List

Canine Cinema

By Sharon Weinberg

Looking to spend some quality time with Fido without leaving the couch? Microwave the popcorn and fetch the milk bones. I have dog-approved movie suggestions for you and your family.

  • Wishbone

    2011

    Going retro with this '90s PBS TV series about a Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone (played by the extremely talented animal actor Soccer), the little dog with a big imagination. In each episode, he visualizes himself inside a classic story as one of the characters, adorable costumes and all, which in the end helps to resolve whatever situation his humans have at hand. I give it 10 out of 10 wagging tails.

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  • DC League of Super-Pets

    2022

    I especially love when pups (as well as other pets) have awesome powers. Dwayne Johnson voices Superman’s canine companion Krypto, and Kevin Hart is a misunderstood shelter dog named Ace. Hilarity and heroics ensue.

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  • Clifford the Big Red Dog

    2022

    There’s magic in the air. Thus we get an oversized bright red dog ready to be your supporter and helpmate. I loved the books as a kid and thoroughly enjoyed this charming live action adaptation.

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  • Megan Leavey

    2017

    The story follows real-life marine Megan Leavey and her military bomb-sniffing dog Rex, who saved her life while serving in Iraq. When Rex could no longer serve due to medical issues, Megan moved heaven and earth to bring him back to the U.S. so she could adopt him and take care of him. The devotion and unbreakable bond between Megan and Rex are remarkable, making me catch all the feelings.

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  • Bluey: Season 1

    2022

    Yes, Bluey is a cartoon Blue Heeler (AKA an Australian Cattle Dog) who has a ton of energy and curiosity, and plays the most imaginative, hilarious games with her little sister Bingo, her parents Bandit and Chilli, and a variety of neighborhood pupsters. This is my new favorite kids TV series, and it’s not because I happen to live with a resourceful Blue Heeler. It’s sweet, positive, and relatable.

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  • Up

    2009

    Although Dug and the pack are supporting characters, they steal the movie via high-tech collars that decode their thoughts (squirrel!) into speech. A stroke of genius, I think. Also, the bit about the cone of shame is an absolute favorite and quite true. If you have Disney Plus, be sure to check out the series Dug Days.

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  • Paw Patrol the Movie

    2021

    The courageous puppy team answers an emergency distress call to save Adventure City from a corrupt mayor, who’s decidedly a cat person and wants to ban all dogs. Gasp! I loved the pupper personalities, the voice cast, and the "pawsitive" adventure.

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  • The Cave of the Yellow Dog

    2007

    A touching story about a little girl and a stray dog, this works as a drama and as an educational film. The family in the movie is real, and they play themselves in a fictional story that lets you see what everyday life is like for a Mongolian nomadic family that lives off their livestock. Zachor the dog won the Palme Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

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  • Dog Days

    2018

    Separated from her family, canine Bella travels more than 400 miles to get back home, making various friends during the long trek, even a cougar cub. This movie pulls at your heartstrings, as it looks at how dogs and people can save one another. Some of the best scenes are when Bella provides therapy service for veterans at a local hospital.

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  • Dog

    2022

    Channing Tatum codirects and stars in this road trip movie about a military dog named Lulu, whose history of aggressive behavior makes her a liability, and Jackson Briggs, a U.S. Army Ranger with PTSD and tasked with taking Lulu to the funeral of his former partner/Lulu’s handler. I was sold at Channing Tatum with a dog, no matter. Even so, this exceeded my expectations because it’s also a touching story about loss, recovery, and friendship.

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  • The Call of the Wild

    2020

    Based on the classic novel by Jack London, this adventure movie focuses on the lovable dog Buck, his journey to the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush, his human John Thornton, and Buck's growing connection to his wolf ancestors.

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  • Cats & Dogs

    2007

    It's From Russia with Love mixed with Mission Impossible from the dog's point of view. Truly, I feel bad about the lack of positive feline role models, as all the cat characters are evil. But my dog didn't seem to mind. Be sure to check out the sequel, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.;

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  • Love and Monsters

    2021

    This is why I had a load of fun watching this movie. You must accept that the Monsterpocalypse happened and that animals mutated into giant creatures and have the run of Earth; the Oscar-nominated visual effects are quirky and awesome; the plot has the right mix of humor, adventure, and romance; and, most important, there is an absolutely amazing dog!

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  • Oddball

    2017

    In this family friendly movie, a mischievous dog learns how to protect an Australian wild penguin sanctuary located on Middle Island from fox attacks. Unbelievable, yet it’s inspired by a true story. I love how this big affable dog transforms from misfit to hero.

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