10 Best Dog Movies on Netflix
For ages, dog movies have been loved by just about all audiences, especially pet owners. From funny animated films to sad dog stories to happy dog movies on Netflix, you can find just about every genre to stream. So why do people like dog movies on Netflix so much?
“Dogs make for the perfect hero or sidekick because they represent all the best qualities of humans,” says Mark Ellis, Rotten Tomatoes correspondent. “We love dog movies for the same reason that we love the canine stars of those films: they’re lovable [and] cute, and we are instantly invested in their story.“
Many of the best dog movies on Netflix often have themes of adventure and overcoming challenges while featuring canine heroes and their unconditional love and loyalty to humans. These movies have a way of warming our hearts and tapping into our emotional connections with our pets, taking us on an emotional journey from laughter to tears.
So grab a blanket and some popcorn (and maybe some tissues), and get ready for some doggone fun!
10 Best Dog Movies on Netflix
When it comes to dog movies, Netflix has quite the selection, depending on what you’re in the mood for. To help you pick out this evening’s blockbuster, we’ve curated a list of what we think are some of the best dog movies on Netflix.
Rescued by Ruby (2022)
If you’re looking for a good police dog movie, this film tells the story of a state trooper and his journey to join the search and rescue team with his K9 partner, Ruby — a smart but rebellious Border Collie shelter dog. Based on a true story and scoring 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Rescued by Ruby is a heartfelt drama for the whole family that you won’t want to miss.
Benji (2018)
Out of the happy dog movies on Netflix, this one is a favorite. It’s a remake of the classic 1974 family drama of the same title. Benji, a stray mixed-breed dog, forms a bond with two young siblings, Carter and Frankie, and ends up being the hero of the day when he rescues them from a dangerous situation. Benji is an action-filled flick with positive messages of family, love, and bravery.
Vicky and Her Mystery (2012)
This Netflix original family drama is a heartwarming story about an 8-year-old girl who, after losing her mom, is comforted by her adopted puppy, Vicky. This is one of the more touching kid dog movies on Netflix and shows the unwavering support we get from our pets, especially in times of need.
Dog Gone (2023)
Based on a true story and starring Rob Lowe, this film tells the tale of a father and son searching for their lost dog, Gonker, on the Appalachian trail. Time is of the essence, however, as they have to give their yellow Lab his monthly lifesaving shot for Addison’s disease.
June & Kopi (2021)
If you’re looking for funny dog movies on Netflix, June & Kopi is a great pick. This family film features June, a mixed-breed street dog who is reluctantly taken in by a couple, and Kopi, the family Pitbull. The film highlights the positive impact June has on the family and the profound impact animals in general can have on our lives.
White Fang (2018)
Scoring 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, this is one of the highest rated animated dog movies on Netflix. It’s based on the novel by Jack London and follows the journey of White Fang, a young wolf-dog, in the harsh Yukon territory during the Klondike Gold Rush. While serving three different masters, he is led on the adventure of a lifetime.
Beethoven (1992)
We love seeing classic movies on Netflix, and Beethoven is no exception. This 1992 film tells the story of a St. Bernard puppy who sneaks into a family’s home and quickly wins them all over – except for George, the father. The dog grows to be a gigantic rascal who’s also incredibly lovable, eventually even gaining the affection of George through a series of both silly and dramatic events.
Seventeen (2019)
This Spanish comedy-drama is a story of a teenager who escapes a juvenile detention center in order to search for Oveja, a shelter dog he befriended at an animal rescue center. The film received positive reviews, including an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and is an adorably cute dog movie on Netflix.
Pets United (2020)
For a feel-good animated dog movie on Netflix, Pets United is a sequel to the 2010 film, Animals United. This wild adventure comedy is about a pack of unlikely animal heroes led by a stray dog and glamour cat in a place called Robotic City. After the city is overtaken by its evil mayor and its machine robot army, the movie takes you through their chaotic adventures to stop the mastermind of chaos. Even though the film received mixed reviews, Pets United is a cute choice for a fun dog movie.
Arctic Dogs (2019)
This computer animated Netflix dog movie tells a heartwarming and humorous tale that highlights the importance of friendship, perseverance, and protecting the environment. Set in the Arctic region and featuring the voices of Jeremy Renner, Heidi Klum, and James Franco, the story follows Swifty, an ambitious arctic delivery fox who aspires to be a Top Dog like his hero, a dog named Duke. Along the way, Swifty assembles a misfit crew to save the planet from a power-hungry walrus.
Tips for Watching the Best Dog Movies on Netflix
Ready to fire up Netflix? Here are a few things you can do to create an optimal dog movie-watching experience.
Prepare for an emotional journey. Many films about dogs will be emotional dramas that tug on your heartstrings. With that in mind, be prepared to potentially tear up!
Watch with family or friends. Most Netflix dog movies are family films that are appropriate for all ages. A dog movie night together can be a fun bonding activity for you and your family or friends — and, of course, your pup!
Get comfortable. Set up a cozy viewing area with blankets and pillows for the people and pets. A comfortable atmosphere can really enhance the movie viewing experience.
Take breaks if necessary. If the plot starts to get too intense, it might be a good time to hit pause to let everyone take a breather. And if there’s a particular scene that’s too much, you can even skip ahead if needed.
Watch your dog’s reactions. Observing how your pup reacts to the dog in the movie can be a lot of fun. Listen for barks, growls, and cries from your pup as they try to interact with the dog on screen!
Reflect on the message. Dog movies on Netflix often have themes of loyalty, friendship, honesty, and courage. After watching, take a few minutes to reflect on the film’s message and how it might relate to situations in your own life. You can also try to find the similarities between your pup and the dog on screen.
