Lfriendship between animal and man has always been one of the favorite subjects of Hollywood. The films that celebrate this special union are in fact many, and have as their subject not only dogs and cats, but also other creatures, often fantastic. Cult stories that demonstrate how it can be done work together to create a better world. And, in some cases, even more fun.
Dogs, cats and fantastic creatures: the 10 most beautiful films on the friendship between man and animal
Chupa (2023)
Directed by Jonás Cuarónson of the director Alfonsothe film tells the extraordinary adventure of Alex (Evan Whitten), a thirteen year old boy who travels to Mexico to visit grandparents and cousins. Initially uneasy, Alex has a surprising encounter in the shed of his grandparents’ house: a chupacabra puppy (goatsucker), legendary creature that he had heard of but that everyone thinks does not exist.
Despite the initial fear – it is said that the adult chupacabra is very dangerous -, Alex adopts the puppy and calls it Chupa, developing a strong bond with the animal.
Where to see it: Netflix
A scene from “Chupa”. (Netflix)
Free Willy – A friend to save (1993)
Great classic of children’s cinema from the 90s – also on the soundtrack Will You Be There Of Michael Jackson – is the story of a captured orca and confined to a small tub within a water park.
Poor Willy becomes like this a sad tourist attraction but fortunately, to help him, he arrives Jesse, a street kid forced to volunteer in the park. And that he knows very well what it’s like to not have a family. Together the two create a special bond, so strong that he risked everything to find his way back home. AND towards freedom.
Where to see it: Chili, Prime Video, GooglePlay, Rakuten TV
A scene from “Free Willy – A friend to save”. (Warner Bros.)
Flora and Ulysses (2021)
It all begins, as it happens in best fairy taleswith a trivial accident with unexpected consequences. Ulysses the squirrel did not see the vacuum cleaner approaching and the little nerd Flora Belle (Matilda Lawler), passionate about comics and superheroes, is the right person to save him.
What the little girl can’t imagine is that Ulysses will awaken with incredible superpowers: an extraordinary strength, the ability to fly and inexplicable poetic talents. And it will drag Flora in an adventure outside the box, which will lead her to change the way she looks at the world. Finding out who she is still possible to hope for something. Based on the children’s bestseller by Kate DiCamillo.
Where to see it: Disney+
Matilda Lawler in “Flora and Ulysses”. (Disney)
Walking with Bob (2016)
Inspired by a true story, the film tells the story of the rebirth of a drug addicted street musician. Decided, once and for all, to clean up and change my life.
One day, the boy meets a beautiful red cat wounded in the leg, and decides to take care of him. Still not knowing that it will be the mutual love between him and the quadruped that will give him the definitive impetus towards salvation. Sore point: three years ago, the “real” Bob is dead knocked down by a car.
Where to see it: Rakuten Tv, CHILI, iTunes, NOW TV, TIMVISION, Google Play
Luke Treadway in “Driving Bob”.
Gorillas in the fog (1988)
Based on the autobiography of the same name by Diana Fossey (in the movie it is Sigourney Weaver), the film collection the last years of life of the expert zoologist of primates. On a mission in Congothe young researcher succeeds in the almost impossible mission of make friends with gorillas and especially with the menacing pack leader.
The mission, however, will soon be thwarted by local natives and other industry experts who would like to bring the impressive animals into zoos.
However, when a glimmer of light seems to appear on the horizon, Dian will be killed with machetes from a murderer still unknown today. A touching denunciation film which yielded to Weaver a Golden Globes as Best Drama Actress.
Where to see it: Apple TV+, Google Play, Amazon
Sigourney Weaver in “Gorillas in the Mist”. (IPA)
Life of Pi (2012)
Winner of well four Oscars and based on the novel of the same name by Yann Martel, the spectacular 3D film by Ang Lee tells the incredible story of Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma).
Indian boy, travelling on a ship with his family and some animals of their zoo, is facing a shipwreck in which only he, a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena and a a tiger. Which the boy calls Richard Parke. At the mercy of the waves for 227 daysPi manages to save yourself from the ferocious instincts of the tiger thanks to its intelligence and the incredible relationship that is created between them.
The strange coexistence thus soon gives way to a bond that grows ever deeper and pushes the two to find ways to go back home and to discover possible friendship between animal and man.
Where to see it: Disney+
“Life of Pi”. (20th Century Fox)
Alpha – A friendship as strong as life (2018)
Set 20,000 years agoduring the last glaciation, this one survival story tells of a young caveman (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who, after a hunting trip gone bad, fight against a variety of obstacles to find your way home.
In his adventure, an unexpected friend, a wolf, will keep him company and the journey that the two undertake will be important and formative for both. A compelling filmand rich in CGI, which while addressing topics already covered — the plot is very reminiscent Arlo’s Journey from the Pixar – he manages to offer so much show.
Where to see it: Netflix
Kodi Smit-McPhee in “Alpha – A friendship as strong as life”. (Sony Pictures)
Hachiko – Your best friend (2009)
Inspired by the true story of a dog specimen Akitasthe movie with Richard Gere has become a instant classic. Directed by the master of good feelings Lasse Hallstromformer director of My four-legged lifethe tells the special bond between music professor Parker, and an abandoned puppy.
Captured by its sweetness, Parker takes it home and between the two is born an indescribable feeling which, however, will be put to the test by a tragic event. In fact, the professor dies suddenly but that won’t stop Hachi’s love for his master. One of the most poignant titles which celebrates the friendship between animal and man.
Where to see it: Sky, NOW, AppleTv+
Richard Gere in a scene from “Hachiko – Your best friend”.
How to train your dragon (2010)
First chapter of the famous fantasy saga signed DreamWorks, How to train your dragon has as protagonists a young Viking named Hiccupson of a strong and pugnacious king, e Toothless, a wounded dragon which Hiccup begins to care for.
In a world that sees dragons as the worst threats to fight, it thrives the unlikely friendship between the young boy and the dragon, which will prove stronger than any prejudice. The imminent production of a live action version planned for 2025.
Where to see it: AppleTv+, GooglePlay, Amazon, Rakuten Tv
A scene from “How to Train Your Dragon”. (Paramount Pictures)
Belle & Sebastian (2013)
Set on French Alps in 1945, the film is based on the novel Cécile Aubry which tells the friendship between the big white dog Belle and little Sebastien (Felix Bossuet).
Felix Bossuet in “Belle and Sebastien”.
A special bond that will flourish despite the obstacles imposed by the adultsas always stuck to appearances and unable to look at the heart of things.
An exciting and universal tale – with a hint of ante-litteram green philosophy – which has fascinated young and old for over 60 years. With two sequels: Belle & Sebastien – The adventure continues And Belle & Sebastien – Friends forever.
Where to see it: Sky, NOW, Mediaset Infinity
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