The Top 10 Best Movie Dogs
This List of Movie Dogs Features Some Very, Very Good Boys
Updated: December 2020
Hollywood knows audiences love watching man’s best friend on the big screen. That’s why there have been some great movie dogs over the years. From Toto to Boy, I’m honoring those cinematic canines that have stolen the audience’s hearts over the year. It’s tough to narrow it down to just 10 doggos from the big screen, especially since all dogs are just so amazing (except for the tiny barky ones). However, this list definitely has more than a few good boys on it. As always, I love to get your feedback though, so be sure to leave a comment below about who your favorite movie dogs are. In the meantime, though, get the leash because this list is ready for walkies.
Oh, and just so you know, this list is only going to be focusing on live-action dogs that appeared in movies with theatrical releases.
*This list may contain some spoilers*
10. Marley- Marley and Me
Spoiler Alert: You might want to check out doesthedogdie.com before seeing this tear-jerker. Now there are a lot of movie dogs that might have been based on amazing true stories, but Marley is just based on a true everyday dog and that’s what makes him so special. Throughout the movie, Marley goes through plenty of ups and downs with his family in the end though his life is one that his grieving owners can look back fondly on. That’s what makes dogs so special, they’re more than just a pet, they’re family. He might not have had an incredible journey, but he lived an incredible life filled with love.
9. Toto- The Wizard of Oz
Speaking of incredible journeys, none of the other movie dogs can hold a candle to the story Toto had after returning from Oz. Not only did Toto get sucked up in a twister and thrown into a bizarre world of technicolor, but he also had to deal with his owner stopping to sing with weirdos all the time. While he spent most of his time just following Dorothy around, the fact that he saves the day when the chips are down made him well worthy of a spot on this list. The Wizard decided to try to con Dorothy out of payment for her assassination of the Wicked Witch of the West, and Toto was not down for that and revealed the Wizard’s secret to the world. Not that’s a good boy.
8. The Beast AKA Hercules- The Sandlot
Speaking of good boys, The Beast is pretty misunderstood as far as movie dogs go. Then again, he’s a pretty big dog and has a habit of barking in excitement. So, it’s no wonder that everyone started rumors about how terrifying he must be. For most of The Sandlot, The Beast remains hidden away as the film builds to the epic showdown between Scotty Smalls and the mysterious monster. The thing is that not all monsters turn out the way you think and as the old saying goes, “a barking dog never bites.” It turns out The Beast was just a dog that wanted someone to play with, and his size and bark scared everyone away (I can totally relate). At heart, all dogs are man’s best friend.
7. Boy- Love and Monsters
When the world ends, you’re going to want a canine by your side. Our ancestors domesticated dogs tens of thousands of years ago because they really come in handy in hostile environments. Well, it doesn’t get much more hostile than a world in which giant mutants have over the surface of the planet, humans are forced to hide in underground bunkers. When the chance for love springs up for Joel (Dylan O’Brien), he decides to make the deadly trek to another colony. He surely would have died his first day if Boy hadn’t rescued him. The poor dog lost his master to the monsters and seeing how hapless Joel is, he decides to join him on the journey. I think Boy must be a surname because this Australian Kelpie’s first name is definitely “Good.”
6. Samantha- I am Legend
Speaking of heart, this next entry is going to tug on yours. When the world ended, Robert Neville (Will Smith) was all alone except for Sam, a German Shepard he had raised since birth. The world was not a friendly place after a virus ripped through it, but Robert was ok because he has Sam watching his back. She was so dedicated to her master that she ended up making the ultimate sacrifice to save him. In return, Robert has an impossible decision to make when it comes to his only friend in the world and has to do what every dog owner dreads. In the end, they both did everything they could to help the other when they needed it the most.