Craving a Movie Night? These Are the Best Dog Films You Can Stream Right Now
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Dogs are known as man's best friends, and nowhere is that more evident than in movies. From classics (like Toto in The Wizard of Oz) to starring roles (like Beethoven) and animated adventures (like Bolt), hundreds of cute canines have graced the silver screen. While movies like the Wizard of Oz ultimately aren't all about the dog (though Toto does get a hero moment when he unveils the Wizard), there are so many great films that we think really showcase perfect pups.
We do feel like we have to warn you that many classic dog movies (think Old Yeller or Marley & Me) are deeply sad (some are definitely not kid-friendly)—but every once in a while, there's something cathartic about being caught up in the story of a beloved pet's life, especially if you've had your own pet who was an important member of your family.
Don't worry, though, not all of these dog movies are tearjerkers! There are a lot of cartoons and goofy comedies, if you're looking for a family-friendly feature that celebrates canines. So no matter if you have an affinity for chihuahuas, love Labrador retrievers, or go gaga for German shepherds, we've got doggone good movies for you—and they're all available to stream, so you can get them at the touch of a button (or paw) for your next movie night.
More to watch: Best movies to watch on Hulu | Kids' movies to stream on Netflix | Best Disney movies
One Hundred and One Dalmations (1961)
Behold, the animated feature that gave us one of the most dastardly Disney villains, Cruella de Vil. She's on a mission to take Dalmatian puppies and turn them into a fur coat. (The live-action remake with Glenn Close as the villainess is also a good time!)
Beethoven (1992)
This film about the adventures of a beloved St. Bernard spawned seven additional films and a cartoon series.
The Shaggy Dog (1959)
It can be hard to convince kids to sit through a black and white movie, but this classic Disney film is far better than the 2006 remake. In the original version, a teenager discovers an heirloom ring that allows him to shapeshift into a dog at the most inopportune times.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)
A pampered Beverly Hills pooch lost in Mexico gets involved in dog fights while struggling to find love and her way home. It's pretty ridiculous, but popular enough to spawn several direct-to-video sequels.
Turner & Hooch (1989)
Released in the heyday of buddy cop comedies, this one has a fun twist, where a detective (Tom Hanks) partners with a really slobbery dog to solve a murder.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
There are a few versions of this story out there, but this one is our favorite. Two dogs and a cat get separated from their owners who have recently moved, and they go on a trek through the wilderness to reunite with their loved ones.
Bolt (2008)
If you ask us, Rhino the hamster is the real star of this movie—but Bolt the dog does get top billing. Bolt's a TV star who thinks he has real superpowers, until he ventures off-set to try and rescue his owner.
All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
Cartoons in the '80s did not play around. This one starts out with dog casino owner Charlie being offed by his business partner and sent to heaven. But Charlie escapes and returns to Earth to get revenge, all before meeting a young orphan girl who helps him find some redemption.
Old Yeller (1957)
If you're of a certain age, you might still be mad at that one teacher who made you read this book. Or maybe that's just us. Anyway, this famed film features Old Yeller, the goodest boy who gets bitten by a wolf protecting his family...and then things get really sad.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
We all wonder what our pets do when we're not home, and as it turns out, these personality-filled NYC pets have action-packed lives. There's also a cute sequel if you want to make it a double feature.
Air Bud (1997)
This film about a basketball-playing dog launched an entire franchise of films about sporty dogs that excel at soccer, football, and more. There's also a direct-to-video series called Air Buddies, with puppies playing sports, going to space, and even helping Santa.
The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Enzo is an ailing, elderly dog who looks back and narrates his remarkable life with race car driver Denny (Milo Ventimiglia). *SOB*
Hotel for Dogs (2009)
Don't settle for a movie with just one dog when you can have one that features a dozen adorable mutts! Two foster kids band together to take care of—and attempt to secretly rescue—a host of strays. And yes, that is Emma Roberts.
Marley & Me (2008)
This poster looks like it's advertising a rom-com, but don't let it fool you—you'll need a box of tissues. It stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as newlyweds who adopt a puppy—and it follows them as they hit major milestones together.
Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)
It's hard to tell who's cuter in this movie: AnnaSophia Robb in her first film role or Lyco and Scott, the pups that play Winn-Dixie. Robb plays Opal, a newcomer to a small town who meets a stray dog that helps her make friends in her new home.
Dog (2022)
Channing Tatum and a dog make an appealing combo. A former Army Ranger, played by Tatum, and a service dog set off on an unlikely journey and become friends for life.
Balto (1995)
While we can't speak to the quality of the sequels, this movie based on the true story of a heroic dog is an action-packed animated adventure. When a small town needs life-saving medicine amid a brutal winter storm, a brave outcast dog steps up—despite some vicious rivals—to make sure the mission is accomplished.
The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989)
This sweet Japanese adventure film, narrated by Dudley Moore, features a curious kitten (Milo) who befriends a sweet pug (Otis). The two are on quite the adventure—which includes meeting a bear!—when Milo ends up floating in a box down the river.
Best in Show (2000)
Kids might not appreciate the mockumentary brilliance of Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy, but if you love This Is Spinal Tap or Schitt's Creek, this offbeat comedy is a perfect date night option. It pokes fun at the world of competitive dogs shows with standout performances by Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Lynch—and all the dogs in the movie deserve a blue ribbon.
Eight Below (2006)
There are so many heroic dog movies, but this one with Paul Walker is worth a watch. Set in Antarctica, eight sled dogs are left behind during a rescue mission and fight to find their way back home.
White Fang (1991)
The Jack London book has been turned into multiple movies, but we like this version with Ethan Hawke. Heads up: It might be a little violent for younger kids, because prospecting in the Yukon wilderness is no joke...and there are fights with a bear and other dogs.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Here we have arguably the cutest zombie movie you'll ever watch. It's a stop-motion retelling of the Frankenstein tale, but it's about a young Victor Frankenstein bringing his beloved pet back to life and the chaos that ensues when other kids want to do the same.
My Dog Skip (2000)
Much like Because of Winn-Dixie, this movie features a young kid (Frankie Muniz) getting a dog (Enzo, the cutie who starred as Eddie on Frasier) that changes his life and helps him come out of his shell. It's based on a sweet true story, but it's a heartbreaker.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
We couldn't compile a list of dog movies without including the most romantic dog film of all time! The spaghetti scene alone makes it worthy of a shoutout.
The Call of the Wild (2020)
Similar to White Fang, this film based on a Jack London book follows a man and his dog in the Yukon. It also has some rough scenes—and well, get the tissues ready.
Benji the Hunted (1987)
Benji is a film star who goes missing and attempts to rescue adorable little cougar cubs while finding his own way home. There are multiple Benji movies out there, but this is the best, we think.
Cujo (1983)
If you prefer your puppies cute and cuddly, this is not the movie for you. The Stephen King film is about a rabid St. Bernard and is only fit for horror movie lovers.
Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
Based on another gut-wrenching classic novel you might have read as a kid, this is the tale of a young boy, his beloved coon-hunting dogs, and the series of challenges they face.
Shiloh (1996)
This sweet-faced little beagle has a nasty owner, but he befriends a kid who loves him and tries to rescue him.
Oliver & Company (1988)
Yes, the titular character is a cat, not a dog, but this animated retelling of Oliver Twist would be nothing without the canines who help the homeless kitten make his way in the big city. The highlight, of course, is Billy Joel performing the catchy original tune "Why Should I Worry?" as Dodger.
DC League of Superpets (2022)
When the Justice League needs rescuing, who else do they turn to but man's best friend—or in this case, Superman's best friend? Krypto and some other superpets band together to save their heroic owners from supervillain Lex Luthor.
Isle of Dogs (2018)
This Wes Anderson stop-motion film has a star-studded cast, with Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum voicing dogs who have been banished to an island because of a canine flu outbreak.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
This sweet Disney animated movie focuses on the unlikely friendship between a young fox and a goofy hound dog puppy who is being groomed for hunting. It has some sad moments, so your call if it's kid-friendly!
Cats & Dogs (2001)
The rivalry between cats and dogs comes to a head in this spy comedy. It's like Mission: Impossible, but with pets!
Max (2015)
Based on true events, Max is a heroic dog who served his handler faithfully in Afghanistan. After his handler dies in a gunfight, Max is sent to live with his handler's family in the U.S., where he helps uncover shady dealings.
Togo (2019)
Much like Balto, this is based on the true story of a brave dog and dogsled trainer who help bring much-needed medicine to a small Alaskan town. We've seen a lot of dog movies, but Diesel, the dog who plays the lead role, does some really sensational acting work.
Lassie Come Home (1943)
You've probably heard of the classic TV series Lassie, in which Lassie rescues Timmy from a well (among other things). This movie is not that, but it does also feature a beautiful collie dog who is separated from her owner and makes a desperate trek across the UK to return to him.
The Year of the Dog (2022)
A stray husky befriends a lonely alcoholic, and the two have a connection that helps save them both. Dogs really do heal!
Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)
The comically oversized bright red pup from the popular children's books gets the big-screen treatment. Problems arise, as it's not easy to keep a giant dog hidden.
Pick of the Litter (2018)
This might be the most adorable documentary ever made, as it follows five puppies on their journey to become guide dogs for the blind.
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