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No matter the genre, no matter the location, or even the time period. One thing is always certain about movies. If there is a dog in at least one scene, it will become the most beloved member of the cast. When it comes to everybody's favorite four-legged animal that knows how to sit and roll over, there is always going to be a soft spot. They don't call them "man's best friend" for no reason.
Dogs have long been the center of attention in movies for decades. Since the early days of cinema with the titular hero, Lassie, moviegoers simply love to be entertained by the greatest thespian canines on Earth. Even when they are portrayed as a villain or vicious monsters like in the movie Cujo, viewers can't help but be captivated by dogs. But which dog is cinema's most iconic?
Marley - Marley & Me (2008)
Marley and Me featured a central conflict that many dog owners know all too well; the trials and tribulations of taking care of a dog with no sense of obedience. After Marley is adopted by John (Owen Wilson) and Jennifer Grogan (Jennifer Aniston), the couple struggles to balance their busy work life with the chaotic behavior of their Labrador retriever. Over the course of the film though, The Grogans learn that despite his untamable nature, Marley is a core member of the family.
Marley is pure mayhem. He destroys furniture and is almost too much to handle. But at the end of the day, that is just the way he is. He's not evil, and neither is any dog that can't be trained. Some dogs are just born free and that makes them all the more iconic.
Hooch - Turner & Hooch (1989)
Turner and Hooch has a lot to love about it. Tom Hanks? Check. Buddy cop movie with great chemistry between the two leads? Check. A lovable and gigantic oaf of a dog? Check. Okay, maybe Turner And Hooch is not the typical buddy cop movie, but one is certainly a cop and one is most definitely a buddy. Turner and Hooch tells the story of Detective Turner (Hanks), who must investigate a recent murder, but the only witness is the victim's dog, Hooch.
Hooch's brute and destructive nature plays the perfect complement to the neat and calm Turner. Together, they learn to adjust to one another and formed a bond that was heartwarming. Hooch is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. Yes, he was large and unwieldy, but he was a gentle giant at his core.
Lady and The Tramp - Lady & The Tramp (1955)
One of the most classic cartoons of all-time, Lady and The Tramp told a story about two dogs from opposite backgrounds who found love. Even as humans and circumstances look to keep the two of them apart, Lady and The Tramp wind up together as Tramp is adopted by Lady's family.
There just couldn't be a list without these two. Just about everybody knows of the memorable scene in the alleyway. Both dogs are eating from a plate of spaghetti when they pick up the same strand of pasta and eventually kiss. It was an adorable scene that not only gave their relationship a charming backdrop, but also gave the movie its most endearing moment.
Dug - Up (2009)
Up has quickly become one of the most beloved animated movies of all-time after its release in 2009. It tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) who has constructed a house with thousands of balloons tied to it in order to fly down to South America. However, his plans are interrupted by Russell (Jordan Nagai) who has unknowingly stowed away on Carl's front porch. Although they get off to a rocky start, Carl and Russell form a close bond, and they even come across the goofy and lovable, Dug, who views Carl as his new master.
Dug belonged to a pack of ruthless dogs who were well-trained, agile, and fearless. And let's face it, Dug was none of that. But what Dug lacked in ability, he made up for it with his infectious personality and happy-go-lucky attitude that won over audiences. Dug has now cemented himself as one of Pixar's most beloved characters.
Hercules - The Sandlot (1993)
The Sandlot is a very typical coming-of-age film. It tells the story of the new kid on the block, Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) as he makes friends with the kids in his neighborhood. Together they form a baseball team and share in the struggles of growing up. But there is one obstacle that appears to be too large to overcome. Hercules, or Beast as he is known by the kids, patrols a fenced-in yard behind a baseball field where the kids play. Once a ball is hit over the fence, it is lost forever. Or so it seems.
Hercules' reputation was larger than life. He was seen as a beast from the outside world. An unstoppable and massive dog that swallows kids whole. But in reality, he was a Mastiff with a heart of gold. A puppy trapped in a dog the size of a mountain. Hercules was as friendly as he was big, eventually becoming the kid's mascot for their baseball team.
Beethoven - Beethoven (1992)
Another St.Bernard, another iconic movie dog. Beethoven is about a big dog that has an even bigger zest for life. After being adopted by George Newton (Charles Grodin) and his family, Beethoven immediately makes his mark with the happy family. Within months, the mountain of a dog has become an even larger part of the family, both physically and metaphorically. But when an evil vet sets his eyes on Beethoven for his own experiments, the entire Newton must work together to save their beloved dog.
Beethoven quickly captured the hearts of his family, assisting the Newton children with their various struggles. The St.Bernard proved to be a vital member of their family, and resonated with moviegoers. Beethoven spawned several sequels and became a staple of 90s family-friendly cinema.
Benji - Benji (1974)
Who doesn't a story about a heroic dog? Benji follows the life and adventures of Benji, a stray dog who is loved by his entire town. Free to roam the streets, Benji has plenty of friends and those that love the little dog. It isn't until two local children are kidnapped that Benji's life is turned upside down. He soon takes action and looks to foil the kidnapper's plans.
Benji may be the smallest dog on this list, but he has one of the biggest hearts. Benji was a favorite of his small community, and he proved that he earned everyone's adoration. He also taught a valuable lesson that even know someone may be small in stature, it doesn't mean that they can't do big things.
Cujo - Cujo (1983)
For anyone who has ever been afraid of dogs, Cujo may very well be the most frightening movie imaginable. After being infected by a rabid bat, the former calm and loving Cujo becomes hyper-aggressive, wreaking havoc on his small town. But it's not until when Cujo meets Donna (Dee Wallace) and her son, Tad (Danny Pintauro) that the situation reaches its boiling point. After being forced to take refuge inside a car, Donna and Tad must figure out a way to escape Cujo's reign of terror.
Despite Cujo's ferocious and relentless attacks in the movie, St. Bernards' are widely known as some of the friendliest dogs there are. That is why it was so shocking to see Cujo behave the way he did on screen. It was unexpected and added even more tension to the horror film. Cujo was a formidable villain that made him an iconic 80s movie legend.
Buddy - Air Bud (1997)
Who could possibly resist the charm and adorableness of a dog in sneakers? Air Bud tells the story of Josh Framm (Kevin Zegers), who is dealing with the recent death of his father. While practicing basketball alone, Josh stumbles across a golden retriever with a very special talent. Josh discovers that the dog is able to play basketball. After bringing home his new dog, Josh and Buddy become inseparable, even finding a place together on Josh's basketball team.
Buddy is by far the most athletic dog in movie history. In fact, no dog can even come close to Buddy's raw natural ability to dominate on and off the court. Not only could Buddy sink step-back jumpers, but he was there for a young boy who desperately needed a best friend. Buddy never let his All-Star game get in the way of what mattered most to him. That's what makes Buddy a Hall of Fame pup.
Lassie - Lassie Come Home (1943)
Lassie has been a TV and movie staple ever since the beloved dog was first introduced as a short film in 1938. 5 years later, Lassie Come Home hit theaters, telling the story of a struggling family who are forced to sell their dog. But Lassie refuses to accept her new owners, taking off across the countryside in search of her real family.
Lassie hammered home the idea that dogs are more than just pets. They are actual members of the family who have earned their place at home. Lassie showcased just how smart dogs can be, not to mention their undying loyalty. Being a trendsetter is not always easy, but Lassie paved the way for generations of cinematic dogs to win over audiences' hearts.