Prepare to Remember the Heartache. Here are the 16 Saddest Animal Movies Ever.

1. Old Yeller (1957)

OLD YELLER, Kevin Corcoran, Old Yeller, 1957.

Old Yeller is the ultimate tearjerker, following the story of a brave dog who protects his family from danger, only to meet a tragic end. The bond between Yeller and his family, and the devastating climax, make this one of the saddest animal films ever.

2. Marley & Me (2008)

MARLEY & ME, (MARLEY AND ME), from left: Ben Hyland, Owen Wilson, 2008. TM & Copyright ©Fox 2000 Pictures. All rights 2008. TM & Copyright ©Fox 2000 Pictures. All rights reserved./Courtesy Everett Collection

This heartwarming yet heart-wrenching movie follows the life of a mischievous Labrador, Marley, and his loving family. The emotional rollercoaster of Marley’s life and eventual passing left audiences in tears.

3. The Lion King (1994)

THE LION KING, Simba, 1994, (c)Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection (image upgraded to 16.0″ x 10.8″)

Simba’s journey is filled with joy and sorrow, but the death of Mufasa is one of the most gut-wrenching moments in animated history. Mufasa’s death and Simba’s grief make The Lion King a beautifully sad animal movie.

4. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Based on a true story, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale follows a loyal Akita who waits for his owner at the train station every day, even years after his owner’s passing. Hachi’s undying loyalty has made this film a heartbreaking classic.

5. Bambi (1942)

BAMBI, Bambi, Thumper, 1942

The early loss of Bambi’s mother in the woods is one of the most iconic and saddest moments in animation history. The scene is a haunting reminder of the realities of nature and leaves audiences heartbroken every time.

6. Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, left: Stewart Petersen, 1974

This classic film, based on the novel, follows the story of a boy and his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. Their deep bond and tragic fate make Where the Red Fern Grows a tearjerker that resonates with generations.

7. The Fox and the Hound (1981)

THE FOX AND THE HOUND, Copper, Tod, 1981. © Walt Disney Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

This Disney movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a fox and a hound, destined to be enemies. The movie’s themes of friendship and loss, as well as its bittersweet ending, make it one of Disney’s saddest.

8. Eight Below (2006)

EIGHT BELOW, Bruce Greenwood, 2006, (c) Walt Disney/courtesy Everett Collection

Set in the frozen wilderness of Antarctica, Eight Below tells the story of a team of sled dogs stranded in the harsh environment. The struggle for survival and the bond between the dogs and their human handler make for a heart-wrenching adventure.

9. Charlotte’s Web (1973)

CHARLOTTE’S WEB, 1973

The friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider in Charlotte’s Web is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The death of Charlotte after she helps save Wilbur’s life is a truly emotional moment that has left many viewers teary-eyed.

10. The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2, from left: Liam (voice: Henry Lynch), Max (voice: Patton Oswalt), Duke (voice: Eric Stonestreet), 2019. © Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

While this animated film is mostly lighthearted, the storyline involving Max’s anxiety about the safety of his young owner touches on the deep emotional bond between pets and their humans, offering a surprisingly tender and bittersweet moment.

11. Fluke (1995)

FLUKE, Max Pomeranc, 1995, © MGM/courtesy Everett Collection

Fluke follows the journey of a man reincarnated as a dog, who tries to reconnect with his family. The film explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, ultimately leading to a deeply emotional and bittersweet conclusion.

12. Togo (2019)

Disney

Togo tells the incredible true story of the dog who led a sled team on a dangerous journey to deliver medicine. The bond between Togo and his owner, and the harsh trials they endure together, make this a deeply moving film about loyalty and sacrifice.

13. War Horse (2011)

WAR HORSE, Jeremy Irvine, 2011. ph: Andrew Cooper/©Touchstone Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Set during World War I, War Horse tells the story of Joey, a horse sold to the cavalry, and his owner’s quest to reunite with him. The film portrays the horrors of war and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals, leaving audiences heartbroken.

14. My Dog Skip (2000)

MY DOG SKIP, Frankie Muniz, 2000. © Warner Bros / courtesy Everett Collection

This coming-of-age story follows a young boy and his dog, Skip, as they grow up together. As Skip ages and eventually passes away, the emotional impact is devastating, reflecting the deep connection between a boy and his best friend.

15. Born Free (1966)

BORN FREE, Bill Travers, 1966

Born Free tells the true story of Joy and George Adamson, who raise a lioness named Elsa and release her back into the wild. The struggle of letting go of Elsa, and the challenges she faces in the wild, create a deeply emotional and moving narrative.

16. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

A DOG”S PURPOSE, Bryce Gheisar, Bailey (voice: Josh Gad), 2017. ph: Joe Lederer. ©Universal Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

This film follows the journey of a dog through multiple reincarnations, each time finding new owners and learning new lessons about life. The cycle of life, death, and the deep bond between dogs and their humans make A Dog’s Purpose an emotional rollercoaster.

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