Unveiling the Ultimate Father's Day Film Feast on MAX

Father’s Day is just a few days away – a perfect time to strengthen the bonds with the dad in our lives, and there is no better way to do it than by treating him to a film celebration of fathers, family and shared passions. MAX, featuring some of the best films from classic Warner Bros. Pictures and new blockbusters from HBO’s original line-up, is an ideal place to start. Here’s my pick of the top five MAX titles to make Father’s Day weekend memorable.

The Heartfelt Drama: The Iron Claw (2023)

If you’re into sappy family stuff with gritty tales of legacy and the dreams that can kill – and a history of tragedy that only serves to make fame all the sweeter – Iron Claw is for you. Based on the real Von Erich wrestling family, it follows the lives of the preacher’s sons as they become professional wrestlers despite family drama. It’s not exactly wet and warm, but it’s a touching look inside of the family that stands and falls together. It’s also an excellent movie for those who like the story of beating the challenges that come with having a father who wants you to be just like him.

A Fantasy Action Adventure: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

Longing for Indiana Jones? The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor whisks you and dad to a world of ancient curses and intrepid derring-do. No Rachel Weisz this time but Brendan Fraser’s world-weary charm as the globe-hopping Rick O’Connell makes it rich in the old-school adventurous spirit of the series — especially the relationship with his son, Alex. A perfect bonding pick for thrill-seeking dads and kids.

Comedy with a Twist: Ted 2 (2015)

If you’re looking for wholesome, family-friendly humour with an underlying hint of heart, Ted 2 is for you. Not a father-son story per se, but why miss the opportunity to have a heartstring-tugging piece about wanting to raise something and wanting to belong? Take a cringe-inducing look at two best friends in Ted (voice of Seth MacFarlane) and his buddy John (Mark Wahlberg) escalating their efforts to prove that Ted is an individual with rights. This one is as funny as it is moving, tackling the depth of friendship and someone’s longing to start a family.

A Story of Legacy: Barbershop (2002)

In the heart-warming comedy Barbershop (2002), Calvin Palmer Jr contemplates the legacy of both his father and a small business empire. Barbershop, like so many great coming-of-age films, addresses the pressure of living up to parental expectations and finding your own path; the film, equal parts comedy and drama, blends life lessons with the malaise of modern life to offer a perfect movie discussion starter about the value of heritage and making your own mark.

A Modern Family Voyage: Vacation (2015)

Planning a vacation is fun in itself – so Vacation is a funny tribute to that tradition. Follow a family on a road trip gone wrong, a riff on the original National Lampoon Vacation movies. This one is about rediscovering your family in a maelstrom of craziness. Good for everyone who wants to laugh at their family trip while on their own family trip.

Why MAX?

As the poster boy for movie lovers, MAX has something for everyone, regardless of mood. Whether you need a shocking drama, an adrenaline-fueled action flick or a family-friendly blockbuster, MAX has got you covered. We have the movies that make your daddy happy. You know which ones. This Father’s Day, it’s time to spend some quality screen time with your family!

For, besides being entertaining, each MAX film lies on the shorter end of a more extensive – often indescribable – waveform composed of souvenirs and anecdotes. For this reason, a movie on MAX is more than a film: it’s an experience, a lesson, and – above all else – it’s a time with someone special. Be it a self-confessed cinephile or a person with a simple aim to spend a beautiful day together, MAX has you covered.

After all, as Max Fischer reminds us while dressing for a movie date in Rushmore, movies aren’t just stories. ‘They’re performances!’ he tells his classmates. ‘They’re memories!’ ‘They’re friends!’ ‘They’re life!’ ‘They’re conversation!’ ‘And laughter.’ So pop some corn, plop down with pops, and let MAX turn Father’s Day into a glorious day at the movies.