During the summer, I have been surrounded by the drooly animal we all love — the dog. He has followed me in my own home and dragged me to the dog park every day. Not only have I had time to enjoy the company of my own dog, but I had the opportunity to volunteer at an animal shelter.
So who is top dog? My dog — obviously. But I decided to take it upon myself to dig deeper into my VHS collection of the classic ‘90s and early ‘00s dog cinema.
1. “See Spot Run” (2001)
While picking the top spot in the dog film pecking order was ruff, I have to give it to “See Spot Run.” Gordan (David Arquette) is a mailman who frankly isn’t responsible, and when he ends up babysitting James (Angus T. Jones), his life takes a turn.
Lindsay Trombly | Argonaut
He encounters an FBI dog who escapes the witness protection program and James talks him into taking him home. Yet, Gordan hates dogs with a burning passion. This film excels in humor.
No matter how many times you watch it, you are guaranteed to laugh over and over again, maybe even obtaining a belly ache. And believe me, you won’t look at a pet store the same way again. It may have gotten one star on Rotten Tomatoes, but I give it five.
2. “Beethoven 2” (1993)
Beethoven has been a beloved character for quite a few years. The last “Beethoven” film was made in 2014, so obviously audience members wagged their tails for more. Why does this film rate so high on my list? Because there are puppies. Who doesn’t love puppies?
Beethoven finds a love interest, Missy, and one thing leads to another. Puppies arrive and they can be proven to lead to a decent amount of money— so Missy’s owner tries everything in her power to steal them from the Newton family.
Almost every dog movie has puppy dognapping in it, but this one exceeds expectations to make the audience smile and really feel the love between the canines as well as the family. Watching this film will make you want to adopt a puppy, so beware.
3. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)
What happens when you get two dogs and a cat lost in the wilderness? A pack to find their way home. Chance (Michael J. Fox), Shadow (Don Ameche) and Sassy (Sally Field) travel across the mountains running into wildcats, porcupines and even bears. This Walt Disney movie does something right in creating this enriching family film.
Talking animals can be a bit of predicament, and if done wrong, can look cheesy and childish. But this film’s talking animals keep the audience engaged and paws in our heartstrings wanting them to succeed. This film reminds everyone that a dog and even a cat truly are man’s best friend.
4. “Air Bud” (1997)
The loyal, trustworthy Golden Retriever breed has entered family households everywhere, but it is famous for one particular movie: “Air Bud.” Josh (Kevin Zegers) adapts to his new home, but it becomes easier when he meets Buddy.
Only, Buddy’s previous owner (Micheal Jeter) hunts down the dog when he sees his mad dunk skills on television. When the child has just about lost everything, the dog enters his life and a new family member emerges.
Pudding cups and all, this film shows that friendship can overcome any obstacle. If you’ve seen any of the Air Bud movies without watching the original the original, you are an underdog missing out on a cinematic treasure.
5. “Beethoven” (1992)
Normally a dog series drops off after the first film and turns into stale dog food — they aren’t good anymore but you watch them anyway. “Beethoven 2” ended up higher on my list because of the puppy aspect, but that doesn’t make the original “Beethoven” bad. Beethoven starts off as just a puppy getting away from dog nappers who are conducting animal experiments, but somehow, they find Beethoven years older when he finds a family.
Beethoven first shows his loyalty and what it truly means to be a dog in this film. Beethoven may be saved, but I think he actually ends up saving the Newton family. This is where it all started and tears are shed.
6. “Snow Dogs” (2002)
Mush! Dentist Ted (Cuba Gooding Jr.) travels to Alaska based on his mother’s will and encounters the journey of a lifetime he didn’t expect. What’s a part of the will? A pack of sled dogs who don’t like Ted too much — but they do like his toothpaste.
A man in town, Thunder Jack (James Coburn), wants to take the dogs away and will do anything in his power to undermine Ted’s sledding skills. Ted makes some unlikely friends along the way and even finds a possible love interest. This film shows dogs are smarter than we think and even in a cold climate they will warm our hearts.
7. “Turner and Hooch” (1989)
This dog drools, chews on everything and will wreck the house — he can even slam his head through a door. Meet Hooch, the hero. Detective Scott Turner (Tom Hanks) is a police officer who doesn’t like dogs too much, but after a murder, he ends up getting one of his own. Turner and Hooch are the perfect pair to solve crimes and bite the bad guy on the neck. Everyone needs a dog like Hooch in their life. So, sit back and relax. Turn this movie on from your Netflix subscription and enjoy some good, slobbery fun.
Lindsay Trombly can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter@lindsay_trombly