Best Labrador Retriever Movies Lab Owners Must See 2025
Lights, camera, Labradors! Get ready to celebrate the wonderful world of Labrador Retrievers on the silver screen and beyond. These intelligent, loyal, and endlessly endearing dogs have captured our hearts both at home and in the movies.
Join us as we explore some of the most memorable film appearances featuring our favorite floppy-eared friends, guaranteed to bring a smile to every labrador owner face!
Here's a list of the movies and TV shows we'll be exploring:
- Old Yeller (1957)
- The Incredible Journey (1963)
- Marley & Me (2008)
- Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (1995)
- Dog Gone (2023)
- Flow (2024)
Old Yeller (1957)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Length: 1h 23min
About the Movie: "Old Yeller" (1957) is a deeply moving story, adapted from the beloved 1956 Newbery Honor Book by Fred Gipson, that explores the powerful bond between humans and dogs, particularly the loyal Lab mix, Old Yeller, and a young boy named Travis on the Texas frontier.
Often cited among the best dog movies, this film's sincere portrayal of friendship, courage, and the bittersweet realities of life resonated deeply with audiences. Much of the filming, despite its Texas setting, took place in the picturesque landscapes of California, including Walt Disney's Golden Oak Ranch.
Notably, "Old Yeller" holds a special place in cinematic history as the first live-action Disney film without animation to be preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry.
Reviews on IMDb consistently praise its emotional depth and the unforgettable connection between boy and his devoted dog.
The Incredible Journey (1963)
Genre: Adventure, Family
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Length: 1h 20min
About the Movie: Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that celebrates the enduring spirit of loyal Labs and the powerful pull of home! "The Incredible Journey" is a captivating film that follows the remarkable trek of three beloved pets – including a determined Labrador Retriever – across the rugged Canadian wilderness to reunite with their family. Inspired by author Sheila Burnford's observation of the real-life bond between her pets, this movie beautifully showcases the bravery and resilience of our furry companions.
Interestingly, while the story is set in Canada, much of the filming took place in the diverse landscapes of Sequim, Washington, USA, with some initial scenes shot in Ontario.
Unlike the later remake, the animals here don't speak, relying entirely on the skillful training to convey their emotions.
A little-known fact is that Muffy, a female Bull Terrier, played the male character Bodger! Director Fletcher Markle aimed for a natural, almost documentary-like feel, emphasizing the genuine animal behavior. Often praised as one of the quintessential animal movies, "The Incredible Journey" beautifully showcases the incredible bond these animals share with their owners.
IMDb reviews frequently highlight the film's heartwarming narrative and the testament it is to the lengths our devoted dogs will go to find their way back to those they love.
Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Lab (1995)
Genre: Adventure, Family, Survival
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Length: 1h 21min
About the Movie: "Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog" (1995) takes you on a breathtaking journey through the stunning wilderness of British Columbia, a setting that presented real-life adventures for the cast and crew amidst its beauty.
The adorable Yellow Dog, primarily played by the very appealing Labrador named Dakotah, had a whole team of yellow lab co-stars – Schroeder, Auggie, Foster, and Linus – each lending their special skills to the role, and even an animatronic stand-in for certain shots! Interesting fact - for those scenes where Yellow's digging for clams, he was actually on a tasty mission for buried doggie snacks!
Keep an eye out for the search and rescue helicopter; it's a CH-113 "Labrador," a fitting ride for a movie with such a wonderful canine companion at its heart.
Interestingly, this beautiful film was the last directorial work of Phillip Borsos, adding a touch of poignancy to its legacy. This family-friendly adventure showcases the devoted dog's intelligence and unwavering companionship as Angus, using his wilderness skills, tries to find their way back home.
IMDb reviews often praise the film's beautiful cinematography and the genuine bond portrayed between the boy and his canine friend, highlighting Yellow's heroic spirit and the powerful message of perseverance. It's a touching story that celebrates the incredible loyalty and resourcefulness that make Labrador Retrievers such cherished companions.
Marley & Me (2008)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Length: 1h 55min
About the Movie: Prepare for a touching and often humorous exploration of canine companionship and the realities of welcoming a high-energy yellow lab into your home! "Marley & Me" (2008) chronicles the life of the Grogan family as they navigate marriage and parenthood alongside their exuberant Labrador Retriever puppy, Marley.
Adapted from John Grogan's popular book, "Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog," this movie beautifully illustrates the ups and downs of raising a Lab, showcasing their loving spirit and occasionally destructive tendencies. Keep an eye out for author John Grogan himself in a cameo during the dog training class.
Amazingly, a whopping twenty-two different yellow Labradors were used to portray Marley throughout his life! For those chaotic chewing scenes, special breakaway props and trained dogs ensured safety and hilarity.
While the story unfolds in Florida and Pennsylvania, filming also took place in Ireland. For a particularly poignant rainy scene, a prosthetic belly was used on the dog actor to enhance the visual of Marley's illness. In a unique promotional tie-in, some scenes were even filmed during a real Miami Marlins baseball game!
Viewer feedback on IMDb often points to the film's ability to elicit a wide range of emotions, from laughter at Marley's antics to tears at the poignant moments of their bond. It's a relatable tale for any pet parent, particularly those who understand the unique and lasting impact a canine friend can have on a family's journey. And hey, thinking about getting a dog for the kids? Maybe show them this first. Just sayin'.
Dog Gone (2023)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Length: 1h 35min
About the Movie: "Dog Gone" (2023) follows the emotional journey of a father and son, portrayed by Rob Lowe and Johnny Berchtold, as they embark on a desperate search for their lost Golden Retriever mix, Gonker, in the vast and challenging Appalachian Trail. This heartwarming film, based on actual events from 1998, showcases the profound connection and unwavering loyalty that any dog owner will deeply understand.
Interestingly, the real-life brother-in-law of the book's author, Fielding Marshall, and the author, Pauls Toutonghi, even appear as extras in the movie, which was filmed in the scenic landscapes of Georgia, standing in for parts of the Appalachian Trail.
Just like a seasoned Hollywood star, the role of Gonker was brought to life by a team of talented Golden Retrievers – three adult dogs and a few adorable puppies for flashbacks! Adding a touch of authenticity, Gonker's charming habit of eating donuts in a peculiar way was a real trait of the actual dog. The urgency in their search is heightened by Gonker's Addison's disease, a real medical condition requiring monthly medication.
Reviews on IMDb highlight the film's heartwarming narrative, the stunning scenery, and the powerful portrayal of hope and determination in the face of adversity.
Composed by the gifted young composer Emily Bear, the score beautifully underscores this incredible journey. It's a testament to the lengths we'll go for our furry family members and the enduring love that binds us to our canine companions.
This film is a must-see for anyone who has ever experienced the worry of a lost pet and the immense joy of their return.
Flow (2024)
Genre: Animation/Adventure/Survival/Family
IMDB rating: 7.9
Length: 1h 25min
About the Movie: Experience a breathtaking and unique animated journey where a resilient cat navigates a post-apocalyptic world, finding an unlikely ally in a loyal Labrador Retriever. "Flow" (2024) captivates with its stunning, dialogue-free visuals and powerful storytelling, making it a must-see for animation enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Labrador retriever plays a significant role and the film beautifully portrays the essence of canine loyalty and the universal language of friendship, offering a heartwarming reminder of the strength found in unexpected bonds.
"Flow's" remarkable success, celebrated with Oscar and Golden Globe wins among its numerous accolades (54 wins and 70 nominations!), is even more impressive considering its modest €3.5 million budget – a tiny fraction compared to giants like Disney's "Tangled" (€260 million). Created with open-source Blender software, "Flow" showcases incredible creative ingenuity, proving that impactful storytelling doesn't require massive resources.
"Flow's" universal themes of environmental awareness, survival, and unity have allowed it to achieve a rare success in the Chinese market, further underscoring its global impact.
If you haven't yet seen it, this is a 'golden nugget' of a movie that will fit people of different backgrounds, languages and ages.
So there you have it, a collection of fantastic films and shows celebrating the wonderful Labrador Retriever! From heartwarming tales of loyalty to exciting adventures, these stories remind us why Labs hold such a special place in our hearts and homes. Whether you're a proud labrador owner or simply a lover of great dog stories, we hope this list has provided some golden (or should we say, yellow, chocolate, or black!) entertainment for your next movie night.
Have we missed any of your favorite Labrador moments on screen? Let us know in the comments below! We're always happy to celebrate these amazing dogs.
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