5 Saddest Movies For Dog Lovers to Avoid (Unless You Want to Cry)

There is an interesting phenomenon. People are much more easily moved by stories about animals than by stories about people. Maybe that's why we tend to cry at every dog movie. These five movies about canine friends are sure to move you to tears.

Where the Red Fern Grows (1974, 6.9 on IMDb)

Available on: Peacock, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Adapted from Wilson Rawls' novel of the same name, this drama film centers on Billy Coleman, a teenage boy with a great passion for coon dogs and coon hunting. Since his family cannot afford to buy the dogs, the twelve-year-old takes on multiple jobs and over time saves enough money to buy two puppies, for which he has to travel thirty miles to another town, and patiently trains them to become the best hunters in his area.

Marley & Me (2008, 7.0 on IMDb)

Available on: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Based on John Grogan's memoir, this comedy-drama stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as John and Jenny Grogan, newlyweds who, after moving from cold Michigan to sunny Florida, adopt the eponymous golden retriever puppy to test if they're ready for a child. Grown-up Marley wreaks havoc on their lives, but gives John plenty to write about in his newspaper column and becomes an integral part of their growing family.

Old Yeller (1957, 7.2 on IMDb)

Available on: Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Adapted from Fred Gibson's novel of the same name, the film follows Travis, a teenage boy who, in his father's absence, takes a job in the cornfield where he meets a Black Mouth Cur, whom he names Old Yeller because the dog's braking sounds like human screaming. Initially skeptical of the dog, Travis eventually bonds with it, but their friendship is doomed when tragedy strikes.

A Dog's Purpose (2017, 7.2 on IMDb)

Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Based on W. Bruce Cameron's book of the same name, this adventure film tells the fascinating story of a puppy named Bailey whose soul is reincarnated in various dogs with very different fates as Bailey's incarnations travel across the US in search of his original owner, Ethan. This is a moving story of friendship, love, loyalty and family that will touch even the most resilient of viewers.

The Plague Dogs (1982, 7.7 on IMDb)

Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Inspired by Richard Adams' novel of the same name, this animated drama follows Rowf and Snitter, two dogs who escape from a British research facility and are hunted down as possible carriers of the bubonic plague. The film highlights the cruelty of animal experimentation and the fact that animals have minds and feelings of their own.