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10 best movies about pets

Ten movies about dogs, cats and other pets, from Hachi and Marley & Me to The Secret Life of Pets and Garfield.

5 min read
10 best movies about pets

Movies about pets are the kind of stories families often return to. Films about dogs and cats can be funny, adventurous or deeply emotional, but they almost always remind us how strong the bond between people and animals can become.

If you are looking for the best dog movies, a top list of animal movies or simply a good pet film for the evening, this selection is a useful place to start. It includes well-known dog and cat movies from different decades, from family comedies to stories about loyalty and friendship.

If you originally wanted only a top five dog movies list, start with the first five entries and continue from there: below are ten PetBook picks for pet lovers and family viewing.

Top 10 movies about dogs, cats and pets

Akita dog illustrating Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
Dog movie · 2009

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

One of the best-known dog movies follows a professor and an Akita who becomes his devoted companion. It is a quiet, deeply emotional story about loyalty, waiting and a bond that survives separation.

Why watch it: an essential pick if you want a moving story about a dog’s loyalty to a person.

Labrador illustrating Marley & Me
Dog movie · 2008

Marley & Me

A family brings home a Labrador and quickly learns that peaceful routines are over. Marley destroys things, disrupts plans and creates constant chaos, yet gradually becomes an irreplaceable part of the family.

Why watch it: it shows real life with a dog rather than an idealised version: noisy, funny, difficult at times and deeply affectionate.

Saint Bernard illustrating Beethoven
Family dog comedy · 1992

Beethoven

A huge Saint Bernard unexpectedly joins an ordinary family and quickly changes the household. Beethoven is a classic family comedy filled with mess, children’s adventures and familiar situations for anyone who has lived with a big dog.

Why watch it: it is easy, nostalgic family entertainment with a memorable canine lead.

Dalmatian illustrating 101 Dalmatians
Dog adventure movie · 1996

101 Dalmatians

The story of Dalmatians, their puppies and the attempt to save them from Cruella de Vil has long been a family-film classic. The dogs are active characters who work together and move the adventure forward.

Why watch it: a colourful choice for viewers who want a fast, funny and adventurous dog movie.

Dog and cat illustrating Homeward Bound
Dog and cat movie · 1993

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Two dogs and a cat are separated from their people and cross unfamiliar country to get home. Each pet has a distinct personality, and friendship becomes the key to surviving the journey.

Why watch it: one of the best picks if you want a genuine pet adventure rather than a story centred on only one dog.

Several dogs illustrating A Dog’s Purpose
Dog movie · 2017

A Dog’s Purpose

The film explores the relationship between people and dogs through one animal living several different lives. In each new family, the dog helps people in a different way while moving closer to an answer about its purpose.

Why watch it: a modern emotional dog movie built around the bond between pets and their people.

Dog and cat illustrating The Secret Life of Pets
Animated pet movie · 2016

The Secret Life of Pets

What do pets do after their owners leave home? The animated film turns that familiar question into a city adventure involving dogs, cats and other companion animals with personalities pet owners will recognise.

Why watch it: a fun, light family choice when you want a pet movie without heavy drama.

Husky in snow illustrating Eight Below
Dog adventure movie · 2006

Eight Below

A team of sled dogs is left in the extreme conditions of Antarctica and must survive while the person forced to leave them searches for a way back. It is more intense than most family pet movies.

Why watch it: a strong choice for viewers who like dog movies with survival, adventure and dramatic snowy scenery.

Rough collie illustrating Lassie
Classic dog story · 2005

Lassie

Lassie has been adapted many times, but the heart of the story remains the same: a collie and a child are separated, and the devoted dog travels a long way to return home.

Why watch it: a gentle classic for anyone looking for a family dog movie about friendship, loyalty and persistence.

Orange cat illustrating Garfield: The Movie
Cat comedy · 2004

Garfield: The Movie

The self-confident orange cat loves food, comfort and his own rules, but the arrival of Odie changes his routine. When the dog is in danger, Garfield has to leave his comfort zone and show that he really does care.

Why watch it: no top list of pet movies should be entirely dog-focused, and Garfield is one of cinema’s most recognisable cats.

Which animal movie should you watch tonight?

For an emotional story about a person and a dog, start with Hachi, Marley & Me or Lassie. For a lighter family evening, Beethoven, 101 Dalmatians, The Secret Life of Pets and Garfield are easy choices. Adventure fans may prefer Homeward Bound or Eight Below.

Dog movies often become stories about loyalty, growing up and responsibility. Cat movies tend to add more humour and independence, while films with several pets show how different animal personalities can be.

This top list of animal movies is not a strict ranking by scores. It is an editorial PetBook selection for people who love pets and want a warm, funny or touching film for the evening.

Whatever you choose, a good pet movie often leaves you wanting to do one simple thing: spend a little more time with your own animal.
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