Lassie – Lassie
Lassie, probably the most famous movie star pup, has origins in a story possibly written as early as 1859. I saw the 1994 remake first but would catch old reruns on TV. As far as I can tell, despite the popular joke, Lassie never saved Timmy from a well. Another interesting note is that the dogs that play Lassie today are descendants of Pal, the original dog who played the role.
Air Bud – Air Bud
What’s the plot of this movie you ask? Who cares, it’s a dog that can play basketball! I was old enough when this movie came out to know that it was thoroughly absurd, but I didn’t care then and I don’t care now. Air Bud is awesome!
Beethoven – Beethoven
Whenever people ask me my opinion about Beethoven, I ask them to clarify whether they are speaking of the genius that was the classic composer or the genius that was the lovable St. Bernard from the movie of the same name. My livingroom filled with loud cheers when Beethoven helped free his captive brethren and the animal abusers were brought to justice.
Chance/Shadow – Homeward Bound
Quite frankly, the acting of the two dogs and one cat that star in this movie is superior to much of what comes out of Hollywood. The story is captivating and the reunion of people and pets at the conclusion of the film still brings a smile to my face. You would be hard pressed to find anyone around my age who doesn’t love this movie.
Einstein – Back To The Future
The Back To The Future trilogy is one of my favorites, so it’s not surprise the cast includes a pup. Einstein, Doc Brown’s Catalan sheepdog, is actually the first one to time travel successfully. While saving history is important Doc Brown makes sure that Einstein is always well cared for – now that is a dog lover!
Frank – Men in Black
The Men in Black franchise is another favorite of mine and Frank, an alien disguised as a pug, has some of the best one liners. Not too shabby considering he’s competing with Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith for screen time.
The Beast (aka Hercules) – The Sandlot
The Sandlot perfectly captures the feeling of childhood summers spent playing until daylight ran out. Every kid has hit a ball into a neighbors yard and been scared to retrieve it. In this move The Beast is the “ferocious” dog that guards the yard where the kids often lose their baseballs. Not surprisingly, The Beast turns out to be a lovable mastiff who ends up helping the crew that once feared him.
Petey – The Little Rascals
The Little Rascals, both the new movie and the old movie/shows were a staple of my childhood. Petey was the perfect compliment to the rag tag group and I loved how he was treated as just another one of the gang.
Hooch – Turner & Hooch
How many dogs can you name that have co-starred with Academy Award winning actors? I can think of one, Hooch! If you need more reasons to check out this movie I don’t know what to tell you.
Tramp – Lady and the Tramp
Annnd I broke my promise! Sorry, but there was no way I could leave this classic off the list. No chance. Spaghetti candle-light dinner scene…enough said.
I know there are plenty of other worthy candidates out there, like Old Yeller and Rin Tin Tin, but I have to admit I never saw either of those movies. So help me out here, what are some other movies with four-legged stars that I should watch?
Frank was my absolute hero! I love pugs :o)
Lassie (of course!), Lady and the Tramp and Petey are my faves (in that order!) What about Marley from Marley and me? You didn’t like Rin Tin Tin? I didn’t!
Great post! After working with abused dogs I have developed an aversion to watching shows with animals because I will cry the whole movie. They rip my heart out even if they do have happy endings and are not real. Great list tough! Two more of my favs would be Eddie on Fraizer and Wishbone. I do love the Jack Russells
excellent pics for sure – beethoven, hooch and frank are great. I also liked Jerry Lee the dog from K-9 – he was good (man that dates me i guess) and the golden retriever from Marley and me (that is a tear jerker for sure)
Just the thought of Homeward Bound makes me want to cry! I used to watch it once a week as a kid. Definitely my favorite “pet” movie.
I love any movie where pups get to eat spaghetti and meatballs! 😀 I can just smell the deliciousness now…
Okay, my mom is old but she said that you forgot Benji, she says she loved Benji movies was a kid…I have no clue! We like Beethoven and Turner and Hooch…let the slobber fly! How about Marley? Sad ending but what a funny dog until the end…a lot like my lab cousin Lena actually!
Lassie! Smartest dog ever. She’s my idol. If Timmy was in the well, he’s die in there waiting for me to bring help.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
With every dog, I kept going, “Oh, that’s my favorite! No, that one is!” I’ll break your rule and also include the hound from “Fox and the Hound” too. SO cute. That voice!
Hooch is my favorite by far. What about Milo and Otis?
You covered my two favorites…Hooch and the Homeward Bound gang (both the original and updated versions).
Ok you need to rent K9 with Bill Murray also 🙂
Homeward Bound, brilliant. I read the book when I was very young and absolutely loved it. I’ve never seen the movie. It’s hard to imagine that they managed to get it right. Maybe one day. Growing up, when I read the book, we had the Lab, Siamese and Staffie, so it was very close to my heart. My word, what memories you have brought back for me.
No Rin Tin Tin?
Great list Will! We love Hooch! What a big love.
Bella and DiDi
Oh man, there’s been so many hasn’t there! I also loved the dog in the Shaggy DA (old Disney flick). Turner & Hooch was just about a laugh till you cry movies….all the damage and Kaos and he still manages to be totally loveable. Fun post Will!
Good list…I’d have to add Hachiko and Red Dog, two of my favorites
Eight Below is the best doggy movie ever!! 🙂
What about the Where the Red Ferns Grows? One I love but oh not so the end! LOL Your list is pretty good! Happy Reading!k