Top 10 Disney Dog Movies That Will Warm Your Heart

Disney has a long history of creating lovable animal characters, and dogs are no exception. From plucky pups to loyal companions, Disney has captured the essence of these furry friends in a range of films that have become family favorites. With so many great Disney dog movies to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Disney dog movies that are sure to tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and inspire you with their adventures.

Best Disney Dog Movies

First on our list is “Lady and the Tramp,” a classic tale of two dogs from opposite sides of the tracks who fall in love.

Then there’s “101 Dalmatians,” which features the spunky Dalmatian Pongo and his quest to rescue his pups from the villainous Cruella de Vil.

“The Fox and the Hound,” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a fox and a hound, while “Bolt” follows the adventures of a canine TV star who must learn to be a real hero.

These and other films on our list are sure to delight Disney fans of all ages, so let’s dive in and explore the best of the best Disney dog movies.

1. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

There are many Disney dog movies that could be the first ones on our list, but one of the most beloved is “One Hundred and One Dalmatians”.

The movie tells the story of Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians who are overjoyed when they have a litter of fifteen puppies. However, their happiness is short-lived as their puppies, along with 84 others, are stolen by Cruella De Vil, a fashion designer who wants to use their fur to make coats. To save their puppies, Pongo and Perdita enlist the help of other animals.

This film is notable for being the first Disney movie to use newer xerography methods, which made animation cheaper. While it may not be as visually stunning as earlier Disney films, it stands out with its modern UPA style. The character of Cruella, brought to life by Marc Davis’s animation and Betty Lou Gerson’s voice, is one of the most memorable villains of all time.

Although cost-cutting measures were taken, George Bruns’s score is fabulous, particularly the jazz-inspired opening credits. “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” is a fun and exciting movie for all ages, topping our list of Disney movies about dogs.

2. Bolt (2008)

“Bolt” is a movie that stands out from other Disney movies due to its unique storyline, bright animation, and stellar voice work.

The genetically altered canine named “Bolt”, who believes he has superpowers, embarks on a journey to rescue his master Penny after he learns the truth about his life being a hit television show. Along the way, he enlists the help of a reluctant cat and a fan hamster named Rhino and learns the true meaning of heroism and friendship.

“Bolt” also parodies the movie industry and clichés, making it an entertaining blend of comedy, drama, and action. The film’s supporting voice cast, including Malcolm McDowell, Dietrich Bader, and James Lipton, along with the physical humor of the pigeons, adds to the overall entertainment value.

Though the film is best seen in 3D, it is still enjoyable in traditional medium and a refreshing reminder of Disney’s past glory. “Bolt” is a fun thrill ride for all ages with several jokes that will entertain older viewers as well. “Bolt” is without a doubt one of the best Disney movies with dogs.

3. Lady and the Tramp (1955)

The opening quote of “Lady and the Tramp” says that there is one thing that money cannot buy, the wag of a dog’s tail.

The film portrays the sincere relationship between man and dog, highlighting the relationships within the dog world. Lady, a cute puppy, is a significant part of the family and is offered to Darling by Jim Dear as a Christmas gift. Lady acts like a real dog and shows affection for her owners through her endearing behavior.

Lady’s neighbors, Jock and Trusty, are not just obligatory supporting characters, they have depth and substance, and their behavior is honorable and protective. The Tramp is a free-spirited and happy-go-lucky stray mutt that has a gentle and sensitive nature.

The film deals with sensitive matters such as pregnancy, parenthood, and subtle issues that are not usually found in other Disney dog movies.

“Lady and the Tramp” is one of the most endearing Disney classics that hits the sensitive human heart and is a must-watch for all dog lovers. It deservedly earns a third place on our list.

4. Lady and the Tramp (2019)

Disney dog movies have always been a hit with audiences, and “Lady and the Tramp” on Disney+ is no exception. The movie is a live-action remake of the classic animated film, and while it doesn’t offer anything new, it’s still a fun watch. The cast does a great job, especially Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux.

The film has a high-budget look but also has a TV movie feel to it. The CGI with the dogs is cute, but at times can be a bit awkward around the edges. While the movie is familiar and doesn’t add much new, it still manages to be enjoyable.

“Lady and the Tramp’s” release on Disney+ may be a new home for these remakes, but only time will tell. Overall, the movie is perfectly fine, but not groundbreaking. If you’re looking for Dog movies on Disney plus, Lady and the Tramp is a perfectly good option.

5. Togo (2019)

Despite arriving on Disney+ without much fanfare, “Togo” is a heartwarming true story about a heroic Alaskan sled dog named Togo and his owner, Leonhard Seppala. Together, they saved countless lives in a remote snow-covered town in 1925 during the famed ‘serum run’.

Director Ericson Core and lead performer Willem Dafoe deliver a powerful and enjoyable family adventure that feels grand and cinematic. The detours showcasing Togo and Seppala’s early relationship are both well-played out and enjoyable, providing a satisfying emotional payoff.

The film follows the true story Disney formula, but its clear affiliation for its subject and subject matters ensures that it’s an engaging experience from start to finish.

Overall, Togo is one of the standout dog movies on Disney plus. It’s a journey that will take viewers on a wild ride of varying emotions, and it’s likely to become one of the most beloved new Disney dog movies of the modern era.

6. The Ugly Dachshund (1966)

While “The Ugly Dachshund” is not exactly a masterpiece, the movie still has enough cute dog scenes to make it a memorable flick.

The film starts with footage of newborn puppies, which is enough to hook in any dog lover. The cuteness continues throughout the movie, making it a satisfying experience for any animal lover. The movie is mainly aimed at a younger audience and has a lot of low-brow comedy and slapstick humor. However, it still manages to be entertaining for adults, especially those who own pets.

The relationship between the two human stars of the movie, Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette is not particularly well-developed. Still, it manages to distract older viewers from the cute dog scenes.

Moreover, the movie has some good statements about sharing and equality in married relationships that are accurate and insightful enough to be a learning experience for mature viewers.

Overall, the movie is competently directed and holds up even today as one of the heartwarming Disney movies about dogs.

7. Old Yeller (1957)

One of the most beloved old Disney movies with dogs is “Old Yeller”. The movie follows the story of the Coates family and their faithful yellow dog as they try to make a living on a small ranch in Texas.

Fess Parker, known for his role as Davy Crockett, plays the father who leaves the family to drive their herd to Kansas. Parker’s character only has a brief appearance in the film, but it doesn’t diminish the impact of the story.

Left behind to manage the ranch, McGuire’s character takes care of the children and the farm, while the boys grow attached to the yellow dog who proves to be a valuable asset on the ranch. However, the film takes a sad turn when tragedy strikes, and the Coates family is forced to face a heartbreaking reality.

“Old Yeller” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, and its message about the bond between humans and their pets continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

8. The Fox and the Hound (1981)

“The Fox and the Hound” is an overlooked gem that deserves more recognition. It’s a heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship between a young fox named Tod and a hound puppy named Copper.

They become best friends despite being natural enemies, but their friendship is tested when Copper becomes a hunting dog and has to fulfill his duties.

The movie is innocent, simple, and lovely, with a classic story that is well-told. It’s full of cute moments, especially with the baby versions of Tod and Copper. The songs, animation, and characters are all fantastic. There are also some humorous scenes, like Chief constantly chasing Tod and Slade getting put in his place by Widow Tweed.

“The Fox and the Hound” is a wonderful Disney dog movie that everyone should see. It teaches a valuable lesson about friendship and loyalty, and it’s a great example of classic Disney storytelling. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely worth checking out.

9. Oliver And Company (1988)

“Oliver & Company” is an underrated Disney movie that is suitable for family viewing. It has enough peril to keep older children interested, but not too scary for younger ones.

Although the film’s plot develops quickly, it is still creative and entertaining with some delightful characters, especially the villains. The characters are based on Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist”, but the movie is different from the novel. The voice talents and animation bring the characters to life, and the music is enjoyable especially the catchy “Why Should I worry?” song.

The kitten, Oliver, is cute and convincing, and Dodger is the cool guy who never loses his temper. The villains, Sykes, and his two Dobermans are well-done and chilling, and their limited dialogue adds to their menacing presence.

Although not the best Disney movie, “Oliver & Company” is still a decent family movie, worthy of being on our top 10 Disney dog movies list.

10. White Fang (1991)

“White Fang” is an adventure film based on Jack London’s famous book that tells the story of a young man’s experiences during the gold rush in Alaska at the end of the 19th century.

The film received critical acclaim for its excellent portrayal of the adventure story, and the breathtaking Alaskan scenery adds to its appeal. The action scenes are well-executed, and the dogfighting scenes, although not pleasant, are not overly graphic.

The film is not typical of Disney’s family-friendly image, as it contains some profanity and intense violence. However, it tells a rugged story about equally rugged people who must be tough to survive in a rugged land.

Ethan Hawke plays the young hero who builds a touching relationship with the wolf-dog, White Fang. The movie offers everything except humor, although a funny line from one of the villains is thrown in at the end.

Overall, “White Fang” is a memorable adventure and one of Disney’s best films of any genre.