Cats and dogs (as well as other domestic pets) have featured in a lot of great movies over time. In this guide, we look at some of the best feline companions to end up on the big screen, whether they are real-life cats or animated ones. Cats form some incredible bonds with humans after all, and it’s only right that we highlight some of the well-loved cat movies that can be part of your next relaxing evening at home. From documentaries and heart-wrenching plots to Disney classics, check out our list below for our top ten best movies about cats.
1. Keanu (2016)
A buddy action/comedy movie revolves around the kitten of a drug lord who escaped during an altercation. The feline ends up on the doorstep of Rell, who recently broke up with their partner, and immediately falls in love with the little cat. What Rell doesn’t know is that a lot of people are looking for the newly-named Keanu, who is actually voiced by Keanu Reeves. The movie sounds super serious, but several comedic moments lighten the mood.
2. A Street Cat Named Bob (2016)
It’s said that many people find lifelong companions in animals. This is true for homeless street musician James Bowden who comes across a stray ginger cat and forms a bond with them. The movie is based on a book of the same name and follows the story of James and Bob as James tries to get his life back on track post-addiction. Bob keeps coming back, even following James into town one day and drawing more crowds to listen to him play. It’s a rough story, but one that pulls on the heartstrings.
3. Kedi (2016)
A documentary about just some of the roaming cats of Istanbul. Cats have roamed the area for thousands of years and are happily able to run in and out of the lives of anyone else who lives there because the public is just so used to felines being around them. We are shown how these cats affect the lives of those in Istanbul, with a particular focus on seven different cats throughout the movie.
4. The Adventures of Milo & Otis (1986)
Two best friends, who happen to be a cat and a dog, are accidentally separated when Milo is sent downstream by the river’s currents he’s playing by. What follows is a journey that showcases how far we would go for the friends we adore, as we follow Milo, the cat, and Otis the dog on their wild adventure until they are reunited once more.
5. Tom & Jerry (2021)
Though many Tom & Jerry movies accompany the original cartoon, let’s highlight last year’s release from this franchise. In the 2021 Tom & Jerry movie, we see a mixture of computer animation and live-action come to life to bring Tom and Jerry into our world. With a dream of becoming a pianist, Tom is rightfully annoyed when his keyboard is destroyed in a fight with Jerry. However, when he chases the mouse, they meet Kayla Forester and bump into her. This sets off a chain reaction where Kayla loses her job, is hired under pretenses elsewhere, and Tom and Jerry continue their shenanigans in the same place… Which just happens to be a high-end hotel.
6. Garfield The Movie (2004)
Garfield may have no fondness for his owner’s new dog, Odie, but that doesn’t stop him from halting his typical eating habits to go and rescue the pup when he gets abducted after being locked outside. Feeling the shame of being partly responsible for Odie’s predicament, Garfield leaves the comfort of his home to find him – with a little help from other animals along the way.
7. Puss in Boots (2011)
We all know Puss in Boots from the humorous Shrek movies. We follow Puss before he became one of Shrek’s companions in this adventure. This suave cat is as smooth as can be, and he’s on the run for a crime he didn’t commit. To restore his honor, he’ll team up with an old friend-turned-enemy and a notorious cat burglar so that they can steal a goose that is known for laying golden eggs.
8. A Whisker Away (2020)
Miyo Sasaki is an unhappy schoolgirl gifted with a mask that gives her the ability to turn into a kitten. She uses her newfound magical powder to try and gain the attention and affection of a classmate that she’s had a crush on for a long time. However, each time she uses the mask, she risks becoming a cat forever. It’s a lesson in love and how far people are willing to go.
9. Oliver & Company (1988)
A Disney classic that follows the story of Oliver, a ginger kitten who was the only cat left behind on the seemingly unwelcoming streets of New York City. His attention is caught by Dodger, a dog with a penchant for getting into mischief to feed his pack and his down-on-his-luck human owner. After following Dodger home, Oliver finds not one family but two.
10. The Aristocats (1970)
Another Disney classic that highlights the greed of men and the journey of two cats falling in love. When a well-off lady’s butler overhears what his employer’s plans are for her money after she dies, he tries to get rid of her cats. Little did he know that Duchess and her three kittens are willing to do anything to get back to their Madame, with a bunch of help and adventure from an alley cat who falls for Duchess at first sight.
