If you have a few human kids at home (along with your fur babies), a night in with a dog film means looking for a G-rated experience. But if you’re kid-free (even if it’s only while the brood’s away at Nana’s for the night), you may opt to pick a flick that’s a tad more mature. Before buying, renting or downloading your film de la nuit, check out the 30 best dog movies — for pup lovers with and without kids.
Keep in mind that some of the choices for the kiddos may feature heavier subject matter that is better suited for an older child. That said, they all get a G rating, and you probably watched a few when you were young. If you’re in doubt (or can’t remember exactly why “Old Yeller” made you reach for the tissues even at the tender age of 12), have a private no-kids-allowed viewing party for one first.
Some of the “grown-up” options come with a PG or PG-13 rating. Depending on your comfort level, you may okay a few of these selections for your older child or tween. Even though these aren’t technically “for all ages,” movies such as “Marley and Me,” “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “White Fang” fall more into the “family” category. As for your fur babies, use your discretion when deciding which flicks earn a rating of K-9:
Kid-Friendly Choices
- Benji
- Air Bud
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
- Beethoven’s 5th
- All Dogs Go to Heaven
- The Shaggy Dog
- The Adventures of Milo and Otis
- Snow Buddies
- The Fox and the Hound
- Old Yeller
- 101 Dalmatians
- Balto
- Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
- Lassie Come Home
- Doogal
Films for the More Mature
- Best in Show
- Marley & Me
- Turner and Hooch
- K-9
- Must Love Dogs
- Call of the Wild
- Cujo
- A Dog of Flanders
- Top Dog
- Year of the Dog
- Fluke
- Because of Winn-Dixie
- White Fang
- Umberto D.
- Eight Below
Mix and match a few kid-approved and grown-up viewing options for a fab Fido-filled film festival in your family room. When the kids are still awake, stick to the G-rated picks. After bedtime, switch over to a frightening flick such as “Cujo” or the comedic genius at play in “Best in Show.” What if your only kids are the kind with floppy ears, a coat of fur and a tail? Pick from either list!
There’s no rule saying that adults can’t enjoy an animated dog movie or anything that’s adult-content free. Even though these titles typically scream “for kids!”, you may enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time with classic canines such as “Lassie.” If you’re having a hard time deciding what to watch, lay out some DVDs on the floor or hand over the mouse, and let Fido pick the flick.
While a night (or day) catching up on the top dog movies is altogether entertaining for any pet parent, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Instead of leaving your pup at home, take him with you! How and where?
Read on to 8 Ideas for Fun Dog Outings for awesome outdoor ideas!
Erica Loop is the mom to one teenage son, two Olde Boston Bulldogges and a very shy cat. She’s also a freelance writer, educator and the creator of the blog Mini Monets and Mommies.
