Before we get started, let’s get this straight: Real men cry. Granted, not a lot can achieve this, and only a few things are surefire ways to incite tears: Tony Stark’s death, UAAP finals, and of course, dog films. We’re celebrating male emotions with some dog films that will surely pull at your heartstrings, and if they don’t, then you probably don’t have one (a heart, that is).
In no particular order, here are the dog films that will unearth all the feels and incite some ugly crying. Prepare yourself.
Spoiler: Most of them die.
1| Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
A loyal Akita plus Richard Gere? There aren’t enough tissues in the world for us right now.
2| Hachiko Monogatari
Every dog lover knows that Hachiko is a true story, so the original Japanese film is getting us all sorts of emotional.
3| Marley and Me
Even the world’s worst dog will pull at your heartstrings.
4| A Dog’s Purpose
It’s like the producers’ intention was to make entire theaters cry.
5| A Dog’s Journey
How can a trailer make you teary-eyed? Damn you, Dennis Quaid.
6| Eight Below
As if seeing a young Paul Walker wasn’t enough to squeeze your heart, they added eight sled dogs to the mix.
7| The Art of Racing in the Rain
Dogs, cars, and a lead pup voiced by Kevin Costner? Pass the tissues, please.
8| Old Yeller
To quote the great Phoebe Buffay, “Hey Travis, whatcha doing with that gun?”
9| White Fang
Everyone’s a sucker for the fierce wolfdog tamed by Ethan Hawke.
10| Where the Red Fern Grows
This is the one film where we’re all right with Disney rewriting the ending. The fate of the dogs in the books is way too tragic to mention.
Now watch them all back to back. We dare you.