Films About Trained Dogs
Films that focus on trained dogs often showcase the remarkable bond between humans and their canine companions, highlighting themes of loyalty, friendship, and adventure. These films frequently feature dogs trained for specific purposes, such as service, rescue, or entertainment, and often take audiences on emotional journeys filled with challenges and triumphs. Whether it's a heartwarming tale of a rescue dog or an action-packed adventure with a police K9, these films celebrate the intelligence and capabilities of dogs, while also emphasizing the importance of training and teamwork.
Here’s a list of existing films that center around trained dogs:
“Air Bud”, 1997
Director: Charles Martin Smith
A heartwarming family film about a stray dog named Buddy who becomes a basketball star after being adopted by a young boy. The film showcases Buddy's incredible talent and the bond he forms with his new owner.
Starring: Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena, Bill Cobbs, Eric Christmas, Jay Brazeau, Nicola Cavendish, Brendan Fletcher, Norman Browning, Stephen E. Miller, Shayn Solberg, Chris Turner, Christine Kennedy, Frank C. Turner, Marion Dodd, Ursula Martin, Jessebel Mather, Kati Mather, Buddy the Dog, Kodi Bbela, Chris Davies, Joel Haywood, Lewis Pierce, Jason Qi, Jack Van Eijnsbergan, Ryan Van Eijnsbergan, Yashar Zandiyeh, Acram Adam, Marcus Bisset-Covaneiro, Phillip Bisset-Covaneiro, Miles Bridge, Fenton Fisher, Josh Jassebi, Mariel Losso, Nile Nurse, Jay Vidler, Colin Bradner, Colby Chartrand, Michael Davies, Tom Hearn, Mark Jackson, John Jassebi, David Katz, Levon Kendall, Tyler Mooi, Jordie Price, Marc Rinfret, Matthew Rollinson, Dustin Smiley;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: family, sport, drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “Air Bud” on the website imdb.com
“K-9”, 1989
Director: Rod Daniel
A comedy about a police detective who teams up with a mischievous but highly trained German Shepherd named Jerry Lee to take down a drug lord. The film blends action with humorous moments as the duo navigates their partnership.
Starring: James Belushi, Koton, Mel Harris, Kevin Tighe, Ed O'Neill, James Handy, Sherman Howard, Daniel Davis, Cotter Smith, John Snyder, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Marjorie Bransfield, William Sadler, Jeff Allin, David Haskell, Alan Blumenfeld, Mark Mooring, Jerry Levine, Rick Cicetti, Dan Castellaneta, Wendel Meldrum, John Castellanos, Colleen Morris, McKeiver Jones III, J.W. Smith, Dean Hill, Gary Combs, Steve Artiaga, Lucy Butler, Vic Cuccia, Ralph Elias, Michael John Robert Gill, Michael Joseph Pierce, Kelly C. Ryan;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: action, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “K-9” on the website imdb.com
“The Call of the Wild”, 2020
Director: Chris Sanders
Based on Jack London's classic novel, this adventure film follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his home and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog. Buck learns to survive and thrive in the wild, showcasing his adaptability and strength.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Cara Gee, Dan Stevens, Bradley Whitford, Jean Louisa Kelly, Michael Horse, Karen Gillan, Colin Woodell, Micah Fitzgerald, Heather McPhaul, Adam Fergus, Stephanie Czajkowski, Abraham Benrubi, Thomas Adoue Polk, Raven Scott, Brad Greenquist, Benjamin Hoffman, Alexander Schoenauer, Aria Lyric Leabu, Salem Meade, Greg Tarzan Davis, Jamie Bock, Karl Makinen, Adam Zastrow, Bryan Scott Johnson, Kirk Geiger, Terry Notary, Paul Mabon, Scott MacDonald, Tim DeZarn, P.J. King, Michael Lanahan, Joshua Nazaroff, Alex Solowitz, Martin J. Riddell, Wes Brown, Ellen Buckley, Dillon Daniel Mutyaba, Alexander Lewis, Michael Froton, Anthony Fox, Patty Ann Nix, Craig Reed, Bo McCann, Aureelia E. Richards, Haley Benson, Lucinda Jubb, Jonney Ahmanson, Preston Bailey;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Call of the Wild” on the website imdb.com
“Lassie”, 2005
Director: Charles Sturridge
A family film that reintroduces the beloved character of Lassie, a Rough Collie, who helps a young boy and his family navigate challenges, showcasing the loyalty and intelligence of trained dogs in difficult situations.
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Samantha Morton, John Lynch, Peter Dinklage, Gerry O'Brien, Steve Pemberton, Eamonn Hunt, Edward Fox, Jim Roche, John Standing, Gregor Fisher, Jonathan Mason, Brian Pettifer, Paul Meade, Jamie Lee, Robert Hardy, Jemma Redgrave, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Terence Orr, Alec Heggie, Hester Odgers, Finlay Welsh, Gabrielle Lloyd, Susie Lambe, Ken Drury, May Veale Smith, Samantha McShane, Robert Carr, Angela Thorne, Christine Ozanne, Kelly Macdonald, Dermot Ward, Alan Stanford, David Parnell, Celyn Jones, Peter Halliday, Peter Wight, Ian Mercer, Lucy Penrose, Mason;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Lassie” on the website imdb.com
“Max”, 2015
Director: Boaz Yakin
A drama that follows a military dog named Max who, after serving in Afghanistan, struggles with the trauma of war. He is adopted by the family of his fallen handler and becomes a protector for the young boy, highlighting the importance of service dogs.
Starring: Thomas Haden Church, Josh Wiggins, Luke Kleintank, Lauren Graham, Robbie Amell, Mia Xitlali, Dejon LaQuake, Jay Hernandez, Owen Harn, J.J. Soria, Raymond W. Beal, Edgar Arreola, Jason Davis, Pete Burris, Miles Mussenden, Joan Q. Scott, Andrene Ward-Hammond, Ian Gregg, Thomas La Marche, Alexander Schuler, Zarina Aurah, Varkas Everest, Nazareth Dairian, Naim Alherimi, Issa Alherimi, Zeeko Zaki, Eduardo Gonzalez, David J. Flores, Ethan McGee, Khamary Grant, Hayley Joplin, Nik Allen, Jack Solomon, Sean Archulet, Christian Brunetti, Carlos, Atlas, Odin, Ruscoe, Angel, Daisy, Dane, Mo-Mo, Blaster, James Alcorn, Bill Bennett, Kristi Booher, Alex Brockway, J. William Brown, Stephen Mackenzie Brown;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, adventure, family, war;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Max” on the website imdb.com
“Beethoven”, 1991
Director: Brian Levant
A family comedy about a mischievous St. Bernard named Beethoven who causes chaos in the lives of the Newton family. While not strictly about trained dogs, it highlights the challenges and joys of living with a large, energetic pet.
Starring: Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, Sarah Rose Karr, Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci, David Duchovny, Patricia Heaton, Laurel Cronin, O-Lan Jones, Nancy Fish, Craig Pinkard, Robi Davidson, Sherri Paysinger, Patrick LaBrecque, Jacob Kenner, Matthew Brooks, Chris Little, Lisa Gerber, Cory Danziger, Colleen O'Hara, Nicolas Mize, Maxine Elliott Hicks, Stephanie Massman, Cirroc Lofton, Chad Morton, Melora Walters, Holly Wortell, Lorraine Marga, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andres McKenzie, Chris, Cujo, Richard Portnow;
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
“The Secret Life of Pets”, 2016
Director: Chris Renaud
An animated film that provides a humorous look at what pets do when their owners are away. While the focus is on various animals, the film features trained dogs, highlighting their personalities and antics in a vibrant city setting.
Starring: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Albert Brooks, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Coogan, Michael Beattie, Sandra Echeverría, Jaime Camil, Kiely Renaud, Bob Bergen, Jim Cummings, Brian T. Delaney, Bill Farmer, Jess Harnell, John Kassir, Danny Mann, Jason Marsden, Mona Marshall, Laraine Newman, Jan Rabson, Tara Strong, Jim Ward, Tyler Werrin;
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
These films not only entertain but also celebrate the incredible capabilities of trained dogs, showcasing their loyalty, bravery, and the special bonds they form with humans.
In the world of cinema, films about trained dogs have captivated audiences with their heartwarming stories and remarkable performances. These films not only showcase the incredible bond between humans and their furry companions but also remind us of the unwavering loyalty and intelligence that dogs possess. From heart-pounding adventures to touching tales of friendship, these movies have touched our hearts and left a lasting impression. Whether it's a heroic rescue or a heartwrenching tale of loss and redemption, films about trained dogs have proven time and time again that they have the power to inspire, entertain, and remind us of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends.
