Movies about dogs can warm or shatter even the coldest of hearts. But some are better than others. One of the best things about dog movies is their versatility and how quickly viewers get attached to these adorable animals, no matter how destructive they may be. Ultimately, this style of storytelling should be a genre itself due to how many dog movies there are. Either way, these stories are easy to adore and will often rip viewers' hearts in two, and they’ll still come back for more.
The reasoning behind constantly coming back for more is due to how impactful these stories are. Most of the time dog movies are a great experience, and some seem to be more popular and arguably greater than others.
Updated July 07, 2025, by Kath Leroy:The love people have for their dogs continues to form an important part of modern society. And since cinematography generally reflects the world as it is or as it could be, new dog movies appear every year. What’s more, older, previously half-forgotten jewels draw more attention to themselves, finally gaining the audience they deserve. Dogs arehere to stay, and the many good movies about them prove it. Whether the viewers prefer more feel-good stories or sad ones, the best dog movies won’t disappoint anyone, from experienced dog owners to casual viewers.
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18Beethoven (1992)
Both Beethoven the Dog andBeethoventhe Movie can be acquired taste. Unlike other dogs appearing in movies, Beethoven isn’t all sweet and gentle. It’s not because he doesn’t want to be, but because he’s huge, playful, and slobbers a lot, a fact that especially the father of his new family isn’t pleased with.
This leads to many humorous confrontations between Beethoven and his new owners, as well as any people who cross his path. Of course, there is also a main villain that pursues Beethoven, and if the dog is to escape him, it won’t be without difficulties. That adds an extra bit of tension to thefamily comedy.
17Red Dog: True Blue (2016)
Not all dog movies need to havebig scary villains like Cruella De Vill. Some can just be a truly hilarious heartfelt comedy about a young dog who becomes an Australian legend. This tale tells the story of how this happened and the relationship Blue has with his owner.
While it’s predominantly a comedy, it’s almost guaranteed the viewer will cry on multiple occasions, whether that’s through laughter, sadness, or pure love. Either way, this is a movie that cannot be missed and is revered by fans and critics alike.
16White Fang (2018)
Canmovie adaptations of classic novelsattract even 21st-century viewers? Yes, if they are done well, andWhite Fangmanages it. The movie offers beautiful animations and animals and people who feel just as real as any live-action movie hero.
White Fang meets multiple people and influences their lives during the movie. Having the movie focus on his relationship with several humans ensures that the audience sees various aspects of the world the movie creates. Of course, Jack London’s original novel is primarily an adventure story, andWhite Fangdoesn’t disappoint in this aspect either. So, even though multiple movie versions of the book exist, this one counts among the best and most approachable.
15Bolt (2008)
Starring an acting superhero canine and an owner who would do everything for her dog, this movie is a must-watch and is easily one of the manyfantasticDisneymovies all about pooches.It tells the tale of Bolt, the superstar acting canine who thinks he actually has real powers. After a mistake in the shipping, Bolt finds his so-called powers put to the test and has to traverse lands he never thought he’d set foot in.
Rather than being a story that centers around the love between a pet and its owner, this heartwarming movie explores the life of this charismatic dog and brings with it endless laughter, a few tears, and a truly memorable experience.
14Frankenweenie (2012)
Losing a beloved dog is hard for an adult, let alone a child. People don’t have the same possibility as the main hero of this movie, a boy named Victor, who decides to bring his dog Frankenweenie back from the dead. He succeeds but causes trouble because of it. Tim Burton has a characteristic directorial style andFrankenweeniefits right in.
The movie has a lot of heart as it captures the bond between Victor and Frankenweenie but can be scary at times, especially for the youngest audience. What’s certain is that the dog Frankenweenie doesn’t disappoint, (un)dead or not.Burton based the movie on his 1984 live-action short movieof the same name, but the animated version got more attention from the public.
13Heart Of A Dog (2015)
Heart of a Dogmay be a rather unknown movie for some viewers, but this recently released documentary quickly became a widely revered experience by critics and audiences alike. At its core, this tale explores rather heavy themes of love, death, and most of all, hope.
Unlike a lot of movies starring dogs, this movie doesn’t particularly make the dog the focus of the story. However, just like any pet owner will know, no matter what element of the story the viewer is in, the dog remains a central aspect. It’s a touching experience that’s unlike any other dog movie.
12Marley & Me (2008)
When many think of dog movies,Marley & Meis the first one that comes to mind. If any viewer hasn’t experienced this wonderful movie then be prepared for a world of love, cuteness, and unbelievable heartbreak.
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While not for the faint of heart,Marley & Meis one of the most classic and well-told love stories between a dog and its owner. It’s one that will make viewers adore their dogs and hold them a little closer that night.
11Lassie Come Home (1943)
While some may argue that Lassie is the best exploration into perhaps one of the most famous live-action canines in cinema, it’sLassie Come Homethat is undeniably a more enjoyable experience. This is purely due to the fact that it includes the original dog and is the first story to introduce viewers to the most loving relationship seen on screen in years.
It tells the tale of a family who had to sell their beloved Collie, Lassie much to their son’s attempts to stop them. Luckily, Lassie has other plans. All this and more makethis movie one of the most classicand well-known dog movies ever made.
10Rescued By Ruby (2022)
One of the latest dog-centered movies that’s available on Netflix tells the story of an unlikely friendship of the dog Ruby who doesn’t like to do what people want her to and a young policeman who dreams of changing his career and joining the K-9 unit. Together, they’ll have to prove they’re good enough and also find their way to each other.
The heartwarming story and the sympathetic characters keep the audience invested. Grant Gustin, best known for his portrayal of the superheroBarry Allen in the seriesThe Flash, proves that he can pull off multiple genres and thanks to his performance, Ruby herself, and the story,Rescued by Rubycomes across as a feel-good movie.
9A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
The concept of a dog reincarnating until he fulfills his purpose is a unique one among dog movies.A Dog’s Purposefocuses on the dog Bailey (who also has many other names) who spends multiple lives with different people but keeps looking for his first beloved owner, the boy Ethan. The movie is bittersweet at times, as ugly things happen both to Bailey and his owners.
What makes it come across as optimistic is the love between people and their dogs that will be familiar to everyone who’s ever had a dog. The movie offers a parade of talented dogs as well as a solid cast, with Dennis Quaid in the leading role. Based on a novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the movie did well and got a sequel in 2019 that’s alsostreaming on Netflix.
