Dog Movies: 10 best animated dog movies and why we love them

Up

Up is one of those movies that you may not think of as being an animated dog movie right off the bat. But considering how big of a role Dug plays in this film, I feel like this movie has to make any list of favorite animated dog movies.

As soon as we met Dug, I was in love. Here is a dog who can actually talk, thanks to a special collar he wears. And he is a sweet and lovable pup, who is easily distracted by squirrels, and who clearly wants someone to love him. While Dug is not the only dog we meet, he is definitely the nicest (at least at first).

With all of the dogs that Up introduces us to having these collars that let them speak, they have just as much personality as the people in the story. Maybe it is me, but while Carl and Russell’s relationship is very much at the heart of the movie, having Dug really unites them in a way that I am not sure would have happened if we hadn’t met this pup with a heart of gold.

As with any Pixar or Disney movie, Up is an emotional roller coaster, as we have the loss of Carl’s wife at the very start of the film, and even the loss of his home. Even Russell has his own tragedies, although he seems to see the bright side of life. And then there is Dug, who seems to be the black sheep of the family, as he is so very different from the other dogs who follow their less than nice master’s bidding. However, once these three come together, life is changed for the better.

For me, Up is the ultimate animated dog movie, and that could just be because I am in love with Dug. Honestly, this is the kind of film that not only doesn’t need a sequel, but gave us some of the best moments in a Pixar movie.