There are a lot of movies out there featuring dogs. But, when it comes to animated dog movies, there are some that are simply the best.
Whether they make us laugh or cry, there are any number of animated dog movies out there that stay with us long after we have reached the end of the story. Often times, when we fall in love with a movie, we can’t help but rewatch it over and over again.
With these 10 animated dog movies, we are talking about the kind of films that are almost comfort watches. Even if they make us cry, we can’t resist watching these adorable pups on our screens. In general, we love dogs in movies and especially when they happen to be the heart of an animated film.
From classics like All Dogs Go to Heaven and The Fox and the Hound to more recent films like The Secret Life of Pets and Bolt, there are a lot of must watch animated dog movies out there. And while I won’t rank these movies because it would be way too hard, these are 10 of my absolute favorites that I think have to be on any dog lovers watch list. However, I will say that not all of these stories focus exclusively around the dog or dogs we fall in love with, but rather in some cases they help give the stories their heart.
So, if you haven’t seen any or all of these animated dog movies, it is time to change that and add these to your must watch list.
All Dogs Go to Heaven
All Dogs Go to Heaven is an animated classic, with a voice cast that was just as impressive as the story itself (voice actors included Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, and Loni Anderson). This was one of the first movies I remember watching on repeat as a child. And its combination of drama, comedy, and fantasy made this one of those dog movies that you really can’t help but love.
Set in New Orleans, the dogs are at the heart of this story, with Charlie being a very special pup who proves that all dogs really do go to Heaven. And while the movie is definitely tear inducing, there is also something very heartwarming as well. From Charlie becoming a reformed con artist, to the orphan Ann-Marie looking for a home and family, to the unique version of a dog-friendly Heaven, it feels like this movie has it all.
If you have never watched All Dogs Go to Heaven, you really don’t know what you are missing. This is perhaps one of those classic animated movies that is more than just a kids’ movie, it is an iconic story that resonates even today.
While it has been a few years since I sat down for this emotional roller coaster, every time I do, I know I am going to find myself immersed in the story and these characters. And of course, I really believe the title, so it makes it that much better.
Secret Life of Pets
The Secret Life of Pets may not have been just about dogs, but it was a fun look into what our pets get up to when we leave them home alone. And at the heart of the story were two dogs that had to learn to get along and what it means to be family.
Max is a terrier who is spoiled by his owner, until the day a new dog arrives. Duke is a rescue dog who is as unruly as can be. Just like Max doesn’t want to share his owner’s affection, Duke has a hard time sharing, too.
Over the course of the movie, we watch these two go from enemies to reluctant friends as they realize that they work better together than apart. And learning Duke’s back story is actually quite tragic, and left us feeling emotional.
What adds to the cuteness factor of the movie is the fact that we also get to meet all of the animals that Max has made friends with in his apartment building, as well as the neighborhood. There are other dogs, including Gidget, the Pomeranian who is in love with Max, Mel the Pug, Buddy the Dachshund, and Pops the Basset Hound. And of course there are the other animals who make up the cast, such as Chloe the tabby cat and Snowball the bunny. Every one of these characters has a way of making us laugh, cry, and hope that perhaps this really is the life that our pets live when we aren’t home (minus the animal control chase scenes).
And knowing that there is a sequel with even more pets to appreciate has us excited to see if the second movie lives up to the adorableness of the original.
Bolt
Considering Bolt is a Disney movie, we knew going in that it was going to be a good story and film overall. And the fact that Miley Cyrus and John Travolta helped voice two of the main characters made it that much better.
Bolt believes that he has superpowers, but the reality is that he is actually a regular dog who stars on a TV show with his owner. However, the studio doesn’t want him to know the truth because they feel he won’t be able to give them the committed performance that he has been providing over the years.
When some set cats mess with Bolt and he runs away in order to rescue (or so he thinks), his owner, he learns the truth, that he is not a real superhero. While it may have been a difficult lesson to learn, the overall story is actually fun and exciting.
Bolt is not the usual Disney movie and that makes it a lot of fun to watch. Although you might expect a tragic back story because that is what we often get in a Disney film, this movie is less tragic and more fun, even if there are some serious moments, and even one scene where we think our hearts are set to be broken.
When the movie was released, it captured the magic of older movies, while still trying to be fresh and slick. And it feels like Disney was able to achieve that balance, which is why this one of our favorite animated dog movies.
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.
The Fox and the Hound
If you are anything like me, The Fox and the Hound can make you cry just by hearing these characters interact with each other in short clips from the movie. Tod and Copper are the best of friends, and seeing these two opposites come together as babies is something that gave me great joy.
As they grow up however, Copper is expected to take on the role he was born to, as a hunting dog. But this means that he will have to go after his very best friend in the whole world. There is something so devastating about this.
Honestly, there were moments that I knew my heart would break, and yet I had to love this movie. There is something so pure and loving about The Fox and the Hound. When they were young, life was simpler and their story is a reminder that this is how all children are in reality. We are innocent and free of prejudices. As we get older, it is our lives and the expectations placed on us that can change the direction of our life, as well as change the friendships we build as children.
While Tod is my favorite character, Copper is an adorable pup with a heart of gold. He is determined to be friends with Tod no matter what and that makes me wish he was real so I could hug him (although really I would want to hug both of them).
Over the years, I feel like this movie has truly become a classic, and I was not surprised when a second movie was released. However, it will always be the very first movie that is the best of the best.
Lady and the Tramp
Lady and the Tramp may have been released in 1955, but it is such a timeless animated dog movie that it truly has become a classic film in the Disney vault. In fact, this movie is so beloved that Disney is actually working on a live action version of the animated film, and we can not wait.
There is a lot to love about this movie, even as it also gave us one of the most iconic scenes ever in an animated movie. Who doesn’t remember the romantic moment when Lady and the Tramp our out on their date night enjoying a plate of Italian food under the moonlight? And who hasn’t tried to recreate the epic moment when these two pups find themselves on opposite ends of the same strand of spaghetti? That lovely moment is one that instantly made this movie near and dear to my romantic loving heart.
Even as there are the expected tragic and sad moments that we see in nearly every Disney movie, there is still plenty of hope and happiness as well. Basically, Lady and the Tramp has all of the things we expect out of a Disney movie, and so much more.
And yes, there was a sequel to this animated movie. But it is hard to surpass the original in sheer classic nostalgia. However, that doesn’t mean we aren’t excited over the fact that there is a live action version of the movie coming our way. In fact, I would have to say the announcement that Lady and the Tramp was getting revived for a new generation was one that we did not necessarily see coming. And yet it was definitely well received.
Oliver and Company
While the titular Oliver in the movie may have been a kitten, his company is a band of dogs who live in New York City. Growing up, this was my all time favorite animated movie. Not only was the music amazing, but Dodger was my favorite character.
As far as giving a new twist to a classic story, there was something special about turning the story of Oliver Twist into an animated movie featuring a pack of dogs and an orphan kitten. But perhaps what helps make Oliver and Company so iconic is the voice cast. I mean, even looking at the cast today is impressive and that is saying something.
Among the names you see when looking at the cast are Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Cheech Marin and Dom DeLuise. Who else is staring at those names in a bit of shock? Considering I was only four-years-old when this movie was released, I couldn’t appreciate this amazing casting, but today I am in awe.
Perhaps the reason this is one of my favorite animated dog movies stems from the fact that Disney released a sing-along VHS (I feel old) a few years later that heavily featured the songs from this film. I remember singing “Why Should I Worry” on repeat with my cousin. And then there was “Streets of Gold,” which was another favorite.
Honestly, I think the music is what sold me on this movie more than anything else. But even today, I remember the soundtrack and wish I could have adopted both Oliver and Dodger (and I don’t even care that they are animated).
Rover Dangerfield
Rover Dangerfield might be one of the most underrated animated dog movies ever. Rodney Dangerfield as Rover is a pure comedic brilliance, and there is something to be said about a Vegas show dog ending up on a farm and having to adjust his life to his new surroundings.
There is the music we expect from a movie like this, plus a story that is interesting and actually rather well thought out. Rover is not the typical dog, which is why his story is so unique.
I think the fact that so much of the character is based on Rodney Dangerfield makes this movie classic in its own right. And while it may not be the height of iconic animated storytelling, it is still worthy of being enjoyed.
Of course, I admit this feels more like an adult style movie, but it is still child friendly, which is always a plus. I remember watching this one with my father and even he laughed at the ridiculousness and weird humor.
There is no way this movie can ever be redone and that makes it special. Without Rodney Dangerfield, there is no Rover Dangerfield, and that means this is the only time we are going to get this magic on our screens. Even if you only watch this movie once, I feel like it is a must watch for fans of the comedian and his brand of humor. And the fact that he is a dog and has a few doggy friends is a definite bonus, at least for us.
101 Dalmatians
Perhaps one of the most classic animated dog movies is 101 Dalmatians. Not only did this film inspire multiple sequels, but there were even live action movies, and now we are even getting a Cruella de Vil live action movie based on the iconic villain.
Besides loving a movie about literally 101 Dalmatians, there is something very fun about the hi-jinks of this film. We have dogs being kidnapped for their spots, massive rescue operations, chase scenes, and plenty of hysterical moments as well. It feels like this is the kind of movie that has it all. And the fact that we even got sequels, make it even better, because we get to see our favorite pups in action again.
Of course, Rolly is one of my favorite pups as he is eternally hungry. Even his own mother has to remind him that he has already eaten, and yet it is just never enough. Honestly, Rolly is a spirit animal in my book.
You can’t help but fall in love with the many pups in 101 Dalmations, and the fact that the adult dogs are just as amazing as the babies is what makes this story work. Sure, we came for the puppies, but we stayed for the rest of the characters and their story.
Even though Cruella de Vil is the villain, just knowing she is getting an origin movie, means we are going to get more of this story and that is still satisfying. Of course, it won’t be an animated movie, which is sad, but we can handle that.
Balto
What makes Balto so amazing is the fact that it is based on a true story out of Nome, Alaska. In the winter of 1925, a husky/wolf mix proved that he could be a hero, even as an outcast, after an outbreak of diphtheria led to him leading a team of dogs through the Alaskan tundra in order to get the necessary medicine the town needed. In fact, this story is said to have been the inspiration for the Iditarod, which is the ultimate race of sled dogs.
Of course, as an animated movie, there were a number of facts that were changed to make the story work. And yet, the story is both inspirational and dramatic, which is what makes it a must watch film on so many levels.
Balto is an inspiration, and he proves that even a mutt can be amazing (which we already knew as dog lovers). Plus, the fact that we had Kevin Bacon as the voice, that was certainly a selling factor.
Honestly, this is one of those emotional movies that hits you in the feels and leaves you with a tear in the eye. And I am always down for those types of films.
We all have one movie that just sticks with us long after we have moved on with our lives. And when it comes to animated dog movies, I feel like there are a lot of stories that find a way to stick with us and both inspire and motivate us. Even animated movies can make you want to rescue a pup or get out into the world to save the day, and that is part of why I love all of the dog movies on this list, because they inspire me and make me want to always be a dog parent.
What are your favorite animated dog movies? Is there one on this list that you have watched on repeat? Tell us all about it in the comments.