Father’s Day on Netflix: Your weekend watchlist that actually fits the day
If you’re keeping Father’s Day low-key, Netflix has a lineup that hits the right notes—stories about dads who show up, mess up, and keep going. Three titles stand out for the weekend: the tense Australian thriller Cargo, the action-comedy series FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kevin Hart’s heartfelt drama Fatherhood. Different moods, same thread: love, duty, and the weird, funny, painful parts of being a parent.
Let’s start with Cargo, a zombie film that’s more about a father’s promise than jump scares. Martin Freeman plays a dad racing against time in a collapsed Australia, trying to get his infant daughter to safety before he runs out of options. The film has an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and you can see why—it's lean, focused, and grounded in character. Directors Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke build dread from quiet choices rather than loud twists, and the Australian outback works like a character of its own: beautiful, hostile, and honest. If you want stakes you can feel, this one delivers.
What makes Cargo a smart Father’s Day pick is how it drives straight at the fear most parents never say out loud: What happens if I can’t protect my kid? Freeman keeps it human—tired eyes, small mistakes, stubborn hope. The film runs about 1 hour 45 minutes, and it stays with you, especially the moments that lean on trust and compassion rather than brute force. It’s a zombie movie, yes, but the emotional punch is the point. Expect intensity and some tough scenes; this one is best for older teens and adults.
Want something lighter without losing the theme? Enter FUBAR. Schwarzenegger plays a veteran CIA operative who learns his adult daughter—played by Monica Barbaro—is also an undercover agent. They’ve both been lying to each other for years in the name of national security, and now they’re stuck on missions together. It’s an espionage sitcom in body armor: wisecracks, car chases, family therapy on the fly. The creator is Nick Santora, known for high-energy action shows, and you can feel that DNA here—tight missions, clipped dialogue, and a father-daughter dynamic that’s messy in a familiar way.
FUBAR flows like comfort TV for action fans: hour-long episodes, clear stakes, and two leads who play off each other well. Schwarzenegger gets to be gruff and protective; Barbaro fires back with her own rules and skills. Is it subtle? Not really. Is it fun to watch a dad realize his kid can more than handle herself? Absolutely. If you want something you can dip in and out of between braais, video calls, or cake duty, this is the one.
For a different kind of punch, Fatherhood puts Kevin Hart in a role that’s direct and sincere. Based on Matthew Logelin’s memoir Two Kisses for Maddy and directed by Paul Weitz (About a Boy), the film follows a new dad thrown into single parenthood after a sudden loss. Hart plays it close to the ground: sleepless nights, bad advice, gentle wins, and those stubborn moments when you decide to try again anyway. Melody Hurd is warm and sharp as his daughter, and Alfre Woodard brings steel and care as a protective grandmother. There are laughs, but the emotion is the engine.
Fatherhood works because it never rushes past the hard parts—doubt, guilt, the quiet panic of feeling in over your head. It also doesn’t wallow. The movie finds the small victories that build a life: first days, new routines, good friends who show up. If you’re watching with family, this is the pick that opens the door to real conversations—about support, grief, and what it means to raise a child with your whole heart.
Not sure where to start? Try this simple plan:
- Short on time, want impact: Cargo for a tight, emotional ride.
- In the mood to laugh with chase scenes: FUBAR for action and banter.
- Ready for a family cry and a warm ending: Fatherhood for heart and hope.
A quick note on age-friendliness: Cargo and FUBAR include violence and strong language—better for older teens and adults. Fatherhood is gentler but still deals with grief. If you’re watching with younger kids, check the ratings and content notes first. Keep snacks close, keep phones off, and give yourselves time after to chat—these stories spark good talks.
However you build the night, this trio covers a lot of ground. You get survival drama that earns its tears, a spy romp that doesn’t forget family, and a grounded look at a dad finding his feet. That’s a full plate for Father's Day movies, and it feels true to the day: imperfect, determined, and full of love.
What else is new on Netflix in June 2025
Netflix is loading up the month with volume and variety. Across June, the platform is set to add at least 76 movies and series. That includes returning seasons for big hitters like Ginny & Georgia, Grey’s Anatomy, and Squid Game—crowd-pleasers that keep watchlists busy. The film side mixes classics and newer favorites: Rear Window brings sharp, slow-burn suspense; The Equalizer scratches the action itch; Barbarian caters to horror fans looking for a jolt.
There’s also fresh original content in the pipeline, including Tyler Perry’s Straw and The Waterfront. That blend—familiar franchises plus new bets—is Netflix’s comfort zone right now. It helps a weekend like Father’s Day land well because you can pair a sure thing with something you’ve never tried. Start with a headliner, then explore. If Dad likes slow tension and careful reveals, Rear Window is a smart counterpoint to high-octane picks. If he’s all about justice served with precision, The Equalizer is a clean, no-fuss choice. Horror fan in the house? Barbarian is a ride—save it for late.
Planning helps, especially if you’re juggling family schedules. Queue your top three in order. Set downloads if you’re traveling. If you’ve got a mix of ages in the room, consider splitting the night: earlier slot for Fatherhood, later slot for either Cargo or FUBAR. Add a breather between titles so the heavier moments can land. And if the conversation gets good, pause. The best scenes often lead to stories of your own.
One more tip: match the pick to the person, not just the day. Some dads want escape, some want honesty, some want the chase. Cargo is the gut check. FUBAR is the joyride. Fatherhood is the hug. Rotate them across the weekend if you can. There’s no wrong way to celebrate as long as you’re doing it together.
With 76 new additions rolling onto the platform in June, Netflix clearly expects a busy month. That means Father’s Day doesn’t have to be a single-night event. Try a Friday starter, a Saturday crowd-pleaser, and a Sunday closer. Keep the mood easy. Keep the choices simple. The stories will do the heavy lifting.
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