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As a dog mom of two adorable Maltese pups, Luna and Sol, I can say there’s nothing quite like curling up with your fur babies and watching a great dog movie. Over the years, I’ve watched countless dog movies, and some have left a lasting impression. So, here’s my list of the 10 best dog movies of all time, including their ratings, plots, genres, and where you can stream them. Plus, I’ve added a special section at the end for the top 5 dog movies from the past two years (2023 and 2024) and where to find them.
1. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
- Rating: 7.0/10
- Plot: Two dogs, Shadow and Chance, along with a cat named Sassy, embark on a perilous journey to reunite with their owners.
- Genre: Family/Adventure
- Streaming: Disney+, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video ($3.79), YouTube ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99)
This movie is a rollercoaster of emotions. The animals’ determination and friendship highlight the incredible bond we share with our pets.
2. Marley & Me (2008)
- Rating: 7.1/10
- Plot: Follow the life of Marley, a mischievous Labrador Retriever, and his owners as they navigate the ups and downs of life together.
- Genre: Comedy/Drama
- Streaming: YouTube TV (Premium subscription), YouTube ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99), Amazon Prime Video ($3.99)
Marley & Me is a tearjerker that beautifully portrays the chaos and love that comes with having a dog.
3. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
- Rating: 7.3/10
- Plot: Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians, must rescue their stolen puppies from the evil Cruella de Vil.
- Genre: Animation/Family
- Streaming: Disney+, YouTube ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($14.99), Amazon Prime Video ($18.59)
This classic animated film is a delightful adventure full of adorable puppies and a villain you’ll love to hate.
4. Old Yeller (1957)
- Rating: 7.3/10
- Plot: A boy and his dog, Old Yeller, form a deep bond as they protect their family in the Texas frontier.
- Genre: Family/Drama
- Streaming: Disney+, Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99), Amazon Prime Video ($4.29)
Old Yeller is a story of loyalty and sacrifice that remains a beloved classic to this day.
5. Beethoven (1992)
- Rating: 5.7/10
- Plot: The Newton family adopts a lovable but mischievous St. Bernard, leading to hilarious and heartwarming adventures.
- Genre: Family/Comedy
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video ($3.59), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99)
Beethoven’s antics and the family’s love for him make this a fun and memorable movie for all ages.
6. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
- Rating: 7.2/10
- Plot: A dog discovers the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.
- Genre: Family/Drama
- Streaming: YouTube ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99), Amazon Prime Video ($3.99)
This movie explores the idea of reincarnation and the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs.
7. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
- Rating: 8.1/10
- Plot: Based on a true story, Hachi is an Akita who waits every day at the train station for his owner, even after his sudden death.
- Genre: Drama/Family
- Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video ($3.59), YouTube ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99)
Hachi’s unwavering loyalty is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
8. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- Rating: 7.3/10
- Plot: The romantic tale of a refined Cocker Spaniel named Lady and a street-smart mutt named Tramp.
- Genre: Animation/Romance
- Streaming: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video ($3.79), Youtube ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango at Home ($3.99)
This classic love story between two dogs is a must-watch for dog lovers.
9. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
- Rating: 6.5/10
- Plot: The lives of pets when their owners are away, focusing on Max, a terrier, and his new roommate, Duke.
- Genre: Animation/Comedy
- Streaming: Netflix, Peacock (free), Amazon Prime Video ($3.79), Fandango at Home ($3.99), Google Play Movies ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
A fun and humorous look at what pets might do when left alone.
10. Lassie (1994)
- Rating: 6.7/10
- Plot: This heartwarming adventure follows Lassie, a loyal Rough Collie, who helps her new family adjust to their rural home and faces various challenges.
- Genre: Family/Adventure
- Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video (unavailable to watch in some locations)
Lassie is a timeless tale of loyalty and bravery. The bond between Lassie and her human family is incredibly touching, making it a perfect family movie night choice.
| Top 10 Best Dog Movies | Rating | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Homeward Bound (1993) | 7.0/10 | Family/Adventure |
| Marley & Me (2008) | 7.1/10 | Comedy/Drama |
| 101 Dalmatians (1961) | 7.3/10 | Animation/Family |
| Old Yeller (1957) | 7.3/10 | Family/Drama |
| Beethoven (1992) | 5.7/10 | Family/Comedy |
| A Dog’s Purpose (2017) | 7.2/10 | Family/Drama |
| Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) | 8.1/10 | Drama/Family |
| Lady and the Tramp (1955) | 7.3/10 | Animation/Romance |
| The Secret Life of Pets (2016) | 6.5/10 | Animation/Comedy |
| Lassie (1994) | 6.7/10 | Family/Adventure |
Top 5 Best Dog Movies of 2023 and 2024
1. Dog Gone (2023)
- Rating: 7.0/10
- Plot: A father and son set out on the Appalachian Trail to find their lost dog, bringing them closer together.
- Genre: Adventure/Drama
- Streaming: Netflix
This film is a beautiful reminder of the lengths we’ll go for our furry friends.
2. Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023)
- Rating: 6.8/10
- Plot: The Paw Patrol pups gain superpowers and save the day in this fun, action-packed adventure.
- Genre: Animation/Action
- Streaming: Available on rental and purchase platforms like MGM+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Philo, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango at Home.
3. Puppy Love (2023)
- Rating: 6.5/10
- Plot: A romantic comedy where two people are brought together by their dogs’ unexpected romance.
- Genre: Comedy/Romance
- Streaming: Available on Prime Video, Vudu, and Freevee.
4. Strays (2023)
- Rating: 6.3/10
- Plot: An adult comedy about a stray dog who teams up with other strays to get revenge on his neglectful owner.
- Genre: Comedy
- Streaming: Available on Peacock.
5. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2024)
- Rating: 7.3/10
- Plot: A dog named Enzo recalls the life lessons he has learned from his race car driving owner, Denny.
- Genre: Drama/Family
- Streaming: Disney+
| Top 5 Best Dog Movies of 2023 and 2024 | Rating | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Gone (2023) | 7.0/10 | Adventure/Drama |
| Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie | 6.8/10 | Animation/Action |
| Puppy Love (2023) | 6.5/10 | Comedy/Romance |
| Strays (2023) | 6.3/10 | Comedy |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain | 7.3/10 | Drama/Family |
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic tale or a new release, these best dog movies are sure to bring joy to your heart and a wag to your dog’s tail. So grab some popcorn, cuddle up with your furry friends, and enjoy a movie night filled with love, laughter, and lots of woofs!
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