🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Tyler Spindel
- Genre: Comedy
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 5.2/10 (15K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 0%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two college grads accidentally start a brawl between their dads, leading to a summer of trailer park mishaps, awkward family therapy, and questionable life choices.
🍿 Father of the Year: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Drunken Debate
College graduates Ben and Larry, fueled by alcohol, engage in a heated debate about whose father would win in a fight. Ben boasts about his loser dad, Wayne, while Larry defends his timid, scientist father, Mardy. This seemingly harmless argument sets off a chain of chaotic events.

Wayne Takes the Challenge Seriously
Wayne, overhearing the debate, takes the challenge to heart. He misunderstands the situation and, fueled by a desire to prove his worth, decides to confront Mardy. This sets the stage for a series of disastrous events as Wayne’s misguided attempts to assert dominance lead to job losses and relationship problems.

Downward Spiral
The film follows the consequences of Wayne’s actions as both Ben and Larry grapple with their fathers’ behavior. Jobs are jeopardized, relationships strain, and the friends must come to terms with the realities of their fathers’ personalities. The summer before moving to New York becomes a period of unexpected challenges and self-discovery.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Wayne (David Spade): A trailer-park loser dad who tries too hard to prove himself after a drunken bet.
- Ben (Joey Bragg): A college valedictorian visiting his father before moving to New York.
- Larry (Matt Shively): Ben’s best friend who instigates the argument about whose dad is tougher.
- Mardy (Nat Faxon): Larry’s meek and mild-mannered father who becomes the target of Wayne’s aggression.
- Meredith (Bridgit Mendler): A young woman who becomes entangled in the chaotic fallout of the fathers’ feud.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Wayne: “I’m gonna fight your dad!” – Wayne, fueled by alcohol and a need to prove himself, declares he will fight Mardy’s dad after overhearing the argument.
- Ben: “Dad, you can’t just go around punching people!” – Ben expresses his frustration and embarrassment after Wayne’s antics lead to trouble.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Father of the Year Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went in expecting a silly, dumb comedy, and that’s pretty much what I got. David Spade is hilarious as the ‘loser dad,’ and there are a few laugh-out-loud moments, especially the VR scene and the jacuzzi. The movie isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s perfect for a relaxed night in. I’d say if you’re a fan of Happy Madison productions, you will find it fun.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of David Spade”
- “Viewers who enjoy crude or slapstick comedy”
- “People looking for a mindless, easy-to-watch movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Crude humor”
- “Some nudity”
- “Alcohol use”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “David Spade tries his best, but the film’s predictable gags and reliance on cheap laughs ultimately fail to deliver a worthwhile comedic experience. The plot meanders, and the supporting characters are mostly forgettable.
- Variety: “While ‘Father of the Year’ has moments of slapstick humor, it relies heavily on tired tropes and lacks originality. The performances are adequate, but the script’s weaknesses prevent any real comedic spark.
Audience Reactions
Some viewers found David Spade hilarious.: Many who enjoyed the film appreciated its low-brow, goofy humor, calling it perfect for a mindless, entertaining watch.
Others have criticised the movie as one of the worst they have ever seen.: Many who disliked the film cite poor writing, unfunny jokes, and a lack of originality, considering it a waste of time.
Overall Consensus: A polarizing comedy; some found it hilarious, while others criticized it for its lack of originality and reliance on crude humor.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This is the 15th Happy Madison movie Chris Titone, Adam Sandler’s brother-in-law, has appeared in.”
- “The film was shot in Boston, Massachusetts.”
🖥️ How to Watch Father of the Year?
As a Netflix original, ‘Father of the Year’ is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix. At this time it is not available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Father of the Year, you might like these similar films:
- That’s My Boy (2012): Another Happy Madison production with a similar comedic tone centered on the dysfunctional relationship between a father and son.
- Grown Ups (2010): Features a group of friends dealing with the realities of adulthood and fatherhood, similar to the coming-of-age themes in Father of the Year.
- Billy Madison (1995): A classic Adam Sandler comedy with immature man-child main character
- The Wrong Missy (2020): Another Netflix comedy starring David Spade with a similar brand of absurd humor.
🛒 Father of the Year Related Products
- Happy Gilmore (Blu-ray): If you liked David Spade in Father of the Year, check out Happy Gilmore, an early Sandler film.
- Adam Sandler Collection: Want more movies from Adam Sandler? This collection features many of his classic comedies.
- David Spade: Take the Hit: Stand up show.
🎧 Soundtrack
Father of the Year features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, ‘Father of the Year’ contains strong language, crude humor, and some nudity, making it unsuitable for children. It is generally targeted toward an adult audience.
Reception is mixed. Some viewers find the humor entertaining, while others consider it crass and unfunny. If you enjoy Happy Madison productions and films with David Spade’s style of humor, you might enjoy it. However, if you prefer more sophisticated or clean comedy, this movie may not be for you.
The main cast includes David Spade, Nat Faxon, Joey Bragg, and Matt Shively.
🔥 Bonus Content
David Spade Recalls Eddie Murphy Beef and Talks New Movie ‘Father of The Year’ | Sway’s Universe
Want to hear David Spade dish on ‘Father of the Year’ and what it was like working on the film? He’s pretty funny in this interview, and you get a real behind-the-scenes feel for the project.
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