Best 10 Dog Movies of All Time & IMDB Scores
Movies about our favourite furry friends, which often capture our beloved pets' loyalty, bravery, and mischievous nature, have always held a special place in our hearts. Whether it's a tale of adventure, a heartfelt drama, or a ridiculous escapade, dog movies resonate deeply with audiences of all ages across the world.
Here's a list of the ten best dog movies of all time based on their IMDB scores. Each showcases the beautiful bond between humans and their canine companions.
1. Hachi: A Dog's Tale (8.1)
Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a heartwarming true story of unwavering loyalty. Richard Gere stars as Professor Parker Wilson, who forms a deep bond with an Akita named Hachi. The film chronicles Hachi's daily routine of waiting at the train station for his owner, even after Parker's unexpected passing. This highly emotional film, directed by Lasse Hallström, highlights the profound connection between man and dog and the heartache of loss. Hachi's devotion is beautifully portrayed, making it one of the best dog movies of all time.
2. Togo (7.9)
Togo tells the incredible true story of the titular sled dog and his musher, Leonhard Seppala, played by Willem Dafoe. Set during the 1925 serum run to Nome (Alaska), the film follows Togo's heroic efforts to lead Dafoe and his team through treacherous conditions to deliver life-saving medicine to a small city. This highly emotional movie, directed by Ericson Core, showcases Togo's determination and courage in the face of severe environmental adversity, cementing his place as a true canine hero. The film's breathtaking cinematography and Dafoe's compelling performance make this inspiring tale a must-watch.
3. 101 Dalmatians (Animated - 1961) (7.3)
In Disney's animated classic 101 Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita set off on a daring mission to rescue their stolen puppies from the evil Cruella de Vil. This family-friendly adventure features the voices of Rod Taylor and Betty Lou Gerson. The film's charming animation and thrilling story have made it a beloved favourite for generations and a truly timeless classic. Indeed, the film has proved popular enough to spawn countless spinoffs and remakes, including a recent Cruella de Vil origin story starring Emma Stone.
4. Lady and the Tramp (7.3)
Lady and the Tramp is a romantic tale of two dogs from very different worlds. Sparks fly early on when Lady, a well-groomed Cocker Spaniel voiced by Barbara Luddy, meets Tramp, a street-smart mutt voiced by Larry Roberts. Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, the film captures their adventures and budding romance, culminating in the iconic spaghetti dinner scene resulting in their first kiss. The movie’s endearing characters and memorable moments will forever keep it in the top 10 dog movies of all time.
5. Old Yeller (7.2)
Old Yeller is a classic tale of friendship and sacrifice. Set in post-Civil War Texas, the film follows young Travis Coates, played by Tommy Kirk, and his loyal dog, Old Yeller. Directed by Robert Stevenson, this poignant film explores the bond between a boy and his dog as they face ever more severe challenges, from wild animals to a rabies outbreak. The film's touching ending is both heartbreaking and unforgettable, making Old Yeller a staple in the best dog movies list.
6. Marley and Me (7.0)
Marley and Me is a modern, funny, touching story about life with the world's worst-behaved dog. Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as John and Jenny Grogan, the film chronicles their life together with Marley, a lovable but mischievous Labrador Retriever. Directed by David Frankel, Marley and Me blends humour with heartfelt moments and successfully captures the chaos and joy a dog can bring into a family. Marley's antics and Grogan's journey through life's ups and downs make this one of the most relatable and emotional dog movies of all time.
7. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (6.9)
Homeward Bound is an adventurous tale of three pets who lose their way and must cross America to find their way back to their beloved family. Shadow, a wise Golden Retriever; Chance, a playful American Bulldog; and Sassy, a Himalayan cat with attitude, must overcome severe weather, waterfalls, and a spiky porcupine to survive their treacherous journey through the wilderness. Directed by Duwayne Dunham, this family-friendly film highlights the loyalty and determination of these furry friends, whose perseverance in the face of danger makes this one of the best dog movies of all time.
8. The Call of the Wild (6.7)
In The Call of the Wild, Harrison Ford stars as John Thornton, who befriends Buck, a domesticated dog that transforms into a leader of a sled team. Based on Jack London’s classic novel, the film, directed by Chris Sanders, captures Buck’s journey from a pampered pet to a courageous and independent leader in the Alaskan wilderness. The CGI-enhanced portrayal of Buck and the stunning landscapes add to the film’s adventurous spirit, making this modern adaptation of a classic novel an inspiring addition to any dog movies list.
9. Lassie (1994) (5.8)
The 1994 adaptation of Lassie is a family adventure film directed by Daniel Petrie. It stars Tom Guiry as Matt Turner, a young boy who moves with his family to rural Virginia after the death of his mother. Struggling to adjust to his new life, Matt finds solace in a stray Rough Collie dog, Lassie. The bond between Matt and Lassie grows as they face various challenges, including saving the family farm from a greedy neighbour. With heartfelt performances from Helen Slater and Jon Tenney as Matt's parents, the film showcases the healing power of friendship, making it a heartwarming tale for all ages and a timeless classic.
10. Beethoven (5.7)
Beethoven is a hilarious family comedy about a mischievous St. Bernard called Beethoven. Directed by Brian Levant, the film stars Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt as the Newtons, a family whose lives are turned upside down by their enormous, drooling pet. Beethoven’s antics, from slobbering on furniture to thwarting a villainous vet and evading devious dognappers, provide plenty of laughs for audiences of all ages. This funny dog movie also showcases the heartwarming bond that forms between Beethoven and his human family, making it a consistently delightful watch.
Honourable Mention: Scooby-Doo (5.3)
What dog move list would be complete without Scooby-Doo? Despite its lower IMDB score, Scooby doo remains one of the most iconic dog movies of all time. The film stars Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Linda Cardellini as Velma, and Matthew Lillard as Shaggy. It features an animated Scooby-Doo voiced by Neil Fanning.
The Mystery Inc. gang reunites after a two-year breakup to uncover the truth behind the mysterious transformations of tourists into mindless zombies at a horror-themed amusement park called Spooky Island. As usual, the team’s camaraderie and Scooby’s hilarious antics provide plenty of laughs, making it a fun adventure for fans of all ages.
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