Animal Lovers

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Animals: plenty of unusual animals

In another part of the Harry Potter universe, Newt Scamander arrives in New York and keeps many of his animals with him in the depths of his suitcase. This of course leads to trouble, as they wreak havoc around the city. Some beloved favourites such as the niffler have become very popular, and returned also in the sequel in 2018. Besides Eddie Redmayne, this film also stars Katherine Waterston, Samantha Morton and Ezra Miller. 

The Drop (2014)

Animals: a cute Staffie puppy

A tough film about a man becoming involved in a robbery, made by director Michaël Roskam. Besides Tom Hardy, the main star of the film is his Staffie puppy, with he involuntarily adopts. Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini and Matthis Schoenaerts finish the great lineup.

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

Animals: plenty of horses

When a girl has an accident while riding, both the horse and the girl are traumatised. The family decides to try the help of man man known as a horse whisperer to help them heal. Robert Redford and Kristin Scott Thomas star in this beautiful film, as well as Scarlett Johansson in her first big role.

Okja (2017)

Animals: super pigs

One of the first productions by Netflix, this is a very touching film about the love of a girl for her pig, which she grew up with. Made by acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho who is a master of mixing serious with hilarious moments, this film is short partly in Korean and partly in English. It stars a great collection of actors such as Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton and Giancarlo Esposito, as well as Seo-hyun Ahn in the leading role.

Free Willy (1993)

Animals: an orca

A family film which is dealing with the question of whether animals should be held in captivity, Free Willy tells the story of a boy who starts a friendship with an orca at an aquarium. When his friend's life is in danger, he tries to save him. Starring Jason James Richter in the leading role, as well as Michael Madsen and Jayne Atkinson.  

Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

Animals: an Akita dog

Based on a true story from Japan, this film tells the story of a professor who adopts an Akita dog and becomes very close to him. Very moving and beautifully told by director Lasse Hallström, this film stars Richard Gere and Joan Allen.

The Shape of Water (2017)

Animals: an amphibian creature

An unusual tale from visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water is a film about a mute woman who starts a relationship with an amphibian creature in captivity. Featuring amazing cinematography, music and one of the best casts ever seen on screen, this is much more than just a film about a strange animal. Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones.

War Horse (2011)

Animals: a horse

Told by Steven Spielberg, this film does not only have a human protagonist. His horse is equally important, and their separation in WWI is shown from both perspectives. Their bond endures many hardships, and the impact of war not only on humans but also on animals is shown. Starring Jeremy Irvine, David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Dumbo (2019)

Animals: an elephant and other circus animals

Any film by Tim Burton is of course not just a regular family film, but an unusual adventure with his typical features. This being a Disney production, it is rather commercial, but still rather cute if you like animals. Dumbo tells the tale of a widower and his two children, who work at a circus and take care of a young elephant with unusually large ears. Burton managed to convince Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito to star. 

King Kong (2005)

Animals: a large gorilla

An unusual love story, as this famous gorilla and the woman he cares about are very mismatched in terms of size and strength. Created by Peter Jackson, this remake shows a realistic King Kong on a deserted island where he is in his element, but when humans invade it for a film production it makes his life complicated, even though he starts to like the lead actress of the film crew. Starring Naomi Watts in the female lead and Andy Serkis as King Kong (created with motion capture), as well as Adrien Brody, Jack Black and Jamie Bell.