These Good Dog Movies On Netflix Will Make You Cry
- 01. Good Dog Movies on Netflix That Build Empathy
- 02. Top 8 Dog Movies Streaming on Netflix Today
- 03. Empathy-Building Impact of Dog Movies
- 04. Family-Friendly Favourites for Movie Night
- 05. Dog Gone
- 06. Rescued by Ruby
- 07. Inspirational Canine Stories for Values Education
- 08. Animated Adventures for Younger Audiences
- 09. Xico's Journey
- 10. The Secret Life of Pets
- 11. FAQs About Dog Movies on Netflix
- 12. Applying Dog Movie Lessons in Educational Settings
Good Dog Movies on Netflix That Build Empathy
The best good dog movies on Netflix right now are Dog Gone, Rescued by Ruby, and A Dog's Way Home (2019)-all true-story-inspired films that showcase loyalty, resilience, and the unbreakable human-canine bond, making them ideal for families seeking empathy-building content.
Top 8 Dog Movies Streaming on Netflix Today
Netflix's current US catalog features a curated selection of canine-centered films that range from heartfelt dramas to animated adventures, with Dog Gone topping "must-watch" lists for dog lovers as the most talked-about title.
- Dog Gone - PG, 1h 58m, IMDb 6.1/10: Based on a true story of a father and son searching the Appalachian Trail for their lost Field Spaniel
- Rescued by Ruby - PG, 1h 42m, IMDb 7.2/10: A Rhode Island state trooper bonds with a shelter dog to become a K-9 partner
- A Dog's Way Home - PG, 1h 36m, IMDb 6.7/10: Bella travels 400 miles across the American heartland to reunite with her owner
- Benji - PG, 1h 27m, IMDb 6.3/10: Modern retelling of the classic stray dog who becomes a hero for two children
- White Fang - PG, 1h 25m, IMDb 6.7/10: Animated adaptation of Jack London's novel about a wolf-dog navigating the wilderness
- Xico's Journey - PG, 1h 25m, IMDb 5.2/10: Mexican animated film featuring a Xoloitzcuintle saving his town
- Seventeen - PG-13, 1h 39m, IMDb 7.2/10: Spanish drama about a boy and stray dog on a small island
- June & Kopi - PG, 1h 26m, IMDb 6.3/10: Heartwarming tale of a girl and stray dog's friendship
Empathy-Building Impact of Dog Movies
Research shows that watching animal-centered narratives increases empathy scores by 23% in children aged 8-12, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Media Psychology. These films serve as educational tools for teaching compassion, responsibility, and the value of unconditional love-principles deeply aligned with Marist pedagogy's focus on holistic formation.
| Movie Title | Release Year | IMDb Rating | Empathy Theme | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Gone | 2023 | 6.1/10 | Familial loyalty, perseverance | 1h 58m |
| Rescued by Ruby | 2022 | 7.2/10 | Second chances, service | 1h 42m |
| A Dog's Way Home | 2019 | 6.7/10 | Determination, devotion | 1h 36m |
| Benji | 2018 | 6.3/10 | Heroism, protection | 1h 27m |
| White Fang | 2018 | 6.7/10 | Survival, trust | 1h 25m |
Family-Friendly Favourites for Movie Night
These feel-good family favorites are perfect for cozy weekend movie nights, offering accessible storytelling that children and adults can enjoy together while reinforcing values of care and stewardship.
Dog Gone
When Field Spaniel Boxer gets lost on the Appalachian Trail, his owner Marcus and father Gary embark on a race against time, demonstrating familial perseverance and the lengths families go for their beloved companions.
Rescued by Ruby
State Trooper Dan Scott, blocked from joining the K-9 unit due to lack of a dog, adopts shelter pup Ruby and trains her into an award-winning detective dog-proving second chances transform both human and animal lives.
Inspirational Canine Stories for Values Education
These truth-based narratives align with Catholic educational mission by highlighting sacrifice, service, and the dignity of all creation-core tenets of Marist spirituality that emphasize seeing Christ in the least among us.
- A Dog's Way Home - Bella's 400-mile journey exemplifies unbreakable loyalty, passing through mountains and cities while forming bonds that teach viewers about compassion across diverse communities
- Benji - This 2018 modern retelling shows how a stray dog's quick thinking saves children from danger, reinforcing that even the smallest among us can make profound impacts
- White Fang - The wolf-dog's navigation of harsh wilderness illustrates resilience and trust-building, themes that resonate with youth development programs in Marist schools across Latin America
Animated Adventures for Younger Audiences
Colorful animated films provide age-appropriate entry points for discussing empathy with younger students, using engaging visuals to convey complex emotional truths.
Xico's Journey
This Mexican animated film features Xico, a Xoloitzcuintle dog who journeys to save his town from an evil corporation, celebrating Latin American cultural heritage while teaching friendship and standing up for beliefs-highly relevant for Brazilian and Latin American audiences.
The Secret Life of Pets
This 2016 animated hit explores what pets do when humans leave, following spoiled terrier Max who teams with new housemate Duke to find their way home, showcasing cooperation and acceptance of differences.
FAQs About Dog Movies on Netflix
Applying Dog Movie Lessons in Educational Settings
School administrators can integrate these films into character education curricula, using post-viewing discussions to explore themes of loyalty, service, and compassion-directly supporting Marist pedagogy's emphasis on forming good Christians and good citizens.
For educators seeking practical insights, consider pairing Rescued by Ruby with service-learning projects about animal welfare, or using A Dog's Way Home to teach geography and perseverance across grade levels.
What are the most common questions about These Good Dog Movies On Netflix Will Make You Cry?
What is the best dog movie on Netflix right now?
Dog Gone is currently the top-rated and most talked-about dog movie on Netflix US, based on a true story about a family's search for their lost dog on the Appalachian Trail.
Which dog movies on Netflix are based on true stories?
Dog Gone and Rescued by Ruby are both Netflix Originals based on true stories, making them more likely to remain in the catalog long-term.
Are these dog movies appropriate for children?
Yes-most titles are rated PG and suitable for ages 8+, with Dog Gone, Benji, and A Dog's Way Home being particularly recommended for family viewing and values education.
What dog movie has the highest IMDb rating on Netflix?
Rescued by Ruby, Seventeen, and The Hidden Lives of Pets all share the highest IMDb rating of 7.2/10 among current Netflix dog movies.
Do Netflix dog movies change by region?
Yes-while Dog Gone and Rescued by Ruby are Netflix Originals available globally, other titles may vary by region, so always check local listings for your area.
