There’s something about a great dog movie that just works. Maybe it’s the loyalty, the chaos, or the way these stories manage to be funny, heartfelt, and occasionally devastating all at once. For National Puppy Day on March 23, it’s the perfect excuse to lean into that energy, with or without your own four-legged co-star curled up next to you.
This list rounds up a mix of animated favorites, quirky comedies, and newer releases that celebrate dogs in all their messy, lovable glory. From show dogs and superheroes to unexpected friendships, each one brings something different to the table, but all of them understand the assignment: make you smile, maybe tear up a little, and remind you why dogs always steal the show.
Bolt
Bolt follows a white German Shepherd who believes he has superpowers thanks to his starring role in a TV series. When he accidentally gets shipped across the country, he’s forced to navigate the real world without his “powers,” teaming up with a street-smart cat and a hamster who’s way too into his TV persona. What starts as a mission to get home turns into something more grounded… and a lot more real.
When it hit theaters, Bolt was seen as a turning point for Disney Animation, arriving during a stretch where the studio was trying to rediscover its footing. Critics responded well to its mix of humor and heart, especially the way it balanced action with a more emotional story about identity and perception. It didn’t reinvent the genre, but it reminded audiences that Disney still knew how to tell a story that sticks.
Over time, Bolt has become one of those underrated Disney entries that quietly holds up. It taps into the universal idea of figuring out who you are when everything you thought was true isn’t. For National Puppy Day, it’s an easy pick: adventurous, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Stream Bolt on Disney+ here.
Puppy Love (2024)
Puppy Love centers on two wildly incompatible people who meet through a dating app and then, through a series of chaotic events, end up co-parenting a dog. What begins as an obligation quickly turns into something more complicated, as the responsibility of caring for a puppy forces them to confront their own issues and, maybe, each other.
As a newer release, Puppy Love didn’t arrive with blockbuster expectations, but it found its footing with streaming audiences looking for something light and relatable. The film leans into rom-com familiarity, but the dog element gives it just enough of a twist to feel current and shareable.
There’s a reason this kind of story works. Dogs have a way of speeding up emotional growth whether you’re ready or not. That idea gives the movie a bit more weight than expected, especially for viewers who’ve ever had a pet change their routine (and their priorities) overnight.
Stream Puppy Love on Prime Video here.
Best in Show
Christopher Guest’s Best in Show dives into the absurd world of competitive dog shows, following a group of eccentric owners and their equally unique dogs as they prepare for the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. The mockumentary format gives it a loose, improvisational feel that perfectly matches its offbeat humor.
Critics embraced the film for its sharp writing and ensemble cast, which includes some of the most recognizable names in comedy. It didn’t rely on big laughs so much as perfectly timed awkwardness, which helped it stand out and build a loyal following over time. In the style of A Mighty Wind, this tale will stay a quotable memory for years to come.
Years later, Best in Show is still one of the most quoted and beloved comedies in its niche. It captures something very real about the way people project onto their pets, just turned up enough to make it hilarious. For National Puppy Day, it’s the perfect reminder that sometimes the humans are the weirdest part of the equation.
Stream Best in Show on Netflix here.
Hotel for Dogs
Hotel for Dogs tells the story of two siblings who secretly transform an abandoned hotel into a haven for stray dogs. As they take in more and more pups, the operation grows into something bigger (and harder to hide) leading to a race against time to keep their furry residents safe.
The film was designed with younger audiences in mind, and it delivered lots of dogs, lots of chaos, and a feel-good message about compassion and responsibility. While critics were mixed, families gravitated toward its energy and heart.
It’s the kind of movie that thrives on its premise alone. Give kids a building full of dogs and the freedom to run it, and you’ve got instant entertainment. But underneath that, there’s a simple message about giving animals a second chance that makes it an easy pick for a day like this.
Stream Hotel for Dogs on Fubo here.
Stream Hotel for Dogs on DIRECTV here.
Stream Hotel for Dogs on Plex here.
Dog Man
Based on the popular graphic novel series, Dog Man brings its half-dog, half-human hero to life in a story that blends superhero action with goofy humor. The character, created after a police officer and his dog are combined into one being, sets out to fight crime in ways that are as ridiculous as they are effective.
The film taps into an existing fanbase that already loves the books, and that built-in audience helped drive its early popularity. Its humor skews younger, but the fast pace and absurd premise give it a broader appeal than you might expect.
There’s something inherently fun about seeing a literal mashup of man and dog trying to do the right thing. It’s chaotic in the best way, making it a fitting addition to a lineup that celebrates dogs not just as companions, but as full-blown stars.
Stream Dog Man on Netflix here.