10 Movies & Shows Like Heavy Petting (1989)

Description: Following the journey of a cat and dog who become separated from their home, this film showcases the enduring friendship between different animal species and their shared experiences in the wild.

Fact: The Japanese original version had a narrator telling the story as if to children, while the international version featured Dudley Moore's narration. The film took four years to complete due to the challenges of working with animals.

Description: This family comedy showcases the chaos and love that comes with adopting a giant St. Bernard, emphasizing how pets can completely transform a family's dynamic and bring them closer together.

Fact: The role of Beethoven was played by a real St. Bernard named Chris. The dog was so large that he often accidentally knocked over props and even actors during filming.

Description: An adventure story about three pets traveling across the wilderness to reunite with their family, this film beautifully portrays the determination and loyalty of animals to their human companions.

Fact: The animals' voices were provided by famous actors, but their mouths don't move in the film to maintain realism. The movie is a remake of the 1963 film 'The Incredible Journey'.

Description: A charming tale about a pig who defies expectations by becoming a sheepherder, this film celebrates the intelligence of animals and their ability to form unexpected bonds with humans and other creatures.

Fact: The animal actors were trained using only positive reinforcement methods. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, beating out 'Apollo 13' in that category.

Description: This live-action adaptation focuses on the adventures of a large family of Dalmatians and their human caretakers, highlighting themes of animal rescue and the special connection between pets and their owners.

Fact: Over 230 Dalmatian puppies were used during filming, along with animatronic and CGI dogs. The film's success led to a sequel and a prequel focusing on the villain Cruella de Vil.

Description: The story of a golden retriever with extraordinary basketball skills demonstrates how pets can not only provide companionship but also help humans overcome personal challenges and find purpose.

Fact: The dog who played Buddy was a real-life stray found in California. His ability to play basketball was genuine - he could actually dribble and shoot hoops through extensive training.

Description: This mockumentary-style comedy focuses on the eccentric world of dog shows, highlighting the quirky relationships between pets and their owners. Its humorous take on pet obsession and human-animal bonds makes it a fitting choice.

Fact: The film was largely improvised by the cast, with only a basic outline provided by director Christopher Guest. Many of the dog show contestants featured were real champions.

Description: A touching story about a mischievous Labrador and his impact on a growing family, this film perfectly captures the joys and challenges of pet ownership and the profound effect animals can have on human lives.

Fact: The dog who played Marley was actually a rescue dog found in Arizona. The film was the highest-grossing live-action dog movie of all time until surpassed by 'A Dog's Purpose' in

Description: This heartwarming film explores the deep emotional connections between dogs and their owners across multiple lifetimes. Its focus on loyalty, love, and the unique bond between humans and animals aligns well with the theme.

Fact: The movie is based on the bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron. It sparked controversy during production due to a leaked video showing a distressed dog on set, though the American Humane Association later cleared the filmmakers of wrongdoing.

Description: This animated comedy imagines what pets do when their owners are away, offering a humorous yet insightful look at the personalities and relationships of various animals in a New York City apartment building.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by a short film created by Illumination Entertainment's CEO. It became the highest-grossing original animated film not produced by Disney or Pixar at the time of its release.