10 Best Golden Retriever Movies and TV Shows Featuring The Beloved Breed

The golden retriever is one of the world’s most beloved dog breeds. So much so, it is a fan favorite to include in film and TV and some countries even have a day of the year dedicated to the pooch.

In 2022, this day lands on February 3. In honor of National Golden Retriever Day here are 10 movies and TV shows that feature a golden retriever. There is no shortage of what these beloved animals can do. From acting in a supporting role as the family dog to being the star of the entire franchise, viewers can’t get enough.

Air Bud

When someone thinks of golden retrievers in movies, there’s a good chance Air Bud is the first to come to mind. This 1997 sports movie features a real-life sports-playing dog named Buddy. Buddy’s owner found him as a stray and trained him to learn America’s favorite sports. The creators of Air Bud utilized Buddy’s skills to create a film about a basketball-playing golden retriever who turns his owner’s life around for the better.

This is one dog movie that’s hard to believe is real. This classic tale for children is inspiring, exciting, and unique. It aims straight for the heart and has its fair share of golden cuddles. It teaches kids about responsibility, and love, all while entertaining audiences with a high-flying, Michael Jordon-resembling dog.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

The drama and heart that The Art of Racing in the Rain produces are definitely hard for dog-lovers to ignore. Enzo, the family golden retriever, gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of his owners through his eyes, ears, and nose.

The film is based on a novel by the same name, and although the novel was a best-seller, the film did not do as well in the box office. Though many critics claim the plot was misguided and cheesy, the golden fur makes up for it. Enzo’s unique perspective and innocent outlook on life are what every human wishes for their dog. Who could resist the unconditional love and loyalty that a furry golden has for his family?

The Parent Trap

One of the most beloved, yet often overlooked, characters in The Parent Trap, is Hallie’s furry companion, Sammy. In the 1998 remake of the original film, Lindsey Lohan plays twins Hallie and Annie who, after meeting for the first time, decide to switch places. When Annie shows up at Hallie’s home, she is met with a skeptical Sammy.

Sammy is the epitome of loyalty, even when no one else suspects it, Sammy knows Annie is an imposter. Sammy proves that even in small roles, dogs have a huge spot in viewers’ hearts. Movie-watchers often expect the dog to save the day, and Sammy certainly helps by pointing his paws in the right direction.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Fondly remembered by ’90s kids who great up watching it on VHS, Homeward Bound is a heartwarming adventure tale about perseverance and family. This tale follows three beloved family pets as they embark on a journey to find their way back home.

With Shadow, a golden retriever, as their leader, the trio faces bears, waterfalls, and even mountain lions. But Shadow perseveres, proving to audiences the undying faithfulness that a dog has for his boy. Viewers’ hearts are struck by this loving tale and one of the best live-action dog movies of its time. Although it is a children’s story, the attitude and humor of the animals make this a film anyone can enjoy.

A Dog’s Purpose

Some critics called A Dogs Purpose a must-watch, citing its emotionally beautiful storyline and the relatable relationship between human and dog. The film is narrated by a dog who is reincarnated time and time again, allowing viewers to see how many lives a dog lives, touching the humans they come in contact with along the way.

The majority of the film follows golden retriever, Bailey, who touches the life of his owner, Ethan. It is a heartwarming tale that reinforces the idea that a dog’s purpose is to love and support its humans, something all pet owners find to be true. It is a pure and genuine story that attempts to tell viewers that life is much more full of love through the eyes of a dog.

You’ve Got Mail

Although not the star of the rom-com classic, You’ve Got Mail, Brinkley the golden retriever is a constant companion for Tom Hank’s character, Joe. As Joe anxiously awaits AOL emails from the pen-pal he is slowly falling in love with, Brinkley provides the canine support many pet-lovers can relate to.

When in distress, longing, or pain, a person’s dog will always be there for a pat. Brinkley is the subject of many of Joe’s emails, and although he may not be the main character, he steals the show as one of the viewers’ favorite aspects of this heartwarming classic.

Archive 81

Archive 81 is a Netflix original series loosely based on the podcast by the same name. One may not expect to see such a sweet innocent face as Cleo the golden retriever in a supernatural horror series, but moments with her happy-go-lucky smile were a much-needed reprieve.

The story follows Dan as he unveils a mystery buried inside old video cassette tapes. Cleo is a plot link between Dan and the subject of those tapes. Her presence on screen is not long, in fact, her storyline seems to end halfway through the series. Fans have since complained and a big question came into play, what happened to Cleo? Fans might find out in Season 2.

Hawkeye

Fans of Marvel are not new to furry friends finding their way into the plotlines of their favorite superheroes. But Pizza Dog takes the cake, or pizza, as a fan favorite. Hawkeye tells the story of Clint Barton, post-Endgame, his struggle to rid himself of his past, and his newfound friendship with Kate Bishop.

It wasn’t hard for fans to fall immediately in love with such a cute face as Pizza Dog’s. He is a beloved dog who can even be found in the comics, and some things about him only comic fans will know. But it’s sweet to see Barton’s soft side on screen as he grows to love Pizza Dog, and Kate’s concern about his well being is a nice break from the main plot. He may have a bad diet, but Pizza Dog has a couple of Avengers on his side.

Full House

Comet is the beloved family dog of the Tanners introduced in season 3 of Full House. It wouldn’t be an ’80s family sitcom without the family dog, and Comet delivers as the cutesy golden retriever ready for a cuddle or a pat whenever anyone needs it. Seeing little Michelle walking a giant golden retriever is as cute as it could get, and fans adored him.

They loved him so much that the actual Comet’s great-grandson, Cosmo, debuted in a 2016 reboot of the show, Fuller House. A show about a widowed father taking care of his three daughters, with a family dog, mix in a little comedy and a log of love, and you’ve got Full House.

In the Dark

In the Dark is a series on The CW show about a blind woman who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation with only her seeing-eye dog to guide her to the answers. Despite being an incredible show with incredible performances, it’s Levi, the golden retriever who plays Pretzel the seeing-eye dog, who steals the show.

She is irresistibly cute, and the chemistry she and actress, Perry Mattfeld, share off-set, can be seen in their amazing performances on screen. Mattfeld’s character is brazen and not very nice to Pretzel, so seeing Pretzel’s undying loyalty and love for her is all the more heartwarming. Fans can’t get enough of Pretzel, her inviting energy makes her such an amazing companion dog.

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