Though there are many great cinematic animal sidekicks, it is much rarer to see an animal take the lead role in a live-action movie. Animated movies, like Finding Nemo, often have animals as the main characters as well as CGI animals in live-action movies like the Garfield movies. But live-action animals don't often take the role of the protagonist.

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While there are obviously many challenges to having an animal as the star of a movie, the result can be quite charming. Looking at the most popular movies of this kind, they range from fun family comedies to intense dramas, showing how effective animal-led stories can be.

Beethoven (1992) - 5.7

St. Bernard making a mess in the bed in Beethoven

There have been many memorable dog companions in movies over the years, but Beethoven surely ranks among the most lovable. Beethoven stars the titular St. Bernard dog who grows from a small puppy into a giant, slobbering mess as he is raised by a loving family.

The movie is a light-hearted family adventure that has a lot of fun with the various antics his giant dog gets up to. While there are some strange aspects, such as a corrupt veterinarian as the villain, it is a solid bit of kid-friendly fun.

Free Willy (1993) - 6.0

Jesse touching Willy the Killer Whale as he jumps over him in Free Willy

It seems to be a common theme in these types of movies that a child befriends a lovable animal. Such is the case in Free Willy that becomes a touching tale of friendship and animal rights. Willy is an orca whale being kept in captivity in a local aquarium. When a young boy grows attached to the whale, he does everything he can to help see his new friend returned to the ocean.

It is nice to see a different sort of animal at the center of one of these movies and Willy makes for an instantly lovable creature. It is a heart-warming story that also features one of the most famous movie endings of all time.

Charlotte's Web (2006) - 6.3

Wilbur meets the spider in Charlotte's Web

Though based on a novel that has been adapted into an animated version, this live-action take on Charlotte's Web provided an updated retelling of the story. It tells the story of a young pig named Wilbur who befriends a spider named Charlotte who looks out for him and helps save him from his fate on the farm.

Though the titular spider is a CGI creation, Wilbur and the rest of the barn critters are played by real-life animals. They are also brought to life with a star-studded voice cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Steve Buscemi, and Robert Redford. Though it features some incredibly sad moments for a kids' movie, Charlotte's Web still has plenty of fun.

Babe (1995) - 6.8

The pig looks up at Farmer Hodgett in Babe

Much like Charlotte's Web, Babe tells the story of a young big trying to navigate his new life on the farm. Without a mother, Babe is adopted by Farmer Hoggett's sheepdogs and gradually learns the art of herding sheep himself.

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Co-written by Mad Max director George Miller, Babe is a sweet and smart bit of family fun. Babe the pig is a hilarious and inspiring protagonist who helps teach the movie's lesson that people nor pigs need to conform to what society thinks they can and cannot do.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) - 7.0

homeward bound trio

Even better than having one adorable animal protagonist is having three. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a heartwarming and exciting adventure about three household pets, two dogs and a cat, who must travel through the wilderness to reunite with their loving family.

The likes of Sally Field and Michael J. Fox help give these animals fun personalities as the audience follows them in their journey. Along with the thrills of their quest, the movie is entertaining for the relationships between these animals who are very different yet still care for each other.

Lassie Come Home (1943) - 7.1

Lassie puts her paw on Timmy in Lassie Come Home

There is likely no dog in Hollywood as famous as Lassie. With countless movies and television shows of which Lassie is the star, this collie is an icon in her own right. And the movie that is regarded as the best of the series is Lassie Come Home.

This adventure follows the recurring theme of these movies of a pet embarking on a journey to return home to its family. After her family is forced to sell her, Lassie takes it upon herself to travel back to reunite with her true owners.

A Dog's Purpose (2017) - 7.2

A boy and his dog lie on their backs on the grass in A Dog's Purpose

Though A Dog's Purpose includes actors like Dennis Quaid, it is truly a story about one dog's journey. The touching drama follows a dog who goes through several lifetimes and different owners as it seeks to discover its purpose as a pet.

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The movie was dismissed by critics as a bit too sentimental, but audiences seemed to enjoy the heartwarming story. It is sure to bring a tear to the eye of just about every dog owner in its tale of the special bond shared with a beloved pet.

Eight Below (2006) - 7.3

Dogs pull a sled through the snow in Eight Below

Paul Walker might be the big name attached to Eight Below, but it is his canine co-stars that are at the center of all the action. Walker plays a dog sled trainer who is forced to leave his team of dogs behind in the Arctic wilderness leading to the animals attempting to find their way to safety.

Though it is a family-friendly movie, Eight Below resembles a survival story like The Revenant at times with these dogs facing the harsh nature and various dangers in their long journey home. It makes for an inspiring tale, especially when learning it is based on a true story.

Old Yeller (1957) - 7.3

Travis and his dog look down in Old Yeller

Old Yeller features another beloved movie dog though is also best remembered for its heartbreaking ending. The family-friendly Western from the 1950s follows a young boy caring for his family ranch with the help of a protective stray dog.

Old Yeller is one of the great movie heroes of all time and his ultimate fate is a testament to his courage. It is no wonder the movie has gone down as a classic that still elicits strong emotions from fans all these years later.

The Bear (1988) - 7.7

A giant Kodiak bear roars at a human hunter in The Bear

Though not as famous or beloved as some of the other movies of its kind, The Bear is a thrilling adventure that audiences should check out. The movie follows an orphaned bear cub who forms a relationship with a lone male bear as they attempt to escape hunters.

The movie's ability to tell such a powerful, exciting, and touching story with two animals is a perfect example of what can be done with animal protagonists. It also features an entertaining tale of an unlikely friendship.

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