Films About Dogs
Films about dogs span a wide variety of genres, from heartwarming family adventures to intense dramas and animated tales. These movies often explore the deep bond between humans and their canine companions, showcasing themes of loyalty, bravery, friendship, and the incredible impact dogs have on our lives. Whether centered around a heroic act, a touching journey, or a playful adventure, films about dogs resonate with audiences of all ages.
List of Films About Dogs
“Old Yeller”, 1957
Director: Robert Stevenson
A classic family drama about a boy and his heroic dog in post-Civil War Texas, highlighting themes of love, loss, and growing up.
Starring: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Jeff York, Shailar Coby, Beverly Washburn, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Jumper, Spike;
Production year: 1957;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure, family, western;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Old Yeller” on the website imdb.com
“Lassie Come Home”, 1943
Director: Fred M. Wilcox
This timeless adventure tells the story of a faithful Collie who travels hundreds of miles to reunite with her young owner.
Starring: Roddy McDowall, Donald Crisp, May Whitty, Edmund Gwenn, Nigel Bruce, Elsa Lanchester, Elizabeth Taylor, Ben Webster, J. Pat O'Malley, Alan Napier;
Production year: 1943;
Genre: drama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Lassie Come Home” on the website imdb.com
“101 Dalmatians”, 1996
Director: Stephen Herek
An animated Disney film where a couple of Dalmatians embark on a daring mission to rescue their kidnapped puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil.
Starring: Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, Tim McInnerny, Hugh Fraser, Zohren Weiss;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: family, comedy, crime, adventure;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “101 Dalmatians” on the website imdb.com
“Beethoven”, 1991
Director: Brian Levant
A comedy about a mischievous St. Bernard who brings chaos and joy to the Newton family while evading the clutches of an unethical veterinarian.
Starring: Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, Sarah Rose Karr, Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci, David Duchovny, Patricia Heaton;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Beethoven” on the website imdb.com
“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”, 1993
Director: Duwayne Dunham
A heartwarming tale of two dogs and a cat who embark on a perilous journey across the wilderness to find their owners.
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Don Ameche, Robert Hays, Kim Greist, Kevin Chevalia, Benj Thall, Veronica Lauren, Jean Smart, Don Alder;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” on the website imdb.com
“Hachi: A Dog's Tale”, 2008
Director: Lasse Hallström
Based on a true story, this emotional drama portrays the unbreakable bond between a college professor and his loyal Akita dog, Hachiko.
Starring: Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Sarah Roemer, Jason Alexander, Erick Avari, Davenia McFadden, Robbie Sublett, Kevin DeCoste, Rob Degnan;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, family, biography;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“Bolt”, 2008
Director: Byron Howard, Chris Williams
An animated film about a dog who believes he has superpowers and embarks on a cross-country adventure to save his owner, only to discover his true heroism.
Starring: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Malcolm McDowell, James Lipton, Greg Germann, Diedrich Bader, Nick Swardson, Jean-Paul Manoux;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: animation, science fiction, drama, comedy, crime, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Bolt” on the website imdb.com
“Lady and the Tramp”, 1955
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Jack Cutting
This classic Disney romance features a refined Cocker Spaniel and a street-smart mutt who fall in love and share a memorable spaghetti dinner.
Starring: Peggy Lee, Larry Roberts, Bill Baucom, Verna Felton, George Givot, Lee Millar, Barbara Luddy, Bill Thompson, Stan Freberg, Alan Reed;
Production year: 1955;
Genre: animation, musical, melodrama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 76 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Lady and the Tramp” on the website imdb.com
“A Dog's Purpose”, 2017
Director: Lasse Hallström
A heartwarming story that follows a dog as he reincarnates through several lives, learning valuable lessons and finding his purpose along the way.
Starring: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, Bryce Gheisar, K.J. Apa, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Gabrielle Rose, Michael Bofshever, Britt Robertson;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: fantasy, drama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “A Dog's Purpose” on the website imdb.com
“Benji”, 2017
Director: Brandon Camp
A touching story about a stray dog who helps rescue two kidnapped children, showcasing the determination and bravery of an unlikely hero.
Starring: Gabriel Bateman, Darby Camp, Kiele Sanchez, Gralen Bryant Banks, Will Rothhaar, Angus Sampson, Jerod Haynes, Lacy Camp, Jim Gleason, Brady Permenter;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, crime, family;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Benji” on the website imdb.com
“The Secret Life of Pets”, 2016
Director: Chris Renaud
An animated comedy that reveals what pets do when their owners are away, focusing on a dog's quest to rescue his new friend from an animal control officer.
Starring: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Albert Brooks, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: animation, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Secret Life of Pets” on the website imdb.com
“Togo”, 2019
Director: Ericson Core
Based on a true story, this adventure film chronicles the incredible journey of a sled dog named Togo and his owner, Leonhard Seppala, during the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska.
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Adrien Dorval, Madeline Wickins, Michael Greyeyes, Nive Nielsen, Nikolai Nikolaeff, Thorbjørn Harr;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama, adventure, family, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Togo” on the website imdb.com
These films not only entertain but also underscore the profound connection between humans and dogs, celebrating the joys and challenges of life with our four-legged friends.
In conclusion, films about dogs capture the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine companions, showcasing themes of loyalty, courage, and unconditional love. These films often evoke deep emotions, highlighting the unique ways dogs enrich our lives, whether through heartwarming tales of companionship like “Marley & Me,” inspiring stories of bravery as seen in “Lassie,” or the adventurous spirit of “The Secret Life of Pets.” They serve as a reminder of the powerful connection we share with our furry friends, resonating with audiences of all ages and celebrating the profound impact dogs have on our hearts and homes.
