On-Screen Mentors Who Are Better Parents Than the Actual Parents

Parental figures in film and television often fail to provide the love and support their children need. Mentors frequently step in to fill this void by offering guidance and unconditional care to the protagonists. These characters prove that biology does not always determine who acts as a true parent to a struggling hero. The following list highlights on-screen mentors who did a better job than the biological parents.

Miss Honey from ‘Matilda’ (1996)

Miss Honey serves as a stark contrast to the neglectful and cruel Wormwood parents. She creates a safe haven for Matilda to explore her intellectual abilities without fear of ridicule. The teacher eventually adopts her student to provide the loving home the young girl never had. This relationship highlights how biological ties do not always equate to true family.

Yondu Udonta from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

Yondu Udonta initially seems like a rough space pirate who kidnapped young Peter Quill. He actually protects Star-Lord from his biological father Ego who intends to use him as a living battery. The Ravager leader teaches Peter survival skills and ultimately sacrifices his life to save his adopted son. Peter realizes too late that he had a caring father figure all along.

Uncle Phil from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)

Will Smith moves in with his wealthy relatives and clashes with the strict Philip Banks. Uncle Phil provides the discipline and unconditional love that Will’s absentee father Lou never offered. The emotional bond between them solidifies during moments when Will feels abandoned by his biological parent. Philip steps up to ensure his nephew grows into a responsible and educated man.

Jim Hopper from ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–)

Jim Hopper takes in the telekinetic girl Eleven after she escapes from a government laboratory. He hides her in his cabin to keep her safe from the scientists who view her only as a weapon. Hopper teaches her basic life skills and how to navigate complex human emotions. His protective nature gives Eleven the childhood she was denied by Dr. Brenner.

John Keating from ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)

John Keating inspires his students to seize the day and pursue their true passions. Neil Perry suffers under a domineering father who refuses to support his acting dreams. Keating encourages Neil to think for himself and find his own voice through poetry. The teacher offers emotional support that the rigid family structure fails to provide for the boys.

Alfred Pennyworth from ‘Batman Begins’ (2005)

Alfred Pennyworth becomes the sole guardian of Bruce Wayne following the tragic murder of his parents. The loyal butler offers wisdom and medical attention while grounding Bruce in reality. He serves as a moral compass when Batman risks losing himself to darkness and vengeance. Alfred provides the consistent parental love that Bruce lost in the alleyway that night.

Harry Hart from ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014)

Harry Hart recruits Eggsy into a secret spy organization and offers him a path away from his abusive stepfather. The veteran agent sees potential in the young man when others only see a delinquent. Harry teaches Eggsy manners and combat skills while instilling a sense of self-worth. This mentorship transforms a wayward youth into a gentleman and a hero.

Sean Maguire from ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)

Sean Maguire breaks through the emotional defenses of a mathematical genius with a troubled past. Will Hunting pushes people away due to the abuse he suffered as a foster child. Sean uses his own experiences with loss to connect with Will on a human level. The therapist provides the guidance Will needs to accept love and pursue a meaningful life.

Mr. Miyagi from ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)

Mr. Miyagi saves Daniel LaRusso from bullies and agrees to train him in martial arts. The maintenance man fills the void left by Daniel’s deceased father through patience and wisdom. Miyagi teaches lessons about balance that apply to life just as much as karate. Their bond grows into a lifelong friendship rooted in mutual respect and trust.

T-800 from ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

A reprogrammed T-800 acts as a protector for the young John Connor. The machine follows John’s orders and listens to him without judgment or fatigue. Sarah Connor observes that the cyborg is the only father figure who will never leave or hurt her son. It learns the value of human life through its interactions with the boy.

Ellen Ripley from ‘Aliens’ (1986)

Ellen Ripley discovers the orphan Newt hiding in the ventilation shafts of a decimated colony. She immediately takes on a maternal role to protect the traumatized girl from the xenomorphs. Ripley risks everything to return to the alien hive when Newt gets captured. This bond gives both characters a reason to survive amidst the horror.

Hector Faulkner from ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (2016)

Hector Faulkner reluctantly finds himself on the run in the New Zealand bush with his foster son Ricky Baker. The grumpy outdoorsman initially resists the relationship but eventually warms up to the boy. They bond over survival challenges and a shared sense of being outcasts from society. Hec proves to be the stable figure Ricky needs to escape the cycle of foster care.

Ben Kenobi from ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)

Obi-Wan Kenobi watches over Luke Skywalker from a distance before introducing him to the Force. He reveals the truth about Luke’s potential and encourages him to leave his mundane life on Tatooine. The Jedi Master sacrifices himself to ensure Luke and his friends can escape the Death Star. His guidance continues from beyond the grave as a spiritual presence.

Uncle Iroh from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

General Iroh accompanies his banished nephew Zuko on a quest to capture the Avatar. He offers tea and proverbs to counter the aggressive demands of Zuko’s father Fire Lord Ozai. Iroh patiently waits for Zuko to find his own path rather than forcing destiny upon him. The uncle ultimately becomes the true father figure who loves Zuko unconditionally.

Haymitch Abernathy from ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012)

Haymitch Abernathy mentors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark for the deadly arena. He helps them navigate the politics of the Capitol when Katniss’s own mother is emotionally unavailable. Haymitch works tireless deals behind the scenes to send life-saving sponsors to his tributes. He understands the trauma of survival better than anyone else in their lives.

Uncle Ben from ‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

Uncle Ben raises Peter Parker with strong moral values after his parents disappear. He delivers the iconic lesson that great power comes with great responsibility. Ben provides the love and stability that shapes Peter into a hero even after his tragic death. His influence remains the driving force behind every decision Spider-Man makes.

Léon from ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)

Léon takes in his twelve-year-old neighbor Mathilda after corrupt DEA agents murder her family. He teaches her the tools of his trade while she teaches him how to read and write. The hitman provides a strange but genuine form of care that her abusive father never did. Léon sacrifices his life to ensure Mathilda has a future away from crime.

Rocky Balboa from ‘Creed’ (2015)

Rocky Balboa reluctantly agrees to train Adonis Creed despite his retired status. He steps in for his late friend Apollo to guide the young boxer through the ring and life. Rocky provides a home and emotional support when Adonis feels lost in the shadow of his legacy. The two fight their own battles together as a chosen family.

Dr. Perry Cox from ‘Scrubs’ (2001–2010)

Dr. Perry Cox bullies J.D. relentlessly but also shapes him into a competent physician. He offers tough love that contrasts with the coddling J.D. seeks from others. Cox steps up during critical moments to offer genuine advice and protection. He acts as the father figure J.D. desperately wants despite his refusal to admit it.

Captain Raymond Holt from ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Raymond Holt acts as a stern but caring mentor to Detective Jake Peralta. Jake views Holt as the father figure he lacked due to his own dad’s irresponsibility. The captain guides Jake toward maturity and professional excellence through discipline and trust. Their relationship evolves into a deep mutual respect that heals Jake’s abandonment issues.

Tell us which on-screen mentor you wish you had growing up in the comments.