Movies with Dogs--Honorable Mentions

In my previous post a wrote about what I consider some of the Best & Worst Movies that have dogs in them.  Keep in mind this is my personal opinions on these movies.  Below are some movies not included in the list that I feel deserved an Honorable Mention.  These movies may not be among my top favorites, but are definitely worth a watch if you love dogs.

Movies with Dogs... Honorable Mentions:

The Wizard of Oz (1939)
IMDb Description:  "Dorothy Gale is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home."
An older movie, but a must watch.  Every child ever born since 1939 should have seen this movie.  Although not included on my original list, this one definitely deserves a mention.  A great story that we all know, its worth watching over and over.  Everyone knows...there's no place like home!





White Fang (1991)
IMDb Description:  "Jack London's classic adventure story about the friendship developed between a Yukon gold hunter and the mixed dog-wolf he rescues from the hands of a man who mistreats him."
This movie became one of my favorites when it was first released.  After seeing this movie, I fell in love with the Alaskan Malamute and begged my parents for one.  After several months of begging, my neighbor friend down the street happened to have a dog that had puppies, so I started to beg for one of those dogs instead.  It took some time to wear them down, but eventually my parents gave in.  I got my first dog because of this movie.  And get this, I named him Fang.



Scooby Doo (2002)
IMDb Description:  "After an acrimonious break up, the Mystery Inc. gang are individually brought to an island resort to investigate strange goings on."
This movie is definitely intended for more younger audiences, but I would say it is totally worth a watch.  Based off the silly Scooby Doo cartoons from my childhood, now the adventures come to the big screen (well depending on your TV size).  Very silly, but I found the movie to be pretty descent overall.  With lots of laughs from the Scooby Doo gang, its sure to entertain.  Not worth a buy, but I would add it to your Netflix cue.




Eight Below (2006)
IMDb Description:  "Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival."
I had not yet seen this movie, so while writing this blog, I decided to rent it.  (Ha ha I get to watch a movie and call it research for work.)  The beginning is very suspenseful and exciting; I enjoyed it.  As the story moves on it becomes very, very sad.  But this tear-jerking movie has some amazingly well-trained dogs.  Although it made me cry several different times, I'd say it is worth a watch.  Great pack of dogs.  Seeing this amazing dog pack makes me wish I was closer to owning more than just my two current dogs.  (One day SGDs will have a much larger pack of its own.)



Marmaduke (2010)
IMDb Description:  "A suburban family moves to a new neighborhood with their large yet lovable Great Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way."
Talking and dancing dogs and slap-stick comedy.  Although I'm not big on the "look how funny this bad dog behavior is" theme, I think this is an enjoyable flick for most.  I do love a big Great Dane!


Hotel for Dogs (2009)
IMDb Description:  "Two kids secretly take in stray dogs at a vacant hotel."
This movie is definitely for kids.  A group of 5 friends decide to help take in strays by putting them in an abandoned hotel and sprucing it up, dog style.  Well trained dog in this movie, for sure, but definitely a movie for kids.

Movies with Dogs...The Best

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.

The Best:


Bolt (2008)

IMDb Description:  "The canine star of a fictional sci-fi/action show that believes his powers are real embarks on a cross country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real."
This is my all-time favorite dog movie.  Absolutely hilarious and adorable movie.  This is a movie you can watch over and over (and I have).  Bolt is the star of a show that he thinks is real, along with his real super powers.  Much to his surprise, he has no super powers.  It is a fun-filled adventure with Bolt the dog; and he meet a mysterious cat, and hilarious hamster along his journey.  Great adventure that's fun for audiences of any age.  
An absolute MUST WATCH!


Best in Show (2000)

IMDb Description:  "A colorful array of characters competes at a national dog show."
I actually did not see this movie until a few years after it came out.  "A colorful array of characters" is an understatement.  This movie is completely crazy but so much fun to watch.  I found myself puzzled at every turn but laughing my ass off.  This movie was highly under-rated.  Add this to your watch list today!


Lady and the Tramp (1955)

IMDb Description:  "The romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel dog and a streetwise downtown Mutt."
This is a must watch for all kids.  A great story for the whole family to watch.  This is one of my favorite Disney movies of all time.







101 Dalmatians (1996)

IMDb Description:  "A woman kidnaps puppies to kill them for their fur, but various animals then gang up against her and get their revenge in slapstick fashion."
This is, of course, a classic children's story.  I have read several versions of the book and have seen the original 1961 version of this movie.  Now there is a new movie for the next generations to enjoy.  With 99 puppies and all kinds of other dogs helping out, what dog lover wouldn't love this movie?




Cats & Dogs (2001)

IMDb Description:  "A look at the top-secret, high-tech espionage war going on between cats and dogs, which their human owners are blissfully unaware of."
This movie I randomly caught on TV after it had come out.  This is actually a pretty cute movie.  Of course the evil cats are trying to take over the world and we must be saved by our beloved dogs.  A fun-filled movie with lots of laughs.





Eight Below (2006)

IMDb Description:  "Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival."
I had never seen this movie before, so I decided to rent it.  (Ha ha I get to watch a movie and call it research for work :)  Although I am not normally a fan of sad movies, this is a pretty good one.  A rather heart-breaking, but uplifting story of a team of snow dogs that got accidentally left behind.  The things this man goes through to get back to his dogs...I can relate.  My dogs are my family and I would do anything for them.  This movie is a tear-jerker, but also quite enjoyable.  This pack of dogs is well-trained and a joy to watch (and also heartbreaking to watch).


All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989)

IMDb Description:  "A dog returns from the dead looking for revenge on his killer using an orphan girl who can talk to animals."
This is one of those movies that every young child should see.  With life lessons for the whole family, this movie is a must see for all.







Cujo (1983)

IMDb Description:  "A friendly St. Bernard named "Cujo" contracts rabies and conducts a reign of terror on a small American town."
Now this obviously isn't a movie for the kids.  Suspenseful and scary, this movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, for the most part.  This movie is getting a little older now, and doesn't hold the same excitement it once did.  But this is one of those movies that can also double as a fun time to yell at the TV with your friends for the stupid things the people in the movie are doing.  That's always fun.  Just a friendly movie reminder of why it is SO IMPORTANT to get your dog's rabies shots!


Beethoven (1992)

IMDb Description:  "A slobbering St. Bernard becomes the center of attention for a loving family, but its veterinarian secretly wants to kill him."
This movie isn't really one of my personal favorites, but seems to be very popular, so I felt compelled to include it on the list.  This movie is full of silly dog antics that I'm not overly fond of, but is enjoyed by most.






Homeward Bound--The Incredible Journey (1993)

IMDb Description:  "Three pets escape from a California ranch to find their owners in San Francisco."
This is another movie that we all saw as kids.  Three pets travel against impossible odds to find their family they have lost.  A great adventure film for all audiences, this movie includes excitement and love.  A must see for all.






Stay tuned for more in this series of blogs...including "The Worst" movies with dogs, and some Honorable Mentions that are worth a watch.