Lassie is the be-all end-all pet celebrity, but who are some of the other contenders for the title of top dog? From Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Old Yeller, Beethoven, K9 and Marley and Me, movies are crawling with famous pooches. To celebrate the release of Marmaduke, featuring the world’s most lovable Great Dane, on Blu-ray + DVD August 31, we count down the top 10 dogs in Hollywood!
No. 10: Air Bud
Air Bud: Golden Receiver
How could you not love a movie about a dog that plays basketball? The story of the talented golden retriever Buddy and his new friend Josh was such a wholesome good time that it led to lots of sequels and spinoffs, though none can stand up to the fun of the first.
No. 9: Turner & Hooch
Turner
A comedy about a crime that can only be solved by Tom Hanks - with the help of a lively French Mastiff named Hooch! This movie proves that men really can’t get along without their canine companions.
No. 8: Homeward Bound
Homeward Bound
This one features not just one, but two dogs, and a cat that go on a journey to reunite with their owners after being left while the human family went on vacation. The friendship between the trio makes for an adventure that is hard to resist.
No. 7: Marmaduke
Marmaduke
With an outstanding cast of recognizable voices, the new dog in town (in both the film and on this list) is an uproarious dog-out-of-water tale about what happens when a lovable oversized pooch is unleashed in an idyllic seaside town.
No. 6: 101 Dalmatians
101 Dalmatians
Whoever tells you that they weren’t terrified of Cruella deVil in the animated original is probably lying. The adventures of Pongo and Perdita, their 15 pups and another 84 that are picked up along the way made for a huge hit when the film was released and continues to captivate new viewers today.
No. 5: Marley and Me
Marley and Me
This recent addition to top dog films is as warm as the colour of Marley's yellow coat. An easy and engaging film, it is funny and sentimental in just the right places, making its box office success unsurprising.
No. 4: Old Yeller
Old Yeller
Another classic that features the love between a child and his dog it was called a "warm, appealing little rustic tale” when it came out in 1957. And now half a century later, this little tale has become an often-referenced film in popular culture, and not just because it will make even the non-dog lovers cry!
No. 3: Beethoven
Beethoven
Due to their considerable size, St. Bernards may be rather intimidating in person but there is little to be afraid of when it comes to Beethoven. Despite his tendency to create chaos for his owners, this dog's lovable clumsiness endears him to one and all, making this the perfect film for the family
No. 2: Lady and the Tramp
Lady and the Tramp
A Disney classic from the 1950s, this animated feature is a canine romance between a rich cocker spaniel and a homeless mutt. Celebrated for its famous spaghetti sharing scene the film includes a colorful gang of dogs from both sides of the track, earning itself a spot on anyone’s top dog movies
No. 1: Lassie Come Home
Lassie
The 1943 film that spawned half-a-dozen sequels, remakes and even a TV series tells the story of a cute collie who loves her family so much that she travels across the country to find them after being sold. Lassie Come Home has captivated audiences for generations, making her Hollywood’s most beloved canine.
