The father figure is a core staple of the sitcom genre. Typically presented as loving and knowledgeable characters, most series' dads will stop at nothing in ensuring their child's safety and happiness. They will usually act as a series' voice of reason, but sometimes their reasonable nature is abandoned in favor of a more comical approach.
Since the inception of the sitcom genre in 1947, the father figure trope has evolved to the point where countless animated TV sitcoms have incorporated it. Some animated dads are clearly better than others, but who is the strongest out of all of them?
10 Randy Marsh - South Park
Though Randy Marsh probably sees himself as an intelligent father with a firm grasp on reality, his actions seek to portray him as an absent-minded buffoon. Earlier episodes placed him in a minor role, but he has since become one of South Park's most popular characters.
Season 9's "The Losing Edge" episode sees Randy discarding his career as a geologist in favor of causing havoc at his son's baseball games. He believes that engaging in physical altercations with the opposing team's parents is the only way to ensure his son's victory, refusing to listen to anyone who tries to sway him from his goals.
9 Elliot Birch - Big Mouth
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Big Mouth's Elliot Birch is everything an adolescent fears in a father. He has a habit of creating awkward scenarios by divulging explicit information involving him and his wife, often leaving his children feeling embarrassed and extremely uncomfortable.
Though it may not seem like it, Elliot is consistently trying to do right by his children as he believes he is readying them for adulthood. He could easily be bested in a physical fight, but his unique storytelling methods could easily outwit his opponents, rendering them too uncomfortable to fathom an attack.
8 Stu Pickles - The Rugrats
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Stu Pickles seeks to give Tommy and Dil, his two young children, the best childhood he is capable of providing. Alongside his wife, Didi, the pair work in tandem to ensure that their goals are met, even if outside elements continuously attempt to negate their work.
Often seen locked away in his basement, Stu focuses most of his time and energy on inventing toys for his children to play with. His intentions are harmless mostly, but his skills as an inventor often lead to the creation of gadgets that could be weaponized if placed in the wrong hands. Though he lacks the appropriate fighting abilities, he would certainly put up a decent fight if forced into a combat situation.
7 Fred Flintstone - The Flintstones
Though he might not seem like much on first inspection, Fred Flintstone is one of the most powerful fathers in animated history. Fred is a product of the fictional Stone Age in which he exists, boasting an intimidating muscular build and impressive physique.
He is a construction worker who uses dinosaurs to assist him during his time on-site. On his journeys home, however, Fred is typically seen driving the Flintmobile, a prehistoric rendition of a car in which he uses his feet to traverse. His arms pack a punch, but his legs could easily incapacitate all those who oppose him.
6 Bob Belcher - Bob's Burgers
Bob Belcher is far from intimidating, but perhaps his true strength lies deeper within him. As a gifted sandwich artist, Bob's expertise lies in his skills in a kitchen, but many tend to forget the power he wields through his singing voice.
If forced to combat another animated father figure, Bob would likely rely on his ability to ascend from baritone to falsetto to defeat them. The ear ringing this would cause would quickly cripple his foes, crowning Bob the victor. Though his combat abilities are lacking somewhat, he is a determined soul whose other strengths negate his need for brute strength.
5 King Neptune XIV - SpongeBob SquarePants
King Neptune is only briefly seen in the SpongeBob SquarePants series, but his shocking powers are regularly alluded to throughout. He and his wife, Queen Amphitrite, are the core rulers of the vast ocean, so Neptune's powers will typically reflect this.
He is a broad mermaid engulfed with muscle who strikes fear in all those who encounter him. He is inhumanly strong and can project lightning from the tips of his fingers onto those who stand against him. Though his powers present him as nothing short of a god-like being, Neptune's reach extends only as far as the ocean allows.
4 Stan Smith - American Dad!
Stan Smith is a proud American citizen who seems to be living the highly sought-after American dream. He is a loving father and husband whose work often ends up dragging both him and his eccentric family into several comical predicaments.
Stan Smith harbors incredible power as a government official. He has muscles all over, with his chin boasting the majority of them, but this doesn't diminish his overall prowess. If a punch from him doesn't immediately incapacitate the receiver, Stan's contacts in the CIA will quickly arrive to ensure the next one does.
3 Peter Griffin - Family Guy
The character of Peter Griffin has become something of an icon thanks to his questionable antics and unusual sense of humor. His overall popularity is largely due to these traits, so many tend to forget about his surprising fighting abilities.
Throughout the series, Peter winds up fighting Ernie the Giant Chicken on multiple occasions. Their feud began when Ernie declined an expired coupon Peter was trying to use at his store, to which Peter responded by attacking the chicken-man hybrid. Their battles usually take several minutes to determine a victor, highlighting Peter's surprising skills in combat.
2 Rick Sanchez - Rick And Morty
Rick Sanchez is arguably the most bizarre father figure to exist in a sitcom. He is an educated scientist, but his alcoholism and overuse of profanities often present him as far less capable than he actually is. Luckily for him, his unconventional interests rarely get in the way of his genius.
Though his interactions with his daughter, Beth Smith, are somewhat limited, his time with his grandson, Morty, presents him as a much-needed father figure for the boy. With Morty's assistance, Rick can diminish the threats of all beings seeking to disrupt harmony in the universe, an ability not many fathers are capable of.
1 Homer Simpson - The Simpsons
Homer Simpson has become one of the most popular animated characters in television history since his screen debut in 1989. Though his first appearance painted him as a dedicated father trying to save Christmas, certain episodes have allowed him to evolve into a bafflingly powerful being.
Season 3's "Dog of Death" episode sees Homer imagining what his life would be like if he were to win the lottery. He foresees himself as a godly figure, clad in gold, who towers over Springfield and all its denizens. Few animated fathers could wield such power, rendering Homer one of the strongest to ever exist.