Top Five Children’s Movies About Pets
If there is one thing children and pets have in common, it is their ability to turn an otherwise peaceful household into complete chaos within approximately 12 seconds. So naturally, it makes perfect sense that some of the most entertaining children’s movies feature adorable pets getting into trouble, saving the day, and occasionally making their humans question every life choice that led them to bring an animal home.
Whether your child loves dogs, cats, talking animals, or pets with a suspicious amount of personality, there are plenty of movies that put our furry and feathered friends front and center. Grab some popcorn, gather the kids, and prepare for some serious animal-themed movie magic.
1. The Secret Life of Pets
Ever wondered what your pet does the second you walk out the front door? The Secret Life of Pets takes that question and runs with it.
The movie follows Max, a lovable dog who has his comfortable little routine completely turned upside down when his owner brings home another dog named Duke. Before long, the two dogs find themselves on a wild adventure through New York City.
This movie is perfect for kids because it combines adorable animals, ridiculous situations, and plenty of humor. It also gives pet owners a hilarious excuse to stare suspiciously at their animals afterward and wonder what kind of nonsense they get into while everyone is gone.
2. Clifford the Big Red Dog
You cannot have a list of children's pet movies without mentioning the world's most famous giant red dog.
Clifford the Big Red Dog follows Emily Elizabeth and her enormous canine companion as they navigate life with a dog who is, well, significantly larger than your average family pet. Clifford may be sweet and lovable, but having a dog the size of a small house comes with a few challenges.
For kids, Clifford is a fun reminder that being different isn't a bad thing. Plus, the movie gives families plenty of opportunities to laugh at the idea of having a gigantic dog casually wandering around the house. Forget muddy paw prints. Clifford could probably leave muddy paw continents.
3. Lady and the Tramp
For families looking for a classic, Lady and the Tramp is a timeless favorite.
The story follows Lady, a pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a street-smart dog who knows how to survive on his own. Their very different lives eventually bring them together for an adventure filled with friendship, romance, and plenty of canine mischief.
Of course, one of the most famous moments involves a certain plate of spaghetti. After watching it, your children may suddenly decide that eating spaghetti with a dog is the most romantic thing imaginable. Please remind them that real-life dinner tables have rules.
4. The Adventures of Milo and Otis
If your children love both cats and dogs, The Adventures of Milo and Otis is worth adding to movie night.
The film follows Milo, a curious cat, and Otis, a friendly pug, as they find themselves separated and embark on an adventure while trying to find their way home.
The movie is packed with beautiful scenery, adorable animals, and plenty of adventure. It also captures something kids naturally understand: pets can be incredibly curious. Sometimes that curiosity is charming. Other times, it is the reason your cat is sitting inside the kitchen cabinet for absolutely no reason.
5. 101 Dalmatians
Get ready for spots, puppies, and a whole lot of barking.
101 Dalmatians is a Disney classic featuring Pongo, Perdita, and their enormous collection of puppies. When the puppies are kidnapped by the famously fashionable Cruella de Vil, their parents set out to rescue them.
With dozens of adorable puppies running around, this movie is practically guaranteed to make children say, I want a puppy!
This is also the perfect moment for parents to explain that owning one puppy is a lot of work. Owning 101 puppies is probably less of a pet situation and more of a full-time career.
Movie Night, Anyone?
Pet movies have a special way of bringing families together because they combine two things kids tend to love: animals and adventure. Whether your family prefers giant dogs, mischievous cats, or an entire army of spotted puppies, these movies offer plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.
Just remember to invite your real-life pets to movie night too. They may pretend they are not interested, but give them five minutes and they will probably be asleep on the couch, taking up 90 percent of the available space.
Honestly, they were probably planning to do that anyway.
