Dog Movies That Will Make You Cry: Hachi, Marley & Me, More

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Dog movies have a unique ability to tug at our heartstrings. Their unwavering loyalty, unconditional love, and sometimes, heartbreaking fates, make them prime candidates for tearjerkers. Prepare yourself, because these films will likely leave you reaching for the tissues.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

Based on a true story, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale tells the story of a devoted Akita who waits for his deceased owner, Professor Parker Wilson, at the train station every day for years after his death. Richard Gere delivers a moving performance as Parker, and the bond between him and Hachi is instantly believable and deeply affecting. The film beautifully portrays Hachi’s unwavering loyalty and enduring love. Watching Hachi patiently wait, day after day, for his beloved owner to return, is an experience that will undoubtedly trigger a waterfall of emotions. The simple, yet profound, narrative explores themes of devotion, loss, and the enduring power of the human-animal bond.

Marley & Me (2008)

Marley & Me follows the lives of John and Jenny Grogan as they navigate marriage, careers, and parenthood, all with their lovable, but undeniably chaotic, Labrador Retriever, Marley, by their side. Marley is far from the perfect dog; he’s destructive, mischievous, and endlessly energetic. However, he is also a constant source of joy, laughter, and unconditional love. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston perfectly capture the joys and challenges of pet ownership, and Marley becomes an integral part of their family. The film spans over a decade, allowing viewers to witness Marley’s impact on their lives and the gradual aging of both the dog and his owners. The inevitable farewell to Marley is a profoundly moving experience, reminding us of the short, but immeasurably valuable, time we have with our beloved pets.

Other Notable Tearjerkers

While Hachi and Marley & Me are often considered the kings of dog-movie waterworks, many other films explore the emotional bond between humans and dogs. Old Yeller (1957) is a classic coming-of-age story that tackles themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the difficult choices we sometimes have to make. Where the Red Fern Grows (1974 & 2003) is a poignant tale of a young boy and his two beloved hunting dogs. Lassie Come Home (1943) showcases the incredible loyalty and determination of a dog as it embarks on a long journey to reunite with its owner. A Dog’s Purpose (2017) explores the concept of reincarnation through the eyes of a dog, experiencing multiple lives and forging different connections with various humans. Each of these films explores different facets of the human-animal connection, but they all share the common thread of showcasing the profound impact dogs have on our lives and the heartbreak we feel when they are no longer with us.

Be warned: watching these movies requires a box of tissues nearby. The powerful bond between humans and dogs, combined with the inevitable realities of life and loss, creates an emotional experience that is both heartwarming and devastating.