Dogs are known for their loyalty, affection, and unconditional love, which can create a strong emotional bond with their owners that can be reflected in movies.
Movies about dogs are loved for various reasons, including the emotional connection people have with their pets, the relatability of dog behaviour and experiences, the ability to offer escapism from everyday life, and the lessons and values they promote.
Dog movies also promote important values such as courage and perseverance, making them inspiring and valuable.
The Call of the Wild (2020) – This adventure movie is based on the classic novel by Jack London and follows a big-hearted dog named Buck who is taken from his domestic life and sold into the Alaskan wilderness to work as a sledge dog. You can watch The Call of the Wild on Disney+.
Togo (2019) – This movie is based on the true story of a sledge dog named Togo and his owner Leonhard Seppala, who undertake a dangerous journey to deliver medicine to a remote town during a diphtheria epidemic. The movie stars Willem Dafoe and can be watched on Disney+.
A Dog’s Journey (2019) – This sequel to A Dog’s Purpose follows the life of Bailey as he continues to be reincarnated and tries to fulfil his purpose of bringing joy and comfort to his owners. You can watch A Dog’s Journey on Netflix.
Max (2015) – This drama movie follows the life of a military working dog named Max who returns home from service after his handler is killed in action. Max is taken in by the handler’s family, and together they work to uncover the truth about his handler’s death. You can watch Max on Netflix.
Dog Days (2018) – This romantic comedy follows the lives of several dog owners and their furry friends as they navigate love, friendship, and everyday life in Los Angeles. You can watch Dog Days on Hulu.
A Dog’s Way Home (2019) – This heartwarming movie follows the journey of a dog named Bella who travels over 400 miles to find her way back to her owner. You can watch A Dog’s Way Home on Netflix.
The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) – This emotional movie follows the life of a dog named Enzo and his owner, a race car driver named Denny. The movie stars Milo Ventimiglia and can be watched on Hulu.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016) – This animated comedy follows the adventures of a group of pets in New York City after their owners leave for work or school each day. You can watch The Secret Life of Pets on Netflix.
Patrick (2018) – This British comedy-drama follows the life of a woman who inherits a pug named Patrick from her grandmother and must learn to care for him while navigating her own personal challenges. You can watch Patrick on Hulu.
Poms (2019) – This comedy movie follows a group of women in a retirement community who form a cheerleading squad with the help of their lovable canine companions. You can watch Poms on Hulu.
Marley & Me (2008) – This heartwarming and funny film follows the lives of a couple (played by Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) and their mischievous but lovable dog, Marley. You can watch Marley & Me on Netflix.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) – This movie is based on the true story of a loyal dog named Hachiko who waited for his owner at a train station every day, even after his owner passed away. This touching movie stars Richard Gere and you can watch it on Netflix.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) – This family-friendly film follows the adventure of three pets – a golden retriever, a cat, and a bulldog – as they embark on a journey to find their way back home. You can watch Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey on Disney+.
Eight Below (2006) – This adventure movie tells the story of a group of sledge dogs that are left behind in Antarctica during a storm and their struggle to survive. The movie stars Paul Walker and can be watched on Disney+.
Lady and the Tramp (1955) – This classic Disney animated movie tells the love story between a pampered cocker spaniel named Lady and a streetwise mutt named Tramp. You can watch Lady and the Tramp on Disney+.
A Dog’s Purpose (2017) – This heartwarming film follows the life of a dog named Bailey as he is reincarnated multiple times and tries to discover the purpose of his existence. You can watch A Dog’s Purpose on Netflix.
Beethoven (1992) – This comedy film follows the adventures of a family and their lovable and mischievous St. Bernard named Beethoven. You can watch Beethoven on Netflix.
Old Yeller (1957) – This classic movie tells the story of a boy and his loyal dog, Old Yeller, and their adventures in the Wild West. You can watch Old Yeller on Disney+.
Benji (1974) – This family-friendly movie follows the adventures of a scrappy stray dog named Benji who helps rescue two kidnapped children. You can watch Benji on Amazon Prime Video.
101 Dalmations – This movie is based on the classic children’s book by Dodie Smith and follows the story of a fashion designer named Anita (played by Joely Richardson) and her Dalmatian Pongo, who falls in love with another Dalmatian named Perdita and her owner, Roger (played by Jeff Daniels). When Anita’s boss, the villainous Cruella De Vil (played by Glenn Close), becomes obsessed with the idea of turning the dalmatians’ fur into a coat, Pongo and Perdita must team up to rescue their puppies and thwart Cruella’s evil plans. There is also a sequel called “102 Dalmatians” (2000), which is also available to watch on Disney+.
Life is better with a dog!
