10 Best Dog Movies Where The Dog Doesn't Die
Man’s best friend has found a popular spot in Hollywood, whether it’s their trusted instincts saving the protagonist from dying at the hands of a vicious serial killer in a slasher or their goofy and undying loyalty helping their human companion find love and companionship.
Dogs and humans have always shared a deep and emotionally resonant bond, beautifully represented in movies through the ages. Because of how strong and special this connection is, filmmakers often use it as a powerful tool for character development and emotional storytelling—sometimes at the expense of our furry friends. This has led to countless heartbreaking dog deaths in movies. Unfortunately, movies don’t come with a dedicated warning or rating for when bad things happen to dogs… but if you’re an animal lover who just can’t stand the thought of saying goodbye to a beloved on-screen pup, put your tissues aside!
Here are the 10 best dog movies where you can enjoy the magic of man’s best friend without the fear of anything bad happening to them.
Runt
If you’re a pet parent who misses the good ol’ puppy days of your furry companion, you’ll love Runt. This 2024 Australian comedy-drama follows a mischievous terrier who finds a new home when eleven-year-old Annie decides to bring him to her family farm. This heartfelt and charming film pulls at your heartstrings as Annie navigates the challenges of training her new four-legged friend to win the Krumpets Dog Championship in London to help save her family’s struggling farm.
Air Bud
Buddy is one of the most common names for a golden retriever—one that peaked in popularity in 1997 after Air Bud hit the big screen. This goofy sports comedy-drama follows Buddy, an abused and overlooked golden retriever who makes a daring escape from his cruel owner and finds a new home with Josh Framm, a high school basketball player. Josh treats Buddy like his best friend and gives him a shot (literally) at playing after discovering his surprisingly impressive talent for basketball. Playful, heartwarming, and full of underdog charm, Air Bud is the perfect family-friendly movie for a cozy, feel-good watch after a long day.
Lady and the Tramp
Full of life and love, this Disney classic hits all the right notes of romance and adventure—and is so charming it might even convert a non-dog person into an animal lover. The story plays into the timeless trope of two lovers from opposing worlds, as Tramp, a scruffy and streetwise stray, falls for Lady, a gorgeous and well-mannered cocker spaniel belonging to a wealthy family. The movie follows the duo as Tramp uses his street smarts and charisma to show Lady a whole new side of life and impress her with his carefree spirit. You can watch this as its original animated classic, which still holds up beautifully (and is just as adorable as ever), or opt for The Lady and the Tramp live action remake, which was released in 2019. Fun Fact: Although Aunt Sarah isn’t too fond of dogs in the movie, Yvette Nicole Brown, the actress who plays her in the live-action remake, is actually a huge dog lover in real life—and even ended up adopting one of the rescue dogs from the film’s set!
Hotel for Dogs
Two kids who love dogs being sent to a foster home where pets aren’t appreciated might sound like the setup for a heartbreaking story, but Hotel for Dogs is actually quite wholesome and refreshing. Instead of dwelling on their struggles, the film takes this challenge as the catalyst for its main characters to create a hotel where all the stray dogs in their area can get free stay, food, and grooming. Funny, adventurous, and full of heart, the movie follows two foster kids as they rally their entire neighborhood to transform a rundown, abandoned hotel into a safe haven for all the lost and forgotten dogs in need of love and care.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
From storybooks to a successful animated series and several feature films, Clifford is quite literally one of the biggest dogs in Hollywood. The giant, red, and lovable pup was one of the most iconic pet characters of the early 2000s, and he made his great, wagging return in 2021 with Clifford the Big Red Dog. The movie is a live-action remake that follows Emily Elizabeth, a kind and adventurous girl who stumbles upon Clifford—an unusual red puppy who, much to her surprise, soon becomes the biggest dog in town. As Clifford grows (and grows!), Emily must do everything she can to keep him safe and out of trouble.
Dog
Dogs have guided humans through some of life’s darkest moments. Inspired by the real-life story of director Channing Tatum’s last road trip with his dying beloved dog Lulu, Dog is a film that beautifully captures the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions. The story follows Jackson Briggs, a former US Army Ranger suffering from PTSD, who finds love and companionship with Lulu, his late partner’s aggressive yet deeply loyal pet dog. United by their love for adventure, the two form an unlikely bond on a wild and emotional road trip, culminating in a heartwarming and uplifting conclusion. Unlike the tragic real-life fate of Tatum’s personal Lulu, rest assured—Lulu gets her happy ending in the movie.
A Dog’s Way Home
Dogs are fiercely loyal, and A Dog’s Way Home drives that point straight home with its awe-inspiring journey of Bella, a beautiful and determined canine who embarks on a 400-mile adventure to reunite with her beloved owner after a heartbreaking separation. Fair warning: Although Bella escapes the fate of movie death, she does endure several dangerous and emotional challenges along the way—scenes that might be tough for animal lovers to sit through without tearing up.
Beethoven
A big dog, big heart movie that will have you laughing and rooting for the fluffiest troublemaker in town! This classic 90s family comedy follows the wild and hilarious adventures of Beethoven, a lovable but mischievous St. Bernard who crashes into the lives of the Newton family—turning their orderly home into a whirlwind of chaos and cuddles. From messy mishaps to unexpected bonds, the film plays on the all-too-relatable trope of a reluctant parent (hello, classic "No dogs in this house!" speech) who ends up being Beethoven’s biggest fan. If you’re looking for a movie full of laughs, lovable messes, and puppy-dog eyes you can’t resist, this is the one to watch.
The Secret Life of Pets
Ever wondered what your pet does when you’re away? This adorable animated adventure brings to life the one thought every pet parent has had. The movie follows Max, a pampered terrier who loves his cushy life—until his world is turned upside down by the arrival of Duke, a big and clumsy stray adopted by Max’s human. The two don’t exactly hit it off at first, but when they find themselves lost in the heart of New York City, they’re forced to work together and navigate the wild world of stray pets, animal control, and an underground rebellion led by a quirky bunny.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Papi is a street-smart Mexican chihuahua who knows his way around town like the back of his paw. Chloe, on the other hand, is a pampered chihuahua from Beverly Hills who suddenly finds herself lost, far from the comforts of her luxurious life. At first, this may sound a little too familiar—like Lady and the Tramp, where two dogs from completely different worlds discover they have more in common than they thought. But Beverly Hills Chihuahua takes that concept and cranks it up a notch. Think Paris Hilton’s spoiled lapdog finding common ground with your local streetwise stray—more glamorous, comedic, and adventure-packed. This playful and lighthearted film pokes fun at class differences while showing just how different life is for a pampered pet versus a street dog trying to survive.
Where To Stream The Best Dog Movies Where Nothing Bad Happens To The Dog Online
If you’re interested in curling up on the couch and immersing yourself in one of these happy dog movies for your next cozy movie night, check out JustWatch’s guide below to see where and how to stream, buy, or rent all the movies mentioned in this list online in India.