26 Best Dog Movies That Will Pull at Your Heartstrings
They're especially perfect if you're having a ruff day! 😜
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If you're a dog parent, you probably already know how lovable the four-legged friends can be. Just ask Alex Drummond who's new puppy is paws-itively precious! And if you're anything like Ree Drummond, you'll share adorable pics of them any chance you get! But whether you have a pup as a companion or not, you can still live vicariously through these best dog movies. (Because who doesn't love a good flick about man and woman's best friend?!)
The best dog movies are often a lot like the best dogs themselves: adorable, sweet, and family-friendly. Many of them are also a little (or a lot) sad, so make sure you’re not too far from a box of tissues when you cuddle up on the couch to watch the classics (Old Yeller and Lassie Come Home) and the tearjerkers of today (Marley & Me, A Dog’s Purpose, Because of Winn-Dixie). If you're in the mood for some even lighter family viewing, Disney movies like Bolt, Lady and the Tramp, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians are just plain cute and fun—just like their titular puppies! And when you want to see some lovable large dog breeds in action, you can't go wrong with Beethoven or Homeward Bound. If small fluffy dog breeds are more your speed, check out Dog Days and Best in Show to see charming pups of all sizes.
All of this to say, there's something here for pretty much everyone—except maybe the cats! Check out our list of the best dog movies and get ready for a night of fun with the whole family, including your furry friends.
Yes, that's the actual name of the movie. This heart-warming comedy follows a former Army Ranger (Channing Tatum) and his journey with a new partner, which just happens to be a dog. It doesn't seem to be going well at first, until it just... does!
Anytime there's a true story about a dog made into a movie, you know it's probably going to be good. But this flick about dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala, his pup Togo, and their journey to save a small town really takes the cake.
When all seems to go be going poorly for a teen boy and his family, he finds a saving grace in his new friend, Max (a German Shepard who's a retired war dog).
A kidnapped dog and the man who rescued him relate on a personal level. When the two form a tight bond, it becomes hard to let each other go. But some things are meant to be, no matter how hard it may seem.
A moving true story about a man and his dog, and the tale of how their friendship came to be. This one is certain to make you cry. So, bring extra tissues before you watch.
If a dog wants to be race car driver, who are you to stop them?! Watch this wholesome film about a dog and his owner, and how the two bond over racing.
When a pup gets lost from her owner, she must begin a long (like, really long) journey to find him again. On her way, she meets a mountain lion, a veteran, and a few other friends, which makes this movie a fun watch.
This tearjerker will appeal to anyone who's ever really loved a dog—especially one that just won't behave! Marley the yellow Lab may be "the world's worst dog," but at the end of the day, he's still one of the best parts of his owners' (Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) lives.
Fun fact: This family favorite was co-written by '80s movie legend John Hughes under the pseudonym Edmond Dantès. It's about a lovable St. Bernard who escapes dog-nappers and finds his furever home with the Newton family. If only the grumpy patriarch (Charles Grodin) would get on board!
In this enduring Disney classic, two Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, set out to save their adorable puppies from the evil Cruella de Vil, who wants to turn them into a fur coat.
Don't miss the action-packed live-action version of 101 Dalmatians, starring Glenn Close. It's the perfect time to revisit these memorable films before watching the 2021 prequel, Cruella.
This heartwarming adventure film tells the story of a dog named Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad), who touches the lives of everyone he meets as he's reincarnated many times as different dogs.
In the sweet sequel to A Dog's Purpose, Bailey the dog has a new life and a new life mission: protect his beloved owner's granddaughter through many phases of her life.
Opposites attract in this Disney classic about a pampered cocker spaniel named Lady and a mischievous mutt named Tramp who share an undeniable connection—and some spaghetti and meatballs, too!
It's The Truman Show, but with a dog. Bolt follows the adventures of a dog whose whole life (unbeknownst to him) is a TV show. When he sets out in search of his owner, Penny, Bolt has to learn how to fend for himself in a world he's never known.
We have to warn you, you probably won't be able to make it through this one without shedding a tear or two. This sweet tale is about a fox and a hunting dog who become best friends against all odds.
We won't blame you if you cry during this one, either. This sentimental story about a boy's love for his dog is known for having one of the most heartbreaking endings in movie history.
In this enduring classic, the lovable collie Lassie travels hundreds of miles to be reunited with her beloved owner, a Yorkshire boy named Joe Carraclough.
Snoopy and his best pal Woodstock embark on the adventure of their lives after Snoopy receives a mysterious letter in the mail. You'll love watching this bittersweet story with your kids!
For something a little more offbeat, try this hilarious spoof on American dog shows. It stars an amazing ensemble cast, and some pretty cute pups, too!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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