Starting with Lassie, who paved the way, dogs have been staples and stars of countless films. Even though these dogs are fictional, they’re so unforgettable they’re real to us. Here are the ten most iconic movie dogs.
10. Marley: Marley & Me (2008)
Marley is an adopted yellow Labrador Retriever who is pure mayhem. He destroys furniture and can’t grasp obedience. It’s nearly too much. His owners (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) struggle to balance their busy lives with the chaotic lab. Eventually, the family realizes that, despite his un-trainable nature, he’s nonetheless a bundle of love. They ultimately accept Marley as a member of the family.
9. Hooch: Turner & Hooch (1989)
In this buddy cop movie, the “buddy” is a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) named Hooch. Fastidious police investigator Scott gets stuck with taking custody of Hooch, the only witness to a murder. But Hooch’s drooling and messy ways clash with Scott’s meticulousness. Ultimately, Scott can’t resist the dog’s charm and the pair bond.
8. Lady and The Tramp: Lady & The Tramp (1955)
One of the most heartwarming dog tales of all time, it’s a story about two canines from opposite backgrounds who fall in love. The film’s most iconic scene is when the two dogs share a plate of spaghetti, and nibble the same strand of pasta, leading to a kiss. It’s one of the most adorable, endearing moments in movie history.
7. Hercules: The Sandlot (1993)
When the kids hit a ball over a fence, pure terror is waiting on the other side: Hercules, a huge Bull Mastiff. But the larger-than-life reputation of this beast who’s considered unstoppable, a dog that swallows kids whole – turns out to be false. Hercules has a heart of gold. Eventually, he becomes the mascot for the kid’s baseball team.
6. Beethoven: Beethoven (1992)
Beethoven is a giant St. Bernard with a huge zest for life. All the struggles that Beethoven helps the Newton family get through will resonate and penetrate deep into the heart of any dog lover. When an evil veterinarian wants Beethoven for experiments, the entire family must work together to save their beloved dog.
5. Old Yeller: Old Yeller (1957)
Teenager Travis encounters a Black Mouth Cur, whom he names “Old Yeller.” They adopt the stray so the youngest boy, Arliss, can have a dog. Old Yeller wins the family’s heart by protecting them from a bear, feral hogs, and wolf, and becomes an expert cow dog. A reveal of what happens next would spoil too much, but it’s unforgettable.
4. Benji: Benji (1974)
Proving that good things come in small packages, Benji is a scrappy-looking mixed breed dog (mostly terrier) that is pure hero. Two children are unable to convince their physician father to adopt the dog. When they are kidnapped and held for ransom, Benji helps rescue them. The film was massively successful, and six more Benji films followed.
3. Cujo: Cujo (1983)
Cujo is a nailbiter about a St. Bernard who gets bit by a rabid bat, transforming from a big-hearted pet into a crazed monster. A woman takes her car to a rural mechanic where it breaks. She and her son shelter in the vehicle to escape. She realizes she must stop the dog before they die from dehydration and heatstroke.
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2. Buddy: Air Bud (1997)
After the death of his father, Josh befriends a runaway golden retriever with an uncanny ability to play basketball. As the movie poster proclaimed, “he sits. He stays. He shoots. He scores.” The premise may seem silly, but the on-and-off court interactions of Josh and Buddy together are some of the most heartwarming ever captured in a film.
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1. Lassie: Lassie Come Home (1943)
The most iconic dog of all time, Lassie has been featured in numerous films and TV shows. Lassie Come Home is the first and most iconic of seven MGM films starring Lassie. More than any other fictional dog, Lassie made people realize dogs are more than just pets, they’re smart, eternally loyal, and members of the family.
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