15 Best Dog Movies: The Perfect Family Viewing!
In this article, we'll be counting down the top 15 dog movies of all time, based on their critical and commercial success, as well as their impact on popular culture.
Dogs have always been man's best friend, and that's especially true in Hollywood. From animated classics to heartwarming dramas, there's no shortage of great dog movies out there. Let's jump straight in!
15. Beethoven (1992)
Director: Brian Levant
Main Actors: Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, and Dean Jones
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Beethoven is a classic family comedy about a lovable St. Bernard who wreaks havoc on his new family's home, but ultimately wins them over with his charm and loyalty. The film is a heartwarming reminder of the special bond between humans and their furry friends.
- IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
- Critics Rating: 30%
14. Turner & Hooch (1989)
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Main Actors: Tom Hanks, Mare Winningham, and Craig T. Nelson
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Turner & Hooch is a hilarious buddy cop movie with a twist - the "buddy" is a slobbering, destructive Dogue de Bordeaux named Hooch. Tom Hanks delivers a fantastic performance as the uptight detective who learns to love his new canine partner.
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Critics Rating: 56%
13. Eight Below (2006)
Director: Frank Marshall
Main Actors: Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, and Bruce Greenwood
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Eight Below is a thrilling survival story about a team of sled dogs who are left behind in the Antarctic wilderness. The film is a testament to the incredible loyalty and resilience of dogs, and features stunning cinematography and impressive performances from the canine cast.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Critics Rating: 67%
12. A Dog's Purpose (2017)
Director: Lasse Hallström
Main Actors: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, and Peggy Lipton
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A Dog's Purpose is a heartwarming film about a dog who is reincarnated multiple times and discovers his purpose in life. The film is a touching exploration of the unbreakable bond between dogs and their human families.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Critics Rating: 33%
11. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Director: Duwayne Dunham
Main Actors: Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, and Don Ameche
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Homeward Bound is a classic family film about three pets—a dog, a cat, and a bird—who embark on a dangerous journey to find their way home. The film is a touching reminder of the unbreakable bond between animals and their human families.
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Critics Rating: 63%
10. Belle and Sebastian (2013)
Director: Nicolas Vanier
Main Actors: Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo, and Margaux Chatelier
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Belle and Sebastian is a heartwarming adventure film set in the French Alps during World War II. The film follows the story of a young boy and his loyal dog as they work together to uncover a secret and protect their village from danger.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Critics Rating: 90%
9. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske
Main Actors: Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, and Peggy Lee
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Lady and the Tramp is a romantic animated film about a pampered Cocker Spaniel and a streetwise mutt who fall in love. The film is a beautiful portrayal of the power of love and the importance of finding your place in the world.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Critics Rating: 89%
8. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens
Main Actors: Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, and Pearl Bailey
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The Fox and the Hound is a touching animated film about the unlikely friendship between a fox and a hound dog. The film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the challenges of growing up.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Critics Rating: 69%
7. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Director: Wes Anderson
Main Actors: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, and Edward Norton
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Isle of Dogs is a visually stunning stop-motion animated film about a young boy who sets out to find his lost dog on a remote island. The film is a quirky and imaginative exploration of the bond between humans and dogs.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Critics Rating: 90%
6. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Director: Simon Curtis
Main Actors: Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and Kevin Costner
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The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartwarming drama about a race car driver and his loyal dog. The film is a beautiful exploration of the bond between humans and dogs, and the power of love and loyalty.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Critics Rating: 44%
5. Marley & Me (2008)
Director: David Frankel
Main Actors: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, and Eric Dane
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Marley & Me is a heartwarming comedy-drama about a couple who adopt a rambunctious Labrador Retriever. The film is a hilarious and touching exploration of the ups and downs of pet ownership.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Critics Rating: 63%
4. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, and Clyde Geronimi
Main Actors: Rod Taylor, Betty Lou Gerson, and J. Pat O'Malley
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101 Dalmatians is a beloved animated film about a family of Dalmatians who are kidnapped by the villainous Cruella de Vil. The film is a timeless classic that features iconic animation, memorable characters, and a thrilling rescue mission.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Critics Rating: 98%
3. Togo (2019)
Director: Ericson Core
Main Actors: Willem Dafoe, Julianne Nicholson, and Christopher Heyerdahl
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Togo is a thrilling adventure film based on the true story of a sled dog who led his team on a dangerous mission to deliver life-saving serum to a remote Alaskan town. The film is a gripping tribute to the bravery and loyalty of sled dogs.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Critics Rating: 92%
2. Old Yeller (1957)
Director: Robert Stevenson
Main Actors: Fess Parker, Dorothy McGuire, and Tommy Kirk
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Old Yeller is a classic film about a boy and his loyal dog in the Texas wilderness. The film is a poignant exploration of the joys and heartbreaks of owning a pet.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Critics Rating: 100%
1. Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
Director: Lasse Hallström
Main Actors: Richard Gere, Joan Allen, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
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Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a heartwarming drama about a college professor and his loyal Akita. The film is a poignant exploration of the unbreakable bond between dogs and their human families, and the power of loyalty and love.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Critics Rating: 63%
Do you have any recommendations that have not made the list? Let us know in the comments so others can see for themselves.
