Human-Animal relationships are wholesome to experience and witness as they’re at their purest form of love. To help everyone empathise with it, so many directors have given wonderful animal movies with a thrilling plot and heartwarming cast. The movies are so diverse that we get to see a connection between an extinct dinosaur and a human (homo-sapiens weren’t even formed back then!). Thanks to the genius minds of the scriptwriters, the cinephiles have excellent movies featuring real animals trained to act accordingly.
That said, here are certain human-animal relationship movies to watch and catch the feels.
Heartwarming Animal Movies to Watch With Family
Flipper – 1996
When Sandy Ricks (Elijah Wood) leaves to spend his summer with uncle Porter Ricks (Paul Hogan) on an island in Florida, he befriends a dolphin called Flipper. Sandy and the dolphin form a wonderful friendship and have the best summer adventure ever. Previously, Flipper was developed as a series, but the movie marked its place in the cinema industry strongly. You will love watching young Elijah Wood’s brilliant acting at such a young age.
King Kong – 2005
Almost half the world would know about the King Kong movie series because, damn, the vibe between a huge ape breed and a human is something we can’t miss out on. I don’t think the franchise will ever end because there’s so much still to comprehend about the possible breed, Gigantopithecus black, that became extinct. Anyway, inspired by that very specimen, the director created a storyline that cannot forever be matched with ever with any new creation. Never.
The Water Horse – 2007
I watched this movie as a kid, and now, even after years, I can confirm that this is one of the best animal movies that will live in your heart. The young boy’s unique friendship with a mysterious sea monster and the bond he shares even after becoming an old man will move on to tears. The cinematography and the locations look of the utmost aesthetic, and it’s a wonder that the director could give a movie ahead of time.
Mowgli – 2018
Mowgli, not just bags one animal but almost an entire forest to represent the true nature of animals and their affection for a young chap who grew with them. The sacrifices and the battle they all encounter together will surely make the viewers realise how good the old times were when humans used to co-live with the wild and yet feel magnificent. Such a great movie that empathises the feelings of animals.
Marley & Me
Marley & Me is based on the real story of journalist John Grogan. A beautiful family with a pet dog is the concept of this film, but when you watch it, you’ll experience an unexplainable bond the animal has with the humans. The best of friends, Marley and John Grogan (Owen Wilson), set an example that friendship comes in various forms. It’s such a jolly-good movie to watch with family, but remember that the truth hits in the end, so be prepared.
101 Dalmatians – 1996
101 Dalmatians is a classic adaptation of Disney’s animated film involving so many real dogs on-screen. Following the story of fashion designer Anita and computer-game writer Roger, the two set out to retrieve their dalmatian puppies from Cruella De Vil, who is planning to use the dogs’ fur to make a grand coat. When the rescue mission winds up, little do they expect! The movie is a best-fit for kids as well, so enjoy watching this meaningful movie with your family.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale – 2009
Based on the Japanese dog Hachiko’s real story, the American version, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, features famous Hollywood star Richard Gere as a professor who finds an abandoned dog and takes him home. When the two bond, a situation happens to leave the dog waiting for the man to return. You can’t escape from crying when you watch this movie because the ending leaves such a positive and beautiful impact.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Alvin and the Chipmunks isn’t just a movie but is a present computer-generated pop band created by Ross Bagdasarian. In the movie, a guy called Dave finds the three chipmunks and tries to uplift the talent of the animals. However, a greedy music producer Ian lures the animals only to exploit them.
Which movie are you choosing first to stream? Let us know in the comment section!
Also read: International Women’s Day 2023: Films Empowering Women That’ll Fill Your Heart With Pride

