There are few things better than curling up on the couch with your dog and watching a good movie. And what better movie to watch than one about dogs? Here are 10 of the best dog movies of all time:
10. Marley & Me
A newly married couple adopts a dog to see if they're ready to raise a family. But lovable and rambunctious Marley has a lot more to teach them than that. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, Marley & Me is a must-watch for any dog lover.
9. 101 Dalmatians
When Pongo and Perdita's puppies are kidnapped by the nefarious Cruella De Vil, to be turned into a Dalmatian fur coat, it's up to the pair to rescue them at any cost. Later remade with Glenn Close as Cruella, nothing beats the original 1961 animated version, featuring one of the catchiest and most memorable villain songs in Disney history.
8. Air Bud
Josh's golden retriever, Buddy, has a talent for basketball and becomes Josh's middle school team's star player. The movie was followed by a myriad of sequels, wherein Buddy shows his skills at soccer, baseball, volleyball, and more. They can get a bit ridiculous, but they're a lot of fun to watch.
7. Lady and the Tramp
Everyone knows the scene where high class Lady and stray mutt Tramp find love over a plate of spaghetti. But the whole movie is filled with adventure and Disney fun that we could enjoy again and again.
6. Old Yeller
Known mainly for its tragic ending, there's actually a lot more to this movie than that. Telling the story of the loyalty between a boy and his dog, this family favorite will have you in tears every time.
5. Where the Red Fern Grows
12-year-old Billy saves all his money to adopt two Bluetick hounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. He loves the two more than anything and has a number of adventures with them as he trains them to hunt racoons. A great coming-of-age story based on the novel of the same name.
4. Hotel for Dogs
Two orphaned children hide their dog, Friday, in an abandoned hotel - where they're soon joined by more dogs who need someone to take care of them. A fun children's film with a good heart.
3. All Dogs Go to Heaven
In this animated adventure from the legendary Don Bluth, Charlie B. Barkin (Burt Reynolds) manages to cheat his way into a second chance at life on Earth. But can he redeem himself enough to earn his place in Heaven?
2. A Dog's Purpose
One of the most beautiful dog films of the last few years, we follow the spirit of one dog, voiced by Josh Gad, as he's reincarnated as multiple canine companions over the course of several decades. He uses his different experiences with all different owners, to figure out what, exactly, he's meant to do with these lives he's been given.
1. The Shaggy Dog
A teen finds a mysterious, enchanted ring, which transforms him periodically into an Old English Sheepdog - generally at the most inopportune moments. As a dog, he's able to stop some evil spies, rescue the girl he likes, and bond with his father. There was a sequel, The Shaggy D.A., and several remakes, but the original version, with Tommy Kirk and Fred MacMurray, remains our favorite.
These are just a few of the classic films that explore the relationships people have with their canine companions. What are your favorite dog films?
