Best Books About Dogs Turned Into Movies
On movie night, nobody seems to agree on what to watch… until you recommend dog movies. Out of all of the different movies about dogs, there’s something special about ones inspired by books. It’s uplifting to see a happy pet, running through a field without a care in the world. Seeing a dedicated pet owner and they’re beloved pet captures the hearts of audiences everywhere. Heartwarming dog movies are universal, intriguing, and inspiring to many. Kid-friendly doggie movies capture people on an emotional level, which is a major plus for families. While selecting family dog movies, take it a step further by picking one based on a book. In this article, you’re going to learn all about the best books about doggies that were eventually turned into films.
Old Yeller
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Originally made back in 1957, Old Yeller is a Disney film about a 15-year-old boy named Travis who develops an inspiring friendship with an abandoned yellow puppy in 19th-century Texas. With his father out of the picture, a young boy and his furry friend must learn how to survive on his own. In this classic dog movie, it’s Travis and Old Yeller against the world. Old Yeller becomes a loyal pup who helps protect Travis’s farm and comes to the rescue. Old Yeller offers a valuable lesson about how pups make great friends, just like people. This family movie teaches kids that friendship comes in many forms.
Where the Red Fern Grows
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One other family dog film is Where the Red Fern Grows. Set during the Great Depression, the narrative offers a fictional account on this time in history. Watching this educational family film with your children is an incredible opportunity to teach them about this time period. In a story with two adorable furry friends, Where the Red Fern Grows is most certainly going to grow on your kids. This heartfelt dog story helps children learn how to cope with loss through the boy’s adventures. This is a particularly good choice for families who just lost a four-legged friend. Where the Red Fern Grows is a great story about how canines aren’t just household pets - they’re part of the family. What a great family dog story!
Call of the Wild
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While Where the Red Fern Grows is definitely an awesome choice, there’s more to come. Call of the Wild is also one of the best films about four-legged friends. Written by Jack London and published in 1903, this unforgettable tale is an oldie but goodie -a classic dog story. In a fictional dog adventure story, Buck lives the good life with his wealthy owners in California, but then this unlucky pet’s world is about to be turned upside down. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, this kid-friendly flick is about Buck’s adventure being sold as a sled dog. With all kinds of surprising twists and turns, it’s an exciting dog movie your kids will love.
A Dog's Purpose
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Create cherished memories with loved ones by watching classic films about dogs, but the fun doesn’t stop here. There are plenty of modern dog movies, too. Capture the moment as your children’s eyes light up with joy while eating popcorn, completely in awe as they watch unforgettable characters and their beloved pets on family movie night. Wondering where to begin? Let’s start with A Dog’s Purpose - a heartwarming dog film. Narrated by Josh Gad, this storyline follows a dog who was reincarnated multiple times. With an emotional storytelling style and a successful adaptation onto the big screen, it offers a valuable lesson on the importance of puppies in family life and the unique purpose they serve, which is to bring joy to the lives of others.
Marly & Me
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Here’s another spectacular gem - Marly & Me - one of the best dog movies. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, this family pet movie has a compelling storyline about a young couple navigating work, marriage, and having a family. Although the two newlyweds were off to a rocky start with Marly, the family pup quickly became the glue holding everyone together. While watching this funny doggie movie, your family won’t get enough of Marley’s chaos. Whether she’s tearing up the furniture, barking nonstop, and knocking down every household item in sight, you’re sure to have the time of your life as the family learns to navigate life with a furry friend. Think about everything that can go wrong while raising pets. That’s what happens in this particular film, but Marly’s charming, loveable nature is what’s going to pull you in. This movie captured people’s hearts, teaching a valuable lesson about the role of furry friends in families. There’s moments where you’ll laugh, cry, and reflect on the loving relationship with your pups if you have any.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
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The Art of Racing in the Rain is another great dog movie based on a book you're going to cherish forever. In a heartwarming and emotional story about a man and his four-legged friend, this film offers a unique perspective on what’s important in life, using racing to uncover lessons about love and loss. The Art of Racing in the Rain teaches life lessons from puppies, such as the importance of staying in the present moment, handling unexpected challenges, and approaching setbacks with the right attitude. While the big screen adaptation is more suitable for an adult audience, it’s one of the most perfect dog movies for older children. Family movies about doggies like these require a sophisticated understanding of the themes, but the incredible acting performances make them entertaining for eneryone.
Become Inspired by Films About Dogs
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While there are countless animal movies to watch, it might be hard to decide which ones are the best. Who doesn’t love a great book to movie adaptation? Just like in the movies, dog companionship brings people together in real life, too. Before you watch your newest favorite films about dogs, it’s definitely a great idea to read the book first. For those of you who have kids, encourage them to start reading the books, so then you can all watch the movies together. If you have little ones, read age-appropriate books for kids, so they can enjoy watching the big screen adaptation afterwards. Take this undertaking a step further by creating a dog movie watch list and view them one by one. After seeing the big screen adaptations to remarkable books about dog ownership, it will inspire you to give your pet all the love they want and deserve, or adopt a dog to call your own!
