Since the dawn of cinema there’s one constant box office draw for families: put a dog in the movie and we will come. A Dog’s Purpose, based on the best-selling novel of the same name, is the latest film fetching us to the theater. Early reviews have already established the need for families to bring a few hankies as the story follows the life lessons a dog learns as he is reincarnated through several lives.

Weepy canine flicks are practically classic cinema and here's a list of some favorites, as well as some great dog comedies to cheer you up.

Weepy Dog Films:

Old Yeller: Hands down the most weeptastic, possibly traumatic, family dog movie is Old Yeller. I recommend totally spoiling the Disney movie for yourself (if you haven’t already seen it) so you can prepare yourself for the ending. The story of a boy and his stray dog is considered the ultimate classic by many film critics.

All Dogs Go to Heaven: Burt Reynolds plays a German shepherd who finds redemption thanks to a sweet orphan girl in the animated All Dogs Go to Heaven. There may be some scary depictions of hell for younger viewers, but the lively cast of dog characters will amuse many. Until the sobs happen.

Lassie Come Home: The original inspiration for a long line of sequels, Lassie Come Home, was critically acclaimed and earned the film’s star (the dog) a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hold on, I need to grab a hanky to write about this: because of economic hardships, a family is forced to sell their beloved collie. The dog, Lassie, is miserable with her new owner, and thanks to a compassionate family member (played by a young Elizabeth Taylor!), she escapes to attempt to reunite with her original owner.

Where the Red Fern Grows: Based on the novel by the same name, Where the Red Fern Grows is an emotional roller coaster of a film. There are bullies, wild cougars and death. I can still remember heatedly debating about the gut punch of an ending. But, uh, people do love it.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale: Inspired by a true story, made into a Japanese film, and then remade into an American film starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is beyond heartstring yanking. In front of the Shibuya train station is a statue of a faithful and loyal dog who waited for his owner to arrive from work every day. This film tells their beautiful and emotional story.

Funny Dog Films:

Beethoven: So successful they made seven films in the franchise, Beethoven struck a chord with families because of its goofy comedy and adorable St. Bernard. There is much to be charmed by in the original film, and the kids will crack up at the antics of the giant dog and his protective family.

Best in Show: Ideal for tweens and teens, Best in Show is a fall-off-the-sofa-funny mockumentary about the people involved in professional dog shows. The highly improvised film is as much about the people who tend to the dogs as it is the dogs themselves.

Frankenweenie: In this collaboration between Tim Burton and Disney, Frankenweenie tells the story of a young boy who reanimates his dog. While parts of the movie are a touch creepy and even a bit sad, the dark comedy in the film is fantastic for older kids.

The Shaggy Dog: One of the best films in the “parents just don’t understand” genre is The Shaggy Dog. The 1959 classic features a story about a dad who is allergic to dogs and doesn’t understand his teenage son, and a teenage son who is frustrated by his father not getting his interests. Of course through the magic of a movie plot the teen becomes a dog and mayhem ensues.

Scoobie-Doo: The Movie: When it comes to funny and dogs there is one name that ultimately soars to the top of everyone’s list. The Scooby-Doo Movie may need a few Scooby snacks to make it palatable, but elementary aged kids will crack up at the live-action antics of this gang.

Time for the ultimate Canine Film Festival! Whistle up the family and your favorite four-legged pal and fetch some of these treats.