The best dog movies not only offer adorable canines on screen, but also moments of laughter, thrills, and drama. Plus, some of the films on this list are guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes of any dog owner.

Whether you are looking for a lively family-friendly film or a wartime drama about the bravery of service dogs, every dog-focused film on this list has something to offer. What's more, several of them are available on the best streaming services.

Here are some of the best dog movies you can stream at home right now.

"Marley & Me" is the quintessential dog movie, and for good reason. This hilarious comedy encapsulates everything that is special about man's best friend. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson play John and Jenny Grogan, a newlywed couple who decide to adopt a yellow Labrador puppy they name Marley. Marley is a bundle of energy from the start, and as he grows older, he becomes more mischievous. From breaking furniture to being kicked out of obedience school, Marley's bad behavior earned him the nickname (affectionately) "the world's worst dog." But he also becomes an important member of the Grogan family and a reliable companion for years to come as John and Jenny grow in their careers, children, and years.

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This war film begins with the eponymous Megan Levy (Kate Mara) struggling to find direction in her life. Joining the Marines to find her purpose, she quickly finds her place in the military and forms a close bond with a military canine named Rex. The two become inseparable, and together they face the hardships of active duty combat while deployed repeatedly to Iraq. Inspired by a true story, "Megan Levy" is a moving biographical war film that speaks to real-life heroism. It also perfectly showcases how dogs provide stability, friendship, and assistance even during the most trying times.

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"Hotel for Dogs" is a family-friendly film about a pack of stray dogs. Andy (Emma Roberts) and Bruce (Jake T. Austin) are a brother and sister in the foster care system who need to find a home for their dog, Friday, after moving into a new home where pets are not allowed. When they discover an abandoned hotel, they create a secret space where stray dogs from the area can live in luxury. But filling the entire hotel with dogs is quite difficult, and Andy and Bruce risk losing more than Friday if their hidden canine paradise is discovered. Hotel for Dogs is lighthearted and refreshing, and will appeal especially to younger viewers."

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Another film about service dogs, "Max," begins with the tragic death of a U.S. Marine named Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell). Kyle's service dog is traumatized by the event and is sent from active duty to be taken in by the soldier's family; his teenage brother Justin (Josh Wiggins) initially dislikes the dog, but the two eventually form a close bond, and the Belgian Shepherd breed becomes a source of inspiration for Justin to put his The Belgian Shepherd breed may be just what Justin needs to put his problems in the past and find out what happened to his brother. Maxx is an effective drama that packages familiar themes of family and duty, but with a very nice boy as its protagonist.

Focus on Max

More than any other film on this list, "A Dog's Purpose" focuses on the experiences of its central dog character. Josh Gad voices a pooch that is reincarnated as a variety of dogs over the decades, from a 1950s golden retriever to a 1980s corgi. Over the decades, these dogs learn about their true purpose in life and also teach the most important lessons of life to the various humans they encounter. While all the owners leave their mark, they form a unique bond with one named Ethan (Dennis Quaid). If you enjoy this film, be sure to see the sequel, A Dog's Journey.

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