Movies with Dogs...The Worst

Movies with Dogs...

As a fun new blog set, I have decided to review some movies that have dogs in them.  I have put them into several categories, and multiple blogs.  I will give you movies that I feel are the Best, the Worst, and a few extra Honorable Mentions that are worth a watch.

Throughout the series on my blog, I will be referencing IMDb, the International Movie Database.  If you enjoy movies or TV, this is a site you should know about.  Every movie ever made is here.  It also includes actors, TV, and the like.  Very helpful.  I'm a movie-buff, and I am often watching a movie when I think "what else do I know this actor from?"  So I whip out my phone, go to IMDb and look up the movie, or actor's name if I already know it.  It's quite a fun little rabbit hole to go down if you are in the mood.

Worst Movies:

#1--I am Legend (2007)
IMDb Description:  "Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure."
Don't get me wrong, this is an EXCELLENT movie.  Very suspenseful and I loved watching it.  However, I am one of those people who can easily see a human die in movies, but get more heartbroken when I see an animal hurt or die in a movie.  SPOILER...the dog dies, and I cried.  I'm not going to lie, I cried my eyes out for that poor man's dog, and the fact that (SPOILERS) he is the one that has to kill his beloved dog, even more tears.  Excellent movie, just heartbreaking in the dog lover's eyes.


#2--Marley & Me (2008)
IMDb Description:  "A family learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog."
Yes I know, you're saying how can this movie be on my least favorite list.  I realize that this movie (and book) was loved by many, but I dislike this movie for many, many reasons. First off, as a responsible dog owner, and especially a dog trainer, the way they "deal" with the very naughty Marley is simply appalling.  Yes we laugh at unfortunate things we see a dog do to their owner like tip over their table and send everything flying.  But when I witness things like this, I can't help but feel concerned.  I found myself constantly cringing during this movie and yelling out "why don't you find some help?!?"  
Secondly, I am not a big fan of movies that make me cry.  So of course at the very sad end of this movie, I cried.  This makes me not want to watch a movie again.  Whereas the movies on my Favorites side of the list I enjoy watching repeatedly.  But if you enjoy a tear-jerking, gut-renching, heart-breaking type of movie, this one is for you.


#3--Old Yeller (1957)
IMDb Description:  "A boy brings a yellow dog home. The dog loves the family as much as they love him, but can the love last?"
Most of us remember seeing this movie as a child.  If memory serves, we go from a fun time on the farm, to a young child having to shoot his own rabid dog.  Extremely sad.  Ask someone if they've ever seen Old Yeller, the sad look on their face will tell you what you're not missing.






#4--Turner and Hooch (1989)
IMDb Description:  "A detective must adopt the dog of a dead man to help him find the murderer."
I know what you are thinking, this wasn't a bad movie.  Overall, not a bad watch, sure.  But the slap-stick humor used to deal with an unruly dog again makes me cringe to watch.  At one point in the movie the dog attacks Tom Hanks (before they become friends), and holds him down by the throat.  Now as far as dog training goes...bad bad bad.  As far as guard dog training goes, still bad.  Guard dogs should be taught to attack the appendages of an intruder, NEVER to go for the throat.  That's how people die, then you have a lawsuit on your hands.  Bad bad bad.  Again, probably a movie many of us saw as kids, but not a movie I would recommend now.


Also see our "Best Movies" with Dogs, and our Honorable Mentions List.