Dogs have forever been the loyal, lovable support animals for the main characters in books and movies. But what if they got a chance to be the main character? What would it be like to see the world through their eyes? Here are six books and movies where the dogs were the main characters.
A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron – Bailey
In A Dog’s Purpose, a dog is reincarnated throughout multiple lives, his most fulfilling as a golden retriever named Bailey and his relationship with a young boy named Ethan. Although Bailey lives other lives after Bailey’s, he never forgets Ethan, and continues to search for him in a poignant and moving journey.
Adapted into a movie of the same name, viewers got to see through Bailey’s eyes, gaining insight into how dogs view the world around them. W. Bruce Cameron continued Bailey’s tale in A Dog’s Journey.
Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – Dan and Ann
In this 1967 novel, a boy named Billy saves up money to buy two redbone coonhounds: Old Dan and Little Ann, and trains them to hunt in the Ozarks. The two dogs soon become the talk of the town, and their quick captures are legendary.
Their bond between the three is especially moving, and the dogs’ love for Billy is heartwarming as they protect him from all the dangers that arise while hunting. When an unfortunate tragedy strikes, we follow Billy’s impactful journey to healing.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London – Buck
In this wintery adventure, a normal, domestic dog named Buck is kidnapped from his home in Santa Clara Valley and forced to become a sledge dog in Yukon, Canada.
Told from Buck’s perspective, The Call of the Wild is an inspiring tale of adaptation and survival. Made into several film adaptations, we get to follow along with Buck’s journey through the snow and his fight to get back home.
101 Dalmatians (Live Action) – The Dalmatians
In this Disney classic based on a book by the same name, a family of Dalmatians have to escape the clutches of the evil fashion designer Cruella De Vil, who wants to make them into fur coats. The book follows the dalmatians Pongo and Perdita as they meet and start a family alongside their humans, Roger and Anita.
In the 2009 live-action film starring Glenn Close as Cruella, we get to see from both the dogs and the humans’ perspectives in a funny and entertaining movie. Unlike its animated counterpart, the dogs do not speak in the live-action film, but their actions are just as comical.
The Secret Life of Pets – Max and Duke
This animated Pixar film focuses on the day-to-day lives of house pets after their owners go to work. The movie shows the amusing, expected actions of pets, such as barking at squirrels and eating food that animals aren’t supposed to have. In an amusing twist, the movie also shows the pets watching TV, listening to heavy metal, and more funny activities.
When the two main dogs, Max and Duke, get kidnapped, the rest of their friends, including a lazy cat, an anxious hamster, and a fearless eagle, go on a journey to rescue them. Filled with adventure and humor, this movie has a unique twist on what pets do when their owners aren’t around.
Hotel for Dogs – Friday
In this live-action film, two siblings and their lovable, family dog, Friday, renovate an abandoned hotel for stray dogs to have a place to stay off the street. Through the use of complicated and whimsical gadgets, the two children manage to feed and care for all these dogs, but soon their hotel draws the attention of the neighbors.
Risking shutdown, the children and Friday have to do their best to hide all the dogs. The bond the children form with those dogs is touching as they fight to not let them end back up on the streets.
Thanks to these furry main characters, we get to see the dogs’ perspectives of the lives we live in entertaining, but eye-opening ways.
For more animal-related recommendations, click here.
These books and more can be found on our Book to Screen Adaptations for Your Viewing and Reading Pleasure shelf at Bookshop.
