As everyone knows, a dog is a man’s best friend and the most endangered movie hero. How many times have these kinds of movies made us laugh, cry, or love—or hate—the ending? A short synopsis and rating for a few dog movies are provided below. If there are any films on this list that you are unfamiliar with, it might be time to watch them.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Walt Disney Productions directed the 1961 American animated adventure comedy film. It centers on a litter of 101 Dalmatian puppies that Cruella De Vil abducts. After saving the puppies, Pongo and Perdita made $14 million in the US and $303 million abroad. The movie has been made into a media franchise that includes television shows, sequels, and live-action remakes.
Critics praised the film calling it the studio’s best offering since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. While critics criticized the film for its pretentious animation and lack of songs, they also praised it for its wit and heartfelt family love. With a memorable villain named Cruella De Vil, the movie has a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite a few poor reviews.
Pick of the Litter
Dana Nachman and Don Hardy’s 2018 American documentary narrates the two-year journey of puppies preparing to become guide dogs for the blind. In January, it made its debut in the world at the Slamdance Film Festival. On December 20, 2019, Disney+ launched the web television series of the same name, which was inspired by the movie and followed a new pack of dogs.
Based on 67 reviews, the film received positive reviews from critics, earning 97% of the possible points on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.3 out of 10.
Heart of a Dog
The 2015 American documentary was directed by composer and visual artist Laurie Anderson. The film won praise from critics when it was released in October 2015. It received a 96% approval rating and an average score of 8/10 on Rotten Tomatoes. It received an average score of 84 from Metacritic.
On December 1, 2015, the movie was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and received a nomination for Best Documentary at the 31st Independent Spirit Awards.
Best In Show
The 2000 American mockumentary comedy film was directed by Christopher Guest and co-written by Levy and Guest. The movie narrates the journey and competition of five participants in a distinguished canine exhibition. There was a lot of improvised dialogue.
The mockumentary received a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78 out of 100 score on Metacritic and has won praise from critics.
Lassie
The 2005 adventure comedy-drama film is based on the 1940 novel by Eric Knight. It was released in the UK on December 16, 2005, and was directed by Charles Sturridge and produced by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Jonathan Mason starred in the film. Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man served as filming locations. Even with positive reviews, the movie didn’t do well at the box office.
On Rotten Tomatoes, 93% of the 70 critics who have given the movie “Lassie” positive reviews have given it an average rating of 7.3/10. With 84 points out of 100, Metacritic gave the movie a “universal acclaim” rating. The movie keeps its youngest audience member in mind while striking a balance between humor, pathos, cruelty, and tenderness. Both adults and children will find the sentimental story tolerable due to its gritty setting and adult cast. The film’s nostalgic shaggy-dog tale is guaranteed by the use of well-known dogs along with Irish and Isle of Man settings.
Lady and The Tramp
A 1955 American animated musical romance film was directed by Wilfred Jackson, Clyde Geronimi, and Hamilton Luske. The movie narrates the life of Lady, a Cocker Spaniel, from puppyhood to maturity, navigating familial transitions and developing feelings for the stray named Tramp. It was Disney’s first animated feature to be distributed by their Buena Vista division and the first to be shot in CinemaScope widescreen.
After first dividing critics, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert have both praised Lady and the Tramp, making it a classic. The scene in which Lady and Tramp share spaghetti at the beginning of the movie is regarded as iconic in American cinema history. The American Film Institute ranked the movie as one of the “100 Greatest Love Stories of All Time” and gave it a 93% approval rating. The soundtrack that goes with it is regarded as one of the best Disney and Pixar soundtracks ever.
Is it time to binge-watch some dog movies with your fur baby? Of course, it is!
In other news, Spin Genie reveals the best movie remakes. Some of the movies mentioned here also involve dogs and other animals.