Dogs have been known for everlasting commitment and loyalty toward their owners for many centuries. They have been our faithful companions for centuries, and their love has been pure and unconditional for ages. It is no wonder that Dogs’ loyalty and devotion to their owners make for outstanding movies.
Stories as diverse as “Balto movie” and “Hachiko Film” and as touching as “Marley and Me” and “A Dog’s Purpose” all highlight the tremendous resiliency and determination of dogs. These movies not only showcase the loyalty of dogs but also highlight their intelligence, courage, and unique personalities.
In this article, we have narrowed down the best ten dog movies that tell the tale of loyalty. The everlasting link between dogs and their owners will move you in these movies.
1. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is a 2009 drama film directed by Lasse Hallstrom. The film stars Richard Gere as Parker Wilson, who is a college professor. He forms a deep bond with a stray Akita dog he finds at a train station.
The dog, who he names Hachi, becomes a regular fixture in Parker’s life. Every morning, he followed him to the train station and waited for him to return from work.
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is a remake of the Japanese film Hachiko Monogatari or Hachi-Ko (1987). The real-life story of a dog named Hachiko in Japan in the 1920s is the main inspiration behind the storyline of the sequels of the film.
2. Up (2009)
Released in 2009, “Up” is an animated adventure-comedy movie. Pete Docter directed the film, Pixar Animation Studios is the producer, and Walt Disney Pictures distributed this amazing dog movie.
“Up” follows the journey of an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen, who, after a lifetime of dreaming, sets out to fulfil his lifelong dream of visiting South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying it there. He met a dog named Dug and a bird whom he idolized in his childhood.
This film was not only a global hit but also won two Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. Its heartwarming plot makes it a great animated dog movie.
3. Isle Of Dogs (2018)
“Isle of Dogs” is an animated dog movie directed by Wes Anderson and released in 2018. The film is set in a terrifying future. Here, a canine flu outburst led all dogs to be deported to an island named “Trash Island.”
The story follows a young boy named Atari who travels to the island to find his beloved dog, Spots. The film’s unique storyline, stunning visuals, and engaging characters made this film entertaining and laudable.
Isle of Dogs received the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 91st Academy Awards. Isle of Dogs is a touching and heartfelt tribute to the loyalty and love between humans and dogs.
4. Marley and Me (2008)
“Marley and Me” is next on our list of must-see dog movies. The film is based on John Grogan’s best-selling memoir of the same name.
It tells the saga of a young couple, John and Jenny Grogan, who adopts a mischievous Labrador Retriever named Marley. The film stars Owen Wilson as John Grogan and Jennifer Aniston as Jenny Grogan. Multiple dogs play Marley throughout the film.
Directed by David Frankel, “Marley and Me” was a commercial success worldwide. It also tugged at the heartstrings of audiences everywhere, making it one of the beloved classic dog movies for pet lovers and families alike.
5. Life in the Doghouse (2018)
“Life in the Doghouse” is a heartwarming documentary film that tells the story of Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta. This couple dedicated their lives to rescuing abandoned and unwanted dogs. The film follows their journey as they transform their South Carolina home into a sanctuary for over 10,000 dogs.
The film features interviews with Danny and Ron, as well as their friends, family, and volunteers. It also shows their rescue dogs and their daily struggles.
In addition to Danny and Ron, the film also shows several of Danny and Ron’s rescued pets, each with their own tale.
6. Umberto D. (1952)
“Umberto D.” is a 1952 Italian neorealist film that follows the story of Umberto Domenico Ferrari. He was an elderly pensioner living in Rome living with his faithful dog Flike. Umberto is struggling to make ends meet with his small pension. Later, he also faced eviction from his rented room due to unpaid rent.
The movie portrays the everyday struggles of a man with his beloved dog. The Society forgot him, and his family also abandoned him. Overall, Umberto D. is a moving dog movie that portrays the human condition with great empathy and sensitivity.
7. Lassie Come Home (1943)
“Lassie Come Home” is a classic dog movie from 1943 directed by Fred M. Wilcox. The film tells the heartwarming tale of a loyal and determined Rough Collie named Lassie.
A wealthy Duke bought Lassie from its last owner. Later, Lassie embarks on a long and treacherous journey to return to her original owners, the Carraclough family. Roddy McDowall appeared in the lead role of Joe Carraclough. He loves Lassie and is devastated when she is taken away.
This film has become a beloved classic and has inspired many adaptations and sequels over the years. This dog movie is a touching tale of devotion, persistence, and a dog’s everlasting connection with its owner.
8. Balto (1995)
“Balto” is a 1995 animated adventure film based on the true story of a heroic sled dog in 1925 Alaska. Simon Wells directed the film, and Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures are the producers. Kevin Bacon voiced Balto in the film, who is half-husky and half-wolf.
Other notable voice actors in the film include Bob Hoskins as Boris the goose, Bridget Fonda as Jenna the husky, and Jim Cummings as the villainous Steele the sled dog.
The storyline revolves around Balto, whose bravery is put to the test when a deadly diphtheria epidemic hits his hometown. He must lead a team of sled dogs on a dangerous journey to retrieve medicine from a distant city.
Balto received critical acclaim for its animation, voice acting, and heartwarming story. You can find many animated films worldwide, but Balto has become one of the classic dog movies of all time.
9. Eight Below (2006)
“Eight Below” is a 2006 dog movie directed by Frank Marshall. This dog film is based on a true story and features a team of sled dogs in Antarctica. It is about their survival in harsh weather conditions after their humans are forced to evacuate.
The cast of Eight Below includes accomplished actors such as Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, and Jason Biggs. The movie also features eight beautiful, intelligent sled dogs who steal the show.
Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies contribute exceptionally well to this film. Max, Maya, Shorty, Old Jack, Dewey, Shadow, Truman, and Buck are the main dog characters in the film.
The dogs’ performances are truly remarkable, and their interactions with the human characters make for an emotionally powerful movie.
Overall, Eight Below is a touching and thrilling movie that will appeal to dog lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
10. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
“A Dog’s Purpose” is a heartwarming 2017 film about a dog who is reincarnated several times. He tried to find his purpose in life and his true owner. This film about dogs is based on the bestselling fiction by W. Bruce Cameron.
Josh Gad voices the lead dog character, named Bailey, in the film. Other notable cast members include Dennis Quaid, the dog’s first owner, and Peggy Lipton. Britt Robertson also stars as Ethan’s love interest and later as another dog owner.
Dogs bring joy, comfort, and companionship to their owners, as the film shows. A Dog’s Purpose is a must-see for dog lovers and anyone seeking heartwarming dog movies.
Final Thoughts
Movies about dogs have been successful for a long time because of the universal themes of loyalty, dedication, and bravery. These films also serve as reminders of the unique connection that exists between humans and their animal companions.
They also emphasize the value of being kind and respectful toward all living beings, including our animal companions. Any of these top ten dog movies will make you laugh, cry, and think differently about life.
