Best Dog Movie on Netflix: Top Picks for 2026
best dog movie on netflix
Top Dog Movies on Netflix Right Now
The best dog movie on Netflix right now is Dog Gone (2023)--a true story of a father and son hiking the Appalachian Trail to find their lost dog. Close behind are Rescued by Ruby, Benji, and White Fang. All four deliver loyalty, heart, and real adventure.
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Dog Gone: The Heart-Tugging True Story That Tops the List
A father and son hit the Appalachian Trail after their beloved Gonker disappears. Based on real events, this film earns every tear. If you've ever sprinted through a neighborhood calling your dog's name at dusk, you'll feel this one in your chest.
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Rescued by Ruby: A Shelter Dog's Path to Hero Status
Ruby--a scrappy shelter dog nobody wanted--becomes a Rhode Island State Police K-9. This one hits differently when you know rescue dogs change lives daily. It's one of the strongest new dog movies on Netflix for anyone who believes every dog deserves a shot.
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Benji: Classic Loyalty in a Modern Reboot
A stray dog saves two kids in danger. Simple premise, powerful execution. Benji proves loyalty needs no pedigree--and it's a perfect pick for families with young children who are just learning what dogs really mean.
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White Fang: Wilderness Adventure and Unbreakable Bonds
This animated adaptation follows a wolf-dog through the rugged Yukon. Stunning visuals, a quiet emotional punch, a bond forged through hardship. Outdoor-loving dog families will feel this one in their bones.
Why These Dog Movies Hit Home for Dog Parents
The Real Stories Behind the Screen
Dog Gone and Rescued by Ruby are based on true events--and that changes everything. Real dogs, real stakes, real love. These aren't manufactured tearjerkers. They're mirrors of what rescue advocates and dog parents experience every day. I've watched both, and I sobbed through both. No shame.
Family Bonding That Strengthens Your Pack
Watching these films together--kids included--opens conversations about compassion, commitment, and caring for animals. Dogs are family. Full stop. These stories remind everyone in the room exactly why.
Plan the Perfect Dog Movie Night at Home
Setting the Scene for You and Your Dog
- Pull your dog's bed next to the couch so they feel included--not sidelined.
- Keep a water bowl nearby, especially after evening walks.
- Dim the lights; dogs settle faster in calm environments.
- Clip your Washable, Waterproof & Stink Proof Dog Leashes by the door for a quick post-movie walk.
Snacks That Keep Everyone Happy
For your dog: apple slices, plain popcorn (no butter, no salt), or frozen peanut butter bites. For you: whatever pairs well with an emotional dog movie on Netflix and sixty pounds of Lab sprawled across your lap.
Take the Adventure Off-Screen: Real Trips With Your Dog
Pack Like the Heroes Do
Dog Gone will make you want to hit a trail the morning after watching it. We get it. Pack smart before you go: your dog's collar with ID tags, fresh water, a collapsible bowl, your Rubyloo Dog Travel Bag, and Washable, Waterproof & Stink Proof Dog Leashes built for mud, creek crossings, and everything the trail can throw at you.
Safety Tips Before You Hit the Trail
Check trail regulations before arrival--many require leashes at all times. Bring your Rubyloo Pet First Aid Kit. Know your dog's limits on distance and heat. The movies make adventure look effortless. Real preparation is what keeps it fun.
Gear Built for the Adventures You're Planning
Built for Real Dog-Parent Life
From airline-ready Dog Travel Bags to rust-resistant leash hardware, we build gear that holds up--shipped from a woman-owned U.S. small business that started with one rescue dog named Ruby and a lot of road trips that went sideways.
Every Purchase Does More
Every Rubyloo order supports the Every Dog Should Have a Home initiative, funding shelters and donating gear so more dogs find forever families. Shop with purpose.
Ready When You Are
Queue up a dog movie on Netflix tonight, then shop Rubyloo gear for your next real-life adventure. Your dog's already waiting by the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any good dog movies on Netflix?
Absolutely! As a dog parent, I can tell you Netflix has some truly heartwarming dog movies. The article highlights Dog Gone, Rescued by Ruby, Benji, and White Fang as top picks, each celebrating the incredible bond we share with our pups. These films are perfect for a cozy night in with your furry family member.
What are the best dog movies on Netflix right now?
For me, the best dog movie on Netflix right now is Dog Gone, a true story about a father and son searching for their lost dog. Close contenders include Rescued by Ruby, Benji, and the animated White Fang. Each of these dog movies on Netflix beautifully captures the loyalty and adventure that define our relationships with dogs.
What is the newest movie on Netflix about a dog?
The newest and top-rated dog movie on Netflix is Dog Gone, released in 2023. It's a truly moving, true story about a father and son who hike the Appalachian Trail to find their beloved dog, Gonker, after he goes missing. This film really shows how far we'll go for our dogs.
What is the most loyal dog movie on Netflix?
When it comes to loyalty, many of the dog movies on Netflix shine, but Benji is a classic for a reason, showing a stray dog saving two kids. Dog Gone also powerfully illustrates unconditional loyalty, as a family goes to extraordinary lengths to find their lost companion. These stories truly reflect the unwavering devotion our dogs show us every day.
How can I make a dog movie night special at home?
Making dog movie night special is all about comfort for everyone! Pull your dog's bed next to the couch, keep a water bowl nearby, and dim the lights for a calm environment. For post-movie adventures, have your Washable, Waterproof & Stink Proof Dog Leashes ready by the door, because our dogs are always ready for action.
Are any of these dog movies based on true stories?
Yes, two of the top dog movies on Netflix are based on incredible true stories! Dog Gone recounts a real-life search for a lost dog on the Appalachian Trail, and Rescued by Ruby tells the inspiring tale of a shelter dog becoming a Rhode Island State Police K-9. These films are especially touching because they mirror the real love and dedication dog parents and rescue advocates experience.