Who doesn’t love a classic underdog story — a story about a person who discovers a canine pal that changes their life for the better? Hollywood has produced such pictures for years and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, this week sees the release of Arthur the King, starring Mark Wahlberg “in the incredible true story” about the unbreakable bond “forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur.”
Yes, it sounds cheesy as hell, and yes, I’m going to see it because, well, I like cheesy movies, especially cheesy movies with dogs. Need proof? Here’s a list of my favorite inspirational canine movies, which warrant a watch before you head out to the theater this weekend.
Turner and Hooch (1989)
Leave it to Tom Hanks to lead the pack in our list of the best dog movies. The 1980s, you see, were chock full of dog movie treats as Hollywood unleashed everything from K-9 (starring James Belushi) and Milo and Otis to animated fare All Dogs Go to Heaven and Oliver and Company. Turner & Hooch was the last of this breed to hit cinemas at the tail end of the century. Releasing in July of 1989, the comedy/drama was a notable hit for Hanks. While its Odd Couple plot about a neat freak detective teaming up with a rough ‘n ragged canine to solve a murder is relatively mundane, the two stars display remarkable chemistry, leading to a silly, sometimes hysterical romp that I’ve somehow seen at least a hundred time. Knowing that Hanks would win back-to-back Academy Awards a mere four years later makes this goofy comedy even funnier.
Fair warning: Turner & Hooch is mostly fun but features incredibly dark moments. I still love it, but if you think Hanks crying over a volleyball in Cast Away is devastating, wait until he melts down over losing his beloved puppy.
Old Yeller (1957)
For the record, I hate Old Yeller. This flick screwed me up as a kid. I don’t think I ever watched it voluntarily. Instead, this was the de facto go-to movie in elementary school that teachers would pop in on a rainy day or just before the holidays. What starts as a heartwarming adventure about a boy (Tommy Kirk) and his dog ends on one of the bleakest notes imaginable. Oddly, this is the movie that got me into guns. Even my psychiatrist couldn’t figure that one out.
Also, Where the Red Fern Grows is another devastating dog flick that ends in heartbreak. So, if you’re up for an old-fashioned double feature, there are a few options.
Marley & Me (2008)
On a more upbeat note, I’m not ashamed to admit my love for Marley & Me, the 2008 comedy/drama starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. While it follows many of the same canine tropes found in previous dog flicks, this enjoyable feature isn’t afraid to dig a little deeper by focusing primarily on the life of John Grogan.
John, you see, is a budding writer making his way through life. He struggles with the usual assortment of problems—bills, children, more bills, and more children—and eventually finds his niche writing about his neurotic dog in a weekly newspaper column.
No, really. Marley & Me offers a poignant view on life, strong performances from Wilson, Anniston, and the late great Alan Arkin, and enough goofy humor to keep the kids invested. I won’t call the film high art, but this little gem has moments of surprising brilliance that stand it apart from others in the genre. Give it a shot.
Oh, snap—the dog dies in this one, too, right?
Togo (2019)
Willem Dafoe in an inspiring dog sled flick? Say it ain’t so. Somehow, this fast-paced adventure was stranded on Disney+ and likely unknown to most viewers. Too bad because, as films with sled dogs go, Togo proudly stands atop a list containing Iron Will, White Fang, and Eight Below. Dafoe turns in a terrific performance as Leonhard Seppala, a dog sledder tasked with traversing severe weather to deliver medicine to sick children in 1925 Nome.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve seen Balto, this is the true story or an addendum to the mid-90s animated feature. Apparently, Togo was the actual star of this particular adventure, but a newspaper reporter mistakenly pegged Balto as the hero. Not that such details matter to a dog.
Anyway, do yourself a favor and watch this thrilling tale, and thank me later. Oh, and the dog doesn’t die. Well, I guess he kind of succumbs to old age in the final scene … Jeez, dog movies are depressing.
Beethoven (1992)
I’m ending this article on a hopeful note. Beethoven is pure cheese, but at least the fluffy hero doesn’t die! Actually, he appears in several sequels. So, while this entry may not contain the drama of previous entries, Beethoven still provides a silly comedy for the whole family, which is why it makes our list of the best dog movies.
I’ll admit it. I’ve seen Beethoven dozens of times. We watched it often in my household and quote it to this day. Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are a delight, while their trio of kids (Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castle, and Sarah Rose Karr) always felt like the kind of kids I would’ve hung out with at that age. Plus, how do you top a supporting cast featuring Stanley Tucci, Oliver Platt, Patricia Heaton, and David Duchovny?
Beethoven is pure 90s camp. And yet, I enjoy it. At least the damn dog doesn’t die, although, as a parent, I would completely understand if George tossed him out on the street after some of the s— he pulls.
