7 Sad Movies to Watch like Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Dogs have earned the title of “Man’s Best Friend” due to several reasons, including being highly social, enjoying the company of humans, being loyal and protective, having an inherent ability to sense and respond to their owner’s emotions, providing comfort and support when needed and most importantly often risking their lives to protect their owners.
And therefore, it’s always heartwarming to watch movies centered around dogs; Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is one such movie, among many others. Hachi: A captures the bond between a loyal dog and his owner, based on the true story of an Akita dog who remains faithful to his owner even after passing. The story depicts the dog’s undying loyalty as he waits for his owner at a Tokyo train station every day for nine years. Hachi’s story is a testament to the unique and unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.
If you want similar emotional rollercoaster movies celebrating the beauty of unconditional love between dogs and humans, check out these seven other sad movies.
These movies share similarities with Hachi, telling stories of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice that tug at our heartstrings. Get ready to cry as you watch these films that remind us of the deep connection between humans and their pets.
7 Sad Movies to Watch like Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
Old Yeller (1957)
Old Yeller, perhaps our collection’s most emblematic heartrending dog movie, features a scene that never fails to tug at viewers’ heartstrings and leave them in tears. Adapted from the novel of the same title, this movie was released in 1957 and has since become a timeless classic. It takes place on a Texas ranch shortly after the Civil War and follows the story of a boy named Travis (Tommy Kirk) and a stray dog that transforms his life.
Where to Watch: Disney +, or you can rent it on Apple+ or Youtube.
Marley & Me (2009)
Marley & Me plot revolves around John Grogan’s autobiographical book, chronicling his family’s life with their pet dog, Marley, who he labeled the “world’s worst dog.” The Grogans, played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, adopt Marley as a misbehaved puppy, unaware of the chaos he would bring into their lives. As the family faces numerous challenges, Marley’s comical shenanigans provide comic relief and a poignant reminder of their dependence on him.
Where to Watch: Its available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
In A Dog’s Purpose, we follow a dog’s journey (Josh Gad) as he reincarnates through five different lifetimes, each offering a new perspective on the meaning of life. The movie depicts the dog’s varied experiences with other humans, leading to diverse conclusions about his purpose.
Loyalty and determination are the central themes of this poignant film, as the dog encounters both kind and cruel owners who shape his life in different ways. Despite his challenges, the determined pup never gives up on his quest to uncover the true meaning of existence, resulting in a touching and uplifting dog movie.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Lassie (2005)
The 2005 film “Lassie,” tells the family adventure story of a dog named Lassie and a child who play together in the grass. Despite being sold by her family and relocated far away, Lassie is determined to find her way back home to them.
Though the journey is heart-wrenching, the film ends on a happy note, relieving viewers. Directed by Charles Sturridge, the movie also features notable actors such as Peter Dinklage from Game of Thrones and boasts stunning scenic shots that will impress.
Where to Watch: You can watch it on Youtube for free.
A Dog’s Way Home (2019)
A 2019 adventure drama titled “A Dog’s Way Home” follows the journey of Shelby, a dog who can communicate with humans, as she embarks on a long journey to find her owner after being separated from him by miles. Reminiscent of the classic Lassie tale, the movie is emotionally gripping, showcasing Shelby’s determination to reunite with her owner.
Despite the heart-wrenching moments, the film culminates in a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion, underscoring the unwavering love and loyalty that dogs offer their owners. Directed by Charles Martin Smith, “A Dog’s Way Home” is a poignant story that one can enjoy watching with loved ones.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Togo (2019)
Togo, the 2019 movie directed by Ericson Core, starring Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala, tells the story of a musher, Leonhard Seppala, who embarks on a treacherous journey across Alaska to deliver life-saving serum during a diphtheria outbreak in 1925, Based on the true story of Togo, a sled dog who led his team through harsh conditions and treacherous terrain to cover the relay’s most extended and most dangerous leg.
The movie captures the intense bond between Togo and his owner Seppala, as they navigate through icy rivers, blizzards, and rough terrain to deliver the serum in time. Along the way, they encounter challenges that test their endurance, courage, and loyalty.
“Togo” is a heartwarming and inspiring movie showcasing the human spirit’s resilience and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Even if you’re not a dog lover, this movie will leave you rooting for Togo and his team as they brave the elements to save lives.
Where to Watch: Disney +
Turner & Hooch (1989)
Turner & Hooch is the ultimate movie featuring a cop and his four-legged partner. While the premise may seem comical, with an uptight police investigator (Tom Hanks) teaming up with a slobbery and disobedient Dogue de Bordeaux, who is a witness to its owner’s murder, to catch an unknown criminal, the movie manages to create a believable bond between the owner and his furry friend.
The humor primarily stems from the animal’s slapstick antics, such as Hooch wreaking havoc inside Hanks’ car or drooling all over his CD collection and entertainment center. Despite the movie’s absurd moments, Turner & Hooch establishes a genuinely affectionate relationship between the duo.
Despite being a comedy, the movie takes a surprising heartbreaking turn in the end. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, Turner & Hooch is a movie that successfully balances humor and emotions and is a must-watch for fans of the cop-and-canine-partner genre.
