25 Greatest Dog Movies That Will Make You Cry
25. Frankenweenie (2012)
In his homage to horror movies, Tim Burton gives us a deeply touching story. Being heartbroken because of the death of Sparky, the bull terrier Victor so much adored, he tries to bring him back to life using science, and only ridiculous failures follow. Although the plot of the movie has outstanding stop-motion effects, the themes of love and its loss remain deeply personal throughout the entire plot.
24. Cujo (1983)
Among other movies where the deaths of dogs are focused primarily on their sentimental side, this one highlights the horror, fear, and tragedy of losing a pet. Following the story of a woman and her child chased by a rabid Saint Bernard, we witness the heartbreaking tragedy of losing a friend and protector. They cannot even think of surviving, especially now that their former hero is their biggest enemy.
23. Benji (1974)
This heartwarming indie movie proves that even stray mixed-breed dogs have an amazing screen presence, particularly with expressive eyes. Finding out that the family he so loves has been kidnapped, Benji decides to do something about it and rescue the children. Powerful music accompanied by Benji's running, being scared, and thinking that he is unloved will surely bring tears to your eyes.
22. My Dog Skip (2000)
This nostalgic period drama is a perfect example of how a Jack Russell Terrier can change a person's life, making him braver and giving him friends. The final scenes of the movie will bring you into an emotional time travel in which you will be able to contemplate the passing years and reflect on everything that the boy and the dog remember about each other.
21. Wendy and Lucy (2008)
This intriguing indie drama is the story of a poor woman who suffers great hardships on her way to Alaska. Unfortunately, on this journey she loses not only her car but also her loyal golden retriever, Lucy. Watching her frantic search for her pet, you will understand why animals are so important to humans since they do not betray us like people.
20. Arthur the King (2024)
This exciting movie, based on a true story, is about a racing driver saving a severely beaten stray puppy. Named Arthur, the dog survives all the pain only to spend the rest of its life accompanying the racer and his team. The fact that he gave away a chance at the world championships to save the animal means victory for everyone. This movie has both warmth and sentimental value.
19. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Disney made an exceptional movie filled with love and tenderness. The Fox and the Hound is the story about unusual childhood friendship that is broken up by society and natural instincts. Even though Widow Tweed leaving Tod and throwing him in the woods to save him looks like a minor detail, millions of people will always remember this scene as traumatizing.
18. Eight Below (2006)
Paul Walker stars in this gripping survival drama about an Antarctic guide forced to evacuate his research station and leave his pack of eight sled dogs behind to weather a brutal winter alone. Much attention in this movie is paid to the bravery and courage of the dogs, fighting for their survival in the merciless frost. Every injury and death causes only tears from the viewer.
17. A Dog's Purpose (2017)
This fascinating drama explores the concept of reincarnation through the soul of a devoted dog who keeps coming back in different breeds across several decades. Born as different breeds, he passes through many life lessons and says farewell to many masters. Buthis golden thread always leads back to his original boy, Ethan. Although you will cry many times while watching this movie, it will leave you with consolation.
16. Togo (2019)
Although most history books speak of Balto's adventure, this historical drama finally shines a beautiful spotlight on the true hero of the 1925 serum run to Nome. Starring Willlem Dafoe, it describes an amazing experience of Togo and his owner deciding to disobey the established rules of the race. Their endurance and courage are simply indescribable. The heart and exhaustion Togo displays while pulling the sled across fracturing ice floes is an unforgettable display of a dog's spirit.
15. The Call of the Wild (2020)
Being an extraordinary adaptation of the famous novel of the same name by Jack London, ' The Call of the Wild' tells the story of the adventures of a hermit grieving over his lost son. The man finds comfort in a big St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix named Buck. Set up during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, the movie tells the story of Buck's transformation into becoming a wolf pack leader.
14. All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
This gorgeous animated film by Don Bluth dares to delve into some pretty heavy themes like betrayal, greed, and even death. In this movie, a mischievous German Shepherd named Charlie escapes both orphans and heaven to wreak havoc, before finding redemption in the arms of a lovely little orphan girl who can communicate with animals. His sacrificial decision to give his life for this little girl is one of the saddest moments in film history that utterly transforms a rogue archetype.
13. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
One of the greatest children's classics about the trip of three pets across the Sierra Nevada Mountains in order to return to their family. Each of the three main characters offers something unique and amazing. Chance learns a valuable lesson, Sassy is quite sassy, and Shadow is really sagacious. Yet, it is the climax when an old golden retriever attempts to climb out of the muddy hole that leaves many people broken-hearted along with his shadow at the family reunion.
12. Umberto D. (1952)
The sad story of an unfortunate pensioner living a very hard life in Rome, along with his dog, Flike. When Umberto comes to an end, understanding that there may be no way left for him to survive, the dog shows him how wrong his decision was. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a fearful Flike refusing to come closer after having made his master a choice.
11. Snoopy, Come Home (1972)
Though this musical film featuring Peanuts animation may appear innocent, it is in fact quite heart-breaking as well and talks about shifting loyalties. Upon receiving a letter from the girl who had put his owner, Lila, into the hospital, this brave little Beagle decides to start his journey in whatever faraway places she might be at the moment. This tear-jerker will surely make all Peanuts fans cry, especially the "Farewell Game".
10. Turner & Hooch (1989)
It may seem funny and somewhat strange, this buddy movie brings together Tom Hanks, an extremely careful detective, and a huge, drooling Dogue de Bordeaux witnessing a murder. Their slow-burning bond is full of chaotic comedy, which makes the sudden, tragic climax hard to watch. Seeing Hanks completely break down in tears over his brave, wounded partner can completely shatter anyone.
9. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
'The Art of Racing in the Rain' also offers something special and unique. It explores the life of an aspiring racing man, narrated by his golden retriever, Enzo. The dog stands with his human friends through everything from illness to serious lawsuits to grief, providing support and being a sort of family pillar throughout it all. This story is almost impossible not to cry about.
8. Lassie Come Home (1943)
This film is just wonderful in its entirety and offers a perfect representation of how loving dogs should be. Upon selling their beautiful Collie girl because of lack of money, the poor Yorkshire family sends her across the entire Britain, so that she could find her way back to the little boy, Joe. Lassie manages to overcome thousands of miles, avoiding hunting dogs, various storms and becoming seriously ill in the process.
7. White God (2014)
This excellent Hungarian film offers something unique in a blend of animal film and sci-fi, and talks about the terrible things that humans can commit against living creatures. 'White God' symbolizes oppression and tells the story of a dog named Hagen who, having been brutally abandoned. It joins a pack of street dogs and gets engaged in a fighting pit. Then he gathers other dogs and leads a revolution, finishing it off in a final showdown with his master.
6. Marley & Me (2008)
Despite being advertised as a funny and silly film about the worst dog in the world, this film provides much sadness to the audience. Marley is a destructive, hyperactive yellow Lab, but he becomes the literal witness to his owners' career struggles, miscarriages, and the joy of raising children. The climax of this movie shows the inevitable aging and medical decline of a family dog with a raw accuracy that leaves every single viewer sobbing.
5. Old Yeller (1957)
One of the worst movies for children that may leave anyone feeling miserable, as it is the ultimate source of childhood trauma in Disney movies. In this Disney classic, a Mastiff mix named Yeller helps his owner by saving the family from bears, wild boars, and wolves, which makes his eventual exposure to rabies. The final, mandatory act of mercy that Travis must commit himself remains one of the most devastating moments in movie history.
4. Red Dog (2011)
Based on the true story of an Australian dog, this movie tells the story of Kelpie in a remote mining town situated on the western side of the country. Kelpie belongs to no one, yet belongs to everyone. But he truly starts loving the owner of the bus, who later dies in an accident. The red dog starts searching for his master across Australia for thousands of miles, proving his deeployalty.
3. The Plague Dogs (1982)
From the creators of Watership Down, this haunting, bleak animated masterpiece is definitely not for kids. It follows two dogs who escape a horrific government research laboratory, only to be hunted across the beautiful yet harsh English Lake District while struggling to survive. The film is a devastatingly raw look at animal cruelty, survival, and existential dread, culminating in a poetic ending that will leave you weeping for hours.
2. I Am Legend (2007)
While this is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, the absolute emotional core of the entire movie rests entirely on a German Shepherd named Samantha. She isn't just a pet, but is also Will Smith's last remaining connection to his family, his sanity, and a dead world. The quiet scenes of him bathing her, talking to her, and her fierce protection against infected mutants capture both the beauty of their bond and the tragic ending.
1. Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
' Hachi: A Dog's Tale' is the undisputed king of tear-jerkers. Based on a legendary true story from Japan, it follows a college professor who adopts an Akita pup named Hachiko, who quickly develops a strict routine of waiting at the train station for his master every single evening. When the professor dies and never returns, Hachi spends the next nine years returning to the same spot, through snow, rain, and old age, waiting faithfully.
