5 Movies Where Pet Loss Grief Is Center Stage
By Angeline Simmons, January 29, 2025
If you’ve experienced pet loss, you know how hard it can hit. For some people, it can be comforting to watch movies depicting the deep bonds we feel with our pets, and the emotions you feel after yours crosses the Rainbow Bridge.
If you haven’t seen the movies below, there are major spoilers listed, so stop reading now if you don’t want to know what happens. But if you’re interested in exploring movies where the dog died and seeing how their best friends handled the grief, read on to find five high-quality films.
1. Marley & Me (2008)
The Ultimate Tearjerker
If you’ve ever owned a dog, chances are you’ve heard of Marley & Me. Based on the memoir by John Grogan, this film follows the life of a mischievous labrador retriever named Marley and his owners, John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Aniston). Marley is a chaotic force of nature — chewing furniture, stealing food, and generally causing havoc — but he’s also a source of unconditional love and joy for his family.
As the movie progresses, Marley grows older, and his health begins to deteriorate. The family faces the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep after he develops a life-threatening illness. The death of Marley is a gut-wrenching moment that perfectly captures the profound pain of losing a pet. This scene resonates deeply with audiences because it’s a universal experience for pet owners, reminding us of the joy our pets bring and the grief that follows their loss.
Why It Hits Hard: Marley’s death is a culmination of years of memories, both chaotic and beautiful. It’s a testament to the love and loyalty pets bring into our lives, making their absence feel like an enormous void.
2. Old Yeller (1957)
An Enduring Classic
No list about heartbreaking pet movies would be complete without Old Yeller. This Disney classic tells the story of a young boy, Travis, and his loyal dog, Old Yeller. Set in 19th-century Texas, the film highlights the bond between a boy and his dog as they navigate life on the frontier.
The story takes a tragic turn when Old Yeller contracts rabies after defending the family from a rabid wolf. In a heart-wrenching scene, Travis is forced to shoot his beloved dog to prevent him from becoming a danger to others. The emotional weight of this moment has made Old Yeller one of the most iconic and devastating pet movies of all time.
Why It Hits Hard: The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, particularly in the rural setting where hard decisions are part of survival. Old Yeller’s death is a painful reminder of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with love.
3. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
The Power of Loyalty
Based on a true story, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is one of the most emotional films about the bond between a pet and its owner. Richard Gere stars as Parker, a college professor who adopts a stray Akita puppy named Hachiko. Over time, Hachi forms an unbreakable bond with Parker, meeting him at the train station every day after work.
The story takes a heartbreaking turn when Parker suddenly dies and never returns to the train station. Despite this, Hachi continues to wait for his owner every day for nearly a decade, until his own death. Although the pet’s death is not shown in a graphic way, the cumulative sadness of Hachi’s unwavering loyalty and eventual passing makes this movie a tearjerker of the highest order.
Why It Hits Hard: Hachi’s devotion transcends death, embodying the purest form of love and loyalty. His death feels like the final chapter in a story of unparalleled companionship.
4. I Am Legend (2007)
A Post-Apocalyptic Heartbreaker
In this dystopian thriller, Will Smith plays Dr. Robert Neville, one of the last surviving humans after a virus wipes out most of the population. His only companion is Sam, a German Shepherd who provides him with emotional support and protection in the dangerous, desolate world.
The bond between Neville and Sam is one of the film’s emotional anchors, making it all the more devastating when Sam becomes infected after defending Neville from mutant creatures. Neville is forced to euthanize her to prevent her from turning into one of the infected. The scene is gut-wrenching, as it marks the loss of Neville’s last connection to his pre-apocalyptic life.
Why It Hits Hard: Sam’s death represents the loss of hope and companionship in an already bleak world. It’s a stark reminder of the sacrifices we make to protect those we love, even when it breaks our hearts.
5. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Life Through a Dog’s Eyes
This touching film, based on the bestselling novel by Garth Stein, is narrated from the perspective of a dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Enzo belongs to Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), a race car driver, and accompanies him through life’s ups and downs — from career triumphs to personal tragedies.
As Enzo grows older, he reflects on his life with Denny and his belief in reincarnation, hoping to return as a human in his next life. In a poignant and beautifully written scene, Enzo passes away peacefully, surrounded by love. His death is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as it celebrates the profound connection between pets and their owners.
Why It Hits Hard: Enzo’s narration gives viewers a unique perspective on life, love, and loyalty. His death is bittersweet, reminding us of the fleeting but impactful nature of our time with pets.
Why Do These Movies Resonate So Deeply?
Movies where a pet dies tap into one of our deepest emotional vulnerabilities: the fear of losing someone who loves us unconditionally. Pets are often seen as pure, innocent beings who provide comfort and companionship. Their deaths symbolize more than just loss — they represent the fragility of life, the inevitability of change, and the importance of cherishing the time we have.
These films may be difficult to watch, but they also remind us of the joy pets bring into our lives. They encourage us to reflect on the bonds we share with our furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends and to celebrate their unwavering love and loyalty.