Looking to indulge in a dog movie but not sure which of the literally zillions to choose? Check out our guide of classic films that are only a few clicks away.
101 Dalmatians
In the great cannon of dog movies, this is an undeniable classic. It has inspired countless people to not only get a dalmatian, but also probably experiment with (fur-free) polka-dot looks. We love it for the huge collection of cute dogs as well as itâs anti-fur message. Added bonus: During the Twilight Bark scene a few dogs from Lady and the Tramp cameo.
Watch it on Disney+
A Dog’s Purpose
Told from the point of view of a dog and spanning five decades, this ambitious film follows a devoted pet across several lives (he is casually reincarnated). During that time he stays devoted to his best friend, who goes from childhood to adulthood through the movie.
No longer available on Australian Netflix.
All Dogs Go to Heaven 2
If you thought A Dog’s Purpose was an emotional roller coaster get ready for this one. Unfortunately the first film isnât available for streaming in Australia but youâll still be able to keep up with the sequel as our hero heads from heaven to earth to face old foes, casually help angels, and fall in love.
Watch it on Stan
Benji
This 2018 take is an update on the 70s classic, but still follows the titular pooch as he helps heal a broken family and save a couple of kids along the way. Kind of makes you wonder what youâve managed to get done today.
Watch it on Netflix
Cats and Dogs
This high tech spy comedy takes the rivalry between cats and dogs to the extreme, imagining a world where theyâre in an ongoing, but concealed from humans, James Bond-style battle with each other. Not only is it legitimately funny, but the celebrity voice cameos are so impressive and frequent you might have trouble focusing on the action.
Watch it on Stan
Courage the Cowardly Dog
Many 90s kids will have a soft spot for this Cartoon Network favourite that follows the ill-named Courage, a very cowardly dog. Despite being scared of everything, his love for his owners leads him to defend them against a steady onslaught of paranormal threats.
Watch it on Stan
Dogs
A lot of the dog movies on this list are going to leave you feeling weepy, but honestly Netflixâs show Dogs seems designed to have you sobbing. Each episode explores the powerful relationships between pets and owners as they navigate everything from war-torn Syria to Italian restaurants.
Watch it on Netflix
Eight Below
Of all working animals, sled dogs have got to have one of the most gruelling tasks. Especially when things go awry. Here we follow a pack on an Antarctic expedition who find themselves all alone and needing to figure out a way to survive. Very tense.
Watch it on Disney+
Frankenweenie
Ok, letâs bring things back up and settle our nerves with Tim Burtonâs adorable animated feature. Despite being about a dead dog being brought back to life by its heartbroken owner, Frankenweenie still manages to be totally delightful.
Watch it on Disney+
Hotel for Dogs
With the wave of fancy dog hotels and daycare centres currently opening up, itâs time to revisit the original. Iâm sure we werenât the only ones desperate to start a renegade dog shelter after watching this as kids.
Watch it on Netflix
Lady and the Tramp
The animated classic needs no introduction–that spaghetti scene! But the beautiful life action original also deserves a watch. These two might just be our favourite onscreen couple of all time.
Watch it on Disney+
Pick of the Litter
Now we know we keep saying these movies will make you cry, but this one will really get you going (in a good way). The documentary follows five future guide dog puppies from birth to becoming official assistance dogs.
Watch it on Disney+
Red Dog
Apparently after this cult Australian film was released in 2011 the number of red kelpie adoptions skyrocketed. We get it, the dog in question is a hell of a charmer. One word of advice, if you do feel compelled to get a kelpie, make sure youâre aware of how much exercise they need.
Watch it on Stan
The Fox and the Hound
This Disney offering sometimes gets lost in the love for 101 Dalmatians and Lady and the Tramp, but if youâre a fan of unlikely animal friendships this one is for you. It tells the story of a hunting hound and a fox who become pals, and then need to navigate resulting peer pressure from those who donât get the appeal.
Watch it on Disney+
The Magic of Lassie
We haven’t crunched the numbers, but it feels like 30% of dog movies are actually Lassie films. It can be hard to keep up with all the versions. But if you want to dive in this 70s offering has all the qualities youâre looking for: adventure, friendships, a baddie to overcome, and a dog with better hair than you.
Watch it on Netflix (no longer available)
Tin Tin
The movie version of the animated favourite isnât technically about dogs, but it has a scene-stealing wire fox terrier so weâre going to give it a shout out. Also, itâs great you should watch it right now.
Watch it on Netflix and Stan.
Up
Again, you could argue this isnât a dog movie. But the second Dug enters the frame pretty much everything else going on with the plot feels secondary. A legend is born!
Watch it on Disney+
Wallace and Gromit
A lot of these dog movies and shows feature a pet helping their noble owner overcome lifeâs trials and tribulations. In the case of poor Gromit–the silent but incredibly intelligent dog–itâs more about keeping his owner Wallace out of the way so he can get on with his inventions. You know what, we donât even think you could call them dog and owner. Theyâre more like housemates.
Watch several Wallace and Gromit movies on Stan
White Fang
Based on Jack Londonâs iconic turn of the century book about a wild wolfdog, this 1991 film adds the only thing we didnât realise the original was missing: a 21-year-old Ethan Hawk.
Watch the live-action original on Disney+ and the animated version on Netflix
Because of Winn-Dixie
This film has everything we want from dog movies: a cute kid who needs help, a relationship that needs mending, lots of colourful supporting characters, and a Picardy shepherd who honestly deserves an Oscar.
Watch it on Disney+
For more from Off the Leash check out:
Your Dog Likes Podcasts and TV as Much as You
Sleeping with a Dog Is Better than Sleeping with a Person
People Are Spending More on Their Pets than Their Partners
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