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Father’s Day poll crowns “Ford v. Ferrari” ultimate dad movie

6/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Danette Chavez (editor-in-chief) asked readers on Father’s Day to name the ultimate Dad movie.
Respondents named Ford v. Ferrari (2019), starring Matt Damon (actor) and Christian Bale (actor), as a top pick.
They also cited The Shawshank Redemption (1994) as a cable favorite for fathers.
Observers said dads favor action films with aging heroes like Harrison Ford (actor) and Liam Neeson (actor), reflecting 1980s-1990s Gen X tastes.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 Frank Darabont adapted Stephen King’s novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” into The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The film earned only $16 million domestically and received seven Academy Award nominations, yet critics later called it one of the greatest movies ever made. Its enduring reputation has cemented its place in film history.

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Story summary

Danette Chavez (editor-in-chief) asked readers on Father’s Day to name the ultimate Dad movie.
Respondents named Ford v. Ferrari (2019), starring Matt Damon (actor) and Christian Bale (actor), as a top pick.
They also cited The Shawshank Redemption (1994) as a cable favorite for fathers.
Observers said dads favor action films with aging heroes like Harrison Ford (actor) and Liam Neeson (actor), reflecting 1980s-1990s Gen X tastes.

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