Dog movies have always held a special place in children’s hearts because they combine entertainment with meaningful life lessons. From stories of loyalty and friendship to adventures that spark imagination, these films help children understand emotions, empathy, and responsibility in a relatable way. In this blog, we will explore some of the best dog movies for kids, their storylines, and what makes them perfect for family viewing. These films are not just fun to watch but also create opportunities for meaningful conversations between parents and children about kindness, compassion, and caring for animals.
Top Dog Movies Every Child Should Watch
Dogs have proven time and time again that they are man’s best friend. There is nothing better than putting on a movie about a man’s best friend, whether it’s a night in with your dog friend or a night in with the whole family.
When you’re looking for the right dog movies for kids, you might feel a little overwhelmed by how many there are. Even though you can’t go wrong with dogs, there are some movies that stand out. We picked out the best dog movies for kids to make your movie night a little easier.
Here are the top 10 best dog movies for kids that your little ones are sure to love.
“Dogs have proven time and time again that they are a man’s best friend. They easily adapt to families and become close with the kids in the house as well. It is due to this reason that kids love dogs as well. Kids usually love dog movies, and it is a good way to teach your kids about animals and how to treat them and be gentle with them”
– Arohi Achwal, writer at Firstcry Parenting
1. Marley & Me
Marley and Me is a very popular dog movie for kids from the 2000s. It is based on a book by John Grogan of the same name. It is a must-watch family dog movie for kids.
The story of John and Jenny Grogan and their mischievous dog, Marley, is told in this lovely live-action movie. It’s about a couple who take in a Labrador that doesn’t behave well, but whom they learn to love and live with in the end. It tells the story of the dog’s life and the different things it does. It’s a great movie for kids about dogs. It’s funny, and sad, and will teach your kids a lot about love and loss. A word of caution, though! Keep a box of tissues handy
Do you know some of the animated dog films?
2. Bolt
Bolt is an animated film that tells the story of Bolt, a Hollywood star dog. He is used to being the hero in his TV show, but when he is accidentally shipped to New York, he must navigate the real world with the help of his new friends, Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster. This film is ideal for children who enjoy action, adventure, and a good laugh. It is one of the most meaningful family dog movies for kids.
Do you know what the real kicker is? Bolt has been voiced by the Hollywood legend, John Travolta!
3. 101 Dalmatians
101 Dalmatians is often regarded as one of the best-animated dog movies for kids. It is an adaptation of Dodie Smith’s 1956 book of the same name. It’s about a group of Dalmatian puppies who are taken by the bad guy, Cruella de Vil, because she wants to make a coat out of their fur. When their parents went to save them, they ended up saving more than 84 other puppies as well, bringing the total to 101. 101 Dalmatians is one of the most fun & adventurous animated dog movies for kids that teaches children the value of family. It is one of the best dog films to watch with your kids.
4.Beethoven
Beethoven is a classic 90s movie about a big, slobbery, clumsy St. Bernard dog that is adopted by a family and loved very much by everyone except the father. The dog gets away from dognappers by a hair’s breadth and then becomes the focus of a bad vet who wants to do experiments on him. Soon, Beethoven’s family figures out that he is not a normal dog, and they have to deal with the trouble he causes. This movie is great for kids who like big, friendly dogs and want to see them in action. Beethoven, the dog’s antics make this one of the best dog movies for kids. Show us a kid who doesn’t love a big, fluffy, and sometimes silly dog! It is also one of the best dog movies to watch with your kids.
5. The secret life of pets
The Secret Life of Pets is a 2016 release that is about what pets do when their owners aren’t around! Already hooked, eh? We do not blame you:) Max, a terrier, gets jealous when his owner brings home a new dog named Duke, and they get lost in the city. Both of them try to find their way back home with the help of their dog & cat friends. Kids are very curious about what their pets are up to when they are not around. Who knows? Maybe this movie will help them find those answers.It is one of the best dog movies for kids that features a generous dose of action, a healthy dose of silliness and a nice serving of happiness. It is one of the entertaining dog films for kids.
Which of these top dog movies have you already watched?
6. A dog’s purpose
The 2017 movie, A Dog’s Purpose, is about a dog who is reborn four times with different owners and learns what its life is all about. The things that happen to the dog in each life teach it about itself and help it figure out what its real purpose is. He also gets close to a boy named Ethan. As Ethan grows up, the dog comes back to remind him of who he really is. The theme of man and his best friend, told in a heartwarming and soul-shattering manner, is what makes this one of the best dog movies for kids. It is one of the heartwarming dog films for kids.
7. Lady and the Tramp
It is one of the best animated dog films. Sigh… Another Disney classic! What is it with Disney and heartwarming animated dog movies about kids? Released way back in 1955, the story follows the life of a pampered little Cocker Spaniel called Lady and how she starts getting ignored by her owners once they have a baby.
Lady winds up on the street and ends up befriending a rough mutt named Tramp. On a fateful night, Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs over dinner and end up falling in love with each other. The classic is a great way to instil values like love, friendship, and devotion in young viewers.
8. Isle of Dogs
Who doesn’t like Wes Anderson? A dog movie for kids directed by Wes Anderson? Bring it on! This is a slightly different film from the others on the list. This one is a stop-motion animation film. It is also one of the best dog movies for families. The story takes place in a dystopian version of Japan, where all dogs are sent to Trash Island because of an outbreak of dog flu. In the story, a young boy named Atari goes to the island to find Spots, the dog he loves. They go on a journey with a group of dogs to find Spots and find out about a plot involving the corrupt mayor of Megasaki City.
Not only is the movie emotionally engaging, but it is also visually stunning! What’s not to love?
9. The fox and the hound
Another Walt Disney Productions movie! It is one of the entertaining dog movies for families. Hmmm… The film follows two unlikely friends, a red fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper, who are forced to become enemies due to their respective social roles. As Tod and Copper struggle to maintain their friendship in the face of societal expectations, the film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and prejudice. The beautiful animation and the simple, yet heartwarming characters make this a timeless classic! If you are looking for dog movies for kids, start with this one. You won’t be disappointed!
10. My dog Skip
It is one of the best dog movies for the family. Who says best friends have to be human? My Dog Skip is a heartwarming movie based on the best-selling memoir by Willie Morris. The movie is about a young boy named Willie and his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Skip. It takes place in the 1940s. It is a simplistic tale of how Willie and Skip grow up together in a small Mississippi town and go through the ups and downs of life together. My dog Skip is not only one of the best movies for kids, but even adults have ended up falling in love with the film over the years.
What Children Learn from Dog Movies
Dog movies are more than just entertainment. They help children understand values such as empathy, compassion, responsibility, and emotional bonding. Watching these films with family encourages meaningful discussions about caring for pets, building friendships, and handling emotions like happiness, fear, and loss. These lessons stay with children and influence their behaviour in everyday life.
How EuroKids Nurtures Emotional Learning and Values Through Story-Based Experiences
At EuroKids, storytelling and visual learning play an important role in helping children understand emotions, relationships, and empathy. Through guided discussions, role-play, and interactive activities, children learn about kindness, teamwork, and responsibility in a natural and engaging way. Exposure to stories, characters, and real-life themes helps them express feelings better, build social skills, and develop compassion for people and animals alike. This approach supports holistic development and ensures that learning connects with real-world experiences.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that films about dogs are popular with kids. Lessons on love, friendship, responsibility, and more can be learned from these films. Do not worry, parents, as there are many lonely dog films, both animated and live-action, for your little ones to enjoy. In this article, we have covered some interesting and meaningful top dog movies to watch with your kids. These feel-good canine films, whether they’re Disney classics or more recent offerings, are sure to be a favourite with kids of all ages. Be sure to gather the family together this upcoming weekend to see at least one of the recommended films. Did we miss out on any other pawsome movie? Please share your valuable thoughts.
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FAQs:
1. Why are dog movies good for kids?
Dog movies teach children empathy, responsibility, kindness toward animals, and the importance of friendship in an engaging and relatable way.
2. Which dog movies are suitable for younger children?
Animated films like Bolt, The Secret Life of Pets, and 101 Dalmatians are great options for preschoolers and younger kids.
3. Can dog movies help children emotionally?
Yes, they help children understand emotions such as love, care, sadness, and joy while learning how to build healthy relationships.
4. How can parents use these movies as learning tools?
Parents can watch together, discuss the storyline, talk about caring for pets, and connect the lessons from the movie to real-life situations.
5. Are dog movies appropriate for family movie nights?
Absolutely. Most dog movies are family-friendly and enjoyable for all age groups, making them ideal for bonding time.
