Hi there…
Usually I like to share about dog training, but today I want to do something different and fun.
Ready?
Get excited, because tonight, it’s movie night!
As a guy who loves dogs, you can bet that I’ve watched a fair share of dog movies in my life. And while I love them all, there are a few that have stood out of the crowd.
I thought it would be neat to share my favorites so you can check them out. Perhaps a few that are on my list are your favorites as well.
They’re not your usual Walt Disney dog movies, but are geared more for seasoned dog owners and lovers! The best part…whilst some of them are fictional, most are actually true stories.
Without further ado, check out my favorite dog movies (complete with suggested audience!) and give them a watch!
Favorite Dog Movie #1 — Eight Below
Eight Below is a true story about one man’s love of his sled dogs and his commitment to saving them after they get stranded in a snow storm in Antarctica.
Suggested Audience: Perfect for those of you who love a bit of drama and suspense!
Favorite Dog Movie #2 — Hachi
Hachi is one of the most emotional true stories of a dog named Hachi– one of the most loyal dogs in the world. I don’t want to give away too many details as it will ruin the movie for you, but his loyalty was so well observed, there is a now a statue of him in Japan.
Suggested Audience: For those of you who love to be reminded of how amazing dogs are. Have the tissue box ready.
Favorite Dog Movie #3 — Dean Spanley
Dean Spanley is a totally fictional movie, and it starts off slow; however, once the excitement of the film starts, the story grips you. Without spoiling anything, I can tell you that it’s a classic “anything is possible” movie that involves an amazing dog.
I also have to add in here that I actually worked with a lady and it feels like the exact same thing has happened to her as occurs in this movie.
Suggested Audience: Great for those of you who love to dream and who want to believe there is more to this life than just bricks and mortar.
Favorite Dog Movie #4 — Marley and Me
Marley and Me is a fun, light-hearted look into the struggle that can come with training a dog. Despite all the challenges, the main character in this movie is able to find a positive side to the chaos that sometimes comes with owning a dog.
Suggested Audience: For those of you who want to feel better about yourselves as competent dog owners.
Favorite Dog Movie #5 — Old Yeller
So, this is the one movie on this list that I haven’t actually seen, but it’s such a classic–and it’s on my list to watch–so I just couldn’t exclude it.
Suggested Audience: For those of you who want to go back in time and watch an old classic.
Favorite Dog Movie #6 — Homeward Bound
I have to be honest here…my wife, upon hearing that I was putting this top 10 list together, insisted that this should be in there. And who am I to argue? It truly is a great movie about a dog (and a few other pets’) desire to get home to the humans they love.
Suggested Audience:Those who love a nice movie with a happy ending!
Favorite Dog Movie #7 — Red Dog
Red Dog is a classic story that really summarises the love that dogs can have for humans, travel and adventure. It's based on the true story of an Australian dog who it is believed travelled across the ocean by ship.
Suggested Audience:For those of the exploring, free-ranging, and travelling types who love to be free. Have the tissues ready.
Favorite Dog Movie #8 — Black Wolf
Okay, so this movie is more about wolves than it is about dogs, but it's a real-life story/documentary that showcases the incredible connection between wolves and dogs.
The movie starts out with these words that always make me smile…
“There is a code among wolves…honor the hierarchy, maintain order, obey the rules.” Throughout the whole movie I can see how, whilst wolves are different from dogs, many of the things that are important to the wolves are still important to our little dogs!
Suggested Audience: For budding dog psychologists who want to understand a dog's true instincts.
Favorite Dog Movie #9 — The Call of the Wild: Dog of the Yukon
Warning… I watched this movie when I was very young, so please do forgive me if it’s not as amazing as I remember it to be! It’s a classic story from 1903 about Buck, a dog who was kidnapped from his home in California and taken to the Yukon where he is mistreated until a prospector discovers him.
Suggested Audience: Something easy going and a little bit older! Not for film critics.
Favorite Dog Movie #10 — BomBon: El Perro
This movie is for the more artistic type who wants to watch something a bit different. It has subtitles as it is an Argentinian movie.
I think it’s great because it highlights how we judge dogs by their breed. The movie took me by surprise, and although I watched it a long time ago, I really enjoyed it!
Suggested Audience: Dog-loving film critics and movie buffs.
There you have it…my favorite dog movies of all time!
I’m sure that there are loads more movies out there that I have either forgotten about or never seen. I love a good dog movie, so if there are any that you think I would really like, please let me know in the comments below!
~Doggy Dan 🙂
80 Responses
What about the original “Shaggy Dog” with Fred McMurray? Better than the more recent Tim Allen version. I live with a shaggy dog, so it’s close to my heart.
Hi Peggy,
I’ve seen the Tim Allen version but not the original. I’ll be sure to check it out on your recommendation. Thanks, Doggy Dan
I have a few dog movies I happen to really enjoy. They are, My Dog Skip and Firehouse Dog. Cute, and funny and yes tissues needed but so worth your time!
Hi,
I don’t think I’ve seen Firehouse Dog so I’ll add that one to my list. It might be one the kids can watch with me. Thanks for sharing! All the best….Doggy Dan
Don’t forget James Belushi in K9 with Jerry Lee Lewis – it’s a classic!
Hi Jacki,
I do like James Belushi and I think I may have seen K9 but unfortunately there was some stiff competition for my Top 10…..maybe I should have done a Top 20 instead! Best…Doggy Dan
PS. I knew I had forgotten the most important part of my note above. The book, The Incredible Journey (1961), which took place in Canada was a TRUE STORY of two dogs – a Yellow Lab and an English Bull Terrier and a Siamese cat (which I adore because, if you have one, they will tell you that they are part dog, especially regarding their loyalty) who travelled 250 miles to get back to their owners. Just a little blurb I copied off the internet:
“The 1993 remake of “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” was based on a true story of the survival and determination of two dogs and a cat to find their way home through 250 miles of the Canadian wilderness.” It makes the story that much more poignant and inspiring about our dear and amazing friends. I’m proud that a dog owns me !!
The Ugliest Daschund. It’s about a Great Dane that thinks he’s a Daschund.
Hi Peggy,
I definitely haven’t heard of that movie but I love the idea behind the it! I’ve met many animals, not just dogs, who believed they were a different species or breed. Nest…Doggy Dan
Thank you so much for this awesome list looking forward to watching some I have not seen before. Rose, the animated movie your thinking of is called Balto! An amazing story! I love love this one!
Hi Debbie, thanks for helping Rose out with that movie title! Best…Doggy Dan
Turner and hooch, Beethoven all of them, shakey, the shaggy dog. Thank you Doggie Dan there are three on your list on your list I haven’t seen going to look them up!
Hi Jacquie, yes those are all good ones too. Glad you liked the Blog! Doggy Dan
A fairly new movie: The Purpose of Dogs
Hi Jennifer. I haven’t seen that movie yet, thanks for the recommendation! Doggy Dan
I just saw the movie “Megan Leavey” very good movie about a woman that joins the marines & ends up dog trainer. Definitely shows the bonding between people & their dogs in any circumstance. The purpose of a dog was really good too. I loved the movie ‘Hachi” but it so takes a BOX of kleenex.
Hi Sharon, this sounds like a very interesting movie. I’ll look into it! Haven’t seen the Purpose of Dogs yet either. Thanks, Doggy Dan
I really enjoyed Max.
Thanks Paula! Doggy Dan
So glad your wife insisted that you included ‘The Incredible Journey’. It is definitely my favourite. A beautiful film and a lovely story.
Hi Gael, I’m glad it made the list then! It is a beautiful movie. Best…Doggy Dan
“White Dog”… it’s an old one with Kristy McNichol from 1982. It is pretty sad really – about how dogs were trained to attack black people in the terrible racist past of the USA.. which seems to be trying to upsurge again under our Nyet my president…. I heard there is a newer movie from the Eastern Block called “White God” about dogs…haven’t been able to track it down yet…
Hi Taylor, that does sound like a pretty controversial movie in the context of the modern era. It’s pretty shocking what the human race was/is capable of. Best, Doggy Dan
Hi Everyone,
My favourite movie about our dear friends is the 1963 movie The Incredible Journey after the novel written in 1961. There was a remake of this movie in 1993 called Homeward Bound. I haven’t see the 1993 movie, but the 1963 movie, to this day, makes me cry …. as does the Lassie series with “Lassie Come Home”. Even writing this brings tears to my eyes. And the movie “Old Yeller” is even worse regarding my weeping. If I don’t have enough Kleenex around, I have to resort to my sleeve as my tears fall on my dog, Banjo’s, head. …. we both watch these films …. Banjo particularly likes Lassie Come Home because Banjo is a Shetland Sheepdog and identifies with Lassie …. sigh …
Hi Sally,
Yes it’s unfortunate that so many of the great dog movies are real tear jerkers! I think it’s simply due to the fact that we all do understand that dogs are such a huge part of our lives. Thanks for your post! Doggy Dan
Don’t forget Turner and Hooch—-really fun movie! Mira
Hi Mira,
Yes that is a good movie and only just missed out on making my list. It seems to be a favourite amongst everyone though! Best..Doggy Dan
‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is by far the BEST dog movie I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen 7 of the ten you listed. (I’ll have to find the other 3 and watch them.) My husband and I blubbered like babies through parts of this movie and were THRILLED with the ending. Except for the reincarnation part, pretty realistic, and definitely on the mark about the varied home lives that dogs can have. A dog can be the icing on the cake of life if you let it!
Hi Twyla,
I always consider dogs to be icing on the cake of life, what a great saying! Haven’t seen A Dog’s Purpose yet. Thanks for the recommendation…Doggy Dan
Balto is the dog who brought medicine in Alaska.
Thanks Rowena! Doggy Dan
thank you Doggy Dan for top 10 movies and for suggestions from you followers – always love a good doggy movie and in particular one with a positive uplifting ending. have often scheduled some movie evening with my young nieces and nephews as an opportunity to view doggy movies.
Alva, that’s a really great tactic for coming up with a reason to view dog movies! Best…Doggy Dan
Ha hi is awesome.. defy any dog no any animal no any human being not be moved.
Add ‘Max’ on to the list. Army dog serving in Afghanistan returns to home when his handler gets killed. Won’t spoil it but have tissues ready at about the 15 mins in,
Hi Pete, Hatchi is at the top of my list for a very good reason so I agree with you! Haven’t seen ‘Max’ yet but it sounds interesting so I’ll look it up. Best….Doggy Dan
Has to be ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ . Brilliant film .
Hi Reg, this movie seems to be a crowd favourite! I haven’t seen it as yet so thanks for the recommendation. Best…Doggy Dan
Great list Dan
Two of your movies, Old Yeller and Call if the Wild, I read the books as a teen; brilliant. If you like a bit of sci fi, I am Legend has Samantha, the awsome German Shepherd 🙂
Thanks Anita. Yes I do remember Samantha in ‘I am Legend’, so many great dogs in films. Best…Doggy Dan
I got ‘Dean Spanley’ after your last recommendation, and it’s now one of my favourites, Sam Neill is a brilliant dog!
Hi Lucy, glad you liked it! Sam Neill is fantastic at any role he puts his hand to, but I may be biased considering he is from New Zealand! Best….Doggy Dan
A Dog’s Purpose. Superb, but take a full box of tissues
Thanks Gabby, this movie has been highly recommended on the blog so far! Best…Doggy Dan
The true life story of Megan Leavey a young Marine corporal whose unique discipline and bond with Rex a military combat dog. Working together they saved many lives during her deployment in Iraq. Rex also taught Megan that nothing is impossible and to love unconditionally.
Hi Don, thanks for the recommendation! A couple of posters have mentioned this movie now so it seems to be worth a watch. I really do admire any service dog that puts aside it’s own self for the sake of it’s handler – amazing! Best….Doggy Dan
The journey of Natty Gann, although this is a wolf too, but excellent tv movie.
Thanks Jane, I’ve not see this one either. I’m going to have quite a list to watch after this blog post! Best…Doggy Dan
How about UP my dog is totally Doug the dog lol but he is a all tan minpin
Haha Cheryl, yes the dog from ‘Up’ is pretty adorable and entertaining, I do agree! Best…Doggy Dan
Doggy Dan, I love this post and I can’t wait to share it with my 8 and 10 year old kids! Another amazing dog movie from my childhood is ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ which is set in Africa and is about the incredible bond between man and dog. Please watch it and enjoy. (Our little dog Jock is named after the dog in the movie!)
Hi Tasha, thanks for the recommendation. I haven’t heard of this movie and I’m sure many on the blog will now look it up! Best…Doggy Dan
“Underdogs”. Hilariously funny but with a serious background. Unfortunately a German movie, not sure if it’s available with subtitles…
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1130898/plotsummary?ref_=m_tt_ov_pl…
Hi Iris, thanks for your recommendation! I’ll check it out to see if there is a version with subtitles, you wold think there would be. Best…Doggy Dan
Beethoven 🙂
Hi Ali, yes this one does seem to be another favourite amongst everyone. It only just missed the list and it’s a great movie to watch with the kids. Best…Doggy Dan
‘Hotel For Dogs’. I know it’s a kids movie but it’s so much fun.
In regards to ‘A Dogs Purpose’ I saw a video about the making of the film where the dog trainer was forcing the terrified dog into the water. What is your view on this Dan?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csLiYr5OGbg
Hi Doreen, there are so many good dog movies that are aimed at kids but I’m sure there are many adults who enjoy them too. Me being one of them! I did also see that footage regarding the filming of ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ and I must admit it made me feel very uncomfortable that the dog was put in that situation. Not something I would have personally agreed to do. Best…Doggy Dan
what about all dogs go to heaven
i have got eight below on dvd sad but good film
Thanks Louise,
I don’t think I’ve seen that one, but then again I have seen so many dog movies I may have forgotten a few here and there! Best…Doggy Dan
I’m another Turner and Hooch fan. Marley and Me came out as our family dog of eighteen years came to the end of her life and we had to put her down. Even though it was another year before I could watch that movie, the ending still had me in floods of tears. My youngest son, still hasn’t watched it but my daughters went to see it just a few days after her death and were fine. We all loved her but it goes to show how everyone handles these things differently.
Hi Julie,
Yes I agree, for anyone who has lost a beloved family dog Marley & Me is particularly had to watch. I actually read the book first and the movie didn’t disappoint in regards to their casting for Marli! Even though they are emotional some dog movies are well worth the watch. Best…Doggy Dan
Big Red, The Ugly Dashound, A Dog’s Life, Air Bud, all the Lassie movies. I actually didn’t realize there were so many dog movies. Wasn’t a movie made of the dog in Alaska that made the run to get medicine for a town that had an illness? I can’t think of the name of the dog.
Hi Rose, looks like you are a doggy movie buff! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, Rose! “Balto” is an animated feature loosely based on the true story of Balto, a sled dog who led the final dog team and musher through a white-out blizzard to Nome to deliver an antitoxin to treat victims of a deadly diphtheria outbreak in 1925. The PBS special is much more interesting than the movie. A riveting story!
Hi Cathy, Balto has been mentioned a few times on the blog. It’s now on my list of dog movies to watch! Best…Doggy Dan
“Turner and Hooch” … fabulous
You know…I am not sure I have ever seen Turner and Hooch from start to finish…something always happens and I get dragged away before the end! I shall put it on my list! Doggy Dan 🙂
I love the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. I’ve watched it more than once, great list!
Its on my list of movies to “finish watching!”
Dan
A dogs purpose,you will need a box of kleenex ,and max 2 white house hero , and Best friend hero marine Max love that one too ,but my favorite is a dogs purposes.
Thanks Andrea, I am glad that I now have a list of new movies to watch…
Best Friend, Hero, Marine… Thats a new one for me…thanks for sharing.
Dan
Great post! I’ve seen a few of these over the years, and they are fun to watch. Some with a box of tissues … like Hachi. A wonderful film however. Found the NatGeo movie – The Rise of Black Wolf on Youtube and plan to watch it soon. Thanks for posting these.
Hi Dolly, enjoy Black Wolf, its pretty cool 🙂
A Dogs Purpose
A Dogs Journey
Never watched it but its on my list now 🙂 Thanks Dan!
Rin tin tin & Lassie come home. I would love to see them again.
Yep, golden oldies for sure…Just couldn’t fit all the movies on the list!
You missed one:
Where the red fern grows!
Another new one for me 🙂
Thanks Omar
“Greyfriars Bobby”……boxes of tissues needed with this one!!