Action heroes are more than just weapons and big bangs. They have a deep affection for their kids that sets them apart. These characters may not have superpowers, but they possess an extraordinary ability: dad vibes. They take their duty as guardians seriously and are ready to face danger to rescue the innocent. But when it comes to their own children, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.
Besides Liam Neeson, there are other outstanding fathers in action films who deserve a shout-out. Let’s delve into the world of these dads who have pushed their protective instincts to the max.
1. Bryan Mills In ‘Taken’
There are some bad guys who are just plain foolish, and then there are those who take stupidity to a whole new level, like the ones in Taken. Seriously, who in their right mind would even think about kidnapping the daughter of a former CIA operative known for being ridiculously lethal?
When Bryan Mills’s daughter, Kim, gets snatched by a human trafficking gang, he gives these villains a stern warning about the consequences they’ll face if they don’t release her. This warning becomes one of the most iconic monologues in movie history. But do these idiots pay any attention? Nope. So, Mills has no choice but to use his “particular set of skills” to track them down. And let me tell you, Mills isn’t exaggerating about what he can do. These fools have definitely messed with the wrong action hero dad.
2. John Matrix In ‘Commando’
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a familiar face when it comes to portraying dad vibes in his long-standing career as a renowned action hero in Hollywood. But it’s safe to say that his performance as the ex-Black Ops expert John Matrix in Commando takes the cake.
In Commando, Matrix’s former platoon is targeted by a group of mercenaries who go as far as kidnapping his daughter, just for good measure. Little did they know that this would turn out to be the worst decision of their lives. Matrix, armed with an arsenal of weapons and his trademark massive guns, goes on a relentless rampage to rescue his beloved baby girl.
It’s a high point in Schwarzenegger’s career, showcasing his incredible power and intensity on the silver screen. Commando is a thrilling and action-packed ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat as Matrix takes on an entire army to reclaim what is rightfully his.
3. Lee Abbott In ‘A Quiet Place’
Imagine a world where a father has to ensure his young children stay silent to protect their lives. That’s the situation Lee Abbott faces in the movie A Quiet Place. In this eerie reality, his family must navigate a dangerous world where creatures with hyper-sensitive hearing emerge whenever someone makes the slightest noise, even a cough or sneeze.
Of course, his kids aren’t always obedient, so Lee constantly finds himself rescuing them after their innocent noises attract the attention of the monsters. Through a courageous journey, he demonstrates his unwavering love for his family when he screams out, deliberately drawing the creatures towards him. In doing so, he sacrifices his own life to give his loved ones a chance to escape from the menacing beasts.
Lee Abbott certainly goes beyond the typical responsibilities of a father trying to keep his children calm and safe.
4. Phil Broker In ‘Homefront’
In the action-packed movie Homefront, former DEA agent Phil Broker proves that being a dad means stepping up when your kids are in trouble. When his daughter, Maddy, finds herself in a heated altercation with a school bully, Broker jumps in to defend her. Little did he know that this act of protection would unleash a chain of events that puts both him and Maddy in grave danger.
Unfortunately, the bully’s relatives soon discover Broker’s involvement in a significant drug bust. As tensions rise, Broker tries to mend the situation for the sake of his family. But, as fate would have it, it’s already too late. Word gets out to the allies of the drug dealers, and they seek revenge on Broker and his daughter, Maddy.
Now, faced with imminent danger, Broker unleashes his inner warrior, determined to do whatever it takes to keep his daughter safe. With a ferocious determination, he fearlessly battles against all who dare to stand in his way, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for his daughter’s safety.
5. Paul Kersey In ‘Death Wish’
Death Wish is an intense vigilante tale, portraying the journey of Paul Kersey, an ordinary family man deeply devoted to his wife and daughter. However, tragedy strikes one night when they are brutally attacked by robbers. This horrifying incident leads to the devastating loss of Paul’s wife and the traumatization of his daughter to the extent that she requires care in a mental institution.
Overwhelmed by grief and disenchanted with the justice system, Paul redirects his focus towards the street criminals who prey on innocent people. Transforming into a feared vigilante, he takes matters into his own hands, relentlessly hunting down and eliminating these crooks. This becomes his way of coping with his immense sorrow and fulfilling his inner desire for revenge.
Unfortunately, as the story unfolds in the sequel, another heartbreaking attack claims the life of Paul’s daughter. Despite this tragic loss, Paul refuses to give in and embarks on an even more violent path. His unwavering determination to fight for his daughter’s memory pushes him to continue his crusade, relentlessly battling against the forces of evil, even when she is no longer with him.
6. J.J. McQuade In ‘Lone Wolf McQuade’
Chuck Norris is more than just a famous actor – he’s a force to be reckoned with. In the movie Lone Wolf McQuade, he takes on the role of J.J. McQuade, a total badass who is not to be messed with. McQuade is a former Marine, a Texas Ranger, and he even owns a pet wolf. Seriously, this guy is the real deal.
But things take a turn when McQuade’s daughter witnesses a hijacking and gets into a terrible accident. She ends up in the hospital, and McQuade is not about to let this slide. He’s not one to use calm words and reason – no, he’s more like a wolf himself, ready to tear apart anyone who dares to harm his daughter. So, yeah, it’s safe to say that anyone who crosses McQuade is making a big mistake.
7. Harry Stamper In ‘Armageddon’
In a Michael Bay movie, things get pretty wild, like sending an oil driller to space to save the world. But hey, it makes for an exciting story in Armageddon. Meet Harry Stamper, a tough dad who loves his daughter, Grace, even though he’s not a fan of her relationship with his employee, A.J. When NASA needs someone to drill into an asteroid and prevent Earth’s destruction, they call on Harry. He gathers his team, including A.J., and they head to space to get the job done.
As expected, things don’t exactly go according to plan. Harry ends up making the ultimate sacrifice to save the planet and his daughter, Grace. But before he goes, he gives his blessing for Grace and A.J. to be together. Because, you know, that’s what heroes do.
8. Cameron Poe In ‘Con Air’
Cameron Poe, the protagonist of the story, emerges as a heroic figure even before his daughter Casey is born. He displays unwavering dedication to protecting his unborn child, showcasing his love and commitment from the very beginning. Unfortunately, his life takes a dark turn when he is imprisoned for killing a man who attempted to harm his pregnant wife.
After enduring ten years behind bars, Poe is finally granted parole and seizes the opportunity to return home. His primary goal is to reunite with his wife and meet his daughter for the first time. However, as is often the case in Hollywood narratives, things are far from simple.
In a twist of fate, Poe finds himself caught in the midst of a hijacking orchestrated by a group of criminals. This circumstance lends itself perfectly to the film’s fitting title, Con Air. Despite his desire for a peaceful reunion with his family, Poe is forced to engage in a series of intense battles against the hijackers. Along the way, he unleashes his fighting skills, knocking out adversaries and leaving a trail of broken teeth in his wake.
Throughout the chaos, Poe’s unwavering determination to ensure the safety of his daughter remains his driving force. He fights tooth and nail to overcome each challenge, all with the ultimate aim of landing the plane safely and delivering a stuffed rabbit to his beloved daughter.
9. Darren McCord In ‘Sudden Death’
Darren McCord just wants a simple day out with his kids at the Stanley Cup Finals in Sudden Death. Being a firefighter, he doesn’t get to spend much time with them, so he’s really hoping for a fun event to bond with his son and daughter. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when his daughter goes missing after a sibling argument, and to make matters even more intense, she’s been abducted by terrorists who also happen to have the Vice President in their grasp.
Now, not only does Darren have to rescue his family, but he’s also stuck with the responsibility of preventing a massive tragedy. These terrorists are planning to blow up the entire arena, and he’s the only one who can stop them. Luckily, his strength and skills as a firefighter come in handy as he takes down every single bad guy that crosses his path. In the end, though, the most important thing to Darren is saving his daughter’s life, which proves to be a much greater gift than simply attending a hockey game together.
10. Frank Conner In ‘Desperate Measures’
The title Desperate Measures perfectly captures the extreme lengths action heroes are willing to go to save their children. In this case, cop Frank Conner’s son is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant, and the only compatible donor is a dangerous criminal named Peter McCabe, who manages to escape from prison.
Conner finds himself in a morally ambiguous situation, as he must protect McCabe from other law enforcement officers. The reason being, if McCabe is killed, Conner’s son will lose his only chance at a life-saving operation. Despite the incredibly high stakes involved, Conner goes above and beyond to ensure that McCabe becomes the donor and helps his son, going against what is expected of him as a police officer.
11. Peter In ‘Extinction’
In light of the current global situation, it’s natural for any father to lie awake at night, worrying about what the future holds for their family. Peter, the protagonist in Extinction, experiences this same anxiety, but with a terrifying twist – he has vivid nightmares about his wife and daughters being annihilated in an alien invasion.
Despite the reassurances from those around him that his fears are baseless, Peter’s worst nightmares come true when an actual alien invasion occurs. Suddenly, he is thrust into action, compelled to take every possible measure to protect his loved ones. The silver lining is that his recurring nightmares have inadvertently equipped him with strategies to navigate the perils posed by these extraterrestrial visitors. It’s not every dad who can proudly say that they’ve punched an E.T. square in the bug eyes to save their family.
So, given the state of the world, it’s no wonder Peter can’t sleep peacefully at night. His nightmares, though terrifyingly specific, have unwittingly prepared him for the very real threat that eventually materializes. And when the invasion finally hits, Peter finds himself embracing his role as a defender, doing everything in his power to ensure the safety of his wife and daughters. After all, not many dads can boast about their heroic encounters with otherworldly beings.
