There are films in which animals play a fundamental role. Don’t worry: we’re not referring to the Beethoven franchise or Free Willy, but to films in which the protagonists have pets that are simply unforgettable. That’s why today at Aristopet we’ve decided to pay a small tribute to those ten pets that, from our point of view, would deserve an Oscar for best pet. Although that category does not exist yet… Give it time. Surely one day pets will also pose on the red carpet at the film awards!
1.Toto, the most endearing Cairn Terrier
In The Wizard of Oz, Toto is Dorothy’s inseparable friend. The little Cairn Terrier would do anything for his owner, and she would do anything for him. In fact, after the episode in which Toto bites the fearsome neighbor Miss Gulch (and she thoroughly deserved it), Dorothy decides to leave everything behind and run away with her dog in search of a better life “somewhere over the rainbow.” Could there be a more beautiful relationship between an owner and their pet?
2. Buzz’s Tarantula
Buzz’s tarantula, Kevin’s brother in Home Alone, also deserves a special mention, because it causes the most terrifying scream in the entire film and because, although its relationship with Kevin is not very good at first… everything improves over the course of the film. Surely more than one person, after seeing how docile it was, was inspired to bring a tarantula into their life.
3. Cat, the luckiest cat
The cat from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is famous. Not only because he was called “Cat,” but because he was Holly Golightly’s (Audrey Hepburn) faithful companion. In fact, some people truly envy Cat because he had the privilege of watching Holly sleep, purring until he woke her up, and also listening to her play “Moon River” by the window. Moreover, his disappearance sets off… Well, we won’t give away any spoilers, but Cat gives a masterful performance.
4. Verdell, the most adorable Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon who appears in As Good as It Gets displayed the inquisitive, watchful, alert, proud, sociable, and sensitive temperament that characterizes the breed. His role is crucial because Verdell changes Melvin’s (Jack Nicholson) life and helps him cope with his obsessive-compulsive disorder. But, when all is said and done, isn’t that how dogs influence us? They make us better.
5. Marley, an incomparable Labrador
A Couple of Three (or in its original version Marley & Me) is a story about a couple, but it is also Marley’s story, a beautiful Labrador. The film shows his 14 years of life, which required no fewer than 22 different Labradors. We love Marley and find him adorable in every scene and, moreover, he manages to make this film special, despite containing all the ingredients needed to go unnoticed.
6. Babe, the bravest Yorkshire pig
Babe, the famous brave pig, couldn’t be left out. Babe is a small, adorable pink Yorkshire Pig, capable of herding sheep and bringing a smile to everyone’s face. During filming, they had to use several piglets because this breed is one of the fastest-growing and can weigh up to 420 kilos (so, it was anything but a mini pig). But no one can deny that Babe was a sweetheart and that if we had been on set… we would have wanted to take him home.
7. Frank, the most stylish pug
Frank is by far the sexiest dog on the big screen. Or do you know many pugs that look so good in a fitted black suit? And with such a talent for singing, not to mention how funny he is… That pug is the best. We’d even dare say he’s cooler than the one and only Will Smith.
8. Mrs. Norris, the Hogwarts cat
Mrs. Norris is Argus Filch’s cat, the caretaker or guardian of Hogwarts. Mrs. Norris is faithful and loyal to her owner, sly, intelligent, and a little crafty. Her snitching gets Harry Potter and his friends into more than a little trouble… So, she’s a bit mean, but we forgive her because we’d love her to be ours, so we could pet her for hours and brush her fur.
9. Chip, the pirate parrot
Chip could surely confirm that “a pirate’s life is the best life.” Cotton, his owner, is a pirate whose tongue is cut out, leaving him mute. To communicate with the world again, he relies on Chip the parrot, whom he teaches to speak and turns into his own personal voice. What words would you teach him if he were yours?
10. Baby, the gentlest leopard
Lastly, we can’t forget Baby, the beautiful leopard who shares top billing in Bringing Up Baby (La fiera de mi niña) with two of the biggest stars of all time: Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. Okay, you’re right, a leopard isn’t a pet… but surely more than one of you has fantasized about it at some point! In fact, Jesulín tried it with a tiger. Do you remember Currupipi? Oh, dear… Anyway, let this final joke encourage you to watch the movie if you haven’t seen it. It’s very funny!
Many pets are missing, of course. But in upcoming posts, we’ll continue reviewing those fabulous pets that appear in movies. Until then, why not tell us which of these 10 is your favorite?