Old Yeller

A time-honored family favorite renowned for its tearjerker ending, 1957 Disney production Old Yeller is based on Fred Gipson’s novel of the same name. Set in Texas in the 1860s, the film centers on the heartwarming relationship between a rural family and their faithful Black Mouth Cur. Famously, the film highlights both the highs and lows of dog ownership, including outliving your beloved pet.

Lassie Come Home

Based on Eric Knight’s novel, 1943’s Lassie Come Home sees the titular dog make her own way back to her original owners when they are forced to sell her. The film stars a young Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor, but is of course most famous for its central collie. Eleven more Lassie films and several live action and animated TV shows have been made since.

Beethoven

In Hollywood, bigger is always better – so there’s no way to make a dog movie cuter than to use the biggest dog available. Co-written by 80s comedy icon John Hughes (using pseudonym Edmond Dantes), Beethoven follows the chaos that ensues when a suburban family take in a St. Bernard puppy who grows to a mighty adult dog. Seven sequels and an animated spin-off followed.

Turner & Hooch

In the late 80s, when buddy cop movies were all the rage, Tom Hanks portrayed a highly strung detective who takes an unlikely partner in a slovenly French Mastiff, who is the only witness to a murder. 1989 Disney production Turner & Hooch was a modest hit that helped Hanks on his way to superstardom. A short-lived TV spin-off was produced for Disney+ in 2021.

John Wick

Few recent films feature dogs quite so prominently as 2014’s John Wick, in which Keanu Reeves’ bereaved hitman sets out for revenge when young gangsters steal his car and kill his dog. Director Chad Stahelski’s film and its three sequels have been hailed for revitalizing the action genre, but the original packs a whole lot of heart, thanks in large part to the canine connection.

Cujo

As much as we love our furry friends, it’s chilling to think what might happen should they turn on us. This is explored in 1983 Stephen King adaptation Cujo, in which an affable St. Bernard becomes vicious when it contracts rabies. E.T. star Dee Wallace takes the (human) lead as a mother struggling to protect her child from the monstrous dog.

Marley & Me

Adapted from John Grogan’s autobiographical book, 2008 comedy drama Marley & Me charts the highs and lows of dog ownership, as newlyweds Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston take in an adorable little Labrador who grows up to be a major handful. By turns funny and heartbreaking, some critics have accused director David Frankel’s film of manipulative sentimentality, but it rings true with dog owners everywhere.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians

Adapted from Dodie Smith’s novel, 1961’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians became one of the best-loved Disney animated movies, thanks to its adorable ensemble of spotted puppies. Cruella de Vil, the wealthy fashionista who wants to turn the dogs into a fur coat, has become one of the cinema’s most memorable villains, later portrayed by Glenn Close and Emma Stone in Disney’s live-action spin-offs.

Best in Show

One of the best-loved films of actor, writer and director Christopher Guest, 2000 mockumentary Best in Show follows the eccentric contestants in a high profile dog show. A broad parody of pet pageantry, the film’s cast of noted comedy performers includes Eugene Levy (who also co-writes) and Catherine O’Hara, more recently seen on hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek.

Lady and the Tramp


After One Hundred and One Dalmatians proved a hit, Disney wasted no time making another dog-based animated classic with 1955’s Lady and the Tramp. Both a canine comedy and a culture-clash romance, the film sees a pampered cocker spaniel wind up on the streets, where she meets a stray terrier-mix, with whom she famously falls in love over a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.