10 Best Dog Movies That Will Surely Make You Cry (#1 Has 98% Rotten Tomatoes Rating)

Dogs are the most loyal friends anyone can ask for. They never leave you alone, not even once, if you show affection to them. No matter what the circumstances are, they always find the most unique way to tug at your heartstrings. If a dog has ever touched your heart, I’m sure the cinema that captures their mischievous act, unwavering loyalty, and sacrifices they make will do the same. So, if you are looking for some of the best dog movies, here we have discussed ten of the best ones that will surely make you shed tears.

10. Shiloh

• Release Date: April 25, 1997
• Director: Dale Rosenbloom
• Cast: Michael Moriarty, Blake Heron, Scott Wilson, Ann Dowd, Bonnie Bartlett, Rod Steiger
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.3/73%

Shiloh is a story about a boy named Marty, who decides to protect an abused beagle from its rightful owner. The boy does everything to find a shelter for the dog, be it lying to his parents or landing odd jobs to make money. The bond that Marty forms with the dog is the central theme of the story, resonating with those who can’t see an animal suffer. Shiloh is considered a watch-worthy dog film due to its heartwarming story, strong performances, and the life lessons it gives.

9. Max

• Release Date: June 26, 2015
• Director: Boaz Yakin
• Cast: Josh Wiggins, Lauren Graham, Thomas Haden Church
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.6/37%

Max is a dog film that, despite not being a major hit, ended up drawing some positive reviews. It is surely a family film that makes one witness the struggles of a dog serving in the military forces. The film isn’t based on a true story, but it is certainly inspired by the true events. Max follows a dog, whose handler was killed in the war, and a teenage boy named Justin Wincott comes forward to adopt him. The film explores the themes of love and grief, and it also reminds us of the sacrifices that dogs or other animals make for humans.

8. Marley & Me

• Release Date: December 25, 2008
• Director: David Frankel
• Cast: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Alan Arkin
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7/64%

If you’re a dog owner, Marley & Me will not leave any opportunity to make you cry over and over. The film features a story that resonates particularly with those who are experienced living with a chaotic pet. It revolves around John and Jenny Grogan, who struggle in parenthood, their marital life, and careers.

On the other side, it features Marley, a Labrador retriever, whom the couple adopts when Jenny gets pregnant. With his chaotic and, at times, heartfelt gestures, he makes it a perfect family movie. Additionally, Marley & Me also blesses the viewers with some lessons and makes them understand the true meaning of life.

7. My Dog Skip

• Release Date: January 12, 2000
• Director: Jay Russell
• Cast: Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane, Luke Wilson, Kevin Bacon
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7/73%

My Dog Skip revolves around a boy named Willie Morris, an introvert who doesn’t have many friends. He is often bullied by other children of his age, but his life changes when his parents gift him a puppy on his birthday. Willie doesn’t take long to befriend him. The dog also teaches him how to live life to the fullest and make some good friends. The film is full of several cute moments that can fill one’s heart with immense love. However, it will also make you cry every now and then with the heartfelt moments.

6. I Am Legend

• Release Date: December 14, 2007
• Director: Francis Lawrence
• Cast: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Jeff York, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Beverly Washburn, Chuck Connors
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/68%

I am Legend is not specifically a dog movie; instead, it is a post-apocalyptic action horror. However, the film is still eligible to sit on this list because the main protagonist of the movie owns a dog, who plays a supremely crucial role in the film. Also, without spoiling too much for you, the film also involves moments that make viewers shed some tears for the dog. The film follows Dr. Robert Neville, who loses his family to a deadly virus. Having his sole companion, Samantha (German Shepherd), by his side, he fights harder to win the game of survival.

5. Old Yeller

• Release Date: December 25, 1957
• Director: Robert Stevenson
• Cast: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Jeff York, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Beverly Washburn, Chuck Connors
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/100%

Old Yeller bombards you with some of the most tear-jerking moments, so don’t forget to keep a box of tissues nearby. The film takes place in the 1860s and revolves around Travis, a young boy, who takes the responsibility to take care of his family as his father is not around. One day, he crosses paths with a dog, whom he names Old Yeller. The film is a rollercoaster of emotions that will surely make you feel for the boy and the dog, particularly in the climax, when Travis must make a tough decision after Old Yeller catches rabies.

4. Greyfriars Bobby

• Release Date: July 17, 1961
• Director: Don Chaffey
• Cast: Donald Crisp, Laurence Naismith, Alex Mackenzie, Kay Walsh
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/100%

Based on a real story of the 19th century, Greyfriars Bobby follows Bobby, a Skye Terrier. The little dog forms an unlikely friendship with the shepherd who was hired by his owners to work on the farm. However, the shepherd loses his job when the farm faces monetary loss. The poor shepherd dies of poverty and is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Following the tragic incident, Bobby starts guarding his grave every night for fourteen years. The movie won’t let you turn off your screens without teary eyes.

3. A Dog’s Purpose

• Release Date: January 27, 2017
• Director: Lasse Hallström
• Cast: Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/35%

If you are looking for a good dog film, you shouldn’t miss A Dog’s Purpose. The film is a tearjerker that will surely make you sob every now and then. It revolves around a dog that is reborn repeatedly. After getting reincarnated, he seeks the true purpose of his life, so he bonds with different humans. At times, the dog’s journey will bring you joy, and the next moment, it will also break your heart. Do you know what exactly makes A Dog’s Purpose devastating? It’s the way the film sheds light on the relationship dynamic between a human and a dog.

2. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

• Release Date: March 12, 2010
• Director: Lasse Hallström
• Cast: Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Erick Avari, Jason Alexander
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.1/61%

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale certainly makes you shed tears, no matter how strong you are. Based on a true story, the movie is about a dog that gets adopted by Parker Wilson, a college professor. The professor names him Hachi; initially, his wife doesn’t show any interest in Hachi, but Hachi wins everyone’s hearts and ends up becoming a key member of the family. His loyalty towards his master and the family demonstrates how dogs perceive and feel towards the people who show them affection.

1. Umberto D.

• Release Date: March 12, 2010
• Director: Vittorio De Sica
• Cast: Carlo Battisti, Maria-Pia Casilio, Lina Gennari
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.1/98%

Umberto D. is considered one of the greatest dog movies of all time. The primary reason for its popularity is the non-professional lead actor, who left no stone unturned to make it a success. The film follows Umberto D. Ferrari, a government pensioner, who lives in post-war Italy. Despite struggling with poverty and an isolated state, he fights to maintain his dignity. In this battle, he is accompanied by his dog, Fike, who never leaves his side, no matter what. The beautiful bond between Umberto and Fike is the driving force of the narrative. Also, the realistic style and the humanistic storytelling make it worth watching.