10 Must-See Dog Movies for Animal-Loving Families

Ruff day? Cuddle up with one of these 10 best dog movies and your snuggly pup, and feel your stress melt away.

Published April 28, 2023
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Dog movies are heartwarming, funny, and sweet, but as a dog lover, you always want to know if the dog will be OK in the end. Fear not, because we've sniffed high and low for the best family-friendly dog movies where no harm comes to the canine star (we're not saying you shouldn't have a box of tissues handy, but they're nowhere near Old Yeller level of gut-wrenching). From classics like Beethoven to newer films like Dog and Secret Life of Pets, these dog movies will bring family fun to any movie night.

1. DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

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If you're a fan of DC films, DC League of Super-Pets will have you howling with laughter. This animated movie centers around Superman's dog, Krypto, who puts together an unlikely team of super-pets to save the Justice League. This movie will no doubt urge you to ask yourself, "If my dog had superpowers, what would they be?"

Need to Know

Rating: PG

Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

Genre: animated, adventure, comedy

2. Beethoven (1992)

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Beethoven is a cult classic dog movie about an enormous, slobbery Saint Bernard dog named Beethoven. Even though Beethoven wreaks havoc on the house, his family falls deeply in love with him and would do anything to save their lovable beast. If you've already seen Beethoven recently, why not check out one of the other five (yes, five!) films in the series?

Need to Know

Rating: PG

Length: 1 hour 27 minutes

Genre: comedy, drama

3. Rescued by Ruby (2022)

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Based on a true story, Rescued by Ruby is a tale about a rambunctious rescue dog who undergoes training for K9 search and rescue. Does Ruby have what it takes to make it? This touching movie will have you laughing and crying while hugging your own dog just a little tighter.

Need to Know

Rating: G

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Genre: drama, biographical

4. Cats & Dogs (2001)

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If your household is split between cat lovers and dog lovers, Cats & Dogs is a must-see on family movie night. The movie follows the highly top-secret rivalry between the cat and dog species. Spoiler alert: the cats are evil, and the dogs are the good guys. As it should be.

Need to Know

Rating: PG

Length: 1 hour 27 minutes

Genre: comedy, action

5. Dog (2022)

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A movie titled Dog has to be one of the best dog movies, right? You bet. Dog is a story about an Army Ranger and a beautiful Belgian Malinois who are forced to tolerate each other on a road trip down the coast. This film is simultaneously funny and moving, but note that it's also PG-13, so there is some adult content. Fun fact: not only did Channing Tatum star in Dog, but he directed it, too.

Need to Know

Rating: PG-13

Length: 1 hour 41 minutes

Genre: comedy, adventure, drama

101 Dalmatians (1961)

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Disney hit a home run with One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which is arguably one of the most iconic dog movies out there. This classic animated movie centers around a family of Dalmatian puppies who are kidnapped by the evil Cruella de Vil. The live-action film from 1996, titled 101 Dalmatians, is equally pawsome.

Need to Know

Rating: G

Length: 1 hour 19 minutes

Genre: animated, adventure, comedy, drama

7. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

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Do you ever wonder what your dog gets into when they're home alone? The Secret Life of Pets explores just that. This animated movie follows Max, a Jack Russell Terrier whose life is uprooted when his owner brings home a new dog.

Need to Know

Rating: PG

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Genre: animated, comedy, adventure

8. Lady and the Tramp (1955)

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Lady and the Tramp is a Romeo and Juliet-type story: two dogs from two different walks of life fall in love. Will it work out, or will their differences tear them apart? You'll love singing along to the musical numbers in this animated Disney movie almost as much as you love the cute canine characters.

Need to Know

Rating: G

Length: 1 hour 16 minutes

Genre: animated, drama, comedy, musical

9. Togo (2019)

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If you're craving more of an adventure flick for your movie night, Togo is a great choice. It's about a sled dog and trainer team who embark on a dangerous journey across the Alaskan tundra to deliver medication. Togo the film is based on the true story of Togo, the heroic sled dog who made the trek in 1925.

Need to Know

Rating: PG

Length: 1 hour 54 minutes

Genre: drama, adventure

10. Air Bud (1997)

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A dog who plays basketball? It might sound ridiculous, but Bud, the Golden Retriever who stars in Air Bud, is a phenomenal basketball player. In the film, Bud joins his owner's high school basketball team and engages in tons of other good fun. It's a sweet and silly movie that's sure to warm your heart. Fun fact: Bud's character was inspired by a real dog who was skilled at shooting hoops. His name was Buddy, too!

Need to Know

Rating: PG

Length: 1 hour 38 minutes

Genre: comedy, drama, sports

Curl Up With Your Family Dog for Movie Night

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A dog movie night is a perfect remedy after a ruff day. Cuddle up with your dog and a bowl of pupcorn, then let the stress melt away. But don't just stop at dog movies; check out movies from the 80s or other family-friendly classics.

10 Must-See Dog Movies for Animal-Loving Families