The Best Dog Movies You (Probably) Haven’t Seen Yet
Quick Summary: Best Dog Movies to Watch
Looking for heartfelt dog movies to watch with your pup? Here are some of the best, lesser-known dog films across genres, from tearjerkers like Old Yeller and Red Dog, to quirky comedies like Turner & Hooch and indie standouts like White God. These picks are perfect for a cozy holiday movie night with your four-legged friend.
You already know Marley & Me. You’ve cried over Hachi and maybe even quoted Lassie. But what about the lesser-known gems? The quiet tearjerkers, quirky comedies, and unexpected adventures that capture the soul of what it means to love a dog?
This holiday season, treat yourself and your furry sidekick to something new. Whether your pup is sprawled across your lap or sneaking popcorn from the bowl, a cozy dog movie night is the perfect way to unwind together. These handpicked films might not be household names, but they’re filled with the heart, loyalty, and tail-wagging spirit that every dog lover will recognize.
So grab a blanket, call your best friend over, and discover some of the best dog movies you probably haven’t seen yet.
Table of Contents
Saddest Dog Movies
Some dog movies don’t just tug at your heartstrings; they grab hold and don’t let go. These classics are known for their emotional depth and unforgettable endings, capturing the loyalty, sacrifice, and pure love that dogs bring into our lives. They’re the kind of films that leave you reaching for tissues and hugging your pup a little tighter.
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Old Yeller (1957) — Disney classic with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score.
In frontier Texas, a teenage boy named Travis grows to love a stray yellow dog who proves himself as a brave protector of the family. Their bond deepens through shared hardships, but when Old Yeller is exposed to rabies, Travis faces a heartbreaking decision that marks the end of his childhood. It’s a timeless story of love, loyalty, and growing up.
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Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
Based on the beloved novel, this coming-of-age story follows a boy and his two coonhounds through rural childhood adventures and deep emotional trials. Revered for its honest depiction of love and loss, it’s a tearjerker that still resonates across generations.
Dog Movies Based on Books
Some of the most touching dog stories began as books that captured the hearts of readers long before reaching the screen. These adaptations bring those tales to life, reminding us why dogs have always been at the center of our most heartfelt stories. Whether it's a journey across lifetimes or across miles, these films celebrate the loyalty, resilience, and deep emotional connections that define our bond with dogs.
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A Dog’s Purpose (2017) — A dog reincarnated to fulfill a purpose with each new life.
Based on the bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, this heartfelt film follows a dog who is reincarnated multiple times, each life bringing him closer to understanding his true purpose. Through changing owners and different eras, he remains loyal, curious, and determined to bring love to the humans he meets.
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A Dog’s Way Home (2019) — An epic cross-country journey to reunite with a human.
Adapted from another W. Bruce Cameron novel, this adventure follows Bella, a devoted dog who becomes separated from her owner and embarks on a 400-mile journey home. Along the way, she touches lives, faces danger, and proves the unbreakable bond between a dog and their person.
Feel-Good Dog Movies for Families
These films mix fun, heart, and just enough adventure to keep both kids and adults entertained. Whether animated or live action, they celebrate the joy and growth that come from loving a dog and being loved in return.
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Isle of Dogs (2018) — Wes Anderson’s stop-motion dystopia with quirky canines.
In this unique stop-motion film by Wes Anderson, an outbreak of canine flu leads the authoritarian mayor of a futuristic Japanese city to banish all dogs to a garbage-covered island. When a young boy sets out to find his lost dog, he teams up with a ragtag group of exiled pups. With striking visuals and dry humor, it’s a quirky yet heartfelt tale of loyalty and rebellion.
Image courtesy of VOX
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Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) — A girl’s life changes after adopting a stray.
Based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo, this family favorite follows 10-year-old Opal, a lonely girl in a new town who adopts a scruffy dog she finds at a grocery store. She names him Winn-Dixie, and with his goofy charm, he helps her make friends, reconnect with her father, and bring a small community together. It’s a warm and gentle story about healing, connection, and unexpected friendship.
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Eight Below (2006) — Sled dogs struggle to survive in Antarctica.
Inspired by true events, this gripping survival drama follows a team of sled dogs left behind in Antarctica after a research expedition is forced to evacuate due to a brutal storm. While their handler fights to return, the dogs must endure freezing temperatures and fend for themselves. It’s an emotional and visually stunning film about endurance, loyalty, and the incredible strength of the canine spirit.
Funny Dog Movies to Watch
These lighthearted films bring laughs, lovable chaos, and some truly unforgettable canine characters. Whether it’s a St. Bernard trashing a kitchen or a police dog stealing the show, these movies are all about the messy, joyful fun that dogs bring into our lives.
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Best in Show (2000) — Hilarious send-up of dog show culture.
This mockumentary from Christopher Guest hilariously spoofs the high-stakes world of competitive dog shows. With an eccentric cast of characters and their equally quirky pups, the film blends improv-style humor with genuine affection for its subjects. It’s absurd, sharp, and endlessly rewatchable for anyone who’s ever taken their pet a little too seriously.
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Beethoven (1992) — Classic ‘90s family comedy about a mischievous St. Bernard.
When a massive St. Bernard named Beethoven joins the Newton family, chaos quickly follows. From wrecking the furniture to outsmarting villains, Beethoven’s antics test the patience of the uptight dad but win the hearts of everyone else. It’s a ‘90s comedy classic packed with slapstick fun and canine charm.
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Turner & Hooch (1989) — Buddy-cop comedy with Tom Hanks and a drooling partner.
A neat-freak detective (Tom Hanks) finds his world turned upside down when he inherits a slobbery, destructive Dogue de Bordeaux named Hooch. As the unlikely duo team up to solve a murder, their love-hate relationship slowly turns into something more heartfelt. Think buddy cop movie, but with way more drool.
Dog Movies About the Military and Service
These films shed light on the bravery and emotional intelligence of working dogs, especially those who serve in the military. From combat zones to homefront healing, they capture the profound bonds forged under the most intense circumstances.
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Max (2015) — A traumatized military dog finds healing with his late handler’s family.
After his handler is killed in action, a military working dog named Max is sent home to live with the soldier’s grieving family. Suffering from PTSD, Max struggles to adjust until he forms a deep connection with the soldier’s younger brother. Together, they embark on a journey of healing, trust, and redemption.
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Megan Leavey (2017) — True story of a Marine and her bomb-sniffing dog.
Based on a true story, this film follows Marine corporal Megan Leavey and her military K-9 partner, Rex. As one of the few people able to handle the aggressive dog, Megan and Rex build an unbreakable bond while deployed in Iraq, where they save countless lives detecting explosives. Their story is a moving tribute to courage, loyalty, and persistence.
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Dog (2022) — A former Army Ranger takes a troubled dog on a healing road trip.
Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) is tasked with escorting Lulu, a troubled Belgian Malinois, to her former handler’s funeral. What starts as a reluctant road trip turns into a healing journey for them both. Through shared grief and unexpected moments of connection, Dog explores the emotional wounds of war and the power of canine companionship to help mend them.
Unusual and Thought-Provoking Dog Films
Not every dog movie is warm and fuzzy. These offbeat, thought-provoking films use dogs to explore deeper human themes, from loneliness and alienation to societal injustice and rebellion. They may not be traditional crowd-pleasers, but they offer something bold and unforgettable.
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Wiener-Dog (2016) — Dark comedy told through a dachshund passed between owners.
Directed by Todd Solondz, this darkly comic anthology follows a single dachshund as it passes through the lives of several different (and deeply flawed) owners. Each story is tinged with absurdity, melancholy, and deadpan humor, using the dog as a quiet observer of human dysfunction. It’s bleak, strange, and oddly affecting.
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White God (2014) — Hungarian allegory about oppressed stray dogs rising up.
In this Hungarian drama, a girl’s beloved mixed-breed dog is abandoned due to strict breeding laws. What follows is a brutal yet beautifully shot allegory, as the dog escapes captivity and leads an uprising of fellow strays against a society that rejected them. Visceral and symbolic, White God explores oppression, loyalty, and the primal strength of survival.
Best Dog Movies on Netflix and Streaming
Streaming platforms have delivered a fresh wave of heartfelt dog stories in recent years, from true tales of heroism to beautifully animated classics reimagined for a new generation. These titles are easily accessible and perfect for a cozy movie night with your pup.
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Rescued by Ruby (2022, Netflix) — Uplifting story of an underdog canine rescue.
Based on a true story, this feel-good drama follows Dan, a state trooper who dreams of joining the K-9 search and rescue unit. When he’s paired with Ruby, a high-energy shelter dog deemed unadoptable, the two outsiders train against the odds and prove that second chances can lead to extraordinary partnerships.
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White Fang (2018, Netflix) — Animated retelling of the Jack London classic.
This animated adaptation of Jack London’s classic novel follows a half-wolf, half-dog as he navigates the wilds of the Yukon and the complexities of human relationships. With stunning visuals and a heartfelt script, it’s a family-friendly adventure that captures both the harshness of nature and the healing power of kindness.
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Arthur the King (2024) — Based on a true story of a stray dog joining an adventure race.
In this inspiring true story, an exhausted adventure racing team discovers a loyal stray dog who refuses to leave their side. Named Arthur, the dog follows them across grueling terrain, forming a bond that outlasts the race. It’s a powerful reminder that love, loyalty, and companionship can be found in the most unexpected places.
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Runt (2024, Australia) — A runaway pup brings a fractured family together.
This uplifting family film centers on a scrappy stray dog named Runt who is taken in by a shy young girl and her struggling family. As Runt becomes part of the household, he helps mend broken relationships and inspires hope in their small Australian town. Heartwarming and full of charm, it’s a story about belonging and the quiet ways dogs help us heal.
Honorable Mentions: More Dog Movies Worth Watching
Looking for even more canine cinema? Here are some lesser-known titles and fan favorites that dog lovers might enjoy. Each one showcases beloved dogs, memorable dog actors, and the deep connections between humans and their four-legged co-stars.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) — Based on a true story, this dog's tale of devotion follows a faithful Akita who waits at a train station every day for his owner, long after the man has passed away.
The Fox and the Hound (1981) — A touching classic story of two dogs who become fast friends despite being natural enemies, exploring themes of loyalty, growing up, and learning important life lessons.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) — Two dogs and a cat cross mountains and forests to find their family, showing incredible loyalty and determination.
Air Bud (1997) — A beloved dog surprises everyone with his skills on the basketball court, becoming a sports icon and redefining what dog actors can do.
Snow Dogs (2002) — Set in Alaska and British Columbia, this comedic tale follows a dentist who inherits a sled team and learns what it takes to survive the wild with a group of spirited huskies.
The Plague Dogs (1982) — A dark, animated dog's tale about two lab escapees who fight for freedom and survival, raising serious animal rights questions.
Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) — This modern adaptation brings the big red dog to the big screen as he causes chaos and joy throughout San Francisco.
My Dog Skip (2000) — Set in rural Virginia, this coming-of-age film tells how a boy’s beloved dog helps him gain confidence, form friendships, and discover the meaning of loyalty.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016) — A fun animated look at what pets get up to when their owners aren’t home. Great for kids and packed with laughs.
Lady and the Tramp (1955) — A great dane and a pampered spaniel fall in love over spaghetti and meatballs in this romantic Disney classic.
Good Boy! (2003) — An alien dog lands on Earth to evaluate humans and ends up forming a strong bond with his human co-stars, learning what it means to love dogs and question his own existence.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) — A pampered pup lost in Mexico teams up with street-smart dogs to find her way home.
Oddball (2015) — Mentioned earlier in the list, this true story of a Maremma Sheepdog guarding a penguin sanctuary is a must-watch for fans of Australian animal heroes.
A Dog’s Journey (2019) — Already featured above, this continuation of A Dog’s Purpose includes multiple lives, one original owner, and many important life lessons.
The Call of the Wild (2020) — Set on the Appalachian Trail, this CGI-heavy adaptation stars Harrison Ford and a loyal canine braving nature’s toughest challenges.
White Fang (2018) —A classic story of survival and human-co relationships in the frozen north is perfect for older kids and adults.
Fade to Snuggles
Whether you're in the mood for heart-melting moments, tail-wagging adventures, or quirky canine mischief, there's a dog movie out there to match every pup’s personality and every human’s holiday mood. These films aren’t just about dogs; they’re about the unconditional love, loyalty, and laughter our furry friends bring into our lives.
So go ahead: queue up your favorites, grab some popcorn, and snuggle in for a cozy movie marathon with your best bud.
And if you really want to take your watch party to the next level, check out the matching human and dog hoodies from SparkPaws. They're soft, stylish, and guaranteed to earn you a few extra tail wags.
Happy watching, and even happier cuddling.
Unless otherwise stated, all movie images are courtesy of https://www.imdb.com/