Worst2First: My Top Ten Films Featuring Dogs

Worst2First: 

My Top Ten Films Featuring Dogs

Growing up I've always had animals, and I am a true animal lover at heart.  Whenever I start hearing Sarah MacLaughlin's "Angel" come on the television, I know it's about abused animals and I have to change the channel or start crying.  It pains me to see any animal in pain, and sometimes I feel they're more loyal than most humans I know.

So it comes as no surprise that I love films that feature dogs, and I've often been moved more by their plight than humans.  Here are my top ten films featuring dogs, worst2first.

**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**

#10

All Dogs Go to Heaven

A children's film that's a bit more adult than you'd expect, "All Dogs Go to Heaven" features the vocal talent of Burt Reynolds as Charlie, a con artist dog who dies and comes back to earth for revenge, but meets an orphan girl and learns the importance of love, forgiveness, and family.  It's a cute little film from the director of "The Land Before Time" and "An American Tail."

#9

Beethoven

The film that spawned seven sequels and began the career of Joseph Gordon-Levitt (as "Student #1"), "Beethoven" stars Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt as a couple who take in a lovable St. Bernard named Beethoven, who helps make the family's life better while being placed in danger at the hands of two thieves.  Written by John Hughes ("The Breakfast Club") and directed by Ivan Reitman ("Ghostbusters"), "Beethoven" is a family-friendly adventure that's full of heart, humor, and action.

#8

The Adventures of Milo & Otis

Originally a Japanese film, "The Adventures of Milo & Otis" is a film narrated by Dudley Moore and centers on orange tabby cat Milo and pug Otis as they share an adventure in the wild.  It's a heartwarming tale of friendship and love featuring two of the most cutest animals on screen.

#7

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

There's been several stories of pets who traveled impossible miles in order to get back to their family, and "Homeward Bound" is the story of three pets - Golden Retriever Shadow (voiced by Don Ameche), Himalayan cat Sassy (voiced by Sally Field) and Bulldog Chance (voiced by Michael J. Fox) as they traverse the rough terrain to get back to their family.  It's filled with humor, adventure, and heart, and the ending gets me every time.

#6

Megan Leavey

 This is a true story of a woman and her dog.  It's just that the woman is a Marine and the dog is a Marine dog, and after saving each others' lives in Iraq, she sets out to change his classification so she can adopt him.  Kate Mara delivers a powerful performance, and Rex the dog is utterly spellbinding.  This movie proves that not all heroes walk on two legs.

#5

Turner & Hooch

A classic buddy comedy, Tom Hanks acts next to a Dogue de Bordeaux and the result is comedic gold, as well as a deeply moving tale of a man who never loved dogs who develops the utmost love for them.  After taking in Hooch after his owner was murdered, Turner - a police investigator - investigates the murder as well as falling in love with his veterinarian.  The film runs the gambit of emotions, thanks to Hanks's superb acting and the dog's performance.

#4

Cujo

 Based off the novel by Stephen King, the master of horror, "Cujo" centers around a St. Bernard that is infected with rabies and terrorizes a mother (played perfectly by horror icon Dee Wallace) and young son (Danny Pintauro), who hide out in a car but face more dangers than just the rabid dog - dehydration.  It's a frantic race against time as the dog holds watch over the helpless duo, and the mother must use all her wits to get her and her son out alive.  To this day people don't name their dog Cujo due to the legacy this film left.

#3

Lady & the Tramp

Leave it to Disney to tell the most beautiful love story that doesn't involve humans.  "Lady & the Tramp" is a beautiful tale of Lady - a dog born in the lap of luxury - and Tramp - an abandoned dog who grew up on the streets - and the unconventional love story they share.  It's touching and romantic, with one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history - the classic spaghetti dinner.

#2

101 Dalmatians

Another Disney classic, "101 Dalmatians" centers around the lives of a litter of dalmatians that are stolen by the evil Cruella de Vil in hopes of turning them into fur, and the adventure their parents take to get them back.  It's a Disney classic that gave birth to one of its most evil villains in de Vil, and showcases the true power of family and never giving up.

#1

Old Yeller

An easy choice for the top spot, "Old Yeller" is the classic tale of a boy and his dog, and how they grew up together through the good and the bad, as well as learning tough lessons of life and growing into adulthood.  Still heralded today as one of the best dog films, "Old Yeller" solidifies its place as the best, and nothing has come close to achieving its perfection.