Waiting for Valatty & Neymar's release? Revisit these unforgettable dog films on Hotstar, Jio Cinema and Netflix

Though Malayalam cinema isn't the first industry you would think of while looking for dog movies, the industry has two releases in July where canines play the central characters - Valatty: The Tale of Tails and Neymar. The former is the first of its kind, arguably in Indian cinema too, as it revolves around a bunch of dogs voiced by popular actors such as Roshan Mathew and Soubin Shahir and tells the story from their perspective. Neymar, meanwhile, is among the few Indian films to have a dog of an indigenous breed in a pivotal role and tell you what - it's one of those movies that will leave howling for more.

With Valatty set to release in theatres on July 21 and Neymar on Disney+ Hotstar on July 28, as you wait, why not revisit some canine cinema classics that are currently streaming on OTT platforms. Here's our recommendation list. Sit, stay and enjoy!

777 Charlie

The Kannada film 777 Charlie tells the story of how Dharma, a solitary man played by Rakshit Shetty, and Charlie, a Labrador pup, become friends. Charlie runs away from a cruel breeder and ends up in the Chinmaya colony in Mysuru, where Dharma lives. Dharma is a recluse who is disliked by the colony residents. Charlie’s lively nature is the exact opposite of Dharma’s pessimist persona, but the dog helps him see life differently. The film showcases their travels across the country, where they encounter various difficulties and adventures, and learn the value of companionship and joy.

Streaming on: Jio Cinema

Isle of Dogs

Set in a dystopian future, Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animated film follows a young boy named Atari as he embarks on a journey to find his lost dog on an isolated island populated by abandoned canines. This heartwarming tale combines humour, adventure and themes of loyalty and friendship. With its unique artistry and an exceptional voice cast including Bryan Cranston and Scarlett Johansson, Isle of Dogs offers a visually and emotionally engaging cinematic experience that appeals to both adults and children.

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

Hachi: A Dog's Tale

If you're a fan of dog movies, Hachi: A Dog's Tale is an absolute must-watch. This touching film is based on a true story that revolves around the extraordinary bond between a loyal dog named Hachiko and his owner. It portrays the unwavering devotion and love that dogs bring into our lives. Richard Gere delivers a heartfelt performance that perfectly captures the emotional journey of the film. Hachi is a heartwarming tribute to the indescribable connection we share with our four-legged friends.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Marley and Me

Marley & Me is a delightful and relatable film for those who love dogs and for those who are yet to. It follows the endearing and mischievous Labrador Retriever named Marley and his owners, played by Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, as they navigate the joys and challenges of pet parenthood. As a dog owner, you'll easily relate to the ups and downs depicted in the film—the unconditional love, hilarious antics, and the profound impact a dog has on a family's life. It captures the emotional journey of pet ownership, showcasing the deep bonds, life lessons and the inevitable heartache that comes with the passage of time. Marley & Me relatable ode to the unique relationship we share with our furry companions.

Streaming on: Netflix

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.