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Documentary

Dads (2019): Cast & Ratings

Dads (2019) movie poster

Dads is a 2019 documentary starring Patton Oswalt, Ron Howard and Will Smith. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes. Its Echo Score is 71/100.

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Dads (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 27m (87 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dads About?

The premise of Dads without spoilers.

This documentary offers a heartwarming and humorous look at the realities of modern fatherhood. Featuring a diverse group of dads, from well-known comedians to ordinary parents, the film shares their candid experiences. Through their stories, viewers gain insight into the joys, challenges, and often absurd moments that come with being a dad in today's world.

Dads Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • fatherhood
  • title directed by female
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Cast & crew

Dads Cast

Patton Oswalt leads the cast, with Ron Howard and Will Smith.

Also Starring in Dads

· 18 more
Show all 22 cast members
Ratings

Dads Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (65).

71 /100

Dads Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Dads presents a consistently warm and affectionate portrait of modern fatherhood that resonates with many viewers. Critics highlight its heartfelt tone and inclusive look at diverse parenting styles, while users appreciate the candid moments and directorial sensitivity. However, several comments note the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and a lack of deeper investigative insight, which limits its lasting impact. The net result is a pleasant but modest documentary.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and overall craftsmanship, the film benefits from unobtrusive yet purposeful filmmaking that lets personal stories unfold naturally. Reviewers commend the director’s sensitivity and the steady visual composition, while some note the lack of striking stylistic choices. Consequently, the artful execution is solid but unremarkable.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    Regarding character depth and emotional resonance, the documentary captures sincere moments between fathers and families, earning praise for its heartfelt tone. Yet, critics observe that the focus on celebrity participants sometimes feels superficial, and a few viewers found certain paternal portrayals lacking nuance. Overall, the character work is engaging but uneven.

  • Story & Flow 65

    The film’s narrative arc offers a gentle, episodic journey through varied fathering experiences, which reviewers find approachable and inclusive. However, several comments point out a lack of investigative depth and a predictable structure that limits narrative tension. Consequently, the story delivers warmth but falls short of compelling storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 72

    On the sensory front, the documentary employs a modest soundtrack and restrained sound design that support its intimate tone without drawing attention. Visuals are captured with an understated palette, allowing personalities to remain foregrounded. No major criticisms arise, though the lack of memorable auditory or visual motifs keeps the sensory impact modest.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The documentary’s warm and affirming perspective makes it enjoyable for casual repeat viewings, particularly for audiences seeking feel‑good reflections on parenting. Yet, the limited analytical depth and repetitive format may reduce incentive to revisit for deeper insights. Overall, the film offers modest rewatch value, appealing mainly to those with a personal connection to the subject.

Videos

Dads Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

Official Trailer
  • Featurette Bryce Dallas Howard on her feature documentary film DADS
Details

Dads Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “Pais” and “Apák”.

Also known as
  • Pais
  • Apák
  • Padrazos
  • 老爸
  • '아빠' - Dads
  • Папы
  • Otcovia
  • Μπαμπάδες
  • Батьківство
  • Les papas
  • Dads 父になること
  • Những Ông Bố
+9 more
  • Tați
  • 人父心事
  • 身為人父
  • Tátové
  • डैड्स
  • Papà
  • Tatą być
  • Paternidade
  • Babalar

Seen Dads?

FAQ

Dads FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast and post-credit scenes of Dads, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dads?

Dads runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).

When was Dads released?

Dads was released on September 6, 2019.

Who is in the cast of Dads?

Dads stars Patton Oswalt, Ron Howard and Will Smith, among 22 credited actors.

Does Dads have a post-credit scene?

No. Dads has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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