From Brooklyn 99's Captain Holt to Finding Nemo's Marlin, 9 fictional dads whom we wish were real

Everybody's first hero, their dad has always protected them, everywhere they went; from swing sets on playgrounds to broken hearts as teenagers. While moms may provide unending care and comfort, dads are the ones whom we go to when we find ourselves in a fix. From cycling to math, all the difficult situations in life are tackled by him. When you are looking for guidance, you always look for your dad. On the screen, these spectacular fictional dads showed us just how incredible father figures could be; so much so that we sometimes wished they were real.

1. Phil Dunphy, Modern Family 

If there was ever an award for the best TV dad, Phil Dunphy would clear with no competition. While there were four fathers in Modern Family, Phil was undoubtedly the most favoured one, thanks to the kind of bond he managed to create with all three of his children; and even those around him. While most would say that he had a special bond with his son, Luke, Phil was a kind, empathetic and loving father to all three of his children equally; even Alex, who he didn't share a lot in common with. Termed by himself as the "cool dad", Phil always made sure to put in the effort to make his children feel happy and safe. 

2. Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter Series 

Arthur Weasley is a loving and supportive father to his children and a father figure to Harry in the Harry Potter series. He is devoted to his family, even though he struggles to provide for them. He's known for his calmness and temprent, rarely raising his voice at his children.

3. Gomez Adams, The Addams Family and Wednesday

The head of the Addams family is undoubtedly a loving father. While certainly spooky, Gomez Adams was not only a devoted husband but also an attentive father to his daughter, who he often didn't understand. A little unorthodox at times? Sure. But it's clear that he puts the well-being of his children first. And of course, no one can rock a dad-stache quite like he can.

4. Marlin, Finding Nemo

In the touching Disney movie, Marlin took it upon himself to wade through the sea alone in order to find his son, Nemo. Not only did he raise Nemo by himself, but he also made sure to be the best single parent to him and go to the ends of the ocean to protect him.

5. Mufasa, The Lion King

A wise, courageous, and loving father, Mufasa, not only teaches his son to be a great King but also a good man (or lion, in this case). He guides Simba on his journey to become a responsible and just king, teaching him the importance of the "circle of life" and his place in the world. Mufasa's unwavering love and dedication to Simba left an impression on his son, just as his father's sacrifice did on him.

6. Jim Hopper, Stranger Things 

Jim Hopper went from a hopeless, apathetic cop to a sympathetic and devoted father figure to the kids of Stranger Things; especially Eleven, who loved Hopper like a father. He becomes fiercely protective of her to ensure her safety after tragedy befalls Hawkins, Indiana and their bond as a father and daughter, even if not biological, is as real as it gets. 

7. Captain Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99

Captain Raymond Holt may have never been a dad, but he was a father figure to the Brooklyn PD team, especially Jake Peralta, who was infamous for his daddy issue. Calm in the face of odds, Holt set Jake straight, from being a careless young man to a responsible police officer who went on to marry and become a father himself. Captain Holt also helped Amy through her obsessive need for getting his approval and saw her being promoted to a chief. He was there for Rosa when she came out as bisexual, even when she didn't receive her own parents' blessings. 

8. Mahavir Phogat, Dangal

Dangal is an inspiring tale of an ex-Indian wrestler, Mahavir Phogat, who sees the potential in his daughters and trains them to be wrestlers. Initially resentful of their father, Geeta and Babita Phogat learn, as they grow into adults, that their father is setting them on the path of success, which was an opportunity very few get to have. 

9. Bunny's Father, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 

Not only did he give his son the freedom to follow his heart for whatever he wanted to do in life, but he also gave him great advice. Bunny, aka Kabir's father, is one of the sweetest dads to exist in Bollywood movies. He told Kabir that he should live his life on his own terms and never stopped him from achieving his dreams and ambitions, even if he never understood them. His death left a great impact on Bunny, which could be seen in the choices he made in the latter half of the movie.