21 Best Dog-Themed Movies Dog Lovers Will Enjoy

It’s winter here in Colorado and snow is blanketing the ground. If you’re not out braving the slippery sidewalks or hiking in the snow, chances are you and your fur buddy want to snuggle up on the couch and watch a good flick or two.

There are many dog-themed movies combining dogs and binge-able shows available on Xfinity, Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services.

So grab your dog and remote and dive into these enjoyable movies that shine a light on why life with dogs is such a treat.

#1. A Dog’s Purpose

Amazon, iTunes

This 2017 film, based on a book by W. Bruce Cameron, will bring you to tears as you journey through a dog’s life reincarnations, revealing his true purpose.

#2. Old Yeller

Amazon

Old Yeller is a classic must-see film for all dog-lovers! It’s a great adventure and coming of age show all in one. Be prepared to be moved at the deep connection between a boy and his beloved dog, Old Yeller. This film has become ingrained in popular culture; Old Yeller received critical praise and still tugs at the heartstrings of children and adults everywhere.

#3. Marley and Me

Amazon, iTunes

Marley & Me is a heartfelt movie based on a book by John Grogan. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston star in this adorable film packed with comedy and love as the couple learn to love their precocious Labrador, Marley.

#4. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

Amazon, Hulu, STARZ, Netflix

This heartwarming, true story of a dog who is taken in by a college professor (Richard Gere). This film is a tribute to the many fine qualities of dogs. Dog lovers will find themselves pulled whole-heartedly into this story.

#5. Lady and the Tramp

Amazon, iTunes, Disney+

Another classic Disney movie, this iconic animation will forever be loved by romantic dog lovers world-wide.

#6. Iron Will

Amazon, Disney+

This 1994 film is a story about a young man whose family is in financial crisis after his father dies. His only hope is to enter a grueling sled dog race with his team of dogs and win the $10,000 prize. This movie will have you on the edge of your seat as Will and his team embark on a treacherous cross-country marathon.

#7. Benji

Netflix

Benji, a shaggy-haired mutt, a beloved fixture of the town, becomes a local hero when he helps rescue two kidnapped children. This is a fun, touching classic you won’t want to miss if haven’t seen it.

#8. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Disney+, iTunes, Vudu, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube

Homeward Bound is the story of three pets trying to find their way home. This touching classic is really a story about families in the midst of change and the ties that bind them.

#9. The Secret Life of Pets

Hulu, Sling TV, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Fandango, YouTube

This is a fun, animated movie you won’t want to miss. It’s a kind-hearted, sweet story about the unique relationships not only between pets and their owners but between pets themselves.

#10. Dog Days

Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Hulu, Sling TV, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube

A hilarious and heartfelt movie, Dog Days follows the lives of multiple dog owners and their beloved four-legged companions. A shamelessly happy, family-friendly film guaranteed to lift your spirits.

#11. Call of the Wild

HBO Max, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Hulu, iTunes, YouTube

Based on the classic novel by Jack London, this movie tells the story of Buck and his adventures as a city dog to a working dog in the Yukon. In this 2020 remake of the 1935 film, Buck is computer-generated. He can do things onscreen real dogs can’t do, like lick a snowflake off his nose with precise, comedic timing. This endearing story between the deep bond between a man and a dog is an enjoyable way to spend an hour and forty minutes.

#12. Isle of Dogs

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube

This movie is set in a Japanese city at a time when dogs are exiled due to a canine flu outbreak. The story follows a determined 12-year-old boy who sets off on an adventure to bring back his dog, Spots. This beautifully stop-motion animated film will have you captivated while watching this tale of an epic journey of a boy and his newly-found mongrel friends.

#13. As Good As It Gets

Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Netflix

If you’re looking for a movie to remind you about the life-changing power of dogs, no need to look any further than As Good As It Gets. Jack Nicholson won an Oscar for his role as a novelist suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder whose world is forever changed when he has to care for his neighbor’s dog.

#14. Turner and Hooch

Disney+, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon

Turner and Hooch is easily one of the most essential buddy-cop movies – despite the fact that one partner is a dog. This is a heartwarming story about a neat freak (Tom Hanks) having to work with a slobbery canine in true Odd Couple fashion.

#15. Air Bud

iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon

The storyline of this film revolves around a lonely young boy too shy to try out for the basketball team until he meets a dog named Buddy who has an uncanny ability to play the game because he escaped from a circus. The movie was a financial success and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, some of which starred Buddy’s puppies. American was also fascinated with the story of the real Buddy who was homeless until he was adopted by writer Kevin DiCicco.

#16. The Fox and the Hound

Disney+, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon

The Fox and the Hound, released in 1981, tells the story of true friendship. The story is light-hearted most of the time, but tackles some deep issues along the way, such as how society breeds prejudice. This is a Disney classic that will tug at your heartstrings.

#17. Oliver & Company

Disney+, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon

This Disney adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist includes the street-smart and suave canine Dodger, who pretty much steals the show. Dodger was voiced by Billy Joel, who also sang one of the film’s most memorable songs, “Why Should I Worry”. Oliver & Company includes other memorable dogs like Cheech Marin’s Tito and Bette Midler’s Georgette. An enjoyable watch with a good mix of action, fun, music and heartwarming moments.

#18. Beethoven

Hulu, SlingTV, Starz, Amazon, Philo, YouTube

A family-friendly classic film released in 1992, Beethoven brought a lovable St. Bernard into our lives. The slobbering dog becomes the center of attention for the loving family but must content with a dog-napping veterinarian and his henchmen. Beethoven is a sunny, energetic film most families will enjoy.

#19. Cujo

Hulu, SlingTV, Starz, Amazon, Philo, YouTube, Google Play

If Beethoven made you love St. Bernards, Cujo will give you a Jaws-like fear of them. The main character is a sweet and gentle dog until he is infected with rabies. From there, you can expect the type of macabre horror moviegoers expect from Stephen King, upon whose novel the movie move is based. This movie will haunt you the way great horror movies are meant to: by making us deathly afraid of the familiar.

#20. Togo

Disney+, Netflix

Based on a true story, Togo is a must-see movie about the sled dog who led the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska, to save the residents of the town from diphtheria. As a puppy, Togo was sickly and overlooked by the breeder and sled racer. Eventually, Togo proved himself to have extraordinary stamina, loyalty and intelligence. You won’t want to miss this wonderful film.

#21. Eight Below

Disney+, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon

Set in Antartica, a scientist is in search of a meteorite. He embarks on an excursion with a team of eight sled dogs. A powerful storm hits and the main character falls into freezing water so the men must leave the dogs tethered behind. The dogs in Eight Below are excellent – courageous, expressive, smart and adorable.

Whether you love adventure, comedy or drama, this list of the best dog movies are worth watching. So grab some snacks and invite your family (safely) to watch these family dog movies. Oh, and don’t forget your dog. Your pooch may or may not enjoy watching these movies along with you, but they will for sure enjoy snuggling and being close to you.

There are many other movies that could have been included in this list; what is your favorite dog-themed movie? Please share with the rest of the Canine Campus community in the comments below.