40 Famous Dogs From Movies and TV Shows Who Stole Our Hearts
These sweet pups are irresistibly cute.
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It’s a fact: Any movie with a dog in it is a good movie. Whether you’re watching an action-packed thriller like John Wick or you catch yourself shedding a tear during Marley & Me, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience. These 40 famous dogs from movies made names for themselves by simply being themselves, and of course, they also didn’t mind being the star of the show.
From Full House’s Golden Retriever named Comet to The Wizard of Oz’s Toto, we can all agree that there’s no lack of talented four-legged celebrities in Hollywood. So, get ready to walk down memory lane to rediscover a few of your favorite dogs from films or TV, and you might even be reminded of pups you completely forgot who gave amazing performances.
Beethoven in 'Beethoven'
Named after the famous composer, this St. Bernard dog brings together the Newton family with his loving nature. But when a vet accuses Beethoven of being a vicious animal, the Newtons are divided about euthanizing him. In the end, the family goes to great lengths to rescue their beloved pet from harmful hands.
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Benji in 'Benji'
Filmed in Texas, this 1974 movie features a golden mixed breed dog named Benji who's simply looking for a home. He longs to be part of the Chapman family and when their two young children are kidnapped, the pup doesn't hesitate to step up. Benji helps the humans solve the case, leading the children back to safety, and earning a loving home in the process.
Bolt in 'Bolt'
The adventures of Bolt, a White Shepherd dog, and his owner, 13-year-old Penny, are unlike any other. Bolt has been made to believe he's a superhero dog conquering crime alongside Penny, and when she's "kidnapped," he does the only thing he knows how to do — save her.
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Clifford in 'Clifford's Really Big Movie'
Formally known as Clifford the Big Red Dog, this Labrador Retriever is literally larger than life with a sweet personality. Devoted fans of the TV show see their favorite dog in a new light when Clifford decides to join a traveling animal show, but things don't exactly pan out the way he thinks.
Einstein in 'Back To The Future'
Everyone can agree that Marty McFly and Doc are the main stars of this futuristic movie with a cult-following. But it's also fair to say that both of them couldn't have altered the future for the better without Einstein's endless support.
Fly in 'Babe'
If an award exists for the best mom dog, it would go to Fly. This Border Collie adopts Babe the pig as her own, teaching him how to herd sheep as a way to prove himself to farmer Arthur Hoggett. When Babe has a rough time, Fly encourages him to keep trying, going against what her partner Rex thinks.
Old Yeller in 'Old Yeller'
Grab a box of tissues before you watch this classic dog movie. Released in 1957, the movie tells the story of a stray dog and a young boy who sees potential in him. Slowly, but surely this yellow Labrador mix earns the love of the Coates family, protecting them from all sorts of danger. He doesn't think twice about risking his life for them time after time.
Petey in 'The Little Rascals'
Throughout the 1930s, Pete the Pup (Petey) was the most popular canine on the screen. Originally portrayed by Pal the Wonder Dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier, he immediately stood out thanks to the ring around his right eye. The 1994 film recaptures the mischief Petey got into with a handful of rascals.
Pit Bull in 'John Wick'
John Wick's unnamed pit bull was adopted at the end of the first movie and has become a staple of the franchise ever since. Not speaking a single word, but faithfully running by his owner's side, John can always count on this pup to help him defeat everyone with a deadly agenda.
Rin Tin Tin in 'The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin'
Over 160 episodes, orphan boy Rusty and his German Shepherd dog Rin Tin Tin traveled together to help soldiers establish Western America. Coincidentally, the real life name of the pup was also Rin Tin Tin Jr., named after his famous canine father. He starred in a total of 27 Hollywood movies, earning a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Samantha in 'I Am Legend'
After a genetically altered virus destroys the world's population, it's up to veteran Robert Neville and his German Shepherd, Samantha, to find a cure, and restore humanity. Through the trials and errors, Sam stays by her master's side keeping him company and defending him against Darkseekers.
Slinky in 'Toy Story'
Part of the original Toy Story gang, the toy Dachshund dog with a Slinky body made a name of himself early on in the franchise, thanks to his unique Southern accent and unwavering loyalty to Woody. Time and again, Slinky helps the rest of the toys throughout their various journeys.
Eddie Crane in 'Frasier'
Without a doubt, Eddie, a Parson Russell Terrier, is an important member of the Crane family. Dog owners everywhere could easily relate to the sweet relationship between Frasier and Eddie, who stared at his master until he got what he wanted.
All the Dogs in 'Eight Below'
The late actor Paul Walker starred alongside eight doggies in this heartbreaking 2008 movie based on a real Japanese expedition to Antarctica gone awry. Made up of two Alaskan Malamutes and six Siberian Huskies, the pack is at the center of a rescue effort after a storm forces their owners to abandon them for almost a year.
Pongo, Perdita, and their Puppies in '101 Dalmatians'
More than three decades after Disney's animated movie first hit the screen, 101 Dalmatians fans everywhere were gifted with a live-action film full of polka-dotted pups. A fairytale love romance of both humans and dogs unexpectedly turns sour after a former boss vows revenge using a litter of Dalmatians.
Comet in 'Full House'
Season 3 of the legendary '90s show Full House introduced the family's Golden Retriever named Comet. After his mother Minnie gave birth to a litter in the Tanners' backyard, the pup was given to them as a thank you present. Eventually, the family settled on the name Comet and since then, his legacy has continued on the show's reboot Fuller House.
Sandy in 'Annie'
Based on the successful Broadway musical, Annie tells the story of a young orphan living in New York City hoping that she'll be reunited with her parents. Early on in the film, she adopts a stray dog naming him Sandy, and to say he's always there for her would be an understatement.
The Corgis in 'The Queen'
The 2006 drama film focuses on Queen Elizabeth II and her reaction to Princess Diana's tragic death in a car crash. Among the handful of actors portraying the royal family and Prime Minister Tony Blair, there were five corgis who were truly the main stars of the show. Having corgis as part of this movie was a no-brainer for everyone.
Max in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
Don't let his appearance fool you: Max the dog is as loyal as they come. Throughout the Grinch's mischievous adventures, the sweet dog serves as the story's source of humor, always keeping an eye out for his master.
Lady and the Tramp in 'Lady and the Tramp'
There's nothing quite like a love story between two precious dogs. The 1955 classic animated movie remains close to the hearts of many who love dogs and the idea of love itself. You might just be inspired to go out and adopt your own American Cocker Spaniel and name her Lady.
Selena is the entertainment and news editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers the latest on TV, movies and celebrities. In addition to writing and editing entertainment news, she also spotlights the Hispanic and Latinx community through her work. She is a graduate of CUNY Hunter College with a B.A. in journalism and creative writing.
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