Forget `Hachi`: we found 6 movies about animals that will become your new favorites

Contents:
The dog that saved a town in Alaska from a diphtheria epidemic, a talking Chihuahua, a red dog that united the residents of a mining community. We have compiled a list of 6 stories that will make you laugh, feel, wonder, and perhaps even see your four-legged friends in a new light.

"My Dog Skip" (2000)

Director: Jay Russell

Starring: Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane, Kevin Bacon

Genre: Drama

Plot

The story of a boy named Willie who lives in a small town in Mississippi in the 1940s. His only friend, baseball star Dink Jenkins, goes off to war, leaving Willie all alone. One day, he receives an unexpected gift from his parents—a terrier puppy named Skip. The pet becomes his best friend and helps him overcome loneliness and insecurity.
A boy sits in the grass, hugging a white and brown dog and leaning on a large stick
Scene from the movie 'My Dog Skip'
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Why You Should Watch

  • A warm and touching story about true friendship and growing up.
  • Frankie Muniz and Kevin Bacon create convincing and memorable characters.
  • The film beautifully captures the spirit of 1940s America.
'My Dog Skip' is an emotionally rich and captivating film. It succeeds because it proves two theories: 1) the war affected not only soldiers on the battlefield but also ordinary families, albeit slightly, yet critically, and 2) childhood is best remembered through our warm memories of family pets.
Reviewer Movie-12 from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

  • The film could have been quite different. The director originally sought a smooth-haired terrier for the lead role but couldn't find a suitable one. Ultimately, Skip was played by a Jack Russell Terrier.
  • This dog was already a star, having appeared in the popular series "Frasier," where he played Eddie. Unfortunately, the dog actor passed away long ago, in 2006.

Awards and Nominations

"Critics Choice Award" (2002) - Winner in the "Best Family Film" category.
My Dog Skip – Trailer

"Beverly Hills Chihuahua" (2008)

Director: Raja Gosnell

Starring: Piper Perabo, Manolo Cardona, Jamie Lee Curtis

Genre: Comedy

Plot

A spoiled Chihuahua named Chloe, from Beverly Hills, gets lost in Mexico and must find her way home with the help of new friends, including a German Shepherd named Delgado and a Chihuahua named Papi who is in love with her.
A young man and woman with frightened faces sit in a cave, each holding a small dog
Scene from 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua'
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Why You Should Watch

  • A light-hearted comedy for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Each dog in the film has a distinct personality.
  • Beautiful Mexican landscapes.
Since we have a small dog similar to the one in the movie, I couldn't believe how well all these little dogs performed, especially the German Shepherd. The sets, plot, and animation were really good. We laughed and cried during this film. When we got home, I expected my little dog to start talking to me…
Reviewer ml_cann from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

The main character, Chihuahua Chloe, was voiced by "Charlie's Angels" star Drew Barrymore. And the noble Shepherd Delgado was voiced by "The Untouchables" star Andy Garcia.

Awards and Nominations

"Imagen Foundation Awards" (2009) - Winner of the award for "Best Feature Film".
Beverly Hills Chihuahua – Trailer

"We Bought a Zoo" (2011)

Director: Cameron Crowe

Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Plot

A widowed father buys an abandoned zoo with hundreds of exotic animals to start a new life with his children. With the help of a team of dedicated staff and local residents, he restores it, saving the animals from extinction.
A man and a woman next to the enclosure with zebras
Scene from the movie 'We Bought a Zoo'
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Why You Should Watch

  • Although it's not just about pets, the film showcases the deep connection between people and animals in general.
  • Excellent and memorable performances by the actors.
  • A wide variety of animals shown on screen.
If the cast didn't win you over, the animals did. Tigers, lions, bears, snakes, monkeys, owls, otters, peacocks, etc. The list goes on endlessly. Each personality is shown in such a way that you feel like you are part of the team helping to run the zoo.
Reviewer jmeshearer from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

  • The film is based on a true story described in the memoirs of Benjamin Mee. In 2006, he and his family bought the abandoned Dartmoor Zoo in England for 1.1 million pounds. After renovation, the zoo opened to visitors in 2007.
  • Interestingly, the real Mee family can be seen in a cameo role in the film – they play the first visitors to the zoo. The director's children, Cameron Crowe, also appear in the crowd of visitors.

Awards and Nominations

"BMI Film Music Award" (2012) - Winner in the category "Best Film Music" (John Thor Birgisson).
We Bought a Zoo – Trailer

"A Cat in Paris" (2010)

Directors: Jean-Loup Felicioli, Alain Gagnol

Starring: Dominique Blanc, Bernadette Lafont, Bruno Salomone

Genre: Adventure, Detective

Plot

By day, the cat Dino lives with a little girl named Zoé, who stopped speaking after her father's death. At night, Dino leads a double life, accompanying a thief named Nico. The story intertwines the worlds of crime and childhood longing when Zoé finds herself in danger, and Dino and Nico must save her.
The cartoon cat stands on a gargoyle against the backdrop of the night sky
Scene from the cartoon 'A Cat in Paris'
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Why You Should Watch

  • The film features beautiful and stylized animation inspired by French art.
  • The combination of a crime story and a child's drama makes the film appealing to different age groups.
  • A parody of the classic American gangster detective genre.
'A Cat in Paris' is a touching, uplifting entertainment for both children and adults. Young audiences will enjoy its utmost simplicity, unlike many pompous, dizzying animated films of the last decade, while adults will appreciate its beauty and sound.
Reviewer StevePulaski from 'Imdb'

Awards and Nominations

  • "César" (2011) - Nomination for "Best Animated Feature Film".
  • "Annie" (2012) - Nomination for "Best Animated Feature Film".
  • "Oscar" (2012) - Nomination for "Best Animated Feature Film".
A Cat in Paris – Trailer

"Red Dog" (2011)

Director: Kriv Stenders

Starring: Koko, Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Rohan Nichol

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Plot

A red kelpie dog appears in a mining town. This energetic animal becomes a catalyst for change in the quiet province. He belongs to no one, yet all the residents love him. Thanks to Red Dog, many find friends, hope, and joy in their lives. For some, the dog becomes the reason to find true love.
A young unshaven man in a checkered shirt sits on a motorcycle, with a ginger dog at the wheel in front of him
Scene from the movie 'Red Dog'
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Why You Should Watch

  • A film in the spirit of "Hachiko," but not as "tear-jerking."
  • Based on true events.
  • Charming performance by the dog Koko.
'Red Dog' is a beautifully shot film with stunning cinematography and an excellent plot. Add to this a good soundtrack, a cute dog that will steal your heart, action, adventure, and a bit of drama, and you have an altogether enjoyable film. The dog is simply adorable, with the most beautiful face!
Reviewer paulclaassen from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

The influence of this dog was so strong that a statue was erected in his honor. It is located in the town of Dampier, one of the places Red Dog often visited.

Awards and Nominations

  • "FCCA" (Film Critics Circle of Australia - 2012) - Best Director nomination.
  • "Asia Pacific Screen Awards" (2011) - Best Children's Feature Film nomination.
Red Dog – Trailer

"Togo" (2019)

Director: Ericson Core

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl

Genre: Historical film, drama

Plot

In 1925, an outbreak of diphtheria struck Alaska, and the town of Nome needed an antitoxin. A key role in saving the town was played by a dog named Togo. Along with his musher, he braved severe weather conditions to deliver the vital package.
Black blue-eyed husky and an elderly man in a fur hood against a snowy landscape
Scene from the film 'Togo'
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Why Watch It

  • Willem Dafoe delivers an amazing performance as the musher Leonhard Seppala.
  • The film has the spirit of the iconic Disney animated film "Balto."
  • Based on true events.
I just couldn't believe that many scenes could be shot, but they looked so realistic and powerful. The performance of the main dog is indescribable, and the puppy that played young Togo will let you understand what 'cute' truly means. Every part of this movie is perfection personified, and it's also thanks to the outstanding cast, cinematography, and flawless editing.
Reviewer Bad-Good-Great from 'Imdb'
Togo – Trailer

Interesting Facts

  • The film tells the true story of the 1925 Great Race of Mercy in Alaska, when sled dogs delivered diphtheria serum to the town of Nome. Interestingly, this same story inspired the animated film "Balto," but there the focus was on a different dog. In reality, Togo led most of the way, while Balto led only at the end. The film seeks to restore historical justice and tell the story of another hero.
  • Togo lived a long life and died in 1929 at the age of 16.

Awards and Nominations

"FTA" (Online Film & Television Association - 2020) - Nomination for Best Motion Picture.