As the saying goes, dogs are man’s best friend, and it’s no wonder they often steal the spotlight in Hollywood. We adore our furry companions, and seeing them shine as stars in dog movies always warms our hearts.
Whether you’re a devoted dog lover, a proud owner, or a parent with little ones, dog movies beautifully showcase the unique bonds we share with our four-legged friends. Plus, they can help kids grasp deeper and more complex themes in a fun way.
Every year or so, a new dog-themed film hits the theaters – but does it deserve a spot among the best dog movies? That’s up for debate! We’ve rounded up ten must-see dog movies that are sure to make you fall in love with your pup all over again.
1. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
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If you’re looking for a fantastic dog movie for kids, you can’t go wrong with 2016’s The Secret Life of Pets. This fun flick takes us on a journey with a quirky bunch of pets known as “the Flushed Pets,” who have a serious grudge against humans due to their past mistreatment.
The story centers around Max, a Jack Russell Terrier, and his new mutt roommate, Duke, as they embark on wild adventures with the Flushed Pets, all in a bid to find their beloved owner, Katie.The Secret Life of Pets is a lively and entertaining animated film filled with charming and eccentric characters. It really taps into that age-old curiosity we all have: “What on earth does my dog get up to when I’m not around?”
2. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
Credit: Netflix
This story is inspired by a real-life Akita dog known for his unwavering loyalty to his owner. Every day, he waits at a train station in Tokyo, hoping to see his owner return from work. Even after his owner passes away, this devoted dog continues to wait for nine long years at the station until he eventually dies.
This film beautifully captures the extraordinary loyalty that dogs have for their humans, a bond that comes without any expectations, and it’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.
3. Dog (2022)
Credit: MGM Studios
The film draws its inspiration from a heartfelt road trip that director Channing Tatum took with his beloved dog, a Pitbull mix named Lulu, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. Tatum shared, “When I went on my last road trip with my puppy, [I felt] that overwhelming sense of, ‘There’s nothing I can do.’
The movie features Tatum as an Army Ranger assigned to escort the military dog of his late friend to the funeral. In a twist of fate, two former Army Rangers find themselves reluctantly teamed up for the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (played by Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) speed down the stunning Pacific Coast, racing against time to make it to a fellow soldier’s funeral.
4. Red Dog (2011)
Credit: IMDB
If you’re in the mood for a heart-wrenching tale, look no further than Red Dog, a poignant Australian drama inspired by true events. This film tells the story of a lovable and devoted dog who finds a home with the people of a small mining town. As time goes on, Red Dog becomes an integral part of the community, but his journey takes a heartbreaking turn when he falls ill.
Audiences will undoubtedly feel a strong connection to this charming pup, who serves as a beautiful reminder of why we cherish our furry friends. The film’s unforgettable ending highlights the extraordinary loyalty that dogs show to their humans, and be prepared for some real tears as Red Dog showcases this profound love and devotion in what is truly one of the most emotional dog movies out there.
5. Turner & Hooch (1989)
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This comedy-drama features Tom Hanks as a meticulous detective who finds himself teaming up with a messy yet endearing Dogue de Bordeaux named Hooch to crack a murder case. The duo—Hanks as the detective on a high-stakes investigation and Hooch as his sole witness—develops a heartwarming bond in this delightful comedy adventure.
Beasley, the dog who played Hooch, was born in a Wisconsin kennel and was bought by trainer Clint Rowe. Sadly, this was Beasley’s only film role, and he passed away in 1992.
6. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
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Josh Gad lends his voice to a dog who’s on a quest to understand the purpose of his life. In 1961, he finds his first owner, a 9-year-old boy named Ethan Montgomery, who loves him unconditionally throughout his life. When the dog passes away, he’s reincarnated time and again, forming new bonds with different owners, ultimately discovering the true meaning of his existence.
A Dog’s Purpose offers a unique perspective on life through the eyes of a dog, providing viewers with a heartfelt look at the profound impact a dog can have on various lives. While it may not fit the mold of a typical dog movie, A Dog’s Purpose is definitely worth a watch—not just for its storyline, but for the touching message it shares so beautifully.
7. Marley & Me (2008)
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Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston shine in Marley & Me as newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan, who make the heartwarming decision to adopt a yellow labrador puppy they name Marley. As they navigate the ups and downs of life—like raising kids, moving homes, and hitting major milestones—Marley is right there with them, making sure there’s never a dull moment for the Grogan family.
Just a heads up: Marley & Me is definitely a tearjerker, so keep those tissues handy and maybe have a dog (or two) nearby for some extra cuddles. This film’s ending is sure to bring on the waterworks! It’s based on the 2005 memoir of the same name by John Grogan.
8. Beethoven (1992)
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When a St. Bernard puppy wanders into the Newton family’s backyard, George Newton (played by Charles Grodin) isn’t exactly thrilled about this unexpected guest, unlike his wife, Alice (Bonnie Hunt), and their kids. After some hesitation, George finally agrees to let the puppy, whom they name Beethoven, stick around. However, as this little furball grows into a big dog, George’s patience wears thin with the increasingly mischievous Beethoven, who seems to turn their lives upside down.
The 1992 film Beethoven is a laugh-out-loud family comedy that kicked off a beloved film series and was co-written by John Hughes under the pen name, Edmond Dantés. Even though it received mixed reviews, Beethoven turned out to be a surprising hit at the box office, pulling in over one hundred and forty million dollars globally.
9. Eight Below (2006)
Credit: Disney
Paul Walker takes on the role of Jerry Shepherd, a guide for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. He’s tasked with leading a professor, Dr. Davis McClaren (played by Bruce Greenwood), on a mission to collect meteorite fragments. Given the harsh, icy conditions, their only means of transportation is via sled dogs. When a fierce storm forces them to retreat to base camp, the situation turns perilous, and Shepherd is left with no choice but to abandon his beloved dogs. Once he’s back in the U.S., he’s determined to return and rescue his pack before it’s too late.
Eight Below is a heart-wrenching yet powerful survival story, and it’s actually a remake of the 1983 Japanese film, Antarctica, which drew inspiration from the 1958 Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. The film is packed with emotional scenes that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
10. My Dog Skip (2000)
Credit: IMDB
Set in the 1940s, My Dog Skip features Frankie Muniz as 9-year-old Willie Morris, who gets a Smooth Fox Terrier puppy for his birthday and names him Skip. As Willie and Skip’s friendship blossoms, the little pup starts to transform Willie’s world—turning bullies into friends and even catching the eye of the prettiest girl in school, ultimately making a positive impact on both their lives.
My Dog Skip is an essential dog movie that highlights the bond between a boy and his dog, featuring performances by Diane Lane, Kevin Bacon, and Luke Wilson. Adapted from the 1995 memoir by Morris, this timeless story illustrates how a furry companion can help a child grow, break out of their shell, and discover the strength that lies within.
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Whether you’ve been a dog lover your whole life or you just enjoy a good feel-good movie, the best dog films out there offer more than just entertainment—they share heartwarming stories (and tails) of loyalty, love, and those unforgettable furry friendships. From tearjerkers that pull at your heartstrings to hilarious adventures that showcase the delightful chaos of having a dog, these movies remind us why dogs are truly man’s (and cinema’s) best friend.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting watch or just need a reason to give your pup an extra hug, grab one from this list and hit play. Just remember to have some tissues handy—and maybe a few extra treats too!
Disclaimer: All images used in this guide are sourced from different sites and are included solely for informational purposes. Full credit and rights belong to their respective owners.
