Why dog movies?

To say that I was obsessed with dogs as a child would be an understatement. Sleeping and waking; all I thought about was dogs. I wanted to BE a dog. Only as puberty set in, and I realized I hadn’t any friends who wanted to play “dogs” with me anymore, did I realize that could never be.

Although my madness for everything dogs has lessened considerably as an adult, I still love them. I just think the connection between humans and dogs is one of the most remarkable things in all of nature. Two creatures came together, and became perfect companions for one another.

Thus, I’ve seen a lot of dog movies! And I got strong feelings about 'em. Not all dog movies are created equal. And so, I will share my thoughts for each of the dog movies I’ve seen. I’ll only include summaries or full reviews if I feel like it.

Listed in no particular order. I try not to include too much in the way of spoilers. But I do say if an animal (not necessarily the dog) dies in the film. And sometimes I specify which parts I cry at.

Qualifications

To be a dog movie the film should be (a) about a dog, (b) from a dog’s perspective, and/or (c) about a dog friendship. Simply having a dog in it, even a dog that has a large or iconic role, doesn’t make a movie a dog movie. The rules aren’t strict. If it feels like a dog movie, it is one.

Benji the Hunted
(1987)

Plot Summary

Benji is lost in the Oregon wilderness. As he tries to find his owner, he discovers a litter of orphaned mountain lion kittens. With time running out, he is determined to connect the kittens with another mountain lion mama.

Review

This is definitely in the top 5 of my favorite dog movies of all time. I love that there is hardly any dialogue. There is no need for narration, or voice acting for Benji, or any humans to tell us what is happening. They just set it up at the begining and that’s it. It’s just Benji. And the story is conveyed through music and his facial expressions. You know what Benji is thinking and feeling the entire time. I think Benjean (the dog who plays Benji) gives the best dog performance I’ve ever seen. She never looks like she’s taking direction from her handler. And her face is so expressive.

I also think the film making is just really well done. The fact that they capture Benji’s behavior and expressions so well is not just a testament to Benjean, but to the director and cinematographer. They also do a great job of orienting you in space without a map or some other corny device. They picked locations with distinct landmarks, so you easily remember where you are.

The other Benji movies are not as good as this one.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. The real question is, do I ever stop crying while watching this film. The answer: no.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes

  • Dog Acting:

    1000000000/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    5/5

One Hundred and One Dalmatians
(1961)

Review

A classic. The animation is beautiful, even though it kicked off the xerox era of animation. They made the bugs of xeroxing a feature, and chose to make this film very stylistic. The music is great too.

The voice acting is also very good. And I will always feel vindicated for that time I was watching “The Time Machine” with my parents and I said that the leading actor in it was also the voice of Pongo. And my dad was like, no way, but I was, in fact, correct.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. Every time Nanny is screaming for help after the puppies are stolen, I always cry. And when Lucky almost dies.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    4/5

101 Dalmatians
(1996)

Review

Campy, which I like. I enjoyed it, but it's no where near as good as the animated film. Dalmatians really had a moment in the 1990s. And child me was grateful.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. When the puppies are stolen and when Lucky almost dies.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Acting:

    4/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    3/5 The people are a large focus of the film. And the dogs aren't given as much character as the animated film.

  • Overall:

    3/5

Lady and the Tramp
(1955)

Review

I love this movie. It’s probably my favorite classic Disney film (although, maybe it’s tied with Cinderella). It’s sweet, funny, dramatic. The animation is just stunning. The music is amazing. There really isn’t anything I’d change about it.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. When Trusty is hit by the cart.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    5/5

Babe
(1995)

Review

While this is technically a pig movie, the dogs are a huge part, so I think it counts. I love it. I love the story. I love the music. I love Babe. I love James Cromwell’s performance as Farmer Hoggett. I love Rex and Fly the best. Especially Fly. I love all the scenes of the dogs herding the sheep. It has the very 90s/00s thing of having flappy mouths for when the animals talk, but I don’t think it’s too annoying. They otherwise don’t use much cgi in this film. Which I appreciate.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. I always cry at the part when Rex loses his hearing. I also cry when Fly says goodbye to her puppies. I might also cry when Rex and Fly are herding the sheep, cus it’s amazing and beautiful.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    4/5

  • Overall:

    5/5

Airbud
(1997)

Plot Summary

Honestly, who cares. This movies sucks.

Review

This is a terrible film. Truly. Just awful. Please, don’t bother.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    No.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Acting:

    4/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    4/5 Honestly, I’m not sure why I can’t give it 5/5. It’s a “boy and his dog” film, so it’s very much a dog movie. Maybe it’s just that I’m salty, so I can’t give it a 5.

  • Overall:

    1/5

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
(1993)

Review

Another in my top 5. The story is great. The voice acting is great. Animal acting is great. Shadow’s loyalty makes me teary eyed just thinking about it. I also love how much Chance learns from him.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. I always cry when Shadow is in the pit and when he comes over the hill.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5. Besides Benjean, the dog that plays Chance is one of the best. Cus he’s not acting at all. He’s literally just being a dog.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    5/5

Plague Dogs
(1982)

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. It very sad.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    5/5

Beethoven
(1992)

Plot Summary

Beleaguered, anxiety ridden father is forced by his family to love a big doofy dog.

Review

Classic 90s dog movie. I love it, it's very campy. And I thought the kids were pretty good.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    I think so, when the evil doctor is being mean to Beethoven.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Acting:

    4/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    4/5

Beethovan's 2nd
(1993)

Plot Summary

Same as above, but more puppies!

Review

This one is campy as hell. Even more than the first one. But I like that all the actors came back for this one. It’s funny and the puppies are so cute. I just love St. Bernards. The story isn’t as strong as the first one, but I still enjoy it.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Acting:

    4/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    4/5

Balto
(1995)

Review

All I really have to say is that I got to see the Balto statue featured in the film when I visited NYC. Childhood dream realized.

Edit: Watched this again on blu-ray. It looked really great! I could really appreciate the animation on this blu-ray. They didn't DNR to death. It still had nice film texture.

Watching it again I found some of the dialogue and set up a little silly. Like, why does Jenna give a crap how big Balto's paws are? Why is she offended? So silly. But the voice acting is very good. Jim Cummings, one of my favorites, is always great. And I love Bob Hoskins.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    5/5

Fluke
(1995)

Plot Summary

A business man who prioritized his company over his family dies in a car accident and is reincarnated as a dog. Full of regret, he’s determined to find his family and make them realize who he really is.

Review

I love this film. Top 5 dog movies. The acting is great (human and dog). The story is great. I think it’s so underrated.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. A lot.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    4/5. Really it’s a story about a man, but he's a dog the entire time.

  • Overall:

    5/5

Milo and Otis
(1986)

Plot Summary

A puppy and kitten who are best friends become seperated. And they spend the entire film looking for one another.

Review

Now… I have not seen this film in a very, very long time. I simply can’t watch it again. Even though I loved it as a child. And the story is amazing. And the music is great. But they were not good to the animals during filming. There are a lot of rumors that many cats died on set. And I can fucking believe it. There is a scene in which Milo jumps off a cliff to escape these birds that are attacking him (which really do attack him on screen). And that cat is fucking real. I don’t know if they really forced it over a cliff, but they chucked a cat off something. And for reasons like that…. I just can’t do it. And I’ve given it a low overall score.

I wish so, so much that this movie would get an animated adaptation. Because then no animals would be hurt, but I could still enjoy the story. Because the story is so great.

I might watch it again someday... but today is not that day.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    2/5

Oliver & Company
(1988)

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. That opening scene always makes me cry.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    4/5. I mean, the main character is a cat. But there are lots of dog characters that are important to the plot.

  • Overall:

    4/5

The Fox and the Hound
(1981)

Review

The storytelling and animation in this film are so great. The music is amazing and really enhances the storytelling. I think Chief should have died, like he does in the book. Because it makes more sense for the motivations of the characters. But other than that, I think it’s a really great film.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. The entire bear scene, when Chief fall off the bridge, when Todd gets left in the game preserve. So much opportunity for crying.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No, but for the story to really work, Chief should have died.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    4/5. It’s really a fox story. But Copper is a title character. And foxes are canids.

  • Overall:

    4/5

Lass Come Home
(1943)

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes. It’s really sad too.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    4/5. “A boy and his dog” film. It’s a lot about the people, but there are a lot of scenes when Lassie is traveling that are from her perspective.

  • Overall:

    4/5

Scooby-Doo
(2002)

Review

Another terrible movie. I remember the sequel being better, but it’s been a long time since I watched it.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    No.

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    3/5. Even though Scooby Doo is the titular character, it’s more about the rest of the mystery gang, not just Scooby. He isn't even really the focus.

  • Overall:

    1/5

Turner and Hooch
(1989)

Plot Summary

A dog is the only witness of a murder. And the cop investigating the crime must use the dog to find the killer. The only catch is, he hates dogs. Shenanigans ensue.

Review

Great movie. I love mastiffs. Tom Hanks is… Tom Hanks, but I’ll look past that. My husband used to say to my old dog “this is not your room,” which made me giggle because he didn’t know he was quoting Tom Hanks, and he hates that guy.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    4/5

All Dogs Go To Heaven
(1989)

Plot Summary

A german shepherd named Charlie escapes prison to get back at to his life as a gambling crook. But after he's murdered by his partner, he escapes from heaven to get revenge.

Review

I love it. Maybe in my top 5. But I recognize it’s not the greatest film of all time. The music is good. The voice acting is good. The animation is great. The story is heartfelt and meaningful, even with it’s faults.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes. A lot. I’m a fucking mess during the final scene.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    4/5

Frankenweenie
(1984)

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5. “Boy and his dog” film.

  • Overall:

    5/5

Wishbone
(1995-1998)

Plot Summary

A witty Jack Russel terrier in whimsical costumes teaches us about classic literature.

Review

Ok, not a movie. But Wishbone is a very good boy. And I’ll be forever grateful to him for that time I didn’t read Don Quixote for a book report, but still got an “A” because I had seen the Wishbone episode. Wishbone is awesome, and I love the entire premise of a little dog teaching us classic literature. All his little costumes are very cute.

It’s campy in the way that PBS children’s programing should be. The kids get better at acting as the show went on. But season two and the film are such a dumpster fire, let’s all pretend they don’t exist.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    I don’t think so. It’s too delightful. But maybe…

  • Does an animal die?:

    No.

  • Dog Acting:

    4/5. He can do all kinds of great acting. And he’s a very tolerant boy of his many costumes. But you can definitely tell he’s looking at his trainer off-screen.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5

  • Overall:

    4/5. 

Good Boy
(2025)

Review

I liked the dog acting very much. And some of the shots I really liked. But overall, I found it pretty confusing. And the same sort of scares were used several times. I like the idea of a ghost movie from a dog’s perspective, but the execution was so-so.

Edit: I want to add that I think they filmed the dog really super well in this. The way they positioned the camera and the behavior of the dog was all very natural. The dog never felt like he was acting, because I don't think he was. It seemed like they just set up the shot and let it play out. That part was very well done.

Ratings

  • Did I cry?:

    Yes, during the puppy raising montage.

  • Does an animal die?:

    Yes, offscreen.

  • Dog Acting:

    5/5. Very good dog acting.

  • Dog Movie Score:

    5/5. The whole movie is from the dog’s perspective, which I liked a lot.

  • Overall:

    2/5

Cat Movie Reviews

Now, I like cats a lot too! And I’ve had far more cats in my life than dogs. I’ve never had a deeper connection with an animal than I did with my Bubby. And so, I shall list a few cat movies here that I’d also like to review. They don’t make enough cat movies.

  • Thomasina (1963):

    Honestly, it’s been a while since I watched this one. But I remember liking it.

  • The Cat From Outer Space (1978):

    4/5. Campy goodness. Very good cat acting. I like Sandy Duncan a lot.

  • Aristocats (1970):

    3/5. Classic songs. I really like Eva Gabor.

  • Kedi (2016):

    5/5. Great documentary about cats in Istanbul.

  • Cats Don't Dance (1997):

    3/5. The music is very good and the story is fun.

  • Flow (2024):

    4/5. I enjoyed it, and I like how bold it was to have no dialogue.

  • Cats (1998):

    4/5. I mean, this is a classic. The absolute horniest movie/play about cats to exist.

  • Famous Fred (1996):

    5/5. Amazing animation. Funny. The voice acting is also very good.

  • The Cat Returns (2002):

    4/5. Pretty weird.

  • Gay Purr-ee (1962):

    3/5. Singing French cats starring Judy Garland and directed by one of my favorite animators, Chuck Jones.

And here are some cat anime, cus Japan does cats quite well.

  • Chi's Sweet Home (2008):

    5/5. Sweet. I really like the manga too.

  • Aka Neko Ramen (2024):

    4/5. Cats making ramen, what else can I say? The animation is kind of meh though.

Movies I'll have to rewatch before reviewing.

  • Lassie (1994)
  • Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
  • Old Yeller (1957)
  • The Incredible Journey (1963)
  • Rover Dangerfield (1991)
  • Hachi (2009)
  • Bolt (2008)
  • Look Who's Talking Now! (1993)
  • Dogville shorts (1930s)
  • Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Fransisco (1996)
  • All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 (1996)
  • Scooby Doo 2 (2004)
  • Snoopy Come Home (1972)
  • Benji (1974)
  • For the Love of Benji (1977)
  • Benji's Very Own Christma Story (1978)

Movies I haven't seen, but would like to.

  • Shiloh (1996)
  • Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)
  • Call of the Wild (several adaptations, not 2020 though)
  • White Fang (several adaptations)
  • Never Cry Wolf (1983)
  • Bingo (1991)
  • Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)
  • Rin-Tin-Tin movies (1920s)
  • The Ugly Dachshund (1966)
  • Big Red (1962)
  • Savage Sam (1963)
  • Greyfriars Bobby (1961)
  • The Shaggy Dog (1959)
  • The Biscuit Eater (1940)
  • Dog City:The Movie (1989)
  • The other Lassie movies (1940s)
  • Lassie tv show (but good god, it's 591 eps)
  • Nikki: Wild Dog of the North (1961)
  • Iron Will (1994)