Pets are a significant presence in cinema culture, with authors like Tim Burton, Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, and others leading the scripts that feature dogs and cats as main characters in horror, gothic, macabre, and/or spooky films. These are movies we can enjoy with family or watch alone if we prefer. Productions from Studio Ghibli, Warner Bros., and countless others, including "Garfield" and "Scooby-Doo," bring a mix of terror and tenderness in some cases. Social critique is also present in certain storylines, making analogies to the real world.
There are plenty of movies starring pets, so grab some snacks, prepare a drink, and hit play to enjoy these dog and cat films for Halloween!
Here´s a list of halloween movies that feature dogs and cats that combine the Halloween spirit with adorable pets:
Related article: Dog and cat names inspired by movies, cartoons and series
Table of Contents:
Family-friendly Halloween movies that feature Dogs and Cats (Suitable for Kids):
Frankenweenie (2012)
Director: Tim Burton
Pet: Sparky, a little dog brought back to life as a "Franken-dog."A heartwarming film perfect for Halloween with a spooky but family-friendly vibe.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Director: Tim Burton
Pet: Zero, the ghost dog of Jack Skellington.A classic that blends Halloween and Christmas, great for family viewing.
Spooky Buddies (2011)
Director: Robert Vince
Pets: A group of adventurous puppies.A fun, child-friendly film about adorable puppies facing off against ghosts.
Coraline (2009)
Director: Henry Selick
Pet: The mysterious black cat that helps Coraline in the alternate world.While darker in tone, it’s suitable for families with older kids.
Cats & Dogs (2001)
Director: Lawrence Guterman
Pets: Dogs and cats as secret agents battling each other.Although not strictly Halloween-themed, it's a fun movie involving pets.
Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! (2020)
Director: Sean McNamara
Pets: A dog named Roger and a cat named Gwen team up to save the world.In this third installment, spy dogs and cats must put aside their differences to stop a villainous parrot from disrupting peace between species. Though more comedic, it offers lighthearted adventure for Halloween.
The Cat Returns (2002)
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Pet: A cat who leads the protagonist to a world of talking cats.A magical family adventure with a touch of whimsy.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Pet: Cujo, Frankenstein’s giant dog, and other monstrous characters with pets.Guaranteed fun in this hotel filled with Halloween creatures and animals.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Director: Tim Burton
Pet: Scraps, Victor’s skeletal dog.A beautiful gothic love story with that Halloween touch and an unforgettable dog.
A Doggone Adventure (2018)
Director: Jim Wynorski
Pet: Murphy, a dog with psychic powers.A group of kids and their dog uncover supernatural secrets during Halloween.
Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King (2008)
Director: Joe Sichta
Pet: Scooby-Doo, the famous talking dog who solves mysteries.Scooby and the gang face magical creatures and goblins in this Halloween adventure.
Garfield’s Halloween Adventure (1985)
Director: Phil Roman
Pet: Garfield, the laziest orange cat, and his sidekick Odie.A Halloween special where Garfield and Odie embark on a spooky adventure in search of candy.
The Dog Who Saved Halloween (2011)
Director: Peter Sullivan
Pet: Zeus, an adorable dog investigating strange happenings at the neighbor’s house during Halloween.A fun family movie where Zeus, a retired police dog, once again shows his bravery by saving Halloween in a lighthearted and exciting way.
Horror Dog and Cat Movies (Not Suitable for Kids):
These are more intense, darker films where dogs and cats take on lead roles, providing real horror for Halloween. Here’s a list of options that offer more tension and scares:
Cujo (1983)Director: Lewis TeaguePet: Cujo, a Saint Bernard turned terrifying creature due to rabies.Based on Stephen King’s novel, this film delivers suffocating tension, showcasing the psychological terror of a once-beloved pet gone out of control.
The Pack (2015)
Director: Nick Robertson
Pets: A pack of wild dogs terrorizing a family on an isolated farm.A more brutal horror film where animals become deadly predators.
Man’s Best Friend (1993)
Director: John Lafia
Pet: Max, a genetically modified dog with killer instincts.A blend of horror and sci-fi, where man’s best friend becomes his worst nightmare.
White Dog (1982)
Director: Samuel Fuller
Pet: A dog trained to attack people of color.More of a psychological thriller, this film includes intense moments about the dangers of training dogs for violence.
Horror Cat Movies:
Pet Sematary (1989)
Director: Mary Lambert
Pet: Church, a sinister cat that comes back from the dead.Another Stephen King classic, where the return of pets from the grave sparks horrifying events.
The Uncanny (1977)
Director: Denis Héroux
Pets: Vengeful cats in three different stories.An anthology of horror where cats play a direct role in death and revenge, revealing their darker side.
Cat’s Eye (1985)
Director: Lewis Teague
Pet: A stray cat connecting three horror stories.Based on Stephen King’s tales, the cat plays a vital role, particularly in saving a little girl from a sinister goblin trying to steal her breath as she sleeps.
Movies with Intense Elements and Animals:
The Voices (2014)
Director: Marjane Satrapi
Pets: Bosco, a good dog, and Mr. Whiskers, an evil cat, who speak and influence their owner, a killer.A psychological thriller with comedic and macabre elements, where animals act as the voices of the protagonist’s conscience (and malice).
Strays (1991)
Director: John McPherson
Pets: Wild cats that stalk and terrorize a family in their countryside home.Straightforward horror with a feline invasion determined to destroy everything in its path.
Rottweiler (2004)
Director: Brian Yuzna
Pet: A robotic killer dog.A mix of sci-fi and horror where a prisoner is hunted by a ruthless, modified rottweiler.
Baxter (1989)
Director: Jérôme Boivin
Pet: Baxter, a disturbed and sinister bull terrier.This film offers the perspective of the dog, whose violent tendencies escalate as he manipulates those around him.
White God (2014)Director: Kornél MundruczóPet: Hagen, a mixed-breed dog leading a rebellion of stray dogs.This Hungarian film mixes drama and horror, portraying the cruelty and abandonment faced by animals, and how the dogs eventually revolt against humans in a violent uprising. An intense and emotional story that combines social critique with elements of horror.
The list of Halloween dog and cat movies could be even longer! Do you know of any other films that we could add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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