This weekend being Father’s Day, folks around the office got to talking about the best movie dads. Someone suggested Vito Corleone and, well, he’s definitely a father you can’t refuse. But not really sure he qualifies. Darth Vader is a little closer to at least being eligible for “good dad” with his final redemption. But still, you know there was the time he killed All. Those. Kids. (The Star Wars prequels may not count to some, but still…)

So who were the real contenders?

• Bryan Mills (Taken). Liam Neeson’s Mills has a special set of skills and if you do anything to his kids. Well. Just don’t.
• Nick Parker (The Parent Trap). Dennis Quaid is always the best. We wish there were two of him and they were both our dads.
• Clark Griswold (National Lampoon’s Vacation, etc.). Clark is an idiot. But he cares and he always does right by his kids in the end.
• George Banks (Father of the Bride). “Father” is right in the title. You know he’s the best. And we may just see Steve Martin on this list again. Probably. Definitely.
• The Old Man (A Chistmas Story). Darren McGavin’s Old Man Parker is the fudgin’ best.
• Roger Callaway (It Takes Two). When I started polling for this list, Steve Guttenberg’s Roger was vociforously supported. The Gutes may make this list again too…

• Gil Buckman (Parenthood). Steve Martin is back on the list, as well he should be. Gil is the best. This movie is the best. The show was the best. We love Parenthood, is what we’re saying.
• Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird). This is the right answer. Always and forever. Except…
• Peter Mitchell (Three Men and a Baby).
• Michael Kellam (Three Men and a Baby).
• Jack Holden (Three Men and a Baby). Ted Danson, Tom Selleck and Steve Guttenberg (returns!) are the best movie dad, full stop.

We were thinking of movie dads because this weekend is Father’s Day, of course. But also because Incredibles 2 is out, and Mr. Incredible is … well … pretty incredible. Enjoy your Father’s Day!