If you grew up between the 80s and 2000s, you probably had two types of father figure in your childhood: your real dad and that other guy… The one from action movies, on the TV screen, the true Badass. He could be in the afternoon matinee movies, on a rented VHS, or in a packed movie theater at the mall. And there he was: running with explosions in the background, saving the world, and, on top of that, teaching you a lesson you didn’t even realize you were learning.
What if that guy was my dad?
Now that the tables have turned and you’re in the role of a dad (or about to be), the question is different: which of these characters shaped you into the great father figure you are today? The one who solves everything with brute force? The one who has a plan for every situation? Or the one who knows how to balance action with fun?
The definitions of “my dad, my hero” started here. Get ready to reunite with the heroes who shaped our imagination — and discover that they’re still out there, in new action movies (or not), ready for another mission.
Sylvester Stallone – The dad who solves problems with fists… and in war
Stallone is the kind of dad you don’t need to call twice. As John Rambo, he faced armies alone, survived ambushes, and came home like it was just another day at work. Admit it, it was in Rocky Balboa that you learned that it’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Sounds a lot like something our dad would say. — and, on top of that, how to turn a stair workout into a neighborhood event. And as Barney Ross, leader in The Expendables, he’d be that dad who organizes a barbecue with the most dangerous “uncles” on the planet.
In recent films, Stallone keeps the pace: in the franchise The Expendables, Code Alarm, and Armored. If this is the dad you always wanted to have in your childhood, check out his movies on Adrenaline Plus+.
Liam Neeson – The dad who always knows exactly where you are… always
If there’s someone you want as a dad when things go wrong, it’s Liam Neeson. Bryan Mills, from Taken, redefined the concept of “calling my dad” with a simple phone call. Oskar Schindler showed that leadership can also be done with intelligence and sensitivity. And as Ra’s al Ghul, in Batman Begins, he’d prove that even a trip to the park can turn into ninja training.
If this is the style of your dream father figure, you can check out Final Target, The Call, Back to Italy, and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, which show both the protective and strategic sides of the actor. Don’t forget Explosive Legacy and Shadow Agent — perfect for those who like to see Neeson solving problems in the most efficient way possible. You can find all of them online through Prime Video and Adrenaline Plus+.
Nicolas Cage – The dad who shows up in your dreams (literally)!
Cage would be the dad who never lets boredom into the house. Cameron Poe, from Con Air, crossed the country in a plane full of criminals just to deliver a gift to his daughter. Stanley Goodspeed, in The Rock, showed that science and action can be a perfect pair. And Castor Troy, in Face/Off, proved that even the most eccentric villains have their charm.
If this dad is your champion, watch online: After the Apocalypse, The Dream Man, and Journey to Hell show completely different versions of him. Just choose where to start and enjoy the marathon.
Jason Statham – For dads who face school pickups… and giant sharks
If Statham were your dad, picking you up from school would never be a common event. As Frank Martin, from Transporter, he’d follow all the rules… until he needed to break them to save the day. Chev Chelios, in Crank, would teach that energy and improvisation are essential. And Lee Christmas, from The Expendables, would be that loyal dad who also knows his way around knives.
But he’s also the only one on this list who’s faced a prehistoric shark over 65 feet long with a piece of propeller — and lived to tell the tale. In The Meg and The Meg 2, Statham is the diver who treats the sea monster like it’s just another routine problem. If that’s not material for a “dad story” in the friend circle, nothing is.
You can find Infiltration, Assassin on Demand, Frontline on Adrenaline Plus+ and Prime Video. A guaranteed marathon to see Statham being meticulous, explosive… and, if needed, diving to solve the situation.
Jean-Claude Van Damme – The dad who makes you stretch before breakfast
Most of this action and martial arts star’s movies were watched alongside our dads in the early afternoon or late Sunday. Van Damme is the dad who’d make you stretch before heading to school. Frank Dux, from Bloodsport, made generations believe that discipline conquers any adversary. Kurt Sloane, in Kickboxer, showed that protection and training go hand in hand. And Luc Deveraux, from Universal Soldier, proved that even supersoldiers have a human side.
If you, like the Filmelier writer who’s writing to you, always dreamed of being his daughter and learning some moves, on Adrenaline Plus+, you can watch Collateral and several other titles. While on Adrenaline Plus TV, you can find him online for free in Lukas and 6 Bullets. The ideal choice for those who want to relive the star with the same energy — and spinning kicks — that marked an era.
John Travolta – The dad who dances, sings, and still escapes the villains
Travolta is that dad who dances, sings, and shoots — not necessarily in that order. Tony Manero, from Saturday Night Fever, would bring style and confidence even to the grocery store. Danny Zuko, in Grease, would bring charm and improvisation to handle any situation. And Sean Archer, in Face/Off, would teach that dedication to family knows no geographical, moral, or… facial limits.
In Dangerous Transaction, available for rent or purchase, he faces dangerous negotiations with the same coolness of his best roles. Perfect for those who want to see Travolta balancing charisma and tension.
Russell Crowe – The Badass dad with a speech worthy of a historical epic
Crowe is the dad who turns dinner time into a lesson in history, military tactics, and philosophy. As Maximus, in Gladiator, he showed that honor and determination can change destiny, worthy of a dad for those watching. Jim Braddock, in Cinderella Man, taught that persistence is worth more than any punch. And Jack Aubrey, in Master and Commander, proved that leadership is taking care of the crew like they’re family.
If you’ve ever thought: “Wow, imagine being this guy’s kid!” you can see him again on streaming, he’s in Risk Zone, The Web, The Exorcism, and King of the Ring: The Story of Jem Belcher. A selection that proves that, in any scenario, Crowe always finds a way to take control.
Who Did You Become?
In the end, every dad has a bit of a badass inside him. Sometimes it’s in the way he protects his family tooth and nail. Other times, it’s just to open that impossible jar of jam. And even if real life doesn’t have explosions, chases, or giant sharks, there’s always a moment when it’s time to spring into action.
So, this Father’s Day, it’s worth sitting on the couch, choosing your favorite star, and seeing what lessons — or creative exaggerations — they have in common with your dad. All these movies are available online on Adrenaline Plus+ and Adrenaline Plus TV, ready to prove that, in fiction or real life, being a dad is also about knowing the right moment to take control.
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