children.
John Q (2002) – Denzel Washington
Desperation and love collide when a father holds a hospital hostage to save his child’s life. Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin and Wood Harris as his father Eric give us a refreshing take on modern father-son dynamics. Eric is emotionally grounded, wise, and loving. His calm reminders to let his son make his own mistakes underscore the balance between guidance and trust in great parenting.
King Richard (2021) – Will Smith
Richard Williams’ grit and unconventional vision helped raise two of the greatest tennis champions ever. Will Smith’s turn as Richard Williams, father to Venus and Serena, is equal parts frustrating and inspiring. His obsessive drive to protect and position his daughters for greatness challenges the way we view ambition, control, and paternal sacrifice.
Creed (2015–2023) – Michael B. Jordan
Boxing, legacy, and the deep emotional toll of fatherhood are central to this powerhouse series.
Fences (2016) – Denzel Washington
A father grapples with his own trauma while raising his son in 1950s Pittsburgh. Raw, poetic, unforgettable. Based on August Wilson’s play, Denzel delivers a heartbreaking performance as a complex father torn between generational trauma and love for his family. This portrayal forces us to examine how pain and pride can coexist in fatherhood.
Forever (2023, Netflix) – Created by Mara Brock Akil
This sweeping family saga gives us a Black father who is deeply present and emotionally grounded. We meet Eric Edwards (played by Wood Harris), a warm, grounded Black father and professional chef who balances steady wisdom with quiet strength. As the more laid-back parent, Eric often reminds his wife to let their son, Justin (played by Michael Cooper Jr.), find his own path—even as he quietly carries his own worries about Justin’s future. His presence is a refreshing portrait of calm, supportive Black fatherhood.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019) – Jonathan Majors
A haunting tale of legacy and fatherhood in a rapidly gentrifying city.
Fatherhood (2021) – Kevin Hart
Hart surprises with emotional depth in this role based on a true story. A widowed father raising a baby girl, the film gives us a look at grief, growth, and unconditional love through a man determined to show up every day.
African Stories of Fathers & Legacy
Lionheart (2018, Nigeria) – Genevieve Nnaji & Pete Edochie
A daughter steps up to run the family business under the watchful eye of her wise, traditional father.
Queen of Katwe (2016) – David Oyelowo
Though not the biological father, Oyelowo’s character, Coach Katende, steps into a father-figure role, mentoring young Phiona with patience, vision, and care. We love how this film redefines fatherhood through chosen family and guidance.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) – Chiwetel Ejiofor
Ejiofor plays a Malawian father struggling to provide for his family amid poverty and drought. His quiet strength and eventual belief in his son’s innovation offer a beautiful arc of trust, humility, and resilience.
Tsotsi (2005, South Africa) – Presumed fatherhood theme
Tsotsi, a street thug, unexpectedly ends up caring for a baby he found in a carjacking. Through the film, we watch his character unravel, evolve, and embrace humanity. It’s not traditional fatherhood—but it’s deeply transformative.
The Figurine (2009, Nigeria) – Ramsey Nouah
A supernatural thriller that centers on brotherhood, legacy, and the burdens passed from fathers to sons.
Supa Modo (2018, Kenya)
A community becomes a collective father figure to a terminally ill child with superhero dreams.
Shuga (MTV Base Africa)
This iconic series shows how African men navigate young fatherhood, fear, and responsibility.
Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020, Nigeria)
A story shaped by absent fathers and lost potential, with echoes of pain and redemption.
Stan Nze and Efa Iwara in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
Silver Rain (2015, Ghana)
A love story complicated by class—and a father’s hidden agenda.
The Milkmaid (2020, Nigeria)
A gripping exploration of war and religion, where family and fatherhood are torn apart by conflict.
🎥 Why These Stories Matter
Black fathers are often reduced to one-dimensional roles in mainstream media—but these films show us something else: that Black men can be soft and strong, flawed and committed, heroic and human. Whether fictional or based on real-life icons like Richard Williams, these stories remind us that fatherhood is a legacy—not just of blood, but of love, protection, and presence.
Final Word
Today, and every day, we honor the fathers—by birth, by choice, by community—who shape our stories. These films remind us that Black dads are not a monolith. They are kings, caretakers, visionaries, and sometimes just doing their best.
Stream one with your pops, or text him a “thank you” today. He’ll feel it.
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Black Film Wire.
Which one of these films moved you the most? Did we miss any favorites?
Let us know on socials @blackfilmwire. And happy Father’s Day to every dad, granddad, big bro, mentor, and father-figure out there holding it down.
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