If you’ve ever had a full-on ugly cry session into your dog’s fur while watching a flick, welcome to the club. Dog movies hit way different. There’s the loyalty, the slow-mo running scenes, and those gut-punch “oh no” moments that sneak up on you every time. Still, we can’t resist. Why? Because dogs are basically superheroes, and we secretly love getting our hearts ripped out (and healed) on the big screen.

So grab your favorite snacks, a mountain of tissues, and your furry best friend (if they can sit still). Here are six dog movies that’ll totally wreck your heart—in the best, most tail-wagging, sniffle-inducing way!

1. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Who’s It For: 

'90s kids and anyone who loves an epic adventure with a side of sass.

Featured Breeds:

Golden Retriever, American Bulldog mix, and a Himalayan Cat.

Raise your paw if you’re a ’90s kid who grew up watching this classic! Homeward Bound follows Shadow, Chance, and the ever-sassy Sassy as they embark on a wild adventure through rivers, forests, and all sorts of wilderness to find their owners. Think friendship goals mixed with just enough sass and courage to make you smile through tears.

No matter how many times you watch it, that ending will hit you like a freight train—brace yourself for some serious ugly crying and tight cuddles with your pup. It’s got everything: loyalty that won’t quit, the kind of friendship that feels like family, and moments that remind you how far our furry pals will go to get back to the ones they love. Seriously, get your tissues ready and maybe a backup box, because this one doesn’t mess around.

Tissue Rating: 😭 + 🐕 + 🐈 = 💥

2.  Marley & Me (2008)

   
   

Who’s It For: 

For anyone who’s lived (or is living) through the wild chaos of puppy hood.

Featured Breed: 

Labrador Retriever

If chaos had a fur coat, it would be Marley. This lovable Labrador is a whirlwind of destruction—chewing shoes, digging holes, and turning his family’s life upside down. But beneath all that wild energy is a dog who’s the heart and soul of the family, teaching them about love in the messiest, sweetest way possible.

By the end, expect to be bawling your eyes out and second-guessing every “no” you ever shouted at your own fur ball. Marley’s story is a roller coaster of laughter, frustration, and unconditional love that pulls at every heart string. It reminds us that the chaos is worth it because these wild pups make life so much richer—and way more fun—even when they’re chewing up your favorite shoes.

Tissue Rating: 😭😭😭 — bring the whole box.

3.  Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

Who’s It For: 

Lovers of stories about devotion—and isn’t afraid to shed a few tears over loyalty.

Featured Breed: 

Japanese Akitainu

Prepare yourself for loyalty like you’ve never seen before. Hachi tells the true story of an Akita who waits patiently at the train station every single day for his owner’s return — even long after his owner is gone. It’s a quiet, simple story that hits straight to the heart.

Watching Hachiko’s unwavering devotion will sneak up on you and squeeze your heart tight. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking reminder of how deep and pure the bond between a dog and their person can be—no matter the time or distance. Get ready to feel all the feels and maybe even rethink your daily walks with your own pup. Trust me, this one is a softie’s dream and a hard-hearted skeptic’s nightmare.

Tissue Rating: 🔟/🔟 — bring ALL the tissues.

4.  Old Yeller (1957)

   
   

Who’s It For: 

Fans of classic frontier tales and tough love stories.

Featured Breed: 

Yellow Mastiff mix (Old Yeller isn’t actually a Labrador like many people think! In reality he was a Yellow Mastiff mix—a big, rugged frontier dog perfect for protecting a family back in 1860s Texas.)

Set in the wild frontier of 1860s Texas, Old Yeller follows the brave dog who quickly becomes his family’s protector and best friend. It’s a tale of growing up, facing dangers head-on, and the kind of love that sticks with you forever.

This movie is a powerful blend of adventure and heartache, wrapped up in a shaggy coat of loyalty and courage. It explores tough choices and the bittersweet moments that come with loving a dog who’s more than just a pet—they’re family.

Tissue Rating: 😭💔🐾 — keep the Kleenex nearby.

5.  Balto (1995)

   
   

Who’s It For: 

Adventure lovers and fans of ’90s animation with heart.

Featured Breed: 

Siberian Husky / Wolf mix (Balto)

Here’s your classic animated hero story with a fierce twist. Balto is based on the true tale of a half-wolf sled dog who braves a brutal blizzard to deliver a life-saving serum to a sick town in Alaska. It’s a snowy, heart-pounding journey full of courage and determination.

What makes Balto so special isn’t just the epic adventure—it’s the underdog story of an outsider proving his worth, facing fears, and doing the impossible for those he loves. The animation captures the harsh beauty of the wilderness and the spirit of a dog who never quits, inspiring us to dig deep and find our own courage. Expect cheers, tears, and a serious warm-and-fuzzy afterglow.

Tissue Rating: ❄️🐺❤️ — don’t forget your warm blanket.

6.  A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

   
   

Who’s It For: 

Anyone who believes dogs are magical and life-changing.

Featured Breeds: 

Various (since the dog reincarnates)

Ever wonder what your dog’s “purpose” is? A Dog’s Purpose takes you on a wild ride through multiple dog lives as one pooch finds new ways to love and protect the humans they adore, time and time again. It’s deep, emotional, and full of those moments that make you realize dogs are basically magic.

This film digs into the big questions about love, life, and second chances, all told through a wagging tail and puppy eyes. It’ll have you laughing, crying, and then staring at your dog like they’re a tiny, furry philosopher with a secret mission. It’s a story about the timeless bond between dogs and people—one that keeps coming back no matter what.

Tissue Rating: 🌀😭🌀 — tissues and snuggles required.

7. Special Mention: Napoleon (1995)

   
   

Who’s It For: 

Anyone who loves feel-good adventures and happy tails.

Featured Breed: 

Golden Retriever

Napoleon is a delightful Aussie gem starring a spunky Golden Retriever pup with big dreams and boundless energy. Set in the scenic Australian outback, it’s a joyful journey of self-discovery, new friendships, and the wild, wonderful world outside the backyard.

Unlike the others on this list, Napoleon doesn’t aim to wreck your soul—just lift it. It’s perfect when you want tail wags without the tear jerks. So if you need a palate cleanser after sobbing through Hachi or Marley & Me, this one’s your go-to.

Tissue Rating: 🐾😊🎉 — no tissues needed, just bring the treats!