Navigating the world of Disney and Pixar parents can be tricky. Most characters were orphaned or had only one parent, and the earliest Disney characters usually had evil stepmothers to contend with. Yet some characters managed to make it, and their fathers were there for them, providing all the emotional support they could.
Some fathers excelled at giving advice or providing a shoulder to lean on, and others were willing to go to the ends of the earth to save their children. Either way, the family-centric films have provided multiple fathers, most of whom love their children unconditionally and only wish to see them succeed in life.
10 Chief Powhatan Respected Pocahontas
Chief Powhatan was a humble and wise leader and a soothing father figure who just wanted the best for his daughter. However, Pocahontas wasn't initially very forthcoming with her emotions and, as such, didn't communicate well with her father about the things she wanted from life.
Despite fears that she would disappoint her father, Pocahontas finally revealed her feelings and desires, throwing herself in front of John Smith to protect him. At that moment, Chief Powhatan chose his daughter's happiness over his own hatred, respecting her choices and trusting that her judgment and wisdom would guide the tribe into a new, brighter future.
9 Augustin Nurtured His Daughters
Having been married into the Madrigal family instead of born into it, Encanto's Augustin was free from Alma pressuring him, but also stuck feeling useless until he found his place supporting the family. With three daughters, Augustin wanted to nurture them all and did so in mostly subtle ways. The outfit Augustin wears throughout the film is dedicated to his daughters, with the flower in his lapel for Isabella, and odd socks, one with dumbbells for Louisa and the other embroidered for Mirabel.
Aside from his general support, Augustin quickly checks on his girls if they appear to be upset, especially Mirabel, whom he provides extra support. Although Agustin would rather sit on the sidelines regarding big decisions in the Madrigal household, he didn't hesitate to defend Mirabel when Alma blamed her for the problems within Encanto; despite being part of a matriarchal society, Augustin was always willing to stand up for his family.
8 Marlin Swam The Ocean To Save His Son
Although Marlin was initially too overprotective of Nemo, he meant well, and his concern came from a good place; he only ever wanted to protect Nemo in a way he couldn't protect Coral. Even when Nemo was taken, Marlin swam out of his comfort zone and did everything he could to rescue him.
On his journey to rescue Nemo, Marlin changes dramatically, learning that his own issues had pushed Nemo away in the first place. In the film's finale, Marlin showed just how much he had learned by listening to Nemo and following his son's lead for the very first time; Marlin showed viewers that even parents could be wrong, and that's okay as long as they're willing to change for the better.
7 King Fergus Encourages Merida's Interests
Despite deferring to Elinor's judgment in most of his marriage, King Fergus did everything he could to give his children the freedom he felt they deserved in their day-to-day life. He repeatedly encouraged Merida's interests, despite being told that he shouldn't let his daughter fight, explore, or run rampant around the castle.
King Fergus cared little for societal gender roles as long as his children felt happy and loved. This is why his bond with Merida was never questioned throughout the film; from the beginning, Fergus only wanted his children to be themselves.
6 Mufasa Had A Strong Bond With Simba
Raising Simba must have been a challenge for Mufasa since he was not only raising a child but a future leader of the Pride. Yet, despite the added challenge, Mufasa navigated the line between father and leader with ease, teaching Simba respect for all living things while simultaneously forging a strong bond with him that Simba never forgot.
Mufasa showed Simba what would be expected of him someday, without placing too much pressure on him, and in doing so, he also taught Simba how to be a beloved leader who respected his people.
5 Geppetto Made His Own Son
When Geppetto crafted Pinocchio, he wished with all of his heart that he could be a father, and that desperate longing is exactly why Geppetto was an excellent parent.
In wanting to be the best he could be and give Pinocchio the happiest childhood possible, Geppetto provided the kind of love and support that most families unfortunately lack. Even when things went awry, Geppetto put everything aside to find and rescue his son, who he had only known for one day.
4 Fa Zhou Wanted Mulan Home Safe
Before Mulan left to take her father's place in the army, she believed that she was a disappointment to her family. However, Fa Zhou never wanted Mulan to feel that way, and in a humble yet heart-warming speech to her, he reassured Mulan that she could never disappoint him and that just because she didn't fit in with some people, she would always have a place in their family.
When Mulan joined the army, Fa Zhou was revealed to be in the worst position a parent can find themselves in; helpless to save his child from danger. When Mulan returned home, Fa Zhou didn't care about the gifts she brought with her or the honor placed upon their family name; he was simply relieved that his daughter had survived and was safe in his arms.
3 Pongo Had To Take All 99 Puppies
Pongo from 101 Dalmatians was the perfect father. He was kind and loving and interested in what his children liked. So when Horace and Jasper stole the dalmatian puppies, Pongo fought through his sadness and set off on a journey to find them, refusing to sit idly and await their rescue.
When Pongo found his own fifteen puppies among eighty-four others, his paternal instincts kicked into overdrive, and he adopted the other puppies as his own, vowing to protect and cherish every single one of them.
2 Maurice And Belle Loved Each Other Unconditionally
To the townsfolk in Beauty and the Beast, Maurice seemed like an out-of-touch fool who only cared about his silly inventions. However, had anyone bothered to get to know him, they would have realized that Maurice loved Belle above all else. Granted, he was oblivious to the fact that people found Belle odd, but only because he was much stranger than she could ever be. Maurice couldn't understand how others couldn't see Belle the way he saw her, as perfection personified.
Belle and Maurice were like the gears in the machines he invented. They were made for each other, and should one falter, the other would as well. Both father and daughter alike were willing to sacrifice themselves for one another. Although the rest of the world viewed them as strange, Maurice and Belle didn't care because they had their small, albeit somewhat damaged family, which was always enough for them.
1 Goofy Just Wants To Be A Part Of Max's Life
A Goofy Movie is remembered nostalgically by many viewers as one of the most wholesome Disney films to date. Throughout the movie, Goofy wants nothing more than to connect with his son, Max. But unfortunately, Max already finds it difficult navigating through common teenage problems without adding an overbearing and somewhat embarrassing father.
However, on their family road trip, Goofy trusted Max to navigate. By giving Max that responsibility and allowing him to choose where they should visit, Goofy finally got through to Max, showing his son that all he ever wanted was Max's happiness. In return, Max grew up, realizing there was more to life than being popular and attending parties; he had a dad who would do anything for him, and because of that, Max opened his heart to Goofy.