A dog is a man’s best friend, so it is no surprise that there have been a plethora of movies paying tribute to their wagging tails and floppy ears. 

From Disney to Illumination, animated dog movies have secured a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. This following review will rank five animated dog movies, exploring their plots and characters to uncover the hidden gems worthy of your time and affection. 

5: “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016)

As the newest movie on this list, “The Secret Life of Pets” follows terrier Max and his owner’s newly-adopted mutt Duke as they embark on an adventure across New York City.

Despite the promising premise, the introduction of excessive side characters such as Snowball and Buddy prevents viewers from becoming invested in their motivations, only cluttering the plot. As a result, Max and Duke’s goals at the end of the movie are extremely muddled and convoluted, being almost entirely forgotten. Despite the beautiful animation, it does not have the ability to become an enduring classic like some of the other movies on the list.

4: “The Fox and the Hound” (1981)

As the 24th Disney animated movie, “The Fox and the Hound,” embraces the golden age of hand-drawn animation and painted backgrounds. The film is a timeless coming-of-age story about innocence and acceptance, evoking the same magical quality of Disney that tugs on viewers’ heartstrings. 

At its heart, the film revolves around the delicate nature of childhood friendships and the change that comes with maturing. Audiences follow the journey of Tod, a spirited young fox, and Copper, a loyal hound dog learning to become a hunter. As they grow older, their friendship is tested due to the external expectation that they are destined to become enemies. 

While the exploration of past friendships is poignant and even more relevant for older audiences today, the execution of the plot is predictable and trifling at best. Scenes with drawn-out dialogue and excessive sentimentality often feel superficial, detaching audiences from the plot. 

However, “The Fox and the Hound” ultimately leaves viewers on a positive note that secures its fourth place spot: people grow apart and move on, but that does not make past memories less meaningful. 

3: “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)

An animated classic, “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” follows dalmatians Pongo and Perdita and their children as they face off against antagonist Cruella de Vil, who wants to make their speckled fur into a coat. While the plot is relatively simple, iconic characters like Cruella more than make up for it. The introduction of various dalmatians, while adorable, also means that not all of them are developed, creating half-baked personalities. Overall, the movie is an entertaining and heartwarming story that is for the entire family. 

2: “Lady and the Tramp” (1955)

Disney’s first-ever dog movie, “Lady and the Tramp,” is a sweet story focusing on pampered house dog Lady. After her owners have a baby and Lady begins to feel neglected, she encounters new characters such as street dog Tramp. 

With iconic scenes such as the Bella Notte spaghetti scene, the romance between Lady and Tramp stands the test of time. Other characters, such as Jock and Trusty, also serve meaningful roles in the story in both the introduction and climax. With fluid animation and fun songs, this family-friendly movie promotes a message of recognizing and accepting a person’s differences.

1: “Bolt” (2008)

With its compelling message, “Bolt” does not shy away from relishing the little moments of life. The canine Hollywood superstar and superhero keeps audiences laughing as he grapples with his misconceptions about the world in an animal version of the “Truman Show” (1998). 

Bolt’s earnest yet misguided approach to life is softened by his straightforward friends, who add levity to the plot. Together, they embrace the goofiness and fun of Bolt’s overly serious demeanor, teaching him how to find the silliness of life. Although lighter in tone than previous Disney films, its unexpected yet self-aware characters give the movie its own distinctive flair and charm that keeps viewers hooked. 

More than just a children’s film, “Bolt” imparts a simple and valuable lesson to audiences of all ages, reminding viewers that they do not need to be special to be someone’s hero.