The 10 Hottest Dads in Animated Movies

Posted by Jenniffer Sheldon on Thursday, August 1, 2024

Of the many blessings bestowed upon the world by the internet, there may be none greater than the revelation that, at some point in life, just about everyone has secretly lusted after a hot dad in an animated movie. Perhaps none are more desired than Riley’s dad from Pixar’s “Inside Out,” who has become one of the internet’s favorite foxy fathers — which delights those responsible for creating him.

As Kyle MacLachlan, who voices the character, told Variety‘s Angelique Jackson at the world premiere of “Inside Out 2”: “Yes, I’ve heard that rumor. I’m as surprised as you are. I don’t understand at all. It might be the mustache.”

But Pixar studio chief Pete Docter, who directed the first “Inside Out,” almost nixed the mustache entirely. “I’m like, ‘I don’t know,'” Docter said with a laugh. “‘Dad doesn’t look very good with a mustache.'” Since the animators were using the facial hair as a visual signifier for the Dad’s emotions, Docter relented. “It turned out to be a good choice!”

A mustache, however, isn’t the only reason to get twitterpated over a prepossessing paterfamilias. Hot cartoon dads come in all shapes, sizes and ages — from gods, kings and superheroes to run-of-the-mill papas who just happen to be distressingly, distractingly attractive. To celebrate Father’s Day — and the return of Riley’s dad — here is a wildly subjective list of the hunkiest patriarchs in animated cinema. (And before you ask, no, we did not consider nonhuman fathers. Apologies to Mufasa stans everywhere.)

  • Bill Andersen (aka Riley’s Dad)

    Films: “Inside Out,” “Inside Out 2”
    Voice actor: Kyle MacLaughlan

    At first glance, Riley’s dad is aggressively ordinary. But between his perpetual stubble, just-so jeans-and-T-shirt and general air of warm bemusement, he’s become Gen Z’s unofficial animated zaddy.

  • Chief Benja

    Film: “Raya and the Last Dragon”
    Voice actor: Daniel Dae Kim

    To protect his daughter and save his kingdom, the chief of Kumandra’s Heart tribe allows himself to be turned to stone. But those twin guns he’s sporting are rock solid on their own, amirite?

  • King Triton

    Film: “The Little Mermaid”
    Voice actor: Kenneth Mars

    Some may say this perpetually shirtless monarch is a bit too strict with his daughter. Others may feel their pulse quicken whenever Triton takes hold of his gleaming trident.

  • Mr. Incredible

    Films: “The Incredibles,” “Incredibles 2”
    Voice actor: Craig T. Nelson

    The erstwhile insurance agent known as Bob Parr can bench-press a train engine, thwart a dastardly supervillain, spoon-feed his infant son and he looks, er, incredible in spandex.

  • Jefferson Davis

    Films: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
    Voice actor: Brian Tyree Henry

    Who among us hasn’t been captivated by a deep-voiced man in uniform? Really, though, it’s the total dedication Miles Morales’ father pours into his son that’s the real turn-on.

  • Tatsuo

    Film: “My Neighbor Totoro”
    Voice actors: Shigesato Itoi, Greg Snegoff (1989/93 English version), Tim Daly (2005 English version)

    There’s a scene in Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, about two young sisters who befriend a woodland spirit, in which the girls’ kindly father takes a bath, and, yeah, that’s why he’s made this list.

  • Zeus

    Film: “Hercules”
    Voice actor: Rip Torn

    Between his perfect beard, barrel chest, fetching toga and unwavering belief in his demigod son, we’d climb the god of thunder’s Mount Olympus any day.

  • Chief Tui

    Film: “Moana”
    Voice actors: Temuera Morrison (speaking), Christopher Jackson (singing)

    Like so many Disney dads, the leader of the Motunui tribe can be a little overprotective, but he can hold us close on a tropical island whenever he wants.

  • Hector

    Film: “Coco”
    Voice actor: Gael García Bernal

    No bones about it: Hector’s gift for song and undying devotion to his family are swoon-worthy. But for some reason, it’s that tiny goatee on his chin that tips him into true hotness.

  • King Agnarr

    Films: “Frozen,” “Frozen 2”
    Voice actors: Maurice LaMarche, Alfred Molina

    Call us shallow, but the dishy king of Arendelle could suppress our memories and lock us up in his opulent palace for the rest of our lives.

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