Grab Your Popcorn and Some Milk Duds
Entertainment and movies are highly subjective, so my top 10 dog movies will likely differ from yours. I never really enjoyed Turner and Hooch or the Beethoven movies. Growing up in the 1980s, I didn’t get into Lassie and I’ve never seen Rin Tin Tin. However, I did watch Old Yeller, and its ending was a real tearjerker. Here are my personal favorites in no particular order. I love them all.
K-9
In order to take down a notorious drug dealer named Lyman (played by Kevin Tighe), Detective Michael Dooley (played by Jim Belushi) is partnered with a German Shepherd police dog named Jerry Lee. Jerry Lee is not just any dog; he’s a highly trained K-9 with an impeccable record for sniffing out drugs and criminals. Despite his impressive skills, Jerry Lee proves to be just as much of a maverick as Dooley, leading to a series of comedic and action-packed situations.
Dog
U.S. Army Ranger Briggs (played by Channing Tatum) is tasked with transporting a military working dog named Lulu, a Belgian Malinois, across the country. Lulu’s handler, who was a close friend of Briggs, has recently passed away, and Briggs is instructed to take Lulu to the funeral. Briggs and Lulu have a rocky start, as Lulu is a highly trained and disciplined dog used to military life, while Briggs is dealing with his own struggles and trying to adjust to civilian life. Throughout their journey, they encounter various challenges and adventures, which help them bond and heal from their respective traumas.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
Based on the true story of Hachiko, a loyal Akita dog in Japan. The film is a remake of the 1987 Japanese film “Hachikō Monogatari” and is set in the United States. I’ve seen both versions and they’re both very good. In the American version, Richard Gere stars as Parker Wilson, a music professor who discovers a lost Akita puppy at a train station. Despite initial resistance from his wife, Parker decides to keep the dog and names him Hachi. The bond between Parker and Hachi grows stronger over time, with Hachi accompanying Parker to the train station every day and waiting for his return in the evening. The trailer does give away a big piece of the plot so if you’ve never seen the movie or heard of the story you may want to skip the trailer.
OH! Heavenly Dog
Chevy Chase stars as Browning, a private detective who is murdered while investigating a case. Upon his death, Browning finds himself in the afterlife where he is given a second chance to return to Earth and solve his own murder. However, there’s a catch: he is reincarnated as a dog, specifically a Border Collie. As a dog, Browning must navigate the challenges of his new form while continuing his investigation. Along the way, he encounters Jackie (played by Jane Seymour), who helps him in his quest to uncover the truth behind his murder. The comedic elements of the film are highlighted by Browning’s struggles to adapt to life as a dog while still thinking like a human detective.
The Incredible Journey
The Incredible Journey is a 1963 adventure film directed by Fletcher Markle and produced by Walt Disney Productions. It is based on the novel of the same name by Sheila Burnford. The film follows the remarkable journey of three pets—a Labrador Retriever, a Bull Terrier, and a Siamese cat—as they travel across the Canadian wilderness to reunite with their owners. These pets belong to the Hunter family but are left in the care of a family friend while the Hunters are temporarily relocated. When the pets become homesick, they embark on a perilous 250-mile journey through the Canadian wilderness to find their owners. Along the way, they face various natural dangers, including rivers, forests, and wildlife, showcasing their loyalty, courage, and determination to be reunited with their family. A popular remake of the film was released in 1993, titled “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.” I love both versions, but the original will always be my favorite.
A Dog’s Purpose
A Dog’s Purpose is a 2017 American comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström, based on the 2010 novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron. The film explores the concept of reincarnation from a dog’s perspective, showing how a dog’s spirit is reincarnated multiple times as different dogs over several decades, all while searching for the meaning of its life and the purpose it serves to humans. A sequel was released by Universal Pictures in the United States on May 17, 2019.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
The film follows the life of Enzo, a wise and philosophical dog, who believes he will be reincarnated as a human. Enzo is voiced by Kevin Costner, who provides a reflective and poignant narration throughout the film. Enzo’s owner, Denny Swift (played by Milo Ventimiglia), is an aspiring Formula One race car driver. The story covers significant moments in Denny’s life, including his career struggles, his relationship with his wife Eve (played by Amanda Seyfried), and the birth of their daughter Zoe. As the family faces various challenges, including Eve’s battle with a serious illness and a custody battle for Zoe, Enzo remains a loyal and perceptive companion, drawing parallels between the art of racing and the trials of life.
Marley & Me
The film follows the lives of John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston), a young couple who decide to adopt a Labrador Retriever puppy named Marley shortly after getting married. Marley quickly grows into a rambunctious, energetic dog who proves to be a handful, causing chaos and destruction wherever he goes. Despite Marley’s troublesome behavior, he brings immense joy and laughter to the Grogans’ lives. The film portrays the couple’s journey through various life stages, including career changes, moving to different homes, and starting a family. Throughout these experiences, Marley remains a constant presence, teaching the Grogans valuable life lessons about love, loyalty, and resilience.
Togo
The film tells the story of Leonhard Seppala (played by Willem Dafoe) and his lead sled dog, Togo, during the 1925 serum run to Nome. Seppala is initially skeptical of Togo due to the dog’s small size and mischievous nature, but Togo proves to be an extraordinary and resilient lead dog. As a diphtheria epidemic threatens the town of Nome, Seppala and Togo undertake a treacherous journey across over 260 miles of brutal Alaskan terrain to retrieve the life-saving serum. Despite facing extreme weather conditions and dangerous landscapes, Togo’s determination and leadership help them overcome the challenges.
Strays
Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell) is a lovable, optimistic Border Terrier who believes his owner, Doug (voiced by Will Forte), loves him despite repeatedly abandoning him. Doug’s actual intention is to get rid of Reggie, but Reggie’s unwavering loyalty prevents him from realizing this. One day, Doug drives Reggie far from home and leaves him there, thinking he has finally rid himself of the dog. Lost and confused, Reggie encounters a street-smart, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx). Bug introduces Reggie to the world of strays, teaching him how to survive on the streets and showing him that his owner never truly cared about him.
