17+ Best Movies About Dogs (Top Picks)

Dogs have always held a special place in our hearts, and their loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love have made them a popular subject in movies.

From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, there are numerous movies that celebrate the bond between humans and dogs.

Best Movies About Dogs

Here are some of the best movies about dogs, listed with their titles, release years, and a brief description:

  1. “Lassie” (1994)
    • Description: A Rough Collie helps a young boy and his family overcome various hardships.
  2. “Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
    • Description: This animated film tells the romantic tale of a refined Cocker Spaniel and a street-smart mutt.
  3. “Old Yeller” (1957)
    • Description: A brave and loyal dog protects his family in the Texas frontier.
  4. “101 Dalmatians” (1961)
    • Description: In this animated classic, Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians, must rescue their stolen puppies from the evil Cruella de Vil.
  5. “The Incredible Journey” (1963)
    • Description: Two dogs and a cat embark on a perilous journey to reunite with their family.
  6. “Beethoven” (1992)
    • Description: A mischievous St. Bernard creates chaos and fun in the lives of the Newton family.
  7. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)
    • Description: Two dogs and a cat embark on a journey to find their owners, facing many challenges along the way.
  8. “Air Bud” (1997)
    • Description: A Golden Retriever with an uncanny ability to play basketball befriends a young boy.
  9. “Snow Dogs” (2002)
    • Description: A Miami dentist learns about his Alaskan heritage and inherits a team of sled dogs.
  10. “Eight Below” (2006)
    • Description: A guide in Antarctica battles the elements to rescue his team of sled dogs.
  11. “Marley & Me” (2008)
    • Description: A lovable Labrador Retriever teaches a couple valuable life lessons.
  12. “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” (2009)
    • Description: Based on a true story, a loyal Akita waits for his deceased owner every day at a train station.
  13. “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016)
    • Description: This animated film explores what pets do when their owners are away.
  14. “A Dog’s Purpose” (2017)
    • Description: A dog discovers his purpose in life as he is reincarnated into various dog breeds and forms bonds with different owners.
  15. “Isle of Dogs” (2018)
    • Description: In this animated film, dogs are exiled to a garbage dump, where they embark on a journey to find a lost dog.
  16. “A Dog’s Way Home” (2019)
    • Description: A lost dog travels 400 miles to reunite with her owner.
  17. “The Call of the Wild” (2020)
    • Description: A domestic dog is uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the Yukon during the Gold Rush, where he befriends a seasoned prospector.

Below we look at some of the best movies about dogs that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The Incredible Journey (1963)

Based on the novel by Sheila Burnford, “The Incredible Journey” tells the story of two dogs and a cat who embark on a perilous journey to find their owners.

This heartwarming adventure film showcases the determination and loyalty of animals, captivating audiences of all ages.

The movie was a critical and commercial success, and its timeless appeal continues to resonate with dog lovers today.

Old Yeller (1957)

“Old Yeller” is a classic Disney film that has become a staple in the genre of dog movies.

Set in the late 1860s, the movie follows the story of a brave and loyal dog named Old Yeller who protects his family from various dangers.

This heart-wrenching tale explores themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions.

“Old Yeller” remains a beloved film that has left a lasting impact on generations of viewers.

Lassie (1994)

Lassie, the iconic collie, has been a beloved character in books, television shows, and movies for decades.

The 1994 film adaptation of “Lassie” brings the heartwarming story to the big screen, showcasing the incredible intelligence and loyalty of this remarkable dog.

The movie follows Lassie as she helps a young boy and his family overcome various challenges.

With its timeless themes of friendship and bravery, “Lassie” continues to be a favorite among dog lovers.

Marley & Me (2008)

“Marley & Me” is a heartwarming comedy-drama that chronicles the life of a mischievous Labrador Retriever named Marley and his owners, played by Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.

The movie explores the joys and challenges of owning a dog, capturing the essence of the human-dog bond.

“Marley & Me” struck a chord with audiences worldwide, becoming a box office success and resonating with dog owners who could relate to the ups and downs of life with a lovable but rambunctious pet.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is based on the true story of Hachiko, an Akita dog known for his unwavering loyalty to his owner.

The movie follows the bond between Hachiko and his owner, played by Richard Gere, and the dog’s daily routine of waiting for his owner at the train station.

This heart-wrenching tale showcases the incredible devotion and love that dogs can have for their humans.

“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is a poignant and emotional film that highlights the impact dogs can have on our lives.

Beethoven (1992)

“Beethoven” is a family comedy that centers around a mischievous but lovable St. Bernard named Beethoven.

The movie follows the adventures of Beethoven and the Newton family as they navigate the chaos caused by their furry friend.

With its humor and heartwarming moments, “Beethoven” has become a favorite among dog lovers, showcasing the joy and challenges that come with owning a large and energetic dog.

101 Dalmatians (1961)

Based on the novel by Dodie Smith, “101 Dalmatians” is a beloved Disney animated film that tells the story of Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians who embark on a mission to rescue their stolen puppies from the evil Cruella de Vil.

This classic tale of bravery and family has captured the hearts of audiences for decades, and the adorable Dalmatian puppies have become iconic symbols of the movie.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” is a heartwarming adventure film that follows the journey of two dogs, Shadow and Chance, and a cat named Sassy as they try to find their owners.

The movie showcases the determination and loyalty of these animals as they overcome various obstacles in their quest to reunite with their beloved humans.

“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” is a timeless tale that celebrates the bond between pets and their owners.

Best in Show (2000)

“Best in Show” is a mockumentary-style comedy that takes a humorous look at the world of dog shows.

The movie follows the eccentric owners and their dogs as they compete in a prestigious dog show.

With its witty dialogue and hilarious characters, “Best in Show” offers a unique perspective on the world of dog competitions, providing plenty of laughs along the way.

FAQs – Best Movies About Dogs

Some other popular dog movies include “Lady and the Tramp,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” “A Dog’s Purpose,” “Turner & Hooch,” and “Bolt.”

2. Are there any animated dog movies?

Yes, there are several animated dog movies, including “Lady and the Tramp,” “101 Dalmatians,” “Balto,” “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” and “The Secret Life of Pets.”

3. Are there any dog movies based on true stories?

Yes, there are several dog movies based on true stories, such as “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” “Red Dog,” “Max,” and “Eight Below.”

4. Are there any dog movies suitable for children?

Many dog movies are suitable for children, including “The Incredible Journey,” “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” “Beethoven,” and the animated films like “Lady and the Tramp” and “101 Dalmatians.”

5. Are there any dog movies that focus on specific breeds?

Yes, there are dog movies that focus on specific breeds, such as “Beethoven” (St. Bernard), “Cujo” (Saint Bernard), “Lassie” (Collie), and “Balto” (Siberian Husky).

6. Are there any dog movies that are not suitable for sensitive viewers?

Some dog movies may contain intense or emotional scenes that may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.

Examples include “Old Yeller,” “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” and “Marley & Me.”

7. Are there any dog movies that have won awards?

Yes, several dog movies have won awards. For example, “Lassie” won a Special Achievement Award at the 1995 Genesis Awards, and “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” won the Audience Award at the 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

8. Are there any dog movies that focus on rescue dogs?

Yes, there are dog movies that focus on rescue dogs, such as “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” “A Dog’s Way Home,” and “Max.”

9. Are there any dog movies that explore the bond between dogs and their owners?

Many dog movies explore the bond between dogs and their owners. Examples include “Marley & Me,” “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” and “A Dog’s Purpose.”

10. Are there any dog movies that are based on famous books?

Yes, several dog movies are based on famous books, such as “Old Yeller,” “Lassie,” “101 Dalmatians,” and “Cujo.”

11. Are there any dog movies that are suitable for the whole family?

Many dog movies are suitable for the whole family, including “The Incredible Journey,” “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” “Beethoven,” and “101 Dalmatians.”

12. Are there any dog movies that are not suitable for young children?

Some dog movies may contain scenes or themes that are not suitable for young children.

Examples include “Cujo,” “White Dog,” and “The Call of the Wild.”

13. Are there any dog movies that focus on working dogs?

Yes, there are dog movies that focus on working dogs, such as “Balto” (sled dog), “Max” (military dog), and “Turner & Hooch” (police dog).

14. Are there any dog movies that have sequels?

Yes, several dog movies have sequels, such as “Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco,” “Beethoven’s 2nd,” and “Air Bud: Golden Receiver.

15. Are there any dog movies that have inspired TV shows?

Yes, some dog movies have inspired TV shows, such as “Lassie,” “101 Dalmatians,” and “Turner & Hooch.

Summary – Best Movies About Dogs

Dogs have always been a popular subject in movies, and the best movies about doggies capture the essence of the human-dog bond, showcasing the loyalty, bravery, and unconditional love that these animals bring into our lives.

From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, these movies have touched the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Whether it’s the timeless classics like “The Incredible Journey” and “Old Yeller” or the more recent hits like “Marley & Me” and “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” these films remind us of the special place that dogs hold in our hearts.

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