Five pet films to watch with your favourite animal buddy

A list of movies about the heartwarming or funny pet relationships
By Jonathan Pabico, Senior Columnist

A touching moment is when the Little’s talking cat Snowbell—who initially resented Stuart—finally accepts him as part of the family by protecting the mouse from a gang of stray felines.

During this time of at-home movie watching, consider popping in a good pet film to celebrate your furry companion. However, if you’re tired of the usual staple of pet movies like Beethoven (1992) or The Secret Life of Pets (2016), feel free to tune into these five flicks below. These features will supply nostalgic fun for your pet hangouts.

Home Alone (1990)

It’s not Christmas yet, I know, but this cherished holiday film deserves a spot on this list after Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister places his brother Buzz’s pet tarantula on the face of burglar Marv to escape him with hilarious results (check out his hysterical scream). This scene reminds pet owners that pets will always be there for them, sometimes in even laughable ways.

Stuart Little (1999)

A childhood favorite, the movie follows the wholesome Little family in New York City (NYC) when they adopt Stuart, a talking mouse, as a brother for their son George. A touching moment is when the Little’s talking cat Snowbell—who initially resented Stuart—finally accepts him as part of the family by protecting the mouse from a gang of stray felines. This scene conveys to pet owners how people and their pets can build a strong sense of family through mutual acceptance.

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

The Disney animated classic will captivate pet owners’ hearts with the film’s titular little girl Lilo and her adorable friendship with her strange alien pet Stitch. These characters have an incredibly special bond that’s perfect for anyone looking for an uplifting pet story with an inspiring message about accepting others for their differences.

I Am Legend (2007)

This post-apocalyptic horror action movie stars Will Smith as Dr. Robert Neville, a scientist living in NYC’s ruined landscape to find a cure to a virus that turned the world’s human population into bloodthirsty vampires. The doctor thankfully has his dog Sam who he loves so much that he even risked his life to save his pet from a lair of those frightening creatures of the night. Neville’s bravery will relate to any pet owner’s fierce need to keep their bundle of joy safe and healthy.

Isle of Dogs (2018)

This animated film by director Wes Anderson follows a Japanese boy named Atari Kobayashi as he tracks down his pet talking dog Spots on a remote island populated by other speaking canines. Kobayashi’s resolve to locate his lost companion reflects the love and care that people have for their pets. His heartwarming devotion will further remind pet owners of their own loyalty to their animals who have been their closest friends through thick and thin.