Who doesn't love a good dog movie? The plots and genres might vary, but movies that incorporate dogs' good qualities and the bonds between a dog and his owner are almost sure to make you laugh, tug on your heartstrings and give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Dozens of movies have been made starring dogs, but some are more powerful than others. Fortunately, we have narrowed down the list of our favorite dog movies and we are deeming them "The 12 Best Dog Movies of All Time!" (Dramatic, right?) Here goes nothing:
Iron Will
This film from 1994 is action-packed for you adventure/dog lovers out there. The story follows a man who enters a dog-sled race in hopes of saving his family's farm. Freezing temperatures, physical exhaustion and other hardships test the will power of both the young man and his team of dogs, led by Gus - a beautiful Siberian Husky with one blue and one green eye. Iron Will shows the real inner strength both men and dogs possess as the team fights to win their race from Winnipeg to St. Paul.
Benji
Benji is the story of the cutest little mutt who roams around a small town in Texas. He has a pretty normal life - getting handouts from a local shop owner and badgering one of the town's resident cats - until two of his favorite children are kidnapped. Benji sets out on a mission to save the kids and even finds love along the way. It's an adorable story, told through the eyes of one loveable pup. Benji was filmed in 1974.
All Dogs Go to Heaven
This animated fantasy/drama is pretty intense for a kids movie, but it is no doubt a classic tale. Charlie B. Barkin is a canine casino owner who is killed by Carface (a canine gambler). As luck would have it, he is able to return to Earth from heaven where he decides to seek his revenge. Things get complicated though, as Charlie grows to love a little orphan girl named Anne-Marie. This 1989 movie is funny, dark and hopeful all at once.
Homeward Bound
Who doesn't have some amazing childhood memories of Homeward Bound? This 1993 movie follows the story of three pets who, thinking they have been abandoned when their owners go out of town, leave behind their comfortable domestication and strike out into the wild on a search for their owners. The main pet characters of the movie are Sassy a Himalayan cat, Shadow a Golden Retriever and Michael J. Fox who stars as the voice of Chance an American Bulldog. The unlikely trio will take you on an epic journey full of laughs and suspense. This is the perfect movie for cat and dog lovers alike.
101 Dalmatians
This 1961 classic, was one of Disney's most successful films. Pongo and Perdita are perfectly happy with their 15 puppies and charming owners, Roger and Anita - that is, until the evil Cruela De Vil decides she wants to turn the dogs into a fashionable fur coat. This familiar story is one that will keep you in suspense and make you laugh out loud, even if you've seen the movie before. Check out this 101 Dalmatians pet tag for your dog!
The Adventures of Milo and Otis
This 1986 film was originally released in Japan, and later Dudley Moore recorded the narration in English. The movie documents an unlikely friendship between a pug and a cat, who are tragically separated. A live action aspect adds interest to the story and film style as you follow the two as they attempt to find each other once again.
My Dog Skip
The cast of this movie from 2000 is incredible - Diane Lane, Kevin Bacon and Frankie Muniz take the stage along with two Jack Russell Terrier actors named Moose and Enzo. The story line includes drama, comedy and even historical events, which makes for an interesting plot and a heartwarming story about the friendship between a boy and his dog.
The Fox and the Hound
In 1981, The Fox and the Hound was released, telling a tale of true friendship. The story is light-hearted most of the time, but it tackles some deep issues along the way, such as how society breeds prejudice. It is a Disney classic that will pull your heart in all directions.
Lady and the Tramp
In 1955, Lady and the Tramp stole the show with one of Hollywood's most memorable date scenes. (I mean seriously, how many people have tried the spaghetti trick since?) This classic story deals with forbidden love between a well-bred, beautiful cocker spaniel and her street dog boyfriend. Considering its romantic theme, it's an excellent choice for date night.
Old Yeller
This classic was released in 1957, which means it's been tugging at heart strings for a half a century already. Old Yeller is a story of how we come to love our pets, the responsibility they give us and how we deal with their loss. Just be warned, if you haven't seen it yet, bring the tissue box because it is a real tear jerker.
Marley & Me
Most pet owners can relate to this film, which came out in the late 2000s. The movie makes viewers crack up at Marley's disobedient puppy antics and then makes you appreciate that despite all the troublemaking, puppies can really bring a family together. This one will make you love your pooch even more than you thought you could.
Turner & Hooch
In 1989, Turner & Hooch became one of our all time favorite pair of cop partners. The story of neat freak (Tom Hanks) and his partner Hooch, who may have a bit of a drooling problem will make you laugh and warm your heart. It's definitely one of our all-time favorite dog movies!
Do you think there are any more examples of canine cinema that we might have left out? Let us know in the comments section!
