Golden Retrievers are one of the most commonly seen dog breeds on the big and small screen, and it's not hard to see why. As one of the world's most beloved breeds, cinema buffs can't resist those big brown eyes, lovable smiles and gorgeous fur coats!
As one of the most trainable dog breeds, these pups adapt to their on-screen roles easily, making them some of the most skilled actors in the canine world! From action flicks to feel-good romps, these dogs have graced our screens for decades, and there's no shortage of movies to watch if you want to scratch that Goldie itch.
Here are 15 awesome Golden Retriever movies that fully display this breed's goofy and lovable nature.
1. "Air Bud" (1997)
We can't have a list of famous Golden Retriever movies without mentioning "Air Bud." It's the quintessential feel-good dog movie about a dog that dominated the basketball court.
Most don't realize that the dog in the film truly could play basketball! The titular Golden Retriever was a dog actor named Buddy, and the makers of this movie took advantage of Buddy's real-world skills to develop the film.
"Air Bud" is an inspirational flick that many still love today. It was so successful that it spawned several franchises. The original "Air Bud" series features five films centered around sports like football, volleyball, baseball and soccer.
2. "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" (1993)
If you want to watch a movie that simultaneously makes you cry while screaming at your TV as you cheer dogs on, "Homeward Bound: An Incredible Journey" has you covered.
This movie features a trio of pets, an elderly Golden Retriever, a rambunctious American Bulldog and a posh cat, as they travel through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reunite with their family.
It's a harrowing flick full of action and nail-biting moments. From the cat Sassy getting swept away in a river to the absolutely devastating end where the Golden Retriever Shadow struggles to free himself from a hole, it'll have you on the edge of your seat.
3. "A Dog's Purpose" (2017)
Here's another movie that may have you sobbing by the end. It's a heartwarming story about a dog that goes through many different reincarnations throughout its owner's life.
The dog, Bailey, begins as a Golden Retriever when it first touches the life of its human. However, it later reincarnates as other breeds, including a Yorkshire Terrier and Beagle mix.
The film highlights what many people believe: that dogs are put on this earth to provide unconditional love and support to humans. It's a beautiful tale that many dog lovers can relate to.
4. "The Art of Racing in the Rain" (2019)
"The Art of Raving in the Rain" is a comedy-drama based on a best-selling book. From the opening scene, you'll be in tears! The movie follows a Golden Retriever named Enzo.
At the start of the movie, he's old and barely able to move. However, the film takes us back to his earlier life, where we see how he entered the lives of his humans. The story follows Enzo and his family, providing a view of life through a dog's perspective.
It's a tale of unconditional love and family told through a dog's eyes. What's not to love?
5. "For the Love of a Dog" (2007)
Here's a lesser-known movie that deserves more attention than it got. "For the Love of a Dog" is about a community that bands together to help a dog in need. The dog in question, a Golden Retriever, needs an expensive but life-saving surgery.
Its owner can't afford it, so a group of primarily teenagers works to raise the necessary funds to help this poor dog. It's heart-warming and shows the importance of helping those in need, even our furry friends.
6. "The Retrievers" (2001)
This early 2000s film is a feel-good family comedy everyone can enjoy. It's about a dog named Pilot that finds her forever home with a great family. However, things change when Pilot gives birth to a litter of puppies.
The family has no choice but to give away the pups. Pilot and the rest of the family later realize their mistake and quest to get those pups back!
7. "The Parent Trap" (1998)
A remake of the 1961 film of the same name, "The Parent Trap" was a huge hit when it came out in 1998. It stars a young Lindsay Lohan playing two roles–twins separated at birth who later swap places.
One of the twins has a Golden Retriever named Sammy. While Sammy isn't at the center of the plot, his unwavering loyalty to his owner allows him to spot an imposter even when the twins fool everyone else!
8. "Air Buddies" (2006)
"Air Buddies" is a spin-off film of the original "Air Bud" movie. What's better than one sports-playing Goldie? An entire litter of them! The movie centers around a lonely teen boy and a litter of talented puppies.
Unlike the original "Air Bud" movie, this one features anthropomorphic dogs. They all speak and feature many famous voice actors, including Don Knotts and Michael Clark Duncan.
This direct-to-video movie is cute enough to give you those warm and cozy feelings when watching. While it didn't reach the peaks of success as "Air Bud," it did lead to a long-lasting franchise. There are a total of seven "Buddies" films, each with a unique theme and increasingly silly plot.
9. "Napoleon" (1995)
"Napoleon" is another film that flew under the radar, but it's well worth the watch! It's about a young Golden Retriever puppy living in the lap of luxury in a city. However, it dreams of being a wild dog.
One day, it's swept away in a balloon-lined basket with its cockatoo friend, Birdo. The two end up in the wilderness, where they encounter many challenges and wild animals.
10. "You've Got Mail" (1998)
This rom-com classic features a lovable Goldie named Brinkley. Brinkley isn't the star of the movie, but he's a faithful sidekick who often steals the show.
Brinkley is the dog of Tom Hanks' Joe, who falls in love with a pen pal he emails frequently. As Joe goes through the anxiety of waiting for emails from his pen pal, Brinkley is there to provide his ongoing love and support.
11. "Golden Winter" (2012)
Here's a great movie to watch with the family over the holidays. It features a litter of adorable Golden Retriever puppies. A young boy finds these homeless pups around the holiday season, befriending them and providing much-needed love. In turn, the puppies help the boy foil a bank robbery just in time for Christmas!
12 ."Cybermutt" (2003)
"Cybermutt" is a comedy flick with some science fiction fun. It's about a Golden Retriever named Rex who faithfully saves the life of a scientist. The scientist, so enamored with the dog and thankful for the life-saving action, decides to turn Rex into a bionic dog with superpowers!
Instead of a normal Goldie, Rex becomes a super dog with super strength, super speed and infrared vision. It's a ridiculously fun movie that anyone can laugh at.
13. "The Trial of Old Drum" (2000)
"The Trial of Old Drum" is a heartwarming movie inspired by real-world events. It's about a dog accused of killing sheep and put on trial. It's a story about love between a child and a dog.
The real events that inspired the film are much bleaker, but this makes things much more palatable for family viewing. Fun fact: The real case led to the saying, "A man's best friend is his dog."
14. "Pick of the Litter" (2018)
"Pick of the Liter" is a unique film that dives into the world of guide dogs. It's a documentary, so there's no fictional story involved. However, there's plenty of heart and tons of things to learn.
The documentary follows a litter of Golden Retrievers from birth. We see them enter this world and eventually begin their journey to becoming guide dogs for the blind.
It's an educational movie experience that helps you appreciate everything it takes to become a successful guide dog.
15. "Army Dog" (2016)
This lesser-known movie didn't make much of a splash when it came out in 2016. However, it's a heartwarming flick with a Goldie at the center of the plot. In this movie, an Army sergeant returns home with his bomb-sniffing dog, Conner. The bond the two have is strong, maybe too strong for the sergeant's daughter to accept.
The sergeant sets up a camping trip for the three to bond. But when the unexpected happens, the three are suddenly faced with immense danger. The Golden Retriever Conner works alongside the dad-and-daughter duo to make it out of the camping trip alive.
Movie Night With a Goldie Twist
Whether you have a Golden Retriever of your own, dream of having one or hold onto memories of a pup you loved in the past, these flicks will melt your heart. Goldies are some of the most loyal dogs around, and these movies highlight everything that makes the breed so special.
Give these films a watch and see which one is your favorite!
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