These heartwarming films capture the timeless bond between humans and their eternal best friends, canines. Moreover, they remind us of the deep life lessons we can learn from our furry companions. Keep some tissues handy!
10. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Based on the eponymous novel, this story is told through the perspective of a senior and philosophical Golden Retriever named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) who is dying. Enzo believes if he’s prepared, he’ll reincarnate as a human in his next life. He helps his owner, Denny Swift, a struggling racecar driver, throughout his life, through highs and lows, loss, and love.
9. 101 Dalmatians (1996)
This live-action remake of the 1961 animated Disney classic differs from the original in that none of the animals speak. However, that takes nothing away from this timeless family tale about an evil fur-obsessed fashion designer who wants to make garments out of Dalmatians. The film is filled with adventure, humor, and lots of puppy love.
8. A Dog’s Way Home (2019)
Based on the novel of the same name, this family film follows a lovable mixed-breed dog named Bella. Separated from her owner, she embarks on a challenge and adventure-filled 400-mile journey to reunite with him. This heartwarming tale reminds us of the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions.
7. Balto (1995)
This animated adventure is loosely based on the true story of Balto (voiced by Kevin Bacon), a dog who was part of the 1925 serum run to Nome to save children infected with diphtheria. Balto is a hybrid Siberian Husky-arctic wolf that lives with his adoptive father, a Russian snow goose, and two polar bears.
6. Old Yeller (1957)
Based on the 1956 children’s novel of the same name, the film follows a young boy named Travis and a stray Black Mouth Cur the family adopts and names “Old Yeller.” Together, the pair face countless challenges and the dog wins the family’s heart. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss that any viewer will never forget.
5. Lassie Come Home (1943)
Based on the 1940 novel of the same name, Lassie is the most iconic dog in film history. Follows the bond between a boy (Roddy McDowell) and his Rough Collie and serves as a testament to the imperishable loyalty of humankind’s best friend. The movie kicked off a franchise of films, television, animated series, toys, comics, novels, and other media.
4. Marley & Me (2008)
Based on the 2005 memoir of the same name, the film focuses on an adorable but mischievous Labrador retriever named Marley. His loving family (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) are taken to their wits by his destructive behavior. They eventually accept him as he is, realizing he’s an indispensable part of their family.
3. Togo (2019)
Based on a true story, this historical adventure follows the journey of a courageous Siberian Husky named Togo, and his sled dog musher Leonhard Seppala (Willem Dafoe). The film flashes between him raising the dog and the treacherous 260-mile run to Nome in 1925 to deliver life-saving serum during a diphtheria outbreak.
2. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
Based on the 2010 novel of the same name, this heartwarming tale of reincarnation follows one dog’s journey through multiple lives as he searches for his true purpose. The story is filled with love, laughter, and many emotional moments exploring themes of loyalty and grief. The film delivers a touching tribute to the timeless bond between dogs and their owners.
1. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
Inspired by a true story, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale follows a college professor (Richard Gere) in Rhode Island and his unbreakable bond with his loyal Akita named Hachi (“8” in Japanese and a lucky number). In real life, the Akita was named Hachiko and lived in Japan 1923-1935. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of devotion certain to move you.
