Many of us have a soft spot when it comes to seeing our canine companions on the big screen. We’ve watched them fall in love, try to make it back home after losing their way and make jump shots in the backyard.
As a result, man’s best friend has been in the leading role of some of man’s best movies. Here’s a list of the best movies about dogs:
Balto (1995) – This movie about a heroic husky is based on a true story. In the movie, Balto was a wolfdog, half wolf, half Siberian Husky, that was never accepted by his fellow sled dogs or humans until he powered through Alaska to deliver a diphtheria antitoxin to sick children. In real life, there actually was a Siberian Husky named Balto that went on the same famed serum run through 600 miles of Alaskan snowstorms. The statue of Balto seen in the movie still stands in Central Park.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) – Imagine Home Alone if Macaulay Culkin actually went out to find the family who left him behind, but was replaced by an American Bulldog, a Golden Retriever and a Himalayan cat. Homeward Bound tells the story of a group of pets that were left with a friend while their family went on vacation across the country. The only problem is that the ever loyal pets think they were abandoned, and they escape to find their owners.
Cujo (1983) – Showing that dog’s aren’t always the warm-hearted, lovable heroes we’ve come to know, Cujo was a film adaptation of a Stephen King novel where a St. Bernard falls victim to a case of rabies that sends him on a killing spree in a small town. His main targets are a mother and her young son. You can currently stream Cujo on Netflix.
Oliver & Company (1988) – This four-legged rendition of Charles Dickens’ literary classic, Oliver Twist, tells the story of a naive cat that finds himself being brought into the fold of a gang of street-wise dogs. The cast includes a prepubescent Joey Lawrence, Cheech Marin and Billy Joel’s only acting credit, which obviously calls for some singing.
Marley & Me (2008) – Some are fortunate enough to have a pet that stays with them through the milestones of their lives. Marley & Me is a movie about just that, a family who goes through its fair share of ups and downs with a Golden Retriever named Marley, after the great reggae artist.
The Fox and the Hound (1981) – This Disney classic brought on Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell to portray a fox named Tod and a hound named Copper. In their youth, the two defy their natural instincts to be enemies and build an innocent friendship. But as they each grow into adulthood, things get far more complicated as their relationship is challenged by the world around them. You can watch The Fox and the Hound on Netflix.
101 Dalmatians (1961) – 101 Dalmatians tells the story of a pair of Dalmatians named Pongo and Perdita who have just had a litter of puppies in London. All is well in their happy home until Cruella de Vil, the former classmate of their owner, Anita, plans to make a fur coat out of them and other dozens of other dalmatian puppies she’s gotten a hold of. This is one of those movies you look at a little differently when you get older.
Lady and the Tramp (1955) – One of Disney’s early classics, Lady and the Tramp tells the story of a Cocker Spaniel from a wealthy family named Lady, a street-wise mutt named Tramp, and their star-crossed love affair. Not many suspected that a movie about dogs would provide the world with the romantic cliche of sharing a single string a spaghetti until their lips inevitably lock.
Air Bud (1997) – This film about a Golden Retriever that could play basketball was the start of a series that went on for 13 years. Air Bud showed us that dogs could hold their own on the hardwood, which led to the gridiron, then the soccer field. Then, they had kids, and they pretty much went all over the world and eventually got super powers.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale serves as a reminder of the lifelong bond dogs can have with their owners. Hachi, an Akita Inu, was cared for by a college professor, played by Richard Gere. Hachi falls into the habit of waiting for his owner at the train station everyday. Based on a true story that took place in Japan in the 1920’s, Hachi is still remembered to this day for his loyalty.
