Tammy Braverman
Tammy is an animal lover, vegan and fashion designer who loves to write about the environment and how to look your best.

Dogs are such a prolific part of Hollywood that they’ve earned three stars on the “Walk of Fame” (no such luck for cats). A great dog movie does what few other films can: remains timeless while surmounting every target market divide — assuming the viewer has a heart. The best films about dogs, however, feature more than meets the eye. The most iconic dog films feature hidden pasts, hilarious faux pas and sordid histories too interesting to be ignored. Click ahead for a recap of some of our favorite canine cinema greats…

“Lady and The Tramp” (1955)

Although it’s animated, “Lady and the Tramp” deserves a spot on the list because of its iconic status. “Lady and the Tramp” was the first Disney film that recruited Hollywood stars for the parts. Actress Peggy Lee co-wrote all the songs voiced by legend Barbra Luddy, who would later go on to provide her voice in “Sleeping Beauty”. It was no secret that Lady stole the hearts of generations, which prompted Lee to sue Disney for unpaid royalties to the tune of $25 million dollars in 1988.

“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)

There isn’t a ’90s kid who wasn’t affected by this tale of bravery and adorableness. The film was a remake of a 1963 film called “The Incredible Journey,” based on a novel by Sheila Burnford that stars the vocal talents of Sally Field and Michael J. Fox. The film reaches all audiences and teaches valuable lessons about keeping hope alive. Two decades after its release, however, the part that sticks out most is the scene below. There is just something about this awkward scene that never gets old.

“Turner and Hooch” (1989)

Tom Hanks brings his A-game and a Dog de Bordeaux to this unforgettable buddy cop romp. Slapstick, tongue-in-cheek comedy reigns as Turner and Hooch save the city from drug runners and gangsters, but behind the scenes things weren’t as easy to wrap up. Henry Winkler, AKA “The Fonz” was originally hired to direct the film, but a rift developed and Winkler was fired 13 days into it. Although the details of the feud are scarce, we’re left wondering what Hooch would have looked like in a leather jacket on a Harley.

“Lassie Come Home” (1943)

If you haven’t seen this film, it’s time. “Lassie Come Home” is the ultimate depression-era ode to perseverance. Lassie’s world was sadly bereft of Petco, PetSafe and a world willing to shell out $52 billion annually for their pets, according to The Atlantic. In Lassie’s heyday, however, this wasn’t a problem. The unpapered Collie, “Pal,” earned a paycheck of $250 per week, dwarfing $100-per-week paycheck the young Elizabeth Taylor earned for the film. In fact, the Collie earned such a sterling reputation that Collie registration jumped from 3,000 to 18,400 in the U.S. after Lassie came out.

Do you have a favorite Hollywood Dog movie? Beverly Hills Chihuahua? Air Bud? Benji? Snoopy Come Home? Leave your comments below…

Beyond the Marquee Guest Writer: Tammy Braverman

Tammy is an animal lover, vegan and fashion designer who loves to write about the environment and how to look your best.