When I was a kid, my dad would take us to the local movie rental place (remember Erol’s?), and we’d pick out movies for the weekend. My dad always picked Old Yeller and we begged him not to. My favorites back then were dog films that had happy endings. As a parent, I got to rewatch all my favorite films over and over again. What I love most about films that portray animals is the loving relationships, loyalty, determination, and persistence.
Choosing my favorite films featuring dogs and putting them in order was difficult. My advice is to rewatch them all.
10. Peter Pan (1953)
When I was little, I had this picture book of a dog taking care of a baby, and I guess that’s what makes me love Nana so much from Peter Pan—she’s a true babysitter. In the 1953 Disney version, they portray Nana as a St. Bernard. But in reality, she was a Newfoundland. The Landseer Newfies are often confused with St. B’s. I have a Newfie, and she actually is a nanny dog, which is so funny. She bosses everyone around.
9. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Who hasn’t tried to eat one spaghetti noodle with someone else just to recreate the famous scene between Lady and the Tramp? I can’t be the only one! I love this story not only for the friendships forged between dogs but also for how she fiercely protects her family despite the villains (cats, a mean auntie, and the dog catchers) who try to get in her way. It is a wonderful story of love and loyalty.
9. K-9 (1989)
Jerry Lee is a smart cop, and he also happens to be a dog. I love the connection and humor between Jerry Lee and his reluctant partner, a human detective. I also love how this movie showcases the extraordinary talents of dogs who are trained in the police force (and military too!). I’m always amazed by dogs who can do more than fetch a stick and roll over. It is even better when their human falls in love with them.
7. Lassie (1943)
Lassie is such a popular dog character that the book has been adapted into film multiple times. But my favorite is the 1943 version, and that’s probably because it was one I watched quite often with my dad. What I love so much about this story is the unbreakable bonds between Lassie and her person. She has to overcome treacherous situations as she runs home to her boy after being sold. It is a heartwarming movie that just makes you want to cuddle your own dog.
6. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Tod and Copper, the fox and the hound from this movie, form an unlikely and forbidden friendship, which their respective humans are often thwarting. But they don’t seem to care about the “rules” of nature or their people. As time goes by, they grow apart. However, when they are older, and danger lurks, they put aside their prejudices and face the world together. I love how this movie portrays that friendships and love are possible despite our differences.
5. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Pongo and Perdita, plus their dozens of babies (both natural and adopted), are so adorable! The lengths that they went through to save them from the evil Cruella de Vil were inspiring. I also love how the dogs communicated through barking—when I’m outside now with my dogs and other dogs bark and they bark back, I wish I knew what they were saying! Also, the idea of cuddling nearly a hundred puppies? Disney, can you make this a new attraction?
4. Beethoven (1992)
Ohhhhh Beethoven! How many times did we threaten to sneak a Saint Bernard into the house after watching this?? So many times! What I loved about this movie was the dad’s confusion, then his exasperation, and his eventual love of this larger-than-life dog. All the funny dog mishaps made us smile, and I may or may not have gone through a period after this where I would leave fake “dog poo” piles on my parent’s gorgeous dining room carpet.
3. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Talking dogs in real life?? Dogs on an epic adventure?? Sign me up! I can honestly say I have probably watched this movie at least a hundred times. Not only as a young teen did I sit riveted as Chance, Shadow, and Sassy had to find their way home, but I railed against the villains who got in their way. This is such a fun and heartwarming story, but also a story of resilience, friendship, and loyalty.
2. Old Yeller (1957)
This is one of my dad’s all-time favorite films. We used to complain about him watching it (what felt like) once a week. When my kids were growing up, I didn’t want to subject them to Old Yeller’s fate, so I avoided this one. But then it came up on television, and I turned it on. Watching it as an adult is still heartbreaking, but it’s also an incredibly good story about an extraordinary dog. In the end, he lives on in his puppies, which I didn’t remember as a child because I was probably too devastated that he got rabies. I can now happily say that this is one of my favorites. There is a deep connection between Old Yeller and his people. Maybe just watch the first half.
1. Turner & Hooch (1989)
I definitely went through a Tom Hanks phase as a young person. Big is still one of my all-time favorite movies, but Turner and Hooch had me cracking up one minute and biting my nails the next. Hooch is a slobbery mastiff with a quirky attitude and is super protective and intelligent. We had a boxer named Diesel who reminded me of Hooch, including his love of beer, which he would steal right out of people’s hands! Turner and Hooch is an amazing story of a reluctant human becoming a dog person, plus a hilarious dog you can’t help but love.
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