10 Movies and Shows Similar to Larger Than Life (1996)

Description: 'Beethoven' shares with 'Larger Than Life' the theme of a large animal disrupting and ultimately enriching a family's life. Both films balance slapstick comedy with genuine emotional moments about the value of animals in human lives. The St. Bernard's growing size parallels the literal and figurative 'larger than life' presence of the elephant in the reference film.

Fact: The film spawned a franchise with multiple sequels. Over 100 St. Bernards were used during filming. The dog's slobber was made from a mixture of methylcellulose and food coloring.

Description: Both 'Free Willy' and 'Larger Than Life' feature a strong human-animal bond that leads to personal growth for the human characters. The films share themes of friendship, responsibility, and the idea that animals can change human lives. The emotional climaxes of both movies involve freeing the animal protagonists.

Fact: The orca in the film was played by Keiko, a real-life captive whale. The film sparked a movement to free Keiko, which eventually succeeded. The iconic jumping scene was achieved using an animatronic whale.

Description: Like 'Larger Than Life', this film follows animals on a journey, though in this case to find their human family. Both movies explore themes of loyalty, adventure, and the unbreakable bonds between animals and humans. The animal protagonists in both films demonstrate remarkable intelligence and determination.

Fact: It's a remake of the 1963 film 'The Incredible Journey'. The animals' voices were provided by Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, and Don Ameche. Real animals were used for most scenes, with some animatronics for complex actions.

Description: 'Babe' shares with 'Larger Than Life' the theme of an unlikely animal protagonist overcoming challenges to prove their worth. Both films blend humor and heartwarming moments, showcasing the deep connections between humans and animals. The rural setting and focus on animal intelligence are also common elements.

Fact: 'Babe' was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film used a combination of real animals and animatronics. It was based on the children's book 'The Sheep-Pig' by Dick King-Smith.

Description: Released the same year as 'Larger Than Life', 'Dunston Checks In' similarly features a mischievous animal (an orangutan) causing chaos in a luxury setting. Both films blend physical comedy with heartwarming moments about animal-human relationships. The hotel setting provides a similar contained environment for the animal antics as the circus in 'Larger Than Life'.

Fact: The film features Jason Alexander in one of his first post-Seinfeld roles. Multiple orangutans were used to play Dunston. The movie was shot at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

Description: Like 'Larger Than Life', 'Flipper' focuses on the bond between a human and a charismatic animal. Both films feature aquatic settings and themes of conservation. The dolphin Flipper and the elephant in 'Larger Than Life' both display remarkable intelligence and emotional connections with their human counterparts.

Fact: This was a remake of the 1963 film and 1960s TV series. Elijah Wood starred as the young protagonist. Multiple dolphins were used to portray Flipper in different scenes.

Description: 'Paulie' mirrors 'Larger Than Life' in its road trip structure and focus on an animal with a big personality. Both films explore the journey of an animal trying to find its way home, with comedic and heartfelt moments along the way. The talking parrot Paulie and the elephant in 'Larger Than Life' both serve as catalysts for human character development.

Fact: The parrot's voice was provided by stand-up comedian Jay Mohr. The film was shot in various locations including Los Angeles and New Mexico. It was one of the first films to feature a fully CGI animal character interacting with humans.

Description: This remake shares with 'Larger Than Life' the theme of transformation and seeing the world from an animal's perspective. Both films use fantastical elements (a man turning into a dog, a talking elephant) to explore human relationships and personal growth. The comedic tone and family-friendly approach are similar.

Fact: Tim Allen starred in this remake of the 1959 Disney film. The dog suit took three hours to apply each day. It was the first Disney film to be released under the new Walt Disney Pictures logo.

Description: Like 'Larger Than Life', 'We Bought a Zoo' centers around a life-changing decision involving animals. Both films explore themes of new beginnings, family bonds, and the transformative power of caring for animals. The emotional journeys of the human characters parallel those in 'Larger Than Life'.

Fact: The film is based on a true story. It was directed by Cameron Crowe. Scarlett Johansson learned to handle big cats for her role as a zookeeper.

Description: Similar to 'Larger Than Life' (1996), 'The Secret Life of Pets' explores the bond between humans and animals, albeit in a more comedic and animated fashion. Both films highlight the quirky, unexpected adventures that arise from these relationships, with a focus on the animals' perspectives. The lighthearted tone and emphasis on animal antics make them appealing to family audiences.

Fact: The film was inspired by the creator's own pets. It features an all-star voice cast including Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart. The movie grossed over $875 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of