25 Very Good Dog Movies Woof Digging Into

As a child, I grew up with a Jack Russell Terrier named Jackie, who I loved for many years until she passed away at the age of 15. And as a result, I formed a deep adoration of the movie My Dog Skip, which details a life-affirming relationship between a boy and his Jack Russell. Anybody who’s ever owned a dog understands these sorts of sentimental attachments we form with dog-themed movies, which aim to capture just how special that storied relationship can be. A great dog film can be moving in a much different way than most movies are capable of achieving, allowing us to either cherish the pets we currently own or transport ourselves back to a time when certain pups roamed our lives. There are many, many dog movies to choose from, so it can be hard to know where to start when you want to capture such a feeling.

Hopefully, I can help. Below, I’ve gathered together what I consider to be the best dog movies ever made. From classic animated features to adored independent darlings, from box-office smashing franchises to family-friendly comedies, this list has just about every dog movie you need in your repertoire. No matter what your mood, you can find the dog movie you need in this list.

Best Dog Movies

If you’re a lover of dogs, and if you love dog movies, then this list is for you. From St. Bernards to Dachshunds, from Cocker Spaniels to German Shepherds, from Dalmatians to Jack Russell Terriers, just about every type of dog, in either live action and animated form, can be found on this list. All film genres are on the table as well, as you’ll find everything from timeless romances to melancholic dramas to outright comedies.

The genre has a fervent following and has enjoyed some big successes at the box office, with the “top dog” in terms of domestic gross being 2002’s Scooby-Doo, which amassed $153 million in North America (along with $275 million worldwide), followed closely behind by Marley & Me with $143 million domestically ($255 million globally). But the highest-earning dog movie on a global scale was the remake 101 Dalmatians, which amassed $320 million in 1996.

Now onto the list. These movies are ordered strictly according to my personal taste. Below, you’ll find a healthy mix between nostalgic favorites from my childhood and critically revered movies that highlight the treasured relationship between man and beast with profundity and care.

25. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

A Dog’s Purpose centers on a dog named Bailey, who is reincarnated several times as different breeds, experiencing new environment with new owners each time. From a police dog to a neglected stray to a playful companion, each life Bailey lives brings with it new challenges. Despite those changing circumstances, Bailey, who remembers each of his past lives and carries lessons from the past into the future, seeks to understand his purpose and the meaning of his storied existence. This heartfelt story adorned with a warm, loving atmosphere was perhaps too earnest for its own good, as it didn’t receive great grades from critics. But any lover of dogs will eat up this gentle, completely unpretentious story that explores loyalty and love between pups and their owners. Directed by Lasse Hallström and produced by Gavin Polone, A Dog’s Purpose stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Dennis Quaid and Josh Gad.

Here’s where you can stream A Dog’s Purpose.

24. Lady and the Tramp (1955)

This beloved Disney classic tells the romantic tale between the two unlikeliest of canine counterparts: Lady, a refined Cocker Spaniel, and Tramp, a street-smart ruff. While Lady lives a pampered life with her owners, Tramp roams the stress freely, setting the trail for a collision course that takes them both by surprise when Lady finds herself out on the streets. Together, they experience adventure and face various challenges—including a contentious run-in with a dog catcher. Together, they persevere and strengthen their love as they survive on the streets. Filled with lush background art, bolstered by a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere, and backed by a memorial musical score and plenty of great songs, Lady and the Tramp was adored by critics and remains a classic of the dog genre. Produced by Walt Disney and directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi and Wilfred Jackson, Lady and the Tramp stars the voices of Peggy Lee, Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts and Bill Thompson.

Here’s where you can stream Lady and the Tramp.

23. Cujo (1983)

If Stephen King directed it, then you know you’re in for something subversive—and that was certainly the case when it came to the killer dog movie Cujo. The story centers on a soft, gentle St. Bernard named Cujo who becomes a ravenous murderer after being bit by a rabid rat. Post-infection, a disease takes hold and Cujo transforms from family-friendly pet to dangerous animal, threatening the lives of Donna and her young son Tad. Trapped in their car, the film follows their terrifying ordeal as they fight to survive. Despite an intense and claustrophobic atmosphere that engagingly heightens the desperation and helplessness of the characters, the practical effects used to create a realistic portrayal of Cujo’s transformation from a friendly pet to a deadly menace, and the accomplished pacing and rhythm of the film, Cujo only received middling reviews from critics. Still, I strongly recommend it. Directed by Lewis Teague and produced by Daniel H. Blatt and Robert Singer, Cujo stars Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Danny Pintauro and Ed Lauter.

Here’s where you can stream Cujo.

22. The Fox and the Hound (1981)

While Tod, an orphaned fox, is adopted by a kind widow, his soon-to-be best friend, Copper, is raised to be a hunting dog. Despite their natural instincts and expectations from the world, the two animals start a friendship that lasts for many years—a friendship that is detailed in the cherished Disney animated feature The Fox and the Hound. Throughout their lives, this rich friendship is continually tested and strengthened, as Copper is trained to hunt animals like Tod, yet is compelled to rebel to sustain the relationship. Overseeing a very delicate balance of light and dark tones, and scored by a soundtrack that includes songs like “Best of Friends” that highlight the innocence and joy of Todd and Copper’s friendship, this critically praised film has continued to hit home for kids thanks to its simple emotional message. Fox and the Hound was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich and Art Stevens, was produced by Ron Miller, Wolfgang Reitherman and Art Stevens, and stars the voices of Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, Jack Albertson and Sandy Duncan.

Here’s where you can stream The Fox and the Hound.

21. A Boy and His Dog (1975)

There aren’t a ton of cult sci-fi films on this list that rest in a future dystopia, but A Boy and His Dog is no ordinary film, owning one of the wackiest plots on this list. A young man named Vic navigates a post-apocalyptic realm alongside his telepathic dog, Blood, as they struggle to carry on amidst the harsh wasteland. With their symbiotic relationship crucial to their survival, Vic relies upon Blood’s ability to locate food (and women), while Blood depends upon Vic for protection. From various encounters with strangers to a discovery of a hidden underground society, Vic and Blood build their relationship over time. A blend of science fiction and coming-of-age comedy, this subversive film the has enjoyed critical praise over the years is filled with dark humor and satire that might prove a tad risqué for family movie night, but can certainly be enjoyed by any seasoned viewers hoping to delve into the strange depths of the science fiction genre. A Boy and His Dog was directed by L.Q. Jones, produced by Alvy Moore, and stars Don Johnson, Susanne Benton, Alvy Moore and Jason Robards.

Here’s where you can stream A Boy and His Dog.

20. A Goofy Movie (1995)

One of the most-played movies of my childhood had to be A Goofy Movie—a colorful and dynamic movie with a heartfelt storyline that has only appreciated with age as I’ve become a father. The story follows the famous Disney character Goofy, a well-to-do father (he also happens to be a dog) who is incredibly clumsy and owns an over-the-top personality, attempts to bond with his constantly embarrassed son Max by taking him on a cross-country fishing trip. Along the way, throughout their various comedic mishaps and obstacles, and despite their differences, Goofy and Max grow closer over the course of the getaway and deepen their father-son relationship. The relatable parent-child dynamics really stand out in this markedly different-from-the-pack Disney film filled with visual humor and old-school slapstick comedy. Surprisingly, the movie received middling review from critics, but its reputation has held over many years amongst its fans. Directed by Kevin Lima and produced by Dan Rounds, A Goofy Movie stars Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings, Kellie Martin, Rob Paulsen and Wallace Shawn.

Here’s where you can stream A Goofy Movie.

19. White God (2014)

It’s not every day that your “dog film” gets into the Cannes Film Festival. But that happened to be the case for Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó when White God was selected as part of the 2014 lineup. The film’s story centers on a young girl named Lili, who is forced by her father to leave her dog, Hagen, behind due to a new law that taxes mixed-breed dogs. Hagen is forced to fend for himself, and before long, he joins a pack of stray dogs who have endured harsh conditions and mistreatment throughout their lives. Together, the dogs decide to revolt against the human totalitarian regime, creating for a biting piece of social commentary that ultimately leads to a showdown between the oppressed and their oppressors. Critics loved the film upon release, praising it for its striking compositions, its focus on political themes like marginalization and resistance, and its sensitive and empathetic portrayal of its characters. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó and produced by Eszter Gyárfás and Viktória Petrányi, White God stars Zsófia Psotta, Sándor Zsótér and Lili Horváth.

Here’s where you can stream White God.

18. All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

It’s 1939 in New Orleans, and Charlie B. Barkin, a German Shepherd who recently escaped from a dog pound, returns to his casino riverboat with his friend, Itchy—only to be betrayed and killed by his partner, Carface. But Charlie gets a second chance at life after he cheats death and returns home, where he rescues an orphan girl named Anne-Marie who can talk to animals and has a great eye for betting. Together, they build a successful casino, which drives Carface to plot a new attack, resulting in a fiery showdown. This movie wasn’t a huge hit with critics, who criticized the movie for its disjointed narrative and use of violence. But as somebody who viewed the film many times as a child, I never had an issue and enjoy fond, vivid memories of its distinctive animation and complex characterizations. Directed by Don Bluth (who also produced) and produced by Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy, All Dogs Go to Heaven stars Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Judith Barsi and Melba Moore.

Here’s where you can stream All Dogs Go to Heaven.

17. You Can Never Tell (1951)

Of all the movies on this list, the plot of You Can Never Tell might be the craziest. The main character of this quirky 1951 comedy is a dog… who isn’t a dog? The story follows detective named Rex Shephard, except Rex isn’t who he seems—he’s actually a dead dog named King who’s been reincarnated. You see, King was the heir to a fortune from an eccentric millionaire. But when King dies, the late millionaire’s secretary, Ellen, gets the fortune. Armed with this information, a man named Perry Collins murders King and then tries to woo Ellen to secure the fortune for himself. After King comes back as Rex, he must fight to expose Perry’s dastardly plot and save Ellen from being grifted by a murderer. To do so, King (as Rex) teams up with Golden Harvest, a racehorse reincarnated as a human named Goldie Harvey (I told you this movie was crazy), to solve the case before the full moon—or else they’ll remain on earth as humans. While chaotic, this movie is also super fun, and feels like more of a cartoon than any of the animated films on this list. Relatively unknown, it doesn’t have many reviews from which to glean its critical appraisal. Directed by Lou Breslow and produced by Leonard Goldstein, You Can Never Tell stars Dick Powell, Peggy Dow, Charles Drake and Joyce Holden.

Here’s where you can stream You Can Never Tell.

16. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

As far as I’m concerned, this is as good as Disney’s animated movies about dogs ever got (and critics seem to agree, given its 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes), with its distinct visual style characterized by bold, sketchy lines and a modern, graphic look, with its engaging and diverse characters, with genuine humor and heart carrying the torch throughout. The story focuses on Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians living in London who give birth to 15 Dalmatian puppies. This quickly catches the attention of the evil Cruella de Vil, a wealthy woman obsessed with making fur coats from Dalmatian pelts. She hires two henchmen, Jasper and Horace, to kidnap the puppies, forcing Pongo and Perdita to enlist the help of their animal friends on a mission to rescue their puppies from Cruella’s mansion—where the parents discover 84 more puppies. Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske and Wolfgang Reitherman, and produced by Walt Disney, One Hundred and One Dalmatians stars Rod Taylor, Cate Bauer, Betty Lou Gerson, Ben Wright and Lisa Davis.

Here’s where you can stream One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

15. Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)

Before Bong Joon-ho was winning Oscars for Parasite, and before he had accrued an ardent following with sinister movies like Memories of Murder, The Host and Mother, he debuted with a little-seen film called Barking Dogs Never Bite. This black comedy revolves around an out-of-work college professor named Ko Yup-ju, who lives in an apartment complex with his pregnant wife, Eun-sil. Yup-Ju spends his home life irritated by a loudly barking dog in his apartment complex. Frustrated, he mistakenly abducts a neighbor’s silent Shih Tzu, believing it to be the cause of the noise, and locks it in the basement. Meanwhile, Park Hyun-nam, a custodian longing for fame, attempts to find the missing dog. As expected from Bong, the film is rich with social commentary about class division and bureaucratic inefficiencies in South Korea, and is bolstered by meticulous framing and inventive camera angles. Like everything else from Bong, this movie was a hit with critics. Directed by Bong and produced by Cho Min-hwan, Barking Dogs Never Bite stars Lee Sung-jae, Bae Doona, Kim Roi-ha and Byun Hee-bong.

Here’s where you can stream Barking Dogs Never Bite.

14. Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton actually made Frankenweenie twice. Most people just know about the 2012 feature film, but the story actually started way back in 1984 as a live action short film, which starred Shelley Duvall, Daniel Stern and Barret Oliver. The story is quite similar: after being devastated by the death of his beloved dog, Sparky, the young boy Victor Frankenstein conducts a daring experiment to bring his dog back to life by using electricity after being inspired by his science teacher. At first, his experiment seems a wild success, as Sparky is back in his life. But before long, chaos ensues as people slowly discover Victor’s secret and blame his reanimated pet for a crime committed in their town. Brandished with a stellar 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise this film was a hit, given its refreshing stop-motion animation, its Burton-esque gothic aesthetic filled with moody atmosphere and stark contrasts and its sensitive exploration of childhood realities regarding grief and loss. Directed by Burton (who also produced) and produced by Allison Abbate, Frankenweenie stars Charlie Tahan, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short and Winona Ryder.

Here’s where you can stream Frankenweenie.

13. My Dog Skip (2000)

Another one of my childhood favorites, the based-on-a-true-story narrative of My Dog Skip centers on Willie Morris, a shy young boy from the 1940s who has trouble making friends and receives a Jack Russell Terrier named Skip for his ninth birthday. The puppy, who eventually plays a big role in brining the small community together, quickly becomes Willie’s best friend and helps him break free from his shell, empowering him to make new friends and stand up to bullies. The deep bond shared between boy and dog becomes a lesson in growth and self-confidence for those who feel entrapped by their fears and anxieties. This period piece was well received by critics, who appreciated its authentic emotional depth and strong performances. I haven’t revisited this movie in many years, yet I feel like I remember it exactly, which means I have no problem recommending it here for any fans of simple dog-themed films. Directed by Jay Russell and produced by Mark Johnson, My Dog Skip stars Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane, Luke Wilson, Kevin Bacon and Caitlin Wachs.

Here’s where you can stream My Dog Skip.

12. Scooby-Doo (2002)

In retrospect, it’s no surprise that critics weren’t a huge fan of the live action adaptation of the Scooby-Doo series, with its campy, tongue-in-cheek tone and embracement of special effects and CGI resulting in a modern feel that many felt took away from the cherished television show’s look and feel. But as a fan of the show myself, I’ve always loved this rather off-kilter approach to such a classic cast of characters. In this film, the Mystery Inc. gang, which consists of Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and their talking dog Scooby-Doo, reunites after two years to investigate strange occurrences at Spooky Island, a horror-themed resort that is supposedly haunted by demons. But as they dig deeper, they uncover a plot by the island’s owner, Emile Mondavarious, to control the minds of the tourists by using a magical pyramid. Mystery Inc. must then work to thwart the plan and free the possessed guests. Directed by Raja Gosnell and produced by Charles Roven and Richard Suckle, Scooby-Doo stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and Rowan Atkinson.

Here’s where you can stream Scooby-Doo.

11. Beethoven (1992)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the raucous family comedy Beethoven wasn’t a huge hit with critics, who found some of the humor to be over-the-top and annoying. But as a kid, I ate this movie up, loving its family-friendly tone and memorable set pieces. The movie starts with two thieves, Harvey and Vernon, who dognap a group of puppies from a pet store, only for a St. Bernard to escape and sneak into the Newton family’s home. George, a short-tempered father, doesn’t want to keep the dog, but eventually gives in to his family’s protests to keep him. Thanks to the pup’s love of music, they name him Beethoven. That pup quickly grows into a large, formidable dog that causes chaos around the house (driving George wild), while also helping the family in various ways as his stay continues in the household. Before long, Harvey and Vernon return to re-kidnap the dog—putting the Newton family, especially George, to the test. Directed by Brian Levant and produced by Ivan Reitman Joe Medjuck and Michael C. Gross, Beethoven stars Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile and Sarah Rose Karr.

Here’s where you can stream Beethoven.

10. Dog Days (2018)

There aren’t many human love stories on this list—which is exactly what makes Dog Days so refreshing. This ensemble genre affair that’s part comedy, part romance, part drama follows several interconnected Los Angeles stories that are all united by one central tenet: dogs. Tara, a coffee shop worker, finds an abandoned Chihuahua and brings it to a local dog rescue, where she meets Garrett, the rescue’s owner. Meanwhile, Grace and Kurt struggle to bond with their newly adopted daughter, Amelia, until she finds comfort in their dog. Then you have Dax, a slacker musician who is forced to take care of his sister’s dog when she goes into labor. And finally we have Elizabeth, a news anchor, who meets Jimmy, a former athlete turned dog walker, as they start a relationship. Sadly, despite the warm and vibrant visual flair provided by the city of Los Angeles, the focus on positive themes regarding dogs and their owners, and the relatable and diverse cast of characters, the movie received mixed reviews from critics who found it too formulaic. Obviously, I disagree. Directed by Ken Marino and produced by Mickey Liddell, Jennifer Monroe and Pete Shilaimon, Dog Days stars Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria and Finn Wolfhard.

Here’s where you can stream Dog Days.

9. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

If you grew up watching The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends like I did, then you know about “Peabody’s Improbably History,” a segment from the animated program about an anthropomorphic dog who also happens to be the smartest being in existence. In the show, he has a young friend named Sherman, who accompanies the Harvard graduate in the “Wayback Machine” as they travel through time and meet historical figures. Truthfully, I never once, in a million years, imagined that small segment on Rocky and Bullwinkle would get its own movie—but thank goodness it did. The movie centers Mr. Peabody, a genius dog who, alongside his adopted son, Sherman, uses his time machine (called the “WABAC”) to visit various events throughout time and experience history firsthand. But when Sherman takes his classmate, Penny, on an unauthorized trip, they inadvertently cause disruptions that thrash the very fabric of time, forcing Mr. Peabody to devise a plan to fix the timeline and ensure their safe return. This movie was a big hit with critics. Directed by Rob Minkoff and produced by Alex Schwartz and Denise Nolan Cascino, Mr. Peabody & Sherman stars Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, Stephen Colbert and Allison Janney.

Here’s where you can stream Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

8. Wendy and Lucy (2008)

One of just a handful of movies on this list to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Wendy and Lucy stood as a champion of independent film back in 2008 when it won critical reverence, as well as several awards on the festival circuit. The story centers on Wendy, who, destitute and in desperate need of work, travels to Alaska with her dog, Lucy, in search of a job. When her car breaks down in a small Oregon town, her financial situation worsens, forcing her to steal dog food in order to feed Lucy. After being caught and thrown in jail, Lucy goes missing. Wendy desperately searches for Lucy, facing numerous obstacles and setbacks as she frantically traverses the unknown city. Her search reveals the difficulties people face while living on the edge of poverty, of how difficult it is to get by in the face of impending loneliness, of how desperately people seek companionship from anyone—even dogs. Directed by Kelly Reichardt and produced by Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani and Larry Fessenden, Wendy and Lucy stars Michelle Williams, Will Patton, Will Oldham and John Robinson.

Here’s where you can stream Wendy and Lucy.

7. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Of all the childhood favorites on this list, this is by far had the biggest impact on me as a youth. I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. And it’s no surprise the movie was a huge hit with critics, given its stacked cast, its positive and uplifting message and its engaging and memorable characters. This classic follows two dogs and a cat: Chance, an American Bulldog; Shadow, a Golden Retriever; and Sassy, a Himalayan cat. When their owners go on a family vacation and leave them with family friends, Chance, Shadow and Sassy believe they’ve bene abandoned and begin a trek home across the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. Along the way, they face life-threatening scenarios and overcome great challenges as they fight to make it back to their owners. Directed by Duwayne Dunham and produced by Jeffrey Chernov and Franklin R. Levy, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey stars Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Don Ameche and Kim Greist.

Here’s where you can stream Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.

6. My Dog Tulip (2009)

There are several animated films on this list, but only one of them is hand-drawn—and yes, it’s amazing to witness. My Dog Tulip tells of the various joys and challenges of J.R. Ackerley’s 14-year-long relationship with an adopted German Shepherd named Tulip. Dealing with the complexities of caring for his dog in post-war London through an earthly color palette that relays an intimate and reflective tone, Ackerley cares deeply for Tulip’s health and happiness as he navigates many moments, both trying and rewarding. This rather straightforward story still finds immense power, highlighting the everyday challenges and joys that come with caring for an animal—and the ultimate fulfillment that comes by such a journey’s end. This lovely, critically adored film was directed by Paul and Sandra Fierlinger, produced by Howard Kaminsky, Frank Pellegrino and Norman Twain, My Dog Tulip stars the voices of Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave, Isabella Rossellini, Brian Murray and Paul Hecht.

Here’s where you can stream My Dog Tulip.

5. Dog (2022)

In my opinion, this isn’t just an underrated dog movie—Dog is one of the absolute best movies of the 2020s thus far. It also features the directorial debut of Channing Tatum, who stars in the film and showcases the sort of dramatic depth nobody would’ve thought possible 16 years earlier when he starred in Step Up. The story follows Jackson Briggs, a former U.S. Army Ranger who is desperate to get back to duty but is instead is tasked with transporting a military working dog named Lulu to the funeral of her handler. A Belgian Malinois, Lulu is initially hostile and uncooperative because of trauma she suffered in combat. But on their road trip, Briggs (who is struggling with his own PTSD from war) and Lulu grow closer and help one another overcome their mental hardships. I still remember some of the beautiful images and profound moments from this film, which received high marks from critics but sadly failed to reach a wider audience. Directed by Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum, and produced by Peter Kiernan, Gregory Jacobs, Betsy Danbury and Channing Tatum, Dog stars Channing Tatum, Jane Adams, Kevin Nash and Q’orianka Kilcher.

Here’s where you can stream Dog.

4. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit has the honored distinction of being the only winner of Best Animated Feature on this list—and boy was it ever deserving of such an accolade. The story follows the inventive Wallace and his loyal Dog Gromit, the stars of a small franchise who are back for what is widely considered to be their greatest film. Together, they run a humane pest control service called Anti-Pesto, and they are called to duty as a giant rabbit begins to ravage the village’s prized crops ahead of the annual Giant Vegetable Competition. Tasked with capturing the creature, they use various gadget and schemes, only for Gromit to discover that the Were-Rabbit is actually Wallace, who transforms into the rabbit (akin to a werewolf) after one of his inventions malfunctioned. Critics loved this movie upon its release. Directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, and produced by Claire Jennings, Carla Shelley, Peter Lord, David Sproxton and Nick Park, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit stars Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.

Here’s where you can stream Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

3. Wiener-Dog (2016)

Sometimes the best dog movies are the gloomy dog movies—and boy is this one gloomy. Gloomy, yet illuminating and profound. A typically melancholic experience from revered independent film director Todd Solondz, Wiener-Dog follows the journey of a Dachshund as it passes from one owner to another. Each character has different interactions with the dog—from a young boy recovering from an illness, to a veterinary technician who takes the dog on a road trip, to a film professor grappling with his life’s failures, to an elderly woman who reconnects with her past—all offering a bleak examination of human nature as the film explores their flaws and failures, as well as their sadness, their cruelty, their absurdity. This episodic, character-driven narrative grapples with mortality and one’s search for purpose as the title Dachshund floats from one confused soul to another. Directed by Todd Solondz and produced by Megan Ellison, Christine Vachon and David Distenfeld, Wiener-Dog stars Greta Gerwig, Kieran Culkin, Danny DeVito, Ellen Burstyn and Zosia Mamet.

Here’s where you can stream Wiener-Dog.

2. Isle of Dogs (2018)

Leave it to Wes Anderson—the man who first gave us Fantastic Mr. Fox once he added cartoons to his treasure oeuvre—to make the greatest animated dog feature of all time. And many critics would agree, given its intensely positive reception. Set in a dystopian future Japan where a canine flu outbreak leads to all dogs being exiled to “Trash Island,” the story of Isle of Dogs follows a boy named Atari Kobayashi who sets out to find his lost dog, Spot. Once he reaches the island, he meet’s Spot’s new friends—Chief, Rex, King, Duke and Boss—who help him on his quest to return home with his beloved pet. Together, they attempt to uncover a conspiracy involving the mayor of Megasaki City, who orchestrated the dog ban for personal gain. In true Anderson fashion, Isle of Dogs is rich with visual and thematic symmetry, with authentic and atmospheric musical choices, with quirky and endearing characters that feel more lively than most live action movies. Directed by Wes Anderson (who also produced) and produced by Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson, Isle of Dogs stars Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Jeff Goldblum and Scarlett Johansson (and that only scratches the surface of this stacked cast list).

Here’s where you can stream Isle of Dogs.

1. Best in Show (2000)

Best in Show isn’t just the greatest mockumentary ever made (as well as one of the funniest), but it is, in my opinion, the absolute best dog movie ever. This film from mockumentary master Christopher Guest follows several people who are preparing their dogs to compete in the prestigious Mayflower Dog Show. The cast is made up eccentric characters, including: a yuppie couple with their Weimaraner; a flamboyant gay couple with their Shih Tzu; a fly-fishing shop owner with his Bloodhound; a wealthy woman with her Poodle; and a ventriloquist with his Norwich Terrie. The film documents their personalities and relationships as they go to extreme lengths to win the top prize for their pups. Everything about this critically adored movie is picture perfect—from its legendary improvisational acting to its keen observational insight into its idiosyncratic characters to its side-splitting deadpan humor that hasn’t aged one bit. Directed by Christopher Guest and produced by Karen Murphy, Best in Show stars Parker Posey, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Jennifer Coolidge.

Here’s where you can stream Best in Show.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the greatest dog movies ever made, then look no further than this list, which traverses every genre imaginable in detailing the dog movies that have best stood the test of time.