5 Paw-some Dog Movies For Laughs, Tears or Cheers.

Had a ruff week? Sit back, grab some pup-corn and enjoy these 5 great dog movie recommendations. There’s laughs, there’s cheers and there is most definitely some tears, but we believe these are the premium breed of canine cinema.

So gather your whole pack together, roll-over onto your couch and enjoy these tasty dog treats.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

What’s it all about?

Professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) is a distinguished scholar who discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home from work. Despite initial objections from Wilson’s wife Cate (Joan Allen), Hachi endears himself into the Wilson family and grows to be Parker’s loyal companion. As their bond grows deeper, a beautiful relationship unfolds, embodying the true spirit of family and loyalty, while inspiring the hearts of an entire town.

Laughs, Tears or Cheers?

Expect tears…and lots of them! While we agree that Marley & Me deserves an honourable mention as a guaranteed dog movie tear-jerker, make no mistake that Hachi: A Dog’s Tale challenges Marley for the crown. It’s sentimental, a little emotionally manipulating, a tad schmaltzy, but after the credits roll, you may find yourself wailing uncontrollably as you search the house for your own dog to give a big hug to.

Based on real events, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is an under-seen sleeper and a real heartbreaker. An unabashed tear-jerker that may even have devout cat lovers wiping saltwater from their cheeks.

Buy or Rent Hachi: A Dog’s Tale in the Fetch Movie Store

Beethoven (1992)

What’s it all about?

Beethoven is about a giant Saint Bernard, the evil veterinarian who’s after him, and the hilarious clashes between the two. Charles Grodin stars as the dog-hating patriarch of the family that adopts Beethoven.

Laughs, Tears or Cheers?

Like its titular Saint Bernard, Beethoven is a movie that’s somewhat sloppy though somehow loveable. Well and truly of its time, it has enough laughs and hi-jinx to keep the kids happy, and some curiosities that should amuse adults – be that some outdated family dynamics, a disturbing near-drowning child scene and a head-scratching, gravel-voiced veterinarian villain – it all adds up to an oddly entertaining watch for all.

Keep an eye out for some early roles from people like David Duchovny as the greedy entrepreneur and Stanley Tucci as the bumbling bad guy. Spawning no less than 7 sequels and an animated television series, the popularity of the franchise most likely rests on the shoulders of Beethoven himself, a big furry oaf with a heart of gold.

Buy or Rent Beethoven in the Fetch Movie Store

Togo (2019)

What’s it all about?

Leonhard, a musher, adopts Togo, a Siberian husky considered to be weak, and trains him. When Togo leads the 1925 serum run, he becomes a hero for Nome, Alaska.

Laughs, Tears or Cheers?

Based on a true story, Togo is an inspirational tale of an incredibly special canine. It’s light on laughs, but big on heart-stopping action and adventure throughout. Keep the tissues handy however, as this story of courage and defiance in the face of adversity could certainly make you misty-eyed.

There’s a feeling of nostalgia with the way the movie is crafted, harking back to classic live-action Disney films of the past where simplicity and epic adventure ruled the show, making Togo seem like a very recent movie with an old soul.

Togo is Now Streaming on Disney+

Best In Show(2000)

What’s it all about?

The owners (and handlers) of five show dogs head for the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. A film crew interviews them as they prepare for the trip and compete. The dog show brings out the true essence of the humans. Who will be best in show?

Laughs, Tears or Cheers?

There’s big laughs throughout this Christopher Guest mockumentary gem. While the dogs mostly take a back seat to the hilarious personalities of the ensemble of owners, it’s an absolute blast watching each doing whatever it takes to get first place in the dog show. Fred Willard steals the show as the dimwitted commentator, but there’s comedy gold from all involved.

Alongside his other mockumentary work like Waiting For Guffman, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration and even This Is Spinal Tap, many consider Best in Show Christopher Guest’s very best.

Buy or Rent Best in Show in the Fetch Movie Store

Dog (2022)

What’s it all about?

With a dog named Lulu by his side, Army Ranger Briggs races down the Pacific Coast to make it to a soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, Briggs and Lulu drive each other completely crazy, break a handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards to have a fighting chance of finding happiness.

Laughs, Tears or Cheers?

Safe to expect both laughs and some tears from this one. Essentially a road trip buddy movie with a difference, Dog actually has something to say about post war trauma and PTSD. Channing Tatum co-directs the film and feels like a perfect fit for the role of the ambitious Army Ranger.

Lulu the dog, who has lost her owner, is slated to be put down in a week’s time, so her approaching demise is always lingering in the background of the story, but there’s enough light moments and heartfelt drama to lift this from being way more than just a “sad dog movie”.

Buy or Rent Dog in the Fetch Movie Store