25 Outstanding Dog Movies Worth Watching

As a child, I grew up with a Jack Russell Terrier named Jackie, who I loved for many years until she passed away at the age of 15. As a result, I formed a deep adoration for the movie My Dog Skip, which details a life-affirming relationship between a boy and his Jack Russell. Anybody who’s ever owned a dog understands these sorts of sentimental attachments we form with dog-themed movies, which aim to capture just how special that storied relationship can be. A great dog film can be moving in a much different way than most movies are capable of achieving, allowing us to either cherish the pets we currently own or transport ourselves back to a time when certain pups roamed our lives. There are many, many dog movies to choose from, so it can be hard to know where to start when you want to capture such a feeling.

Hopefully, I can help. Below, I’ve gathered together what I consider to be the best dog movies ever made. From classic animated features to adored independent darlings, from box-office smashing franchises to family-friendly comedies, this list has just about every dog movie you need in your repertoire. No matter what your mood, you can find the dog movie you need in this list.

If you’re a lover of dogs, and if you love dog movies, then this list is for you. From St. Bernards to Dachshunds, from Cocker Spaniels to German Shepherds, from Dalmatians to Jack Russell Terriers, just about every type of dog, in either live action and animated form, can be found on this list. All film genres are on the table as well, as you’ll find everything from timeless romances to melancholic dramas to outright comedies.

The genre has a fervent following and has enjoyed some big successes at the box office, with the “top dog” in terms of domestic gross being 2002’s Scooby-Doo, which amassed $153 million in North America (along with $275 million worldwide), followed closely behind by Marley & Me with $143 million domestically ($255 million globally). But the highest-earning dog movie on a global scale was the remake 101 Dalmatians, which amassed $320 million in 1996.

Now onto the list. These movies are ordered strictly according to my personal taste. Below, you’ll find a healthy mix between nostalgic favorites from my childhood and critically revered movies that highlight the treasured relationship between man and beast with profundity and care.

A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

A Dog’s Purpose centers on a dog named Bailey, who is reincarnated several times as different breeds, experiencing new environments with new owners each time. From a police dog to a neglected stray to a playful companion, each life Bailey lives brings with it new challenges. Despite changing circumstances, Bailey, who remembers each of his past lives and carries lessons from the past into the future, seeks to understand his purpose and the meaning of his storied existence. This heartfelt story adorned with a warm, loving atmosphere was perhaps too earnest for its own good, as it didn’t receive great grades from critics. But any lover of dogs will eat up this gentle, completely unpretentious story that explores loyalty and love between pups and their owners. Directed by Lasse Hallström and produced by Gavin Polone, A Dog’s Purpose stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Dennis Quaid, and Josh Gad.

Lady and the Tramp (1955)

This beloved Disney classic tells the romantic tale between the two unlikeliest of canine counterparts: Lady, a refined Cocker Spaniel, and Tramp, a street-smart ruff. While Lady lives a pampered life with her owners, Tramp roams the streets freely, setting the trail for a collision course that takes them both by surprise when Lady finds herself out on the streets. Together, they experience adventure and face various challenges—including a contentious run-in with a dog catcher. Together, they persevere and strengthen their love as they survive on the streets. Filled with lush background art, bolstered by a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere, and backed by a memorial musical score and plenty of great songs, Lady and the Tramp was adored by critics and remains a classic of the dog genre. Produced by Walt Disney and directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, and Wilfred Jackson, Lady and the Tramp stars the voices of Peggy Lee, Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, and Bill Thompson.

Cujo (1983)

If Stephen King directed it, then you know you’re in for something subversive—and that was certainly the case when it came to the killer dog movie Cujo. The story centers on a soft, gentle St. Bernard named Cujo who becomes a ravenous murderer after being bit by a rabid rat. Post-infection, a disease takes hold and Cujo transforms from family-friendly pet to dangerous animal, threatening the lives of Donna and her young son Tad. Trapped in their car, the film follows their terrifying ordeal as they fight to survive. Despite an intense and claustrophobic atmosphere that engagingly heightens the desperation and helplessness of the characters, the practical effects used to create a realistic portrayal of Cujo’s transformation from a friendly pet to a deadly menace, and the accomplished pacing and rhythm of the film, Cujo only received middling reviews from critics. Still, I strongly recommend it. Directed by Lewis Teague and produced by Daniel H. Blatt and Robert Singer, Cujo stars Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Danny Pintauro, and Ed Lauter.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

While Tod, an orphaned fox, is adopted by a kind widow, his soon-to-be best friend, Copper, is raised to be a hunting dog. Despite their natural instincts and expectations from the world, the two animals start a friendship that lasts for many years—a friendship that is detailed in the cherished Disney animated feature The Fox and the Hound. Throughout their lives, this rich friendship is continually tested and strengthened, as Copper is trained to hunt animals like Tod yet is compelled to rebel to sustain the relationship. Overseeing a very delicate balance of light and dark tones, and scored by a soundtrack that includes songs like “Best of Friends” that highlight the innocence and joy of Todd and Copper’s friendship, this critically praised film has continued to hit home for kids thanks to its simple emotional message. Fox and the Hound was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens, was produced by Ron Miller, Wolfgang Reitherman and Art Stevens, and stars the voices of Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, Jack Albertson, and Sandy Duncan.

A Boy and His Dog (1975)

There aren’t a ton of cult sci-fi films on this list that rest in a future dystopia, but A Boy and His Dog is no ordinary film, owning one of the wackiest plots on this list. A young man named Vic navigates a post-apocalyptic realm alongside his telepathic dog, Blood, as they struggle to carry on amidst the harsh wasteland. With their symbiotic relationship crucial to their survival, Vic relies upon Blood’s ability to locate food (and women), while Blood depends upon Vic for protection. From various encounters with strangers to a discovery of a hidden underground society, Vic and Blood build their relationship over time. A blend of science fiction and coming-of-age comedy, this subversive film the has enjoyed critical praise over the years is filled with dark humor and satire that might prove a tad risqué for family movie night, but can certainly be enjoyed by any seasoned viewers hoping to delve into the strange depths of the science fiction genre. A Boy and His Dog was directed by L.Q. Jones, produced by Alvy Moore, and stars Don Johnson, Susanne Benton, Alvy Moore, and Jason Robards.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

One of the most-played movies of my childhood had to be A Goofy Movie—a colorful and dynamic movie with a heartfelt storyline that has only appreciated with age as I’ve become a father. The story follows the famous Disney character Goofy, a well-to-do father (he also happens to be a dog) who is incredibly clumsy and owns an over-the-top personality, as he attempts to bond with his constantly embarrassed son Max by taking him on a cross-country fishing trip. Along the way, throughout their various comedic mishaps and obstacles, and despite their differences, Goofy and Max grow closer over the course of the getaway and deepen their father-son relationship. The relatable parent-child dynamics stand out in this markedly different-from-the-pack Disney film filled with visual humor and old-school slapstick comedy. Surprisingly, the movie received middling reviews from critics, but its reputation has held over many years amongst its fans. Directed by Kevin Lima and produced by Dan Rounds, A Goofy Movie stars Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings, Kellie Martin, Rob Paulsen, and Wallace Shawn.

White God (2014)

It’s not every day that your “dog film” gets into the Cannes Film Festival. But that happened to be the case for Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó when White God was selected as part of the 2014 lineup. The film’s story centers on a young girl named Lili, who is forced by her father to leave her dog, Hagen, behind due to a new law that taxes mixed-breed dogs. Hagen is forced to fend for himself, and before long, he joins a pack of stray dogs who have endured harsh conditions and mistreatment throughout their lives. Together, the dogs decide to revolt against the human totalitarian regime, creating for a biting piece of social commentary that ultimately leads to a showdown between the oppressed and their oppressors. Critics loved the film upon release, praising it for its striking compositions, its focus on political themes like marginalization and resistance, and its sensitive and empathetic portrayal of its characters. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó and produced by Eszter Gyárfás and Viktória Petrányi, White God stars Zsófia Psotta, Sándor Zsótér, and Lili Horváth.

All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

It’s 1939 in New Orleans, and Charlie B. Barkin, a German Shepherd who recently escaped from a dog pound, returns to his casino riverboat with his friend, Itchy—only to be betrayed and killed by his partner, Carface. But Charlie gets a second chance at life after he cheats death and returns home, where he rescues an orphan girl named Anne-Marie who can talk to animals and has a great eye for betting. Together, they build a successful casino, which drives Carface to plot a new attack, resulting in a fiery showdown. This movie wasn’t a huge hit with critics, who criticized the movie for its disjointed narrative and use of violence. But as somebody who viewed the film many times as a child, I never had an issue and enjoy fond, vivid memories of its distinctive animation and complex characterization. Directed by Don Bluth (who also produced) and produced by Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy, All Dogs Go to Heaven stars Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Judith Barsi, and Melba Moore.

You Can Never Tell (1951)

Of all the movies on this list, the plot of You Can Never Tell might be the craziest. The main character of this quirky 1951 comedy is a dog… who isn’t a dog? The story follows a detective named Rex Shephard, except Rex isn’t who he seems—he’s actually a dead dog named King who’s been reincarnated. King was the heir to a fortune from an eccentric millionaire. But when King dies, the late millionaire’s secretary, Ellen, gets the fortune. Armed with this information, a man named Perry Collins murders King and then tries to woo Ellen to secure the fortune for himself. After King comes back as Rex, he must fight to expose Perry’s dastardly plot and save Ellen from being grifted by a murderer. To do so, King (as Rex) teams up with Golden Harvest, a racehorse reincarnated as a human named Goldie Harvey (I told you this movie was crazy), to solve the case before the full moon—or else they’ll remain on earth as humans. While chaotic, this movie is also super fun and feels like more of a cartoon than any of the animated films on this list. Relatively unknown, it doesn’t have many reviews from which to glean its critical appraisal. Directed by Lou Breslow and produced by Leonard Goldstein, You Can Never Tell stars Dick Powell, Peggy Dow, Charles Drake, and Joyce Holden.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

As far as I’m concerned, this is as good as Disney’s animated movies about dogs ever got (and critics seem to agree, given its 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes), with its distinct visual style characterized by bold, sketchy lines and a modern, graphic look, with its engaging and diverse characters, with genuine humor and heart carrying the torch throughout. The story focuses on Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians living in London who give birth to 15 Dalmatian puppies. This quickly catches the attention of the evil Cruella de Vil, a wealthy woman obsessed with making fur coats from Dalmatian pelts. She hires two henchmen, Jasper and Horace, to kidnap the puppies, forcing Pongo and Perdita to enlist the help of their animal friends on a mission to rescue their puppies from Cruella’s mansion—where the parents discover 84 more puppies. Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, and Wolfgang Reitherman, and produced by Walt Disney, One Hundred and One Dalmatians stars Rod Taylor, Cate Bauer, Betty Lou Gerson, Ben Wright, and Lisa Davis.

Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)

Before Bong Joon-ho was winning Oscars for Parasite, and before he had accrued an ardent following with sinister movies like Memories of Murder, The Host, and Mother, he debuted with a little-seen film called Barking Dogs Never Bite. This black comedy revolves around an out-of-work college professor named Ko Yup-ju, who lives in an apartment complex with his pregnant wife, Eun-sil. Yup-Ju spends his home life irritated by a loudly barking dog in his apartment complex. Frustrated, he mistakenly abducts a neighbor’s silent Shih Tzu, believing it to be the cause of the noise, and locks it in the basement. Meanwhile, Park Hyun-nam, a custodian longing for fame, attempts to find the missing dog. As expected from Bong, the film is rich with social commentary about class division and bureaucratic inefficiencies in South Korea, and is bolstered by meticulous framing and inventive camera angles. Like everything else from Bong, this movie was a hit with critics. Directed by Bong and produced by Cho Min-hwan, Barking Dogs Never Bite stars Lee Sung-jae, Bae Doona, Kim Roi-ha, and Byun Hee-bong.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton actually made Frankenweenie twice. Most people just know about the 2012 feature film, but the story actually started way back in 1984 as a live-action short film, which starred Shelley Duvall, Daniel Stern, and Barret Oliver. The story is quite similar: after being devastated by the death of his beloved dog, Sparky, the young boy Victor Frankenstein conducts a daring experiment to bring his dog back to life by using electricity after being inspired by his science teacher. At first, his experiment seems a wild success, as Sparky is back in his life. But before long, chaos ensues as people slowly discover Victor’s secret and blame his reanimated pet for a crime committed in their town. Brandished with a stellar 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise this film was a hit, given its refreshing stop-motion animation, its Burton-esque gothic aesthetic filled with moody atmosphere and stark contrasts, and its sensitive exploration of childhood realities regarding grief and loss. Directed by Burton (who also produced) and produced by Allison Abbate, Frankenweenie stars Charlie Tahan, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Winona Ryder.

My Dog Skip (2000)

Another one of my childhood favorites, the based-on-a-true-story narrative of My Dog Skip centers on Willie Morris, a shy young boy from the 1940s who has trouble making friends and receives a Jack Russell Terrier named Skip for his ninth birthday. The puppy, who eventually plays a big role in bringing the small community together, quickly becomes Willie’s best friend and helps him break free from his shell, empowering him to make new friends and stand up to bullies. The deep bond shared between boy and dog becomes a lesson in growth and self-confidence for those who feel entrapped by their fears and anxieties. This period piece was well received by critics, who appreciated its authentic emotional depth and strong performances. I haven’t revisited this movie in many years, yet I feel like I remember it exactly, which means I have no problem recommending it here for any fans of simple dog-themed films. Directed by Jay Russell and produced by Mark Johnson, My Dog Skip stars Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane, Luke Wilson, Kevin Bacon, and Caitlin Wachs.

Scooby-Doo (2002)