25 Dezember, 2021
Top 10 Dog Movies to Watch for the Holidays
The holiday break is the perfect time to snuggle up with your pup and enjoy some well-deserved R & R. What’s a better way to switch off than a movie marathon, a warm blanket, and plenty of snacks to munch on?
Give yourself the gift of being a couch potato for a day or two and choose from this list of feel-good dog movies to watch over the holidays. Note that we purposely didn’t include the classic dog movies that you’ve likely already seen. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites that don’t often get their well-deserved attention.
Here’s our top 10 list of dog movies:
imdb Rating: 8.0/10
Tomatometer: 92%
Togo is based on the real-life story of Leonhard Seppala and the role he and his sled dogs played during the diphtheria epidemic in the 1920s. The titular Siberian Husky is an unlikely hero, being born a runt and seemingly too stubborn. But he turns out to be a valued member of the pack.
The film centers on the pair, the relationship they build, and how they work together through the harshest weather conditions to transport diphtheria antitoxin serum desperately needed to save lives.
imdb Rating: 7.8/10
Tomatometer: 90%
Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion animated film set in the fictional city of Megasaki. There, all dogs have been exiled to an isolated garbage dump for fear that a canine flu outbreak could threaten the human population.
The story revolves around the mission of a 12-year-old boy named Atari who sets off to Trash Island to find his beloved dog, Spots. He receives help and companionship from a pack of stray mongrels, and begins an epic adventure that will eventually determine the future of the city.
imdb Rating: 7.6/10
Tomatometer: 44%
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a narrative told from the perspective of a Golden Retriever named Enzo. He is the best friend of a talented racecar driver named Denny.
In the film, Enzo recounts the life he has lived with Denny after having been purchased as a puppy and sharing his life up to a ripe old age. He had been a steadfast friend through career progressions, building a family, and several ups and downs. No doubt, every dog owner will relate to the beautiful story of love and the bond between dogs and humans.
imdb Rating: 7.5/10
Tomatometer: 51%
A Dog’s Journey is the story of a Saint Bernard named Bailey, who lives on a farm with his beloved humans Ethan and Hannah. Bailey is about to pass on when Ethan asks him to look after their beloved granddaughter in his next life.
Bailey returns in the form of different breeds and, each time, is determined to fulfill his promise to Ethan. With each life, Bailey tells of the devotion, loyalty, and love a wholeheartedly gives its family.
imdb Rating: 7.4/10
Tomatometer: 83%
Red Dog tells the true story of the legendary red Kelpie who hitchhiked and roamed the Australian outback in search of his human. He touches the lives of the people he meets along the way and even paves the way to unite a disparate community.
The film is an emotional story highlighting the identity and hardships of Australia’s working class communities. It also a depiction of the valuable roles dogs can play in human lives.
imdb Rating: 6.7/10
Tomatometer: 38%
Max is a Belgian Malinois who served at the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, Kyle Wincott. Klye is killed in the war and Max lashes out, distraught by the loss of his beloved partner.
A collection of traumatic experiences in the war and his devastation over the loss of Kyle brings out an new aggressive and anxious nature in Max. But he meets Kyle’s brother, Justin, and both work to save each other from their sorrows.
imdb Rating: 7.1/10
Tomatometer: 86%
Megan Leavey is a biographical film about the titular Marine corporal and her K-9 partner, Rex. Rex is an intelligent German Shepherd whose aggressive nature could only be tamed by Megan.
The movie tells of Megan & Rex’s partnership and their deployment to Iraq where they save plenty of lives as a bomb-sniffing team. It offers a unique look into the value roles canines play in war and the incredible bond between war dogs and their handlers.
imdb Rating: 7.0/10
Tomatometer: 73%
My Dog Skip is an autobiographical film based on the memoir written by Willie Morris. Willie was an only child and had few friends, so his mother decides to get him a Jack Russell Terrier for company. Willie names his puppy Skip and the two quickly form a strong bond.
In the movie, Willie recounts the days he spent with Skip as a young boy. It tells a beautiful story of how the small dog helped him come out of his shell and accompanied him throughout boyhood and adolescence.
imdb Rating: 6.9/10
Tomatometer: 90%
My Dog Tulip is an animated film based on the memoir written by novelist J.R. Ackerley. It tells of the relationship the author had with his Alsatian (German Shepherd) named Tulip.
Beyond the heartwarming tale of a man’s 16-year relationship with his dog is an account of everyday life with a canine companion. From heat patterns to detailed monitoring of bowel movements, this account is definitely something every dog owner can relate to.
imdb Rating: 6.4/10
Tomatometer: 87%
Oddball is a real-life hero in Australia. The Maremma Sheepdog is a naughty one with mischievous ways but soon finds his purpose. His eccentric human, Swampy Marsh, trains him to protect penguins in a sanctuary where fox attacks are threatening the colony.
With the help of Olivia, Swampy’s granddaughter, Oddball saves the penguins. Indirectly, he also keeps his human’s family together and saves the wonderful seaside town.
This curated list of movies to watch over the holidays contain the best-loved films for dog lovers. No matter which ones you choose, you’ll surely appreciate the time to veg and soak up these wonderful stories. And, the extra time to snuggle with you will surely be a treat for your beloved pup.
Give yourself the gift of being a couch potato for a day or two and choose from this list of feel-good dog movies to watch over the holidays. Note that we purposely didn’t include the classic dog movies that you’ve likely already seen. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites that don’t often get their well-deserved attention.
Here’s our top 10 list of dog movies:
1) Togo (2019)
imdb Rating: 8.0/10
Tomatometer: 92%
Togo is based on the real-life story of Leonhard Seppala and the role he and his sled dogs played during the diphtheria epidemic in the 1920s. The titular Siberian Husky is an unlikely hero, being born a runt and seemingly too stubborn. But he turns out to be a valued member of the pack.
The film centers on the pair, the relationship they build, and how they work together through the harshest weather conditions to transport diphtheria antitoxin serum desperately needed to save lives.
2) Isle of Dogs (2018)
imdb Rating: 7.8/10
Tomatometer: 90%
Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion animated film set in the fictional city of Megasaki. There, all dogs have been exiled to an isolated garbage dump for fear that a canine flu outbreak could threaten the human population.
The story revolves around the mission of a 12-year-old boy named Atari who sets off to Trash Island to find his beloved dog, Spots. He receives help and companionship from a pack of stray mongrels, and begins an epic adventure that will eventually determine the future of the city.
3) The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
imdb Rating: 7.6/10
Tomatometer: 44%
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a narrative told from the perspective of a Golden Retriever named Enzo. He is the best friend of a talented racecar driver named Denny.
In the film, Enzo recounts the life he has lived with Denny after having been purchased as a puppy and sharing his life up to a ripe old age. He had been a steadfast friend through career progressions, building a family, and several ups and downs. No doubt, every dog owner will relate to the beautiful story of love and the bond between dogs and humans.
4) A Dog’s Journey (2019)
imdb Rating: 7.5/10
Tomatometer: 51%
A Dog’s Journey is the story of a Saint Bernard named Bailey, who lives on a farm with his beloved humans Ethan and Hannah. Bailey is about to pass on when Ethan asks him to look after their beloved granddaughter in his next life.
Bailey returns in the form of different breeds and, each time, is determined to fulfill his promise to Ethan. With each life, Bailey tells of the devotion, loyalty, and love a wholeheartedly gives its family.
5) Red Dog (2011)
imdb Rating: 7.4/10
Tomatometer: 83%
Red Dog tells the true story of the legendary red Kelpie who hitchhiked and roamed the Australian outback in search of his human. He touches the lives of the people he meets along the way and even paves the way to unite a disparate community.
The film is an emotional story highlighting the identity and hardships of Australia’s working class communities. It also a depiction of the valuable roles dogs can play in human lives.
6) Max (2015)
imdb Rating: 6.7/10
Tomatometer: 38%
Max is a Belgian Malinois who served at the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, Kyle Wincott. Klye is killed in the war and Max lashes out, distraught by the loss of his beloved partner.
A collection of traumatic experiences in the war and his devastation over the loss of Kyle brings out an new aggressive and anxious nature in Max. But he meets Kyle’s brother, Justin, and both work to save each other from their sorrows.
7) Megan Leavey (2017)
imdb Rating: 7.1/10
Tomatometer: 86%
Megan Leavey is a biographical film about the titular Marine corporal and her K-9 partner, Rex. Rex is an intelligent German Shepherd whose aggressive nature could only be tamed by Megan.
The movie tells of Megan & Rex’s partnership and their deployment to Iraq where they save plenty of lives as a bomb-sniffing team. It offers a unique look into the value roles canines play in war and the incredible bond between war dogs and their handlers.
8) My Dog Skip (2000)
imdb Rating: 7.0/10
Tomatometer: 73%
My Dog Skip is an autobiographical film based on the memoir written by Willie Morris. Willie was an only child and had few friends, so his mother decides to get him a Jack Russell Terrier for company. Willie names his puppy Skip and the two quickly form a strong bond.
In the movie, Willie recounts the days he spent with Skip as a young boy. It tells a beautiful story of how the small dog helped him come out of his shell and accompanied him throughout boyhood and adolescence.
9) My Dog Tulip (2009)
imdb Rating: 6.9/10
Tomatometer: 90%
My Dog Tulip is an animated film based on the memoir written by novelist J.R. Ackerley. It tells of the relationship the author had with his Alsatian (German Shepherd) named Tulip.
Beyond the heartwarming tale of a man’s 16-year relationship with his dog is an account of everyday life with a canine companion. From heat patterns to detailed monitoring of bowel movements, this account is definitely something every dog owner can relate to.
10) Oddball (2015)
imdb Rating: 6.4/10
Tomatometer: 87%
Oddball is a real-life hero in Australia. The Maremma Sheepdog is a naughty one with mischievous ways but soon finds his purpose. His eccentric human, Swampy Marsh, trains him to protect penguins in a sanctuary where fox attacks are threatening the colony.
With the help of Olivia, Swampy’s granddaughter, Oddball saves the penguins. Indirectly, he also keeps his human’s family together and saves the wonderful seaside town.
This curated list of movies to watch over the holidays contain the best-loved films for dog lovers. No matter which ones you choose, you’ll surely appreciate the time to veg and soak up these wonderful stories. And, the extra time to snuggle with you will surely be a treat for your beloved pup.