The new movie from the animation geniuses behind Despicable Me and Minions, The Secret Life of Pets promises to have us looking at our favourite animal companions in a whole new light, exploring what they get up to once our backs are turned.
This got us thinking: who are some of the greatest on-screen movie pets, the ones we wish existed in real life? Here are some of our favourites.
101 Dalmatians
One of Disney's most enduringly popular hits, this adaptation of Dodie Smith's novel turned tail-wagging Dalmatians into the most popular dog breed on the planet. Even in the face of classic, cackling villain Cruella De Vil, the fun-loving pooches more than hold their own. The movie was remade in live action in 1996 with a deliciously ripe performance from Glenn Close as Cruella.
The AristoCats
This Disney classic revolves around a family of pampered felines who find themselves abandoned on the outskirts of Paris. On their travels back to their mistress, they come across wisecracking alley cat O'Malley, voiced by The Jungle Book favourite Phil Harris. If any movie made cats cool (let's not forget, O'Malley loves a bit of jazz), it was this one.
Beethoven
Doing for massive, slobbery St Bernards what 101 Dalmatians did for, err, dalmatians, this madcap comedy holds a special place in audiences hearts. When an American family take in a four-legged addition to their brood, father Charles Grodin must overcome his dog-hating tendencies – when he finally does, it's super-cute.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
This popular family adventure was a feast for animal lovers as two dogs and a cat trek across America to be reunited with their owners. On vocal duties are veteran Oscar winners Don Ameche and Sally Field, and Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox. The movie was so successful it spawned a 1996 sequel: Lost in San Francisco.
Marley and Me
Adapted from journalist John Grogan's bestseller, this is the fun-filled story of one family's life with the world's most destructive labrador. As the eponymous Marley trashes the furniture, poops on the carpet and much more besides, he nevertheless becomes a close companion to the central characters played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. The inevitable goodbye is a real tear-jerker.
Rio
It's not all about cats and dogs, you know. This hit 2011 animation (and its lesser 2014 sequel) explores the adventures of a domesticated macaw Blue, unmistakably voiced by The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg, as he finds himself lost in the samba-infused sprawl of Rio De Janeiro. Anne Hathaway voices Blue's spontaneous opposite and eventual sweetheart, Jewel.
Can't wait for the full-on animal bonanza that is The Secret Life of Pets? Don't miss the movie when it's released on 24th June.
