German Shepherds have long been famous in Hollywood, appearing in various films over the years.
Beautiful dogs are masterful actors that capture the attention of most viewers with their striking appearance and many talents.
Here are some of the best movies starring German Shepherds:
1. No Man’s Land (2020)
A drama film directed by Conor Allyn. It tells the story of a veteran who returns home with PTSD and finds solace in a German Shepherd named Jasper, but soon the dog is kidnapped, and he must fight to get him back.
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Genre: Adventure, Drama
- Starring characters: Frank Grillo, Marguerite Moreau, Jamie Kennedy, Jasper (German Shepherd)
2. The Call of the Wild (2020)
An adventure film directed by Chris Sanders. This film is based on the classic novel of the same name by Jack London. The story follows a domesticated dog – Buck, who’s stolen from his California home and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog.
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Genre: Adventure, Drama
- Starring characters: Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, Buck (German Shepherd)
3. A Dog’s Way Home (2019)
A family adventure film directed by Charles Martin Smith, it tells the story of a dog who travels more than 400 miles to find her way back to her owner, a young boy.
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Genre: Adventure, Family
- Starring characters: Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King, Alexandra Shipp, Bryce Dallas Howard (voice), and Bella (German Shepherd)
4. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
A family comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström. It tells the story of a dog who discovers the meaning of its existence through multiple lifetimes and the human lives of the owners he teaches to laugh and love.
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Starring characters: Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, Josh Gad (voice), various German Shepherds (various roles)
5. The Accountant (2016)
It’s a crime thriller directed by Gavin O’Connor. The movie follows the story of a mathematical genius who works as a freelance accountant for criminal organizations; he befriends a German shepherd named Sam, and the two work together to solve a dangerous conspiracy.
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Starring characters: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Sam (German Shepherd)
6. Max (2015)
A drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. It tells the story of a U.S. Marine who forms a special bond with a highly trained military dog, Max, who is dealing with the loss of his handler in combat.
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Genre: Adventure, Drama
- Starring characters: Robbie Amell, Lauren Graham, Thomas Haden Church, Josh Wiggins
7. The Pack (2020)
A horror movie directed by Nick Robertson. It tells the story of a group of hikers who get lost in the wilderness and are stalked by a pack of wild German Shepherds.
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Starring characters: Emma King, Jack Campbell, Lulu Wilson
8. The K-9 Tales (2008)
A family film directed by Michael Feifer. The movie tells a story of a young boy who gets a new dog, a German shepherd and learns how to take care of it. The dog helps him overcome his fears, and they become best friends.
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Genre: Family
- Starring characters: Skyler Gisondo, Carl Weathers, Elisabeth Shue, German Shepherd
9. Eight Below (2006)
A drama film directed by Frank Marshall. It tells the story of a guide and his sled dogs stranded in Antarctica during the winter.
The guide, Jerry, must leave behind his beloved pack of eight sled dogs, including the German Shepherd named Maya, when an accident forces the team to evacuate.
- Runtime: 2h
- Genre: Adventure, Drama
- Starring characters: Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Jason Biggs, Maya
10. Hidalgo (2004)
An adventure film directed by Joe Johnston. The movie tells the story of Frank T Hopkins, an American cowboy, and his horse Hidalgo, who compete in a dangerous 3,000-mile race across the Arabian desert, but also face a rivalry from wealthy sheiks and his self-doubts.
The German Shepherd in the movie is portrayed as a loyal companion to the main character.
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Genre: Adventure, Sport
- Starring characters: Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, Louise Lombard, German Shepherd
11. Black Hawk Down (2001)
A war film directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of the U.S. military raid in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993.
During the mission, a team of soldiers is sent in to capture Somali warlords, but their helicopter is shot down, and they are left stranded in the middle of the city, fighting for survival. The German Shepherd, Stumpy, searches and detects mines on the mission.
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Genre: War, Drama
- Starring characters: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Stumpy
12. K-9 (1989)
A buddy-cop comedy film starring James Belushi and a German Shepherd named Jerry Lee.
The film follows the adventures of a police detective and his canine partner as they work to take down a drug lord.
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Starring characters: James Belushi, Mel Harris, Jerry Lee
13. Turner & Hooch (1989)
A comedy-crime film starring Tom Hanks and a German Shepherd named Hooch. The film follows the story of a police detective who inherits a slobbering and destructive dog from a murdered friend, and the two forms an unlikely partnership as they try to solve the crime.
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Starring characters: Tom Hanks, Mare Winningham, Hooch
Final Word
These are some of the best movies starring German Shepherds that have been made over the years, showcasing the breed’s intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. They are widely enjoyed by audiences of all ages and have become classic films in the genre of family and adventure.
