Top 10 dog movies
Funny, emotional or adventurous stories about man's best friend
FILMS STARRING DOGS
Approximate reading time: 10 minutes
Their loyalty, their adventurous spirit, their bravery, their unconditional love... There are many attributes that make us love dogs and that have made them stars of the big screen on many occasions. These adorable animals star in all kinds of films: funny, emotional, dramatic, but, above all, very, very endearing. Films that feature a dog among their characters have everything to become box-office hits, as no one can resist their playful character, their bravery and the special bond they share with people. If you also love films about dogs, don't miss our compilation of the 10 best doggy films in cinema!
Table of contents
- The dog: film star of the 1990s and 2000s
The dog: film star of the 1990s and 2000s
Dogs have always had their place in the world of cinema, because even if they are not the main characters, there is always a character in the film who shares his or her life with one of these adorable pets. However, in the 1990s and early 2000s there was an explosion of films, both animated and starring real people, in which the real stars were dogs. Many of these were comedies, but there were also some dramas and adventure films. Let's take a look at some of the most legendary dog films in cinema, the ones we will always remember for the values they convey and how well they reflect the admirable and faithful canine spirit. Action!
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Beethoven: one of the family (1992)
This early 90s blockbuster stars the world's most famous St. Bernard (with the permission of Niebla, Heidi's unforgettable little dog). Escaping from some evil thieves, Beethoven arrives at the Newton family home, where everyone is delighted to welcome him. All except the father, who doesn't take too kindly to the constant mischief and the many destructions that the enormous dog causes in their home. However, before long, everyone, including the patriarch, realises that they can no longer live without the love of their furry friend, who conquers their hearts with his mischief and licks. Not even the toughest person can resist the affection of a dog.
This family comedy, which has numerous sequels and specials, was not without controversy, as it was criticised by a US veterinary association for the character of the evil Varnick, a professional colleague who leads a gang of dog kidnappers.
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Lady and the Tramp (1995)
How can we forget the mythical scene of Lady and Tramp sharing a plate of spaghetti that ends in a kiss? In this Disney animated film, based on the novel of the same name by Ward Greene, an elegant purebred cocker spaniel and a stray dog who escapes from the pound become friends, although more special feelings soon arise between them. Together they will have many adventures, proving that it doesn't matter where you come from, because true love, of whatever kind, knows no difference.
And here's a fun fact: did you know that the unforgettable moment of the kiss between Lady and Tramp was almost left out of the film? Its creators thought it was unrealistic for the dogs to be eating a plate of pasta, and the truth is that, although in real life it is not a toxic food for these animals, they should eat it in moderation. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful scene that has become part of popular culture.
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Partners and Hounds (1989)
A very young Tom Hanks stars in this hilarious film as a detective who is assigned to solve a mysterious murder case. After adopting the deceased's dog, a beautiful Dogue de Bordeaux named Hooch, the detective works closely with the pet, who helps him solve the case. However, it won't all be easy, as at first, the two don't get along at all.
This is a film with some very funny moments thanks to Hooch's numerous antics and mischief, but it also sends us a very important message: dogs and people don't speak the same language, which can cause some challenges, but with love and patience a friendship will be created that will last a lifetime.
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101 Dalmatians: Alive as ever! (1996)
This film is the live-action remake of Walt Disney's 1961 animated film. It follows the story of Pongo and Perdita (Perdy), two Dalmatians who have a beautiful litter of 15 puppies. But the family grows when 84 other puppies come into their lives, escaping from the evil Cruella de Vil, played by Glenn Close, who wants to use them to make a coat.
And although Dalmatians are very affectionate and sociable animals with their families, in this film where they were surrounded by strangers, the director decided to smear the actors with meat juice for the puppies to lick, simulating this loving canine behaviour. It worked very well!
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Always by your side, Hachiko (2009)
At the end of the first decade of the 2000s, what is probably the most emotional dog film in history hit the screens. It tells the true story of a little Akita dog who waits every day at Shibuya station in Tokyo for their owner, a university professor who adopts him, to arrive by train from work. After suffering a heart attack the professor, played by Richard Gere, dies, but his pet continues to wait for him to return to the station day after day for 10 years, until he dies. Undoubtedly, this film tells us about the incredible loyalty of dogs and the strong bond they establish with their owners. It is a very moving story and it is difficult not to shed a tear.
By the way, in Japan, the akita is a symbol of pop culture and stars in all kinds of souvenirs. Moreover, in Shibuya station there is a statue of Hachika as a souvenir of this wonderful little dog.
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Below Zero (2006)
This fast-paced adventure film is a remake of the Japanese film Antarctica. Starring the late actor Paul Walker, it tells the story of the survival of a group of 6 Siberian Huskies and 2 Alaskan Malamutes who were part of a scientific expedition in Antarctica. Based on a true story, it shows the adventures of these brave dogs, who stray from the group of people due to inclement weather, and their enormous bravery and courage in overcoming the difficulties they face. Eventually, when they return to search for them, the scientists find six survivors of the eight dogs.
This film gives us yet another example of the strength of spirit and courage shown by many dogs to survive but also to collaborate in important missions that help people. They are incredible!
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Marley and me (2008)
This comedy starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston is about a couple who decide to adopt a dog to practice caring for a living creature before becoming parents. However, the task turns out to be much more difficult than they thought, as the adorable Labrador retriever keeps getting into mischief and completely disrupts their lives. However, Marley will become one more member of the family, which continues to grow, but always having him as a great support and unconditional companion.
The film covers the dog's 14 years until the end of his life, for which up to 22 Labradors were needed to represent Marley's different ages.
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Like cats and dogs (2001)
The legendary rivalry that is supposed to exist between cats and dogs is the starting point of this amusing film. In it, we see Mr. Tinkles, a Persian cat who is the leader of an anti-dog movement that aims to expel these animals from society by making everyone allergic to them. However, the dogs defend themselves from this attack led by Butch, unleashing a war between dogs and cats that leaves us with some very comical moments. Although the film uses real animals, they are humanised, so that they speak and have human attitudes that are hilarious.
Although this conflict between cats and dogs is very funny in the film, the truth is that in real life many families have these two animals as pets and not only tolerate each other, but they are great friends. Dogs and kittens don't have to get along badly. With the right socialisation and adaptation they can live together perfectly.
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White Fang (1991)
This is an adventure film based on the novel by Jack London and starring Ethan Hawke, who plays a young man who travels to Alaska in the middle of the gold rush to receive his recently deceased father's inheritance. On his way, he encounters a beautiful half-wolf, half-husky dog adopted by an Indian tribe. The boy decides to take the dog with him, and together they will live multiple adventures and face all kinds of dangers.
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My dog skip (2000)
In this touching film, Willie (Frankie Muniz) is a sensitive and shy boy who on his ninth birthday receives the best present of his life: a terrier puppy that will soon become his best friend. Not only that, but Skip, as the boy christens his pet, will help him gain confidence and become more sociable.
This film has a very special background, and that is that dogs are great companions for many people with psychological or social difficulties. In fact, these commendable animals can be trained to act as therapy or assistance dogs, helping people with autism or other problems. This is the case of the Australian Cobberdog, a calm and flexible dog that, thanks to proper training, does a wonderful job as a canine therapist, making the lives of people with difficulties much easier and happier.
The fact is that the dog is man's best friend is not just a cliché. These animals are such faithful companions that, even in the worst difficulties, they stay by their owners' side, collaborating with them and supporting them to the end. They are wonderful!