Literature-Based Movies About Animals

Movies centered on animals are a pretty safe bet for family-friendly films.  If you’re looking for something to watch on a sick day or rainy afternoon, try one of these these classic animal read-alouds on screen. 

I’ll always recommend previewing any films you plan to show little ones! If you don’t have the time to preview, watch the trailer and then look up the movie on Focus on the Family’s Plugged In or Common Sense Media for full reviews. 

Here’s a list of our favorite literature-based movies about animals!

1.)  Black Beauty

We’re currently reading this book and plan to watch the 1994 version by Warner Brothers. (There was a Disney+ version put out in 2020, but it didn’t appear to be as family-friendly!) The later adaptation also changes the setting and time, placing characters on a ranch in the American West.

2.)  The Black Stallion

The 1979 version directed by Francis Ford Coppola is in our cue! 

3.) Where the Red Fern Grows

This movie may be too sad for some children, but mine handled it really well.  It’s a wonderful adventure with so many beautiful lessons to learn about dreams and hard work. We recommend the 1974 version starting James Whitmore.  

4.) Because of Winn-Dixie

Before we watched this movie, we listened to the audio book version narrated by Cherry Jones, which I highly recommend!  This movie stuck very close to the storyline and made the characters and setting come alive even more.  It’s one of my favorite animal films.

5.) Charlotte’s Web

I showed my girls the 1973 animation before I realized that there was a live action version by Walden Media starring Dakota Fanning.  Both are wonderful; the animation for the nostalgic songs and characters, the live action version for the humor and cinematography.  Walden Media does it again! 

6.) Old Yeller

The 1957 Disney version of this Newberry Honor book is one I think all families should watch!  And it’s one of Disney’s better early dramas.  

7.) The Incredible Journey

The movie title, Homeward Bound is different from the book title.  Yet another 90’s classic; this one has a star-studded cast doing voice-over for the animals. (Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, and Don Alder.)  The nature cinematography is also notable. 

9.) Shiloh

This Newberry medal book has a wonderful film adaptation by Warner Bros. done in 1996.  

9.) Stuart Little

You’ll definitely want to watch Columbia Tri-Star’s live-action and computer animated film after this book! It stars Michael J. Fox and Geena Davis.  

10.)  The Wind in the Willows

There are actually a very surprising amount of movie adaptations to this book.  Disney’s 1949 version is the best.  It’s now available as part of the Disney Animated Collection, which features vintage Disney shorts in a series of nine volumes.  The Wind in the Willows is featured on Volume 5, along with a handful of other short animations.  It is unfortunately only available on DVD. Check with your library to see if they have a copy (mine does)!  

I hope you enjoy planning your next family movie night with this list!