The Best Animal Movies Of 2021
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite movies that put animals center stage.
1Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Tony HaleWhen Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. With her single mother away on business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle set out on an adventure that takes a bite out of the Big Apple.- #131 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #49 of 56 onThe 50+ Best PG Adventure Movies For Families
- #45 of 108 onThe 100+ Best Dog Movies Of All Time
2Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel FryEstella is a young and clever grifter who's determined to make a name for herself in the fashion world. She soon meets a pair of thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they build a life for themselves on the streets of London. However, when Estella befriends fashion legend Baroness von Hellman, she embraces her wicked side to become the raucous and revenge-bent Cruella.More Cruella
- Dig Deeper...25 Reactions To Emma Stone's 'Cruella', From The Fashions To That Cliff Scene
- #68 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #53 of 114 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
3Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma BermanA boy tries to help his best friend hide a fantastical secret -- he turns into a sea monster whenever he comes in contact with water.More Luca
4Isabela Merced, Julianne Moore, Jake GyllenhaalAfter moving to a sleepy little town, young Lucky Prescott befriends a wild mustang named Spirit, who shares her rebellious spirit. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her new friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime to rescue the horse that forever changed her life.More Spirit Untamed- #99 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #129 of 188 onThe 180+ Top Kids Movies
- #2 of 12 onThe Best Family Movies Streaming On Hulu
5James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall GleesonBea, Thomas and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can't seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Venturing out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated. However, when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.- #128 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #96 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #64 of 92 onThe Best Comedy Movie Sequels
6Toni Collette, Damian Lewis, Owen TealeThe true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by small-town bartender Jan Vokes. With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope for their struggling community.More Dream Horse- #155 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #104 of 105 onThe 100+ Best Kids Movies Of All Time
- #50 of 72 onThe Greatest Movies About Horses, Ranked
7Tom Kenny, Awkwafina, Clancy BrownWhen SpongeBob SquarePants' beloved pet snail Gary goes missing, a path of clues leads SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick to the powerful King Poseidon, who has Gary held captive in the Lost City of Atlantic City. On their mission to save Gary, SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang team up for a heroic and hilarious journey, where they discover nothing is stronger than the power of friendship.- #658 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #89 of 89 onThe Most Rewatchable Comedy Movies
- #75 of 92 onThe Best Comedy Movie Sequels
8Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel JeromeSent to live with his estranged father for the summer, a rebellious teen finds kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of Black cowboys.
9Alistair Allan, Tamara Arenovich, Jonathan BalcombeSeaspiracy is a 2021 American nature documentary film directed by Ali Tabrizi. Passionate about ocean life, a filmmaker sets out to document the harm that humans do to marine species - and uncovers alarming global corruption.
10Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac WangLong ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. However, when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned, and it's up to a lone warrior to track down the last dragon and stop the Druun for good.- #120 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #99 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
- #6 of 53 onThe Best New Kids' Movies Of The Last Few Years
11Pig
Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam ArkinPig is a 2021 drama that delves into the life of a reclusive truffle hunter named Rob (Nicolas Cage), who lives in the Oregonian wilderness. When his beloved foraging pig is kidnapped, Rob is forced to return to his past in Portland, confronting his former life and associates in the restaurant industry to find his prized animal. The film explores themes of loss, memory, and the unbreakable bonds we form with those we care about. Cage's performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, marking a standout role in his extensive career.More Pig- #208 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #58 of 63 onThe Very Best New Noir Movies
- #4 of 15 on15 Movies That Aren't What You Think They Are
12Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog
August Maturo, Ken Duken, Ayelet ZurerShepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog is a 2020 American family drama film directed by Lynn Roth, based on the novel by Asher Kravitz. Imprisoned in a concentration camp, a Jewish boy reunites with his pet German shepherd -- now trained as an attack dog by the Nazis.- #146 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #48 of 99 onThe 95+ Most Inspiring Movies
- #65 of 108 onThe 100+ Best Dog Movies Of All Time
13Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Jordan BolgerA legendary rivalry reemerges when Jerry moves into New York City's finest hotel on the eve of the wedding of the century, forcing the desperate event planner to hire Tom to get rid of him. As mayhem ensues, the escalating cat-and-mouse battle soon threatens to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself.More Tom And Jerry- #82 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #79 of 89 onThe Most Rewatchable Comedy Movies
- #10 of 52 onThe Best New Kids' Movies Of The Last Few Years
14Don Cheadle, Cedric Joe, Khris DavisSuperstar LeBron James and his young son, Dom, get trapped in digital space by a rogue AI. To get home safely, LeBron teams up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang for a high-stakes basketball game against the AI's digitized champions of the court -- a powered-up roster called the Goon Squad.- Dig Deeper...14 Reasons Why 'Space Jam 2' Is Better Than 'Citizen Kane'
- #123 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #57 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Sports
15Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki WeaverPenguin Bloom is a 2020 Australian drama film directed by Glendyn Ivin, based on the book by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive. A photographer and his family find hope and solace in an injured Magpie chick, helping them adjust to his wife's paralysis following a fall.
16Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric BanaBack to the Outback is an animated adventure that takes viewers to the heart of Australia's wildlife. The film features a ragtag group of Australia's deadliest creatures, including Maddie, a poisonous snake with a heart of gold (Isla Fisher); a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard, Zoe, (Miranda Tapsell); a lovelorn hairy spider, Frank, (Guy Pearce); and a sensitive scorpion, Nigel (Angus Imrie). Tired of being locked away in a reptile house and gawked at by humans, the group plots a daring escape to the Outback, a place where they feel they'll belong without judgment. Alongside their nemesis, Pretty Boy, a cute but obnoxious koala, this unlikely crew embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming journey. The film reveals themes of friendship, acceptance, and the true meaning of beauty.More Back to the Outback- #406 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #173 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #14 of 31 onThe Best Children's and Kids' Movies on Netflix
17Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin, Ron PardoWhen their biggest rival, Humdinger, starts wreaking havoc as the mayor of Adventure City, Ryder and everyone's favorite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge. Armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol joins forces with a savvy dachshund to save the citizens of Adventure City.- #168 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #14 of 60 onThe 50+ Best New & Recent Adventure Movies, Ranked
- #44 of 53 onThe 50+ Best PG Action Movies, Ranked
18Nicolette KluijverFamous feline Abatutu presents this celebration of cats, showcasing their finest and friskiest moments with a collection of home videos.- #119 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #69 of 94 onThe Best Foreign Documentary Films
- #4 of 86 onThe Best Documentary Movies Streaming on Netflix
19The Loneliest Whale
The mysterious 52 Hertz whale emits a call unrecognized by other whales, leading to a life of solitude.More The Loneliest Whale- #121 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #10 of 19 onPretty Good Movies About Loneliness
- #6 of 56 onThe Best Documentaries About Animals
20Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Kate MicucciFlora & Ulysses is a 2021 American family comedy film directed by Lena Khan, based on the children's novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. Rescuing a squirrel after an accident, Flora Buckman (Matilda Lawler) is astonished when the squirrel, Ulysses, demonstrates astonishing powers after being revived.
21Mauriett Chayeb, Maria Antonieta Monge, Paula Andrea BarrosSpace Dogs: Return to Earth (aka Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure) is a 2020 Russian animated comedy fantasy family film directed by Inna Evlannikova, the third installment in the Space Dogs franchise and a sequel to the 2013 film Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon. When a mysterious and dangerous whirlpool appears in the tropics of the Atlantic Ocean, astronauts Belka and Strelka are sent to investigate.
22Akumu Filda, Maarit Haapasaari, Hugh "Shug" HarknessA contemplative odyssey across the planet looks at the simple and extraordinary ways that dogs influence people's daily lives.
23Zeytin, Nazar, KartalStray is a 2021 American-Turkish animal documentary film directed by Elizabeth Lo. Following three stray dogs as they embark on inconspicuous journeys through Turkish society in Istanbul and what it means to live without status or security.More Stray- #4 of 118 onLife-Changing Documentaries You've Got to See
- #59 of 277 onThe Greatest Documentaries of All Time
- #56 of 93 onThe Best Foreign Documentary Films
24Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, Asher KeddieRams is a 2020 Australian comedy-drama film directed by Jeremy Sims, based on the Icelandic drama film Rams (2015) by Grímur Hákonarson. Two estranged brothers must set aside their differences when a rare and lethal illness threatens their respective flocks of sheep in Western Australia.
25Adam DeVine, Rachel Bloom, Zazie BeetzFluffy animals travel back in time to save their species from extinction.More Extinct- #8 of 15 onThe 20 Best Family And Kids Movies On Netflix
- #43 of 53 onThe 50+ Best PG Action Movies, Ranked
- #81 of 117 onThe 110+ Best Comedies For Tweens
26Noomi Rapace, Hilmir Snær Guðnason, Björn Hlynur HaraldssonLamb is a thought-provoking Icelandic film blending elements of folklore, horror, and drama. Directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson, this tale follows a childless couple, María (Noomi Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snær Guðnason), living on a remote farm in Iceland who make a shocking discovery one day in their sheep barn. They find a newborn that is half-human, half-sheep. This uncanny being, which they name Ada, rekindles their lost joy and offers a sense of purpose. However, as they decide to raise Ada as their own, the couple faces the consequences of defying nature's laws. Lamb explores themes of grief, parenthood, and the fragile boundary between humanity and nature. The film won the Prize of Originality at the Cannes Film Festival.
27Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Kevin KlineA woman adjusting to life after loss contends with a feisty bird that's taken over her garden -- and a husband who's struggling to find a way forward.More The Starling- #175 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #65 of 202 onThe 150+ Best New Comedies Of The Last 5 Years, Ranked
- #24 of 128 onThe 100+ Best New & Recent Drama Films, Ranked
28Will Arnett, Terry Crews, Geraldine ViswanathanA girl trains a lovable underdog monster to become a wrestling champion.More Rumble- #56 of 67 onThe Best Sports Movies for Kids
- #4 of 14 onThe Best Paramount+ Original Movies
- #87 of 117 onThe 110+ Best Comedies For Tweens
29Angourie Rice, Sam Neill, Sharnee TonesA crocodile tries to help an adorable quokka win the annual World's Scariest Animal championship.
30Vanessa Hudgens, Kimiko Glenn, James MarsdenMy Little Pony: A New Generation gallops into a world where the magic of Equestria has vanished and its once-united pony races are distrustful of one another. The plucky protagonist, Sunny Starscout (Vanessa Hudgens), seeks to restore harmony in the community. Along her journey, she befriends a lost unicorn named Izzy Moonbow (Kimiko Glenn). They embark on an adventure and face challenges that will test their courage. The film reignites the magic of friendship and unity, rekindling the beloved My Little Pony franchise for a new era.- #431 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #171 of 176 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- #179 of 188 onThe 180+ Top Kids Movies
