Top Dog Movies to Watch this Easter

Aah … there’s nothing like a good dog movie to kick back to, especially when you’re on holidays. Emotive, wholesome, and usually family friendly – it’s no wonder they’re so popular. In fact, dog films like The Secret Life of Pets, Marley & Me, and 101 Dalmatians are some of the highest grossing movies of all time!

As an animal lover, you’ve no doubt seen classics like Lassie Come Home and Beethoven. This particular blog will round up some of the latest dog movies to watch from 2022 and 2023. So get your popcorn ready and delve into our list.

Dog movie #1 – Dog Gone (2023)

This heart-warming dog movie on Netflix is as much about the relationship between a youth and his dog as it is about a dad and his son.

Fielding is a charming but slightly lost college student. After being rejected by his girlfriend, he adopts a yellow Labrador puppy named Gonker. The two become inseparable, and when he moves in with his parents after college, Gonker comes along with him – much to Fielding’s dad’s dismay.

Fielding is directionless after graduating and his dad only sees the pup as a distraction.

The turning point

Later, Gonker is diagnosed with Addison’s disease and his treatment means that he requires a life-saving shot every month.

While out on a hike with his best friend, Gonker chases a fox and runs off, prompting a massive search for him. If they can’t get to Gonker in time to give him his shot he could die. To find him, Fielding will have to rely on help from his family.

This is a feel-good, light watch that’s good for a family night (which obviously needs to include your pup!) or after a long day. Critics might have panned it, but audiences love it. Sure, it’s not Oscar-worthy stuff – but it will put a smile on your face and make you extra appreciative to have your fur friend beside you. That’s a win in our books!

Dog movie #2 – Strays (2023)

On the very opposite end of the dog movie spectrum is Strays, which releases in theatres this June. This definitely isn’t a family friendly movie, but if you’re into raucous comedies that star Will Ferrell, this one’s for you!

Reggie just loves his pet parent, Doug, but Doug could give two poops about him. When he gets rid of Reggie, the pup needs to come to terms with being a stray.

The turning point

Luckily, Reggie makes some dog friends post his dad’s rejection and they convince him to wreak revenge on Doug. On the way they encounter garden gnomes, eagles, fireworks and magic mushrooms. Wild.

Jamie Foxx and Sofia Vergara add their voices to the talented cast. Check out this dog film’s trailer below.

Dog movie #3 – Dog (2022)

Channing Tatum stars as Jackson Briggs, a former US Army Ranger suffering from PTSD in this well-made dog movie.

The story really begins he’s notified that his friend and former partner, Riley Rodriguez, was killed in a car accident. Then the morning after attending a memorial service Briggs is called in to Fort Lewis on a special assignment.

The turning point

It turns out he must escort Riley’s military dog, Lulu, a Belgian Malinois with a history of aggressive behaviour, to attend Riley’s funeral in Nogales, Arizona. Lulu then needs to be taken to White Sands, where she will be euthanized. Initially hesitant, he agrees when his former company commander, Captain Jones, promises to recommend Briggs to fill his position.

Dog is slightly different from your typical dog film, taking a more serious approach and delving into the lives of two beings who’ve both been rejected and left out to pasture – a military dog and an army vet. The movie makes apt commentary about how we treat those we no longer have ‘use’ for, but it never gets too dark or brooding.

This is a feel-good, thoughtful watch that will leave you inspired.

Dog movie #4 – DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

Dwayne Johnson stars as the voice of Krypto the Super-Dog in this beautifully made animated dog film. That’s enough to make many of us watch it, no?

To kick off the story we’re introduced to Krypto and his best friend, Superman. They’re inseparable, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side.

The turning point

When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the super heroes.

Critics and audiences both loved this dog movie, giving it 73% and 83% on movie review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. One critic noted that “it doesn’t break the mould. However, it’s sly, wicked and so much fun. Kids will laugh at the antics. Adults will chuckle when they hear the puns, jokes, catty remarks and doggy banter.”

Definitely sounds worth a watch to us!

Dog movie #5… Or is it?

Sometimes a movie just won’t cut it for some R&R time. Excuse the pun.

If you’re more into reading than watching a screen, check out these Holiday Reading List for Animal Lovers that you can enjoy year round.

We hope these picks leave you with plenty of dog movie inspiration. If you’re still in need of some animal-themed entertainment, check out these cat movie choices you’ll love.

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