July 21 marks World Dog Day. Today, there are more than 900 million dogs in the world. Some live in loving homes, while others live on the streets. They’re not just pets. In many cases, they are unsung heroes, working as police dogs, fire dogs, guide dogs, and service dogs.
In recognition of this noble animal, considered man’s best friend, we at 3Love Inc. would like to highlight 10 movies that offer unforgettable portrayals of dogs or the love their humans have for them.
- “Lady and the Tramp.” Year: 1955. This animated classic produced by Walt Disney Studios is about a Cocker Spaniel named Lady who lives happily with a married couple in a small town in the United States. One day, she meets a stray dog named Tramp, and they develop a mutual attraction.
- “Lassie.” Year: 2005. This adventure film is set on the eve of World War II. In England, the Carraclough family is forced to sell their dog Lassie to a wealthy duke (Peter O’Toole), who lives in Scotland. Although she is hundreds of kilometers away from her real family, Lassie runs away and travels a long way to return home. On that journey, she will have to face various dangers, but she will also find help in the most unexpected places.
- “Eight Below”. Year: 2006. In Antarctica, the members of a scientific expedition are forced to abandon their beloved guide dogs due to an accident and terrible weather conditions. The dogs will have to fight to survive in the midst of the polar winter until the explorers can send a rescue expedition for them. This story is inspired by real events.
- “Marley & Me.” Year: 2008. Newlyweds John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Aniston) move to Florida and face the challenges of marriage. When John confides in his friend Sebastian that he doesn’t feel ready to be a father yet, Sebastian suggests he get Jenny a dog. The couple adopts Marley, a Labrador puppy who transforms their lives in unexpected ways. Fun fact: 22 dogs played the role of Marley.
- “Wendy and Lucy.” Year: 2008. Wendy (Michelle Williams), a woman going through a financial crisis, travels to Alaska in search of work, with her dog Lucy as her only companion. On the verge of losing everything, Wendy faces an even greater obstacle when her old car breaks down and she is arrested for stealing dog food. When she posts bail and returns to look for Lucy, she discovers that the dog is gone, leading her to embark on a frantic search for her pet.
- “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”. Year: 2009. This drama, based on a true story, tells the story of Parker Wilson (Richard Gere), a college professor who one day takes in a dog of Japanese origin that he finds abandoned at a train station. Since no one claims him, he takes the dog home. Parker then discovers the deep bonds that can form between a person and an animal. The screenplay is based on the true story of a dog so loyal to his owner that he went to wait for him at the station every day.
- “Frankenweenie.” Year: 2012. This charming animated film, directed by the brilliant Tim Burton, shows us the strong bond between young Victor Frankenstein and his beloved dog Sparky. When Sparky suddenly dies, Victor tries to bring him back to life through a powerful scientific experiment that will have unpredictable consequences.
- “A Dog’s Purpose.” Year: 2017. In this comedy-drama, a dog discovers the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as various dogs over the course of five decades, this adorable pup forms an unbreakable bond with Ethan (Dennis Quaid).
- “Isle of Dogs.” Year: 2018. This fun and clever animated film is set in Japan, where all the dogs in Megasaki City are exiled to an island that serves as a landfill. Suddenly, a 12-year-old boy sets out on a journey to find his lost dog on the island.
- “The Call of the Wild.” Year: 2020. It tells the story of Buck, a good-natured dog whose life changes overnight when his owner (Harrison Ford) moves from California to the exotic landscapes of Alaska during the Gold Rush in the late 19th century. As part of a team of sled dogs, Buck embarks on new adventures and finds his place in the world.
