One of the best things about movies is the fact that our disbelief is suspended, and anything is possible. That suspension of disbelief includes that some animal movie characters have human like traits and can talk, think logically and more. With so many beloved animal movie characters out there, there are some that we wish we could own as pets.
Animals becoming beloved movie characters is a tradition that goes back well over a hundred years. You could go back to the 1920s and find the introduction of Mickey Mouse and see that animals have become some of the world’s most treasured characters on the big (or small) screen. When you combine the lovability of those characters with our natural love of pets, it can be fun to imagine what it would be like to come home every day to one of our favorite animal characters.
Admittedly, it’s impossible to list every movie character who just so happened to be an animal that we would love to have as a pet. However, these are some of our favorites that we think could provide a much-needed smile at the end of a long day.
Dory (Finding Dory: 2016)
People often say that fish are the most boring pet to have. Sure, you can’t take your fish out for a jog, and you’ll never be able to teach one how to play fetch, but there’s something to be said about having low-maintenance pet that is confined to a tank or a bowl.
While Nemo may have been the first main character that introduced us to Dory, we think Dory would be a great pet. Sure, she could be a bit naïve, but her ability to always find the bright side of things would make her a great pet to come home to, especially if you’ve had a rough day.
Air Bud (Air Bud: 1997)
Yes, we know that there have been multiple Air Bud sequels in which the hyper-athletic golden retriever excels at multiple other sports. For the sake of this list, we’re only listing his first feature film.
How awesome would it be to have a dog that you could play sports with?! Sure, his first movie saw him excel on the basketball court, but we learned in subsequent years that he could also play football, soccer, baseball and volleyball. You would never have to worry about being bored if your dog could challenge you in a game of one-on-one. Not only that, but you’d also be the envy of all of your friends when your dog could hit a homerun and theirs had just learned how to play fetch.
Snowball (Secret Life of Pets: 2016)
Yes, we know that Snowball was technically the villain in the first edition of Secret Life of Pets. However, we quickly learned that this big-eyed, soft-furred bunny wasn’t really a bad guy. Instead, he was experiencing some bitterness because he had been abandoned by his first owner.
His second owner (Molly) quickly helped Snowball remember all the good that he had inside. Let’s be honest, how could you take one look into those big eyes of Snowball’s and not want to love this little guy? He would make a great pet.
Babe (Babe: 1995)
Pigs may not be the most traditional pet, but long before Babe went to the city in 1998, most of us had already considered owning one as a pet. Babe, and his refusal to conform to what everyone on the farm thought he should be. Remember, he really believed he was a sheepdog.
Not only was Babe incredibly polite, but he also possessed the kind of bravery that many of us wish we possessed. While he’s standing up to bigger, scarier animals, Babe managed to capture the hearts of moviegoers around the world.
Gromit (Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of Were-Rabbit: 2005)
Most of us have a bit more of Wallace in us than we’d care to admit. The often-chaotic owner of Gromit, Wallace needed a comrade who could help level out his hectic lifestyle. Gromit, the embodiment of a dog being man’s best friend provided the perfect yin to Wallace’s yang.
This duo made their debut in a series of British short films before receiving their first full-length feature film in 2005. While British viewers may have already fallen in love with Gromit, the rest of us decided we needed a beagle just like him after watching the movie.
Bambi (Bambi: 1942)
Yes, we’re fully aware that most states won’t allow you to keep a wild animal as a pet. However, there is no way to deny that if it were legal, all of us would have offered the orphaned Bambi a home. Bambi’s gentle nature and undying loyalty to his friends Thumper and Flower endeared him to viewers all around the globe. In fact, Bambi was seen as such a beloved character that people in the 1940s started discussing “The Bambi Effect,” which is the objection to hunting animals that are just too cute.
For generations, hearts have broken as Bambi watched his mother get gunned down by a hunter. That sympathy has produced the kind of love for Bambi that would lead to any of us offering him a safe home if only it were legal to do so.
Figaro (Pinocchio: 1940)
Yes, Figaro could be a bit sassy and may have butted heads with his owner a couple times, but this adorable cat really only wanted Geppetto to be happy. You may be bristling at the idea of owning a cat like Figaro, especially if you have other pets, as he could occasionally throw a temper tantrum after dealing with fellow-pet, Cleo.
However, if you were fortunate enough to own a pet who was fully committed to your own happiness like Figaro was, you’d be fortunate.
Dug (Up: 2009)
“I have just met you, and I love you.” With a catchphrase like that, how could any other movie animal round out our list of pets we would love to own? Yes, he could occasionally loose focus when he saw a squirrel, but outside of that, Dug is the ideal pet. He was even so committed to loving his owner that he would cuddle up to the grumpiest of old men.
Thanks to his translator collar, Dug is also able to converse with his owner which would be a great feature for any pet. Can you imagine your dog being able to walk up and tell you that he needs to go outside to potty? Life would be so much easier!
Unfortunately, we don’t have time to dive into every animal movie character that we would love to own as a pet. However, we feel like any of these options would be a great companion to have waiting for us at home after a long day.
