What’s better than reading a story about dogs? Watching a story about dogs!
Book-based movies are enjoyable to watch because you get a picture of the beautiful, dramatic scenes, especially ones that involve adorable dogs.
Have you seen all these dog movies made from books? This list contains all genres, from drama to comedy and even horror.
A Dog’s Purpose
A Dog’s Purpose is a New York Times Bestseller that centers on the life of a dog named Bailey.
The book-turned-movie is inspired by principles of Buddhism, including the concept of reincarnation and discovering the purpose of one’s life.
The movie is a mix of multiple genres: comedy, drama, psychological, and adventure. Watch the movie or read the book now if you need a good cry.
A Dog’s Journey
A Dog’s Journey is part two of the bestselling novel, A Dog’s Purpose. In the second story, Bailey reincarnates in different bodies until he finds the true meaning of his life.
He also meets his new playmate, CJ, the granddaughter of his long-time owner, Ethan.
Watch the movie or read the book to know how the story ends.
The Hundred and One Dalmatians
101 Dalmatians is probably the dog story with the most versions. From animated to live-action, this novel-turned-film tells the story of Pongo and Perdita giving birth to a litter of puppies.
No Disney movie would be complete without a supervillain. Find out how Cruela De Vil tries to steal the puppies in the animated film, live-action movie, or read the original story.
Marley & Me
Warning: Get a box of tissue before watching or reading this heartfelt story.
Marley & Me is the story of a mischievous Labrador named Marley, whom newlyweds John and Jenny learned how to love.
The movie and book are full of love, heartaches, and laughs.
Watch this love story unfold in the Marley & Me movie or read the novel and try not to cry.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Next up is The Art of Racing in the Rain. This dog story veers away from the usual family dog movies. It’s about the Formula One racer, Denny, and Enzo, his senior dog.
Enzo supports Denny in all his endeavors, hoping he becomes a human in his next life.
Watch The Art of Racing in the Rain or read the original novel to learn how Denny applies his racetrack lessons in real life.
Cujo
Most dog movies are usually either feel-good stories or tearjerkers. But Cujo is a straight-up horror film. So enter at your own risk.
Based on Stephen King’s legendary novel, the film follows a 200-pound St. Bernard who used to be gentle and friendly to everyone.
But after being bitten by a bat, he turns into a scary creature that hunts the town of Maine.
Read the iconic novel or watch the movie now.
Togo
Try Togo if you’re looking for a book or movie based on a true story. It features Willem Dafoe playing Leonhard Seppala, who raises a puppy, Togo, to become a hero.
Togo’s feisty and independent personality makes him seem unfit to be a sled dog. But despite this, he grows into a leader who’s capable of saving lives.
Every dog lover should watch Togo on Disney+ or read the story of Togo and Leonhard, so they don’t miss out!
Old Yeller
Fred Gipson wrote the famous novel Old Yeller. It’s the tale of Travis, a 14-year-old boy who becomes best friends with the loyal stray dog “Old Yeller.”
It all started when the Old Yeller damaged the field of Travis’ family. But they started liking the faithful dog when he tried to save Travis from a bear attack.
Experience this heartwarming story in the novel or film now.
Shiloh
Shiloh is a Newbery Medal-winning novel about a boy named Marty who wants to save and hide a dog named Shiloh from his abusive owner.
A story of love and loyalty in hard times, this one can be shared with the whole family.
Read the whole book or watch the movie to witness Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s masterpiece.
Clifford
Clifford is a classic storybook for kids. Known as the big, red dog, this unique furry friend is not the scary creature you think he is. He’s friends with everyone, especially his owner, Emily Elizabeth.
Clifford is also available as an animated TV show. But you can watch the full movie on Amazon Prime or read the storybook with your kids.
See Your Favorite Dog Story Come to Life
Movie adaptations of our favorite books can often pale in comparison to the original story and how we imagined it.
But when done right, they can enhance a great story and give it a new life. These dog movies are some of our favorite ones to relive.
Try Cujo if you’re looking for a scary story or Marley & Me for a tearjerker. Or you can relive some classics, including 101 Dalmatians, Togo, and Clifford.
If you’re looking for other dog stories, here’s our list of the best dog movies streaming now.
