Want A Movie Night That'll Give You The Warm and Fuzzies? Here Are The 25 Best Dog Movies of All Time
Dogs are man's best friend for a reason. They're fuzzy, cute, and loyal — they're the ultimate companions. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom found evidence that simply watching cute animals — or simply looking at the photos in this article — may contribute to a reduction in stress and anxiety.
That's no secret to Hollywood, either, since there have been some amazing movies about the joys of dog ownership and heartwarming stories of the unconditional love of of our four-legged friends. Want to cuddle up on the couch with your furry friend for a pup-centric movie night? Keep reading for the plots and streaming locations of some of our favorite dog movies of all time.
My Dog Skip
This 2000 film starring Frankie Muniz, Luke Wilson, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane is based on an autobiographical book of the same name by Willie Morris. Narrated by Harry Connick Jr., this heartwarming story shows how powerful a friendship between a boy and his dog can be. Stream or rent it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu or Apple TV.
Benji
The original movie, released in 1974 and directed by Joe Camp, is about stray dog who saves two children from kidnappers, despite the fact that the children’s father wouldn’t allow them to give Benji a home. In 2018, the son of the original producer rebooted the film with the same premise. Steam the original on Vudu or Apple TV, and watch the 2018 version on Netflix.
Lassie Come Home
It wouldn’t be a list of the best dog movies of all time without mentioning Lassie. Originally released in 1943, Lassie Come Home is based on a 1940 book of the same name. It’s about a dog makes a long and perilous trek across Scotland to find her family. It inspired a 1954 TV series as well as several films, both remakes and additions to the story. Rent the original film on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu, or Apple TV.
Beethoven
If you love big dogs, there’s a chance you’ve seen (and love) Beethoven. This 1992 film stars Bonnie Hunt, Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci, Dean Jones and Cahrles Grodin. This dog movie is about a loveable but mischievous St. Bernard named Beethoven who, with the help of his family, thwarts dangerous experiments perpetrated by an evil veterinarian. It was written by filmmaker John Hughes of The Breakfast Club and Ferris Buller’s Day Off fame, but under the pseudonym Edmond Dantès. Watch or rent it on STARZ, Google Play, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, or Vudu.
Clifford The Big Red Dog
Who among us hasn’t wanted to hug a dog as big and as sweet as Clifford? Clifford The Big Red Dog movie is a beloved children’s story originally released in 1963 by Norman Bridwell. It became so beloved, in fact, that it inspired a series of subsequent books, a TV show, and multiple movies. The most recent one, released in 2021, stars Darby Camp as Emily Elizabeth, and depicts the huge (pun intended) love between a girl and her big red dog. Watch it with Amazon Prime, Paramount + and MGM +.
101 Dalmatians
Never has a movie had such a catchy song written about its primary villain. This 1961 Disney classic is about a family of puppies who escape evil fashionista Cruella de Vil with the help of other dogs across London. Watch it on Disney +, or rent it on Google Play, Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Vudu.
Lady and the Tramp
Puppy love at its finest. Lady and the Tramp is a 1955 Disney classic about a stray mutt who falls in love with a pedigreed family pet. Its visuals and music truly stand the test of time. Watch it on DIsney +, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Vudu, Redbox., or Apple TV.
A Dog’s Purpose
This touching 2017 film shows that even though we only have our dogs for a certain amount of time, the love they share with us is everlasting. Watch it on Sling TV or Spectrum TV, or rent it on ROW8, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Redbox or Vudu.
A Dog’s Journey
A sequel to A Dog’s Purpose, this 2019 film continues the story of the main pup and his owner as they both navigate life. Watch it on Sling TV or Spectrum TV, or rent it on ROW8, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Redbox or Vudu.
Turner & Hooch
Of course a movie starring Tom Hanks and a dog is a winner in our books. This buddy cop film released in 1989 is about a detective who solves a crime with the help of a heroic pooch. Watch it on Disney +, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Redbox., Apple TV, or Vudu.
Marley & Me
Dog movies don’t always have to make you cry, but this one certainly does. Based on a book of the same name, this 2008 film starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston is about the life lessons you can learn from owning a dog. Watch it on Max or Spectrum TV, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Redbox. Or Vudu.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
This 2009 movie starring Richard Gere is based on a true story about the unconditional love and loyalty of a dog named Hachi. Watch it on Netflix, or rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play or Vudu.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Based on a children’s book of the same name, this 2005 film adaptation is about a young girl who makes friends in her new town with the help of a lovably mischievous stray dog. Watch it on Disney +, Hulu or Spectrum TV, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Redbox., AppleTV Or Vudu.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Also based on a novel, this 2019 film starring Milo Ventimiglia depicts the bond between a Formula One racer and his golden retriever. Watch it on Disney +, Sling TV or Spectrum TV, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Redbox. Or Vudu.
Must Love Dogs
Diane Lane and John Cusack bond over their love of dogs and attempt to find lifelong love in this 2005 rom-com. Rent it on Amazon PRime, Apple TV, Redbox. Or Vudu.
The Incredible Journey
This film, originally released in 1963, features three pets — a cat and two dogs — who set out to be reunited with their owners. Watch it on Cinema Box, Movieland TV or Disney +, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Vudu.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
This 1993 remake of The Incredible Journey is about two dogs and a cat who make a long, perilous trip to get back home. Watch it on Disney +, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Vudu.
Finding Rin Tin Tin
Based on a true story, this 2007 film is about a German Shepherd puppy found during World War I that went on become one of Hollywood’s most famous canine actors. Watch it on Freevee, Roku, Pluto TV, Tubi, Vudu or Redbox.
The Adventures of Milo & Otis
This 1986 adventure shows that cats and dogs can, in fact, be best friends. Cat Milo and pug Otis go through various obstacles to be reunited with each other. Rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Redbox., or Vudu.
Old Yeller
This 1957 tear-jerker is based on a classic novel, and it’s about the bittersweet love and devotion between a heroic dog and his owner. Watch it on Movieland TV, Cinema Box or Disney +, or stream it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Vudu.
Balto
Based on a true story, this 1995 animated film tells the tale of a heroic sled dog that fought through catastrophic blizzards to help deliver lifesaving medicine during a deadly epidemic. Watch it on Spectrum TV, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Redbox. Or Vudu..
The Secret Life of Pets
This hilarious family film was released in 2016 and it features a dog whose lifeis upended when his owner adopts another dog. Watch it on Peacock, or rent it on ROW8, Amazon PRime, or Vudu.
Eight Below
In this 2006 adventure, scientists fight through the frozen tundra of Anatarctica to rescue their beloved sled dogs. Watch it on Disney +, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Redbox., Apple TV or Vudu.
Red Dog
Based on a true story, this 2011 film set in Australia is about a stray-turned-pet dog that was loyal to the end. Watch it on Kanopy, STARZ, Spectrum TV or Roku, or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Vudu.
Max
Released in 2015, this movie is about a military dog whose Marine handler died in the line of fire. The deceased’s civilian brother adopts Max, and both of their lives are changed forever. Rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Vudu.
Ready for a comfy, cozy, canine-filled night in? Grab your paw-pcorn and enjoy.
