Since the very beginning of film, dogs and cats have been featured alongside their human counterparts. With their inclusion, they have impacted the storylines of films a great deal more than one might have thought.
Here's a list of films that feature dogs who impact the conclusion of the story as much as their human castmates.
1. A Dog’s Life (1918)
Possibly one of the earliest and most widely known films that features a dog is Charlie Chaplin’s silent film "A Dog’s Life." Scraps, as he’s called, changes his master’s fortunes with his uncanny habit of coming upon money or food out of nowhere just as they need it. This allows Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) to rescue Edna, reluctantly singing in a dance hall, and the three go off to happier times.
2. Lassie Come Home (1943)
Lassie was originally written as a short story, expanded into a novel and then into a feature length film titled "Lassie Come Home," in 1943. And come home she does, but not before first being separated from her loving family for lack of money. But soon Lassie escapes the Rick Duke who bought him and heads off to be with the young boy and his family with whom he truly belongs.
3. Beethoven (1992)
A large family adopts a St. Bernard which instantly becomes a part of the family, to the dismay of the father of the house. But soon the wicked veterinarian next door has design on Beethoven and his kid, and George becomes the one-time puppy and present giant’s main hope!
4. 101 Dalmatians (1996)
In this hilarious remake of the animated family comedy, a villainous woman by the splendid name of Cruella DeVille (Glenn Close) kidnaps puppies in order to make a profit from their fur, but the animals band together to exact revenge. The rescue involves a wonderful stream of doggie communication right across London and beyond. If you haven’t seen this film yet, you should because it is a classic! One reason to watch this film is to see Glenn Close transform into the devious, Cruella DeVille.
5. The Truth About Cats and Dogs (1996)
Probably one of the most underrated romantic comedies that came out of the 90s has to be The Truth About Cats & Dogs, it is a must-see! Most likely you probably have heard of it at some point, but have you seen it? If not, go watch it right now!
Abby (Janeane Garofalo), a veterinarian, hosts her own talk show in which she gives advice to dog and cat owners about how to take care of their pets. One day, she answers a call from Brian (Ben Chaplin), a new dog owner who needs help training his Great Dane and they get to know one another over time by telephone. After awhile, the two hit it off and Brian invites her out on a date, but being extremely shy, Abby asks her neighbor Noelle (Uma Thurman), who happens to be a model, to take her place. Who is he really falling for, Abby or Noelle?
6. My Dog Skip (2000)
A shy, teenage boy living in 1940s Mississippi grows up with the help of his dog, Skip, who compensates for his master’s shyness by connecting with everyone, and changing their lives.The film has themes of family, love, and bravery.
7.Must Love Dogs (2005)
Sarah (Diana Lane) a pre-school teacher in her 40s, who has recently gotten divorced, gives online dating a go at the request of her family who wants her to give dating another shot. Meanwhile, Jake (John Cusack) reluctantly decides to try online dating as well. In Sarah’s description, she writes, “must love dogs” as one of the prerequisites for those wanting to get in touch with her. It is revealed later that they may have a certain love for dogs in common!
8.Marley & Me (2008)
After adopting a Labrador Retriever, a young couple are not aware just yet of how much they will be positively affected by the delightful, yet naughty dog. The dog is the one that never grows up even though he gets larger and larger each year. He’s their first child by when the real children come along, they form just as tight a bond.
The film was based upon a memoir of the same title written by journalist, Tom Grogan, which was published in 2005. Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog, a New York Times Best Selling autobiographical book, is about the thirteen or so odd years Grogan and his family shared with a Labrador Retriever, named Marley, they had owned.
9. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
In this drama also based upon a true story, a college professor finds an abandoned dog, takes it in as his own, and soon develops a bond with the dog. The mysterious dog hails from Japan, but is never claimed. Their time together offers a true lesson in loyalty.
10. Max (2015)
Max, a military-trained dog, serves on the battlefield alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell). After Kyle is fatally wounded while on duty, Max becomes distraught by the loss of his comrade. For this reason, Max is released from his service and is sent to live with the Wincott family back on U.S. territory. The only person Max seems to connect with is Kyle’s younger brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins). Both Max and Justin, benefit from each others company and become very close in the process.
