Just like people, animals can be big movie stars that we care about. We’ve compiled a list of 10 great animal movies that kids and adults alike will love.
There is something great about having an anthropomorphised animal on screen that captures the imagination of everyone who has the pleasure of being taken in by the furry or feathery creature on screen. Of course, the deep connection comes from how these animals interact with the world and culture that we understand. Read our list and plan a trip to the video store with the family to pick out your favourite ones that you can all settle in for.
10. Cats & Dogs
There is no greater battle that can rage than that over the question of whether dogs or cats are superior. The film Cats & Dogs explores this in a spyesque narrative that has an underground war raging between felines and pooches – the super villain Mr Tinkles exemplifying exactly how adorably diabolical cats can be. The film is rated PG and does contain some fairly action packed scenes but is likely to be a great spy thriller for the kids.
9. The Aristocats
A tale of aristocracy, excess, and an inheritance plot masterminded by an evil butler, the Aristocats is sure to have the entire family on the edge of their seats, hoping that Marie, Berlioz and Toulouse can make it home in time to foil evil Edgar’s plan! This is the last film that Walt Disney approved himself and is still as much a hit today with kids, as it was when it was released in 1970. It is rated G and will be appreciated by even the youngest animal lovers.
8. Homeward Bound
It is never a more traumatic day in the life of a pet as the one where their loving owner goes for an extended holiday. This film follows a family from the perspective of the pets as they move to a city and leave the animals on a farm. Although most pets would succumb to their fate, Chance, Shadow and Sassy take matters into their own hands and go on an adventure to be reunited with their beloved family. This adventure is G rated and suitable for all members of the family.
7. Beethoven
This adorable St. Bernard manages to capture the attention of the Newtown family and although the father George Newton (Charles Grodin) doesn’t immediately take a liking to the pet, over time Beethoven manages to become a valuable member of the family helping everyone through various issues that they are facing. Beethoven is rated PG so it is recommended that an adult hangs around for a few of the films darker moments.
6. Babe
A delicious film involving an adorable little pig who is convinced that he is a sheepdog. Certainly not a film to be missed by anyone in the family, Babe has a G rating.
5. Charlotte’s Web
An animated classical musical, Charlotte’s web is an adaptation of E.B. White’s book of the same name and follows Wilbur a young pig that befriends a spider named Charlotte. The film is rated G and is appropriate for younger viewers.
4. Free Willy
Not all the films that are focused on the relationship between people and animals focuses on land faring creatures. Free Willy explores the bond between a boy and a whale and questions whether certain animals should be kept in captivity. This heart-warming tale is rated PG.
3. 101 Dalmatians
Another novel adaptation, this time written by Dodie Smith, 101 Dalmatians centres around a plot to kidnap puppies in order to create the perfect fur coat. It explores in a family friendly way how cruelty can be a product of excessive consumption. This is a great G rated animated film for the whole family.
2. Lassie Come Home
This is the movie that started it all. A family who has been adversely effected by the depression in Britain is forced to sell their beloved pet to make ends meet but Lassie doesn’t have a bar of this and sets off on her own to find her real family. A great G rated classic.
1. Lady and the Tramp
In 1955 this film changed how people would see spaghetti and meatballs forever. Who wouldn’t be taken in by the love story between two pooches from completely different worlds, one being a housebroken lady and a scraggly tramp that takes his girl out on dates in alleys behind Italian restaurants. With a G rating, Lady and the Tramp is definitely a film that no member of the family should miss.
10. Cats & Dogs
There is no greater battle that can rage than that over the question of whether dogs or cats are superior. The film Cats & Dogs explores this in a spyesque narrative that has an underground war raging between felines and pooches – the super villain Mr Tinkles exemplifying exactly how adorably diabolical cats can be. The film is rated PG and does contain some fairly action packed scenes but is likely to be a great spy thriller for the kids.
9. The Aristocats
A tale of aristocracy, excess, and an inheritance plot masterminded by an evil butler, the Aristocats is sure to have the entire family on the edge of their seats, hoping that Marie, Berlioz and Toulouse can make it home in time to foil evil Edgar’s plan! This is the last film that Walt Disney approved himself and is still as much a hit today with kids, as it was when it was released in 1970. It is rated G and will be appreciated by even the youngest animal lovers.
8. Homeward Bound
It is never a more traumatic day in the life of a pet as the one where their loving owner goes for an extended holiday. This film follows a family from the perspective of the pets as they move to a city and leave the animals on a farm. Although most pets would succumb to their fate, Chance, Shadow and Sassy take matters into their own hands and go on an adventure to be reunited with their beloved family. This adventure is G rated and suitable for all members of the family.
7. Beethoven
This adorable St. Bernard manages to capture the attention of the Newtown family and although the father George Newton (Charles Grodin) doesn’t immediately take a liking to the pet, over time Beethoven manages to become a valuable member of the family helping everyone through various issues that they are facing. Beethoven is rated PG so it is recommended that an adult hangs around for a few of the films darker moments.
6. Babe
A delicious film involving an adorable little pig who is convinced that he is a sheepdog. Certainly not a film to be missed by anyone in the family, Babe has a G rating.
5. Charlotte’s Web
An animated classical musical, Charlotte’s web is an adaptation of E.B. White’s book of the same name and follows Wilbur a young pig that befriends a spider named Charlotte. The film is rated G and is appropriate for younger viewers.
4. Free Willy
Not all the films that are focused on the relationship between people and animals focuses on land faring creatures. Free Willy explores the bond between a boy and a whale and questions whether certain animals should be kept in captivity. This heart-warming tale is rated PG.
3. 101 Dalmatians
Another novel adaptation, this time written by Dodie Smith, 101 Dalmatians centres around a plot to kidnap puppies in order to create the perfect fur coat. It explores in a family friendly way how cruelty can be a product of excessive consumption. This is a great G rated animated film for the whole family.
2. Lassie Come Home
This is the movie that started it all. A family who has been adversely effected by the depression in Britain is forced to sell their beloved pet to make ends meet but Lassie doesn’t have a bar of this and sets off on her own to find her real family. A great G rated classic.
1. Lady and the Tramp
In 1955 this film changed how people would see spaghetti and meatballs forever. Who wouldn’t be taken in by the love story between two pooches from completely different worlds, one being a housebroken lady and a scraggly tramp that takes his girl out on dates in alleys behind Italian restaurants. With a G rating, Lady and the Tramp is definitely a film that no member of the family should miss.