Movies have been the go-to thing this pandemic season to keep ourselves at home. If you are a dog lover- how about a good dog movie? Even if you are not, then these movies are going to make you fall in love with man’s best friend. Here we list down fresh top 10 best dog movies that are our favorites. If you are an avid dog lover and movie buff, it is likely that you may have seen them all. Not yet? …then you must watch them all. If you are a pet parent and a mother you can watch most of these movies with your families. We have indicated suitability for children under the section ‘ can your kids watch?’
Top 10 Best Dog Movies for Families
Here goes our count down…
10. Eight Below (2006)
| IMDb 7.2 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 72 % (critic); Audience Score: 79% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 8 + |
Jerry Shepherd and his team are in the scientific expedition in Antarctica. Under extreme weather conditions and circumstances, they are forced to leave behind their much-loved Sled dogs. Now, these Dogs must Struggle to survive under these harsh circumstances for more than 6 months before somebody can reach for help. Eight Below is a heartwarming, thrilling, and emotion-filled adventure movie.
Can your kids watch?
Yes. This is a PG-rated movie and may be suitable to watch with family and older children. This adventure movie has several positive messages like loyalty, bravery, and resolve. But there are several perilous moments that may have an impact on younger kids.
9. Red Dog (2011)
| IMDb 7.4/10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 83 % (Critic); Audience Score: 80% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 4 Star and Age 10 + |
This Australian comedy-drama family film is based on a true story of a ‘Red Dog’ and his search for his long lost master. It is an emotional dog tale though not quite a blatant tear-jerker like many other dog movies. Watch this movie for some super performances and superb cinematography.
Can your kids watch?
It is a PG-rated film and you can watch it with older children. But be informed that it is an emotionally charged film featuring Pet loss, lots of drinking, and some use of sexually explicit language.
8. A Dogs Purpose (2017)
| IMDb 7.2 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 35 % (Critic); Audience Score: 73% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 8 + |
It is the story of one devoted dog who explores his life’s purpose ( by several reincarnations) by helping his humans learn how to live and laugh. Though this movie failed to get much of critical acclaim, it sure did gather a lot of love from pet-loving audiences.
Can your kids watch?
You can watch it with your older children. But please keep in mind that it is an emotional drama with some scenes of peril as well as some violence/ upsetting scenes.
7. A Dogs Way Home (2019)
| IMDb 7.5 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 59 % (critic); Audience Score: 71% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 10 + |
Bella, the central dog character, travels 400 miles over 2 years to reach back home after an unexpected separation from her owner. On the way, she meets new friends and brings joy to their lives. Not quite a classic family movie, this movie has managed to please the audience despite getting a lukewarm response from critics.
Can your kids watch?
This movie is PG-rated and is suitable for children older than 10 years. There are several disturbing scenes that could potentially upset your child. There is also some drinking scene in the background.
6. Marley and Me (2008)
| IMDb 7.1 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 62 % (Critic); Audience Score: 75% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 13 + |
Newlyweds John and Jenny struggle to adjust to the new life – a new marriage, new carrier, and possibly starting a family. Unsure of their preparedness to raise children John decides to bring home a dog at the advice of his friend Sebastian. The cute 12-pound labrador becomes a large 100-pound untameable dog (Marley) that turns their life upside down. Both of them realize that ‘Marley is the world’s worst dog’ but over the years he manages to bring the best out of them.
Can your kids watch?
With some mature themes and implied sexual content, this movie is not suitable for young children. It has a PG rating and commonsense media recommendation is for children older than 12 years.
5. Megan Leavey (2017)
| IMDb 7.1 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 87 % (Critic); Audience Score: 79% |
| MPAA Rating: PG 13 | Commonsense Media Rating: 4 Star and Age 13 + |
The movie is based on a real-life story of a young marine corporal Megan Leavey who served as a dog handler in the K9 unit and her military combat dog Rex during their deployment in Iraq. During the course, Megan and Rex completed more than 100 missions saving lives till they meet with an IED explosion which leaves them injured.
Can your kids watch?
The Movie is PG 13 rated and is NOT recommended for children younger than 13 years as it contains war scenes, violent moments, and explosions. There is also some use of strong language and some implied sexual scenes.
4. A Dogs Journey (2019)
| IMDb 7.5 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 50 % (critic); Audience Score: 91 % |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 10 + |
This movie is a sequel to the Movie ‘Dogs Purpose’. The central dog character ‘Baliey’ and her role in the life of her ‘boy’ Ethen and Ethen’s granddaughter CJ are shown though his multiple lives of love and friendship and dedication. Though the movie did not receive critical acclaim, you as a dog lover will go aww over Bailey and her multiple reincarnations.
Can your kids watch?
It is okay for older kids (above 10 years), but be mindful that the movie is emotionally intense and shows multiple deaths of Bailey (of which one is particularly painful). There is also a portrayal of an abusive relationship and one scene of teens making out in the car.
3. Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
| IMDb 7.6 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 43 % (critic); Audience Score: 96% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 10 + |
The Art of Racing in the Rain is based on the best selling novel by Garth Stein. It is the story of Enzo (central dog character; a golden retriever ) and his owner Denny (who is an aspiring formula one racer) and his family. The film follows their lives via a witty and tremendously insightful narration from Enzo using racing analogies. It’s going to leave your eyes in tears!
Can your kids watch?
The Art of Racing in the rain is a very emotional drama that should be reserved for older children (older than 10 years). Younger kids will not get the metaphors in the movie and are likely to be lost. Also, there are many emotionally upsetting scenes including deaths.
2. Hachi – A Dogs Tale (2009)
| IMDb 8.1 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 64 % (critic); Audience Score: 84% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 10 + |
Hachi – the dog’s tale is based on a true story and a 1987 Japanese movie. A college professor (Richard Gere) finds an abandoned puppy and takes him in. The movie follows the life of the two, who form a strong and unexplainable bond. This tearjerker celebrates the loyalty of dogs and the strength of the bond between a dog and his man. Its a must watch for dog lovers and pet owners.
Can your kids watch?
Though the movie is G rated, it’s best that this emotionally charged movie may be kept for older children (older than 10 years).
1. Togo (2019)
| IMDb 8 /10 | Rotten Tomato Rating: 91 % (critic); Audience Score: 96% |
| MPAA Rating: PG | Commonsense Media Rating: 3 Star and Age 10 + |
Togo is based on a true story set in the Alaskan tundra; the1925 serum run to Nome. It is an adventurous story of strength, courage, and perseverance of one man and his sled dog- Togo. The movie is a great watch and it has received the audience’s love and critics acclaim alike and hence is our choice for the top spot.
Can your kids watch?
It is best reserved for older kids ( above 10 years) and there are emotionally intense scenes like life-threatening situations in their adventurous journey and portrayal of some deaths of children.
This is our recommendation for the 10 best dog movies. Hope you will love it. You will love it especially if you are a dog enthusiast and dog parent. We recommend that you see this movie with your kids (and not let them see alone) as you can guide them through the emotional roller coaster as most of these movies are… hope you get what we are trying to say!
Have seen all these movies? Which one did you like best? Please let us know in the comment section below. If your favorite movie didn’t figure in the list, please let us know that too.
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