Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (2024)

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Winter is the perfect time to curl up on the sofa and watch a good movie. And who better to curl up with than your canine companion? Dog lovers have so many films about dogs or starring dogs to choose from that we thought we’d compile a list of some of the best dog movies ever. Whether you’re a fan of comedies, adventure, animation, or even five-Kleenex tearjerkers, there’s the perfect dog movie for you. We’ve also noted if and where the movie is available for streaming, so you can get instant gratification.

The Adventures of Milo and Otis

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (1)

©savytska - stock.adobe.com

Released in 1986, “The Adventures of Milo and Otis” touches lots of bases—for dog lovers, cat lovers, kids, and adults. When Milo, the cat, and Otis, the Pug, accidentally become separated, they embark on an adventurous and hazardous journey to find each other again. Did you know this film was originally released in Japan as “Koneko Monogatari”? Dudley Moore narrated a new comic English-language version.

Eight Below

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (2)

Auldist/Getty Images Plus

If real-life adventure is more your thing, check out “Eight Below“. It’s about a pack of sled dogs that are left behind during a dangerous mission and the human who rescues them after nearly six harrowing months in the Antarctic winter. This movie has action, adventure, drama, and terrific canine actors.

Turner & Hooch

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (3)

Bigandt_Photography/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Animation naturally lends itself to stories about animals, and some of the best dog movies ever made have been animated films. Here are just a few:

Lady and the TrampDog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (4)

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (5)

©Kate - stock.adobe.com

This was Disney’s first animated movie based on an original story, and the studio hit it out of the park. You probably saw it when you were a kid, but it still holds all of its charm for adults. And who can resist one of the most romantic date scenes ever? Skip the YouTube puppy videos, and go directly to “Lady and the Tramp“.

101 Dalmatians

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (6)

nik174/Shutterstock

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (7)Go for the animated original, released in 1961. It’s witty, charming, and surprisingly emotional, and you’ll find yourself rooting for the 15 Dalmatian puppies and hissing at the classic villain, Cruella de Vil. One of the most popular Disney movies of all time, “101 Dalmatians” has been re-released in theaters four times since its original launch.

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (8)

©Jale Ibrak - stock.adobe.com

Released in 1989, “All Dogs Go to Heaven” is a film for young and old alike, although it may be a little intense for very young kids. It’s got music, a great cast, including Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise, and a storyline that raises it above many animated films. Although not a critical success, the film and its main character, Charlie B. Barkin, have made it a classic.

Frankenweenie

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (9)

©otsphoto - stock.adobe.com

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (10)If you prefer your animation a little more sophisticated and current, try “Frankenweenie,” a stop-motion animated film by Tim Burton. Rendered in 3D and filmed in black and white, this Frankenstein story with a canine twist was nominated for an Oscar.

My Dog Tulip

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (11)

©Tanya - stock.adobe.com

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (12)Based on a memoir by J.R. Ackerley, this movie is really geared toward adults rather than kids. “My Dog Tulip” is a bittersweet story of the loving but complicated bond between a lonely middle-aged man and the German Shepherd Dog he adopts. It’s also the first animated film to be hand-drawn and then painted using paperless computer technology.

These movies may be old, made in 1943 and 1957, respectively, but they’re timeless classics among dog movies.

Lassie Come Home

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (13)

Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (14)Pal, the Collie playing Lassie, became something of a canine movie star in “Lassie Come Home,” a deeply touching story about the love between a boy and his dog. Pal’s descendants even played the title role in the subsequent TV series.

Old Yeller

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (15)

josephgruber/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (16)Another film about the bond between boy and dog, “Old Yeller” is pretty much guaranteed to leave viewers, young and old, in tears. Some people consider this the ultimate dog film, and if you’ve never seen it, now’s the time.

Some people can’t stand sad movies; others love nothing more than curling up with their pup and a box of Kleenex. This film is for you.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (17)

©baiajaku - stock.adobe.com

Based on a true story about a professor and his Japanese Akita. The bond between the two lasts beyond death. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, who also directed “Chocolat” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” this may be the saddest and most moving film in the history of moving pictures. Although Richard Gere stars as the main human character, the true star of “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is the Akita.

And finally, some dog movies that don’t fit neatly into any categorization and maybe are even more interesting and entertaining because of it.

Max

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (18)

©Aler - stock.adobe.com

This movie is about Belgian Malinois Max and what happens to him when his marine handler is killed. “Max” shines a compassionate light on war dogs and their trainers, as well as the post-war consequences for both humans and canines.

Best in Show

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (19)

lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (20)Anyone who has ever participated in a dog show will recognize the truth behind Christopher Guest’s hilarious mockumentary film. “Best in Show” tells the story of several hopefuls, each determined that his or her dog will win best in show. It features Guest regulars, like Fred Willard, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O’Hara, and plenty of show-worthy (and not-so-show-worthy) dogs.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (21)

©everydoghasastory - stock.adobe.com

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” has adventure, great outdoor scenery, and, of course, Chance (Michael J. Fox), Shadow (Don Ameche), and Sassy (Sally Field). What could be better than a Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and Himalayan cat on an outdoor adventure—with a happy ending?

There are dozens of films that we haven’t mentioned. What’s your must-see dog movie?

Dog Movies that Owners and Dog Lovers Will Enjoy (2024)

FAQs

What is the film about dog and owner? ›

A female dog travels four hundred miles in search of her owner throughout a Colorado wilderness. A female dog travels four hundred miles in search of her owner throughout a Colorado wilderness.

What movie is the loyalty of a dog in? ›

The touching story about a loyal dog who waited for the return of his owner in front of a train station for ten years, even after his owner's death. The touching story about a loyal dog who waited for the return of his owner in front of a train station for ten years, even after his owner's death.

What is the sad movie about the dog and owner? ›

Marley & Me (2008)

The rest of the film follows Marley's many misadventures with his family, from his puppy years all the way to a heartbreaking end that we, as dog lovers, are all too familiar with.

What movie gets dogs attention? ›

1. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. Here are the ultimate buddy movies and a real nostalgia trip for many adult dog owners. Homeward Bound and its sequel, Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, are remarkable films full of excitement, suspense, and laughs.

What famous dog movie is based on a true story? ›

Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a 2009 American drama film and a remake of Kaneto Shindo's 1987 Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari. The original film told the true story of the Akita dog named Hachikō who lived in Japan 1923–1935.

What movie is the dog that died waiting for his owner? ›

The true story about a dog's loyalty to its master, even after his death. The true story about a dog's loyalty to its master, even after his death.

What is the most loyal dog movie? ›

Professor Wilson discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home. Despite objections from his wife, Hachi endears himself to the family and grows to be Parker's loyal companion.

What movie do the dogs fall in love? ›

After a disastrous first date, Nicole and Max vow to lose each other's numbers until their dogs find a love match.

What is the loyal story of the dog? ›

After his owner passed away, he continued to wait for his owner at a train station everyday. Hachiko became famous for his loyalty and devotion. This book tells the story of Hachiko through the eyes of Kentaro, a young boy whose life is changed forever by his friendship with this very special dog.

Did Richard Gere like Hachi? ›

Gere and the Akita dog actors truly grew to love each other. This was evident on screen as they bonded and showed Hachi's commitment and love for the professor, just as in real life.

What is the dog movie with Kevin Costner? ›

The Art of Racing in the Rain (film)
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Running time109 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$18–20 million
13 more rows

What is the most dogs watching a movie? ›

The current world record stands at 219 dogs. So only 220 dogs need to attend to break the record. To participate, dog owners need to arrive for check-in by 1:00 p.m. on Feb.

What is the new movie about a dog in 2024? ›

An adventure racer adopts a stray dog named Arthur to join him in an epic endurance race.

What do dogs enjoy watching? ›

Think nature documentaries, Lassie or good old Scooby-Doo, a new study suggests. Dogs are most engaged when watching videos that feature other animals, according to a new study published recently in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science.

Is Dog's Way Home a true story? ›

The new movie starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Ashley Judd follows a lost dog who travels 400 miles to get to her owner, and while A Dog's Way Home is not based on a true story, it will still make you sob as if it is. The upcoming family movie is based on a 2017 novel of the same name which was written by W.

Is dog inspired by a true story? ›

Production. The film was inspired by a real road trip director Channing Tatum took with his dying dog, a pitbull mix also named Lulu, after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

What is The Power of the Dog about on Netflix? ›

What is the main point of the movie The Power of the Dog? ›

The Power of the Dog is the tragic story of a character deluded into perpetuating the very toxic environment that would have persecuted him for his desires. It's also an alpha dog story, with Peter slowly proving his dominance over Phil despite being viewed as inadequately masculine.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 6472

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.