15. The Rabbi’s Cat (2011)
I’m kicking off this list with an animated tale.The Rabbi’s Catis an underrated gem from France about a rabbi’s cat who swallows a parrot and gains the ability to speak, which eventually leads the cat on a path toward converting to Judaism.
Joann Sfar adapted the story from his own comic series, and he seamlessly translates the offbeat humor, distinctive art style, and slice-of-life lightness to the big screen. But the real star is the cat itself, whose carefree and wisecracking attitude makes it all hilarious.
14. The Cat From Outer Space (1978)
At a time whenStar WarsandClose Encounters of the Third Kindwas breaking new ground for movies set in space, Disney showed its own set of possibilities withThe Cat From Outer Space. Not only is this one a cat-centric movie, it’s also a serviceable adventure!
In this film, three scientists are helping an extraterrestrial being that resembles a cat. It’s arguably one of the first family movies to use the send-an-alien-back-to-its-home-planet trope beforeET!
The Cat From Outer Spacechecks all the boxes—including the inclusion of shadowy government spies—and Jake the cat is just so adorable.
13. Oliver & Company (1988)
BeforeThe Little Mermaidchanged the game for Walt Disney Animation, there wasOliver & Company! Following the framework of Charles Dickens’sOliver Twist, this film has Oliver as a homeless kitten who joins a group of dogs (led by Fagin) and adapts to their ways.
While it does simplify the story from Dickens’s novel, the movie has the right balance of light-hearted moments and dark turns. Cat lovers will definitely fall in love with Oliver as well as his canine pals.
Related:The Best Cult Classic Disney Animated Movies Worth Watching
12. Harry and Tonto (1974)
Comedy legend Art Carney is best known forThe Honeymooners, but his role inHarry and Tontois a close second. He plays retired teacher Harry Coombes, who takes his ginger tabby Tonto on a life-changing road trip after his apartment building is torn down.
On the one hand, Tonto represents a side of Harry that he has to embrace, but on the other hand, Tonto is essentially a trusty companion to a man pondering his life. Either way, he’s the ideal cat to bring on a trip!
Related:The Best Road Movies of All Time
11. Pet Sematary (1989)
Here we have a movie where the cat is the very opposite of a trusty companion. InPet Sematary, a resurrected cat brings a curse to its owners, and the film exploits this idea to wring out a lot of creepiness.
Church the cat is spine-chilling; even before his second life, he seems to have a looming sinister side. Once resurrected, he’s terrifying with his blank glowing eyes and creepy hisses. They say that dead is sometimes better, and Church’s creepiness supports that.
Related:The Best Man vs. Animal Movies
10. A Cat in Paris (2010)
The Academy Award-nominatedA Cat in Parisfollows a cat who serves as accomplice to the burglar Nico. This cat, named Dino, also lives a double life as the pet cat of a girl named Zoé. When Dino’s night activities cause Zoé to fall into the hands of a gangster, Dino must rescue her.
With its caper premise and flexible animation,A Cat in Parisalmost feels like the French equivalent of the Disney classicThat Darn Cat!, but it stands out with its gorgeous art style.
The stakes give rise to Hitchcockian thrills, especially when we follow Dino as he leaps to the rooftops. With an intriguing mystery and caper underneath,A Cat in Parisis a sheer animated delight for all ages.
Related:The Best Heist Movies of All Time
9. Kedi (2016)
Did you know the streets of Istanbul are filled with stray cats? It’s hard to find any online video of Istanbul that doesn’t have stray cats interrupting human activity and stealing the spotlight!
The documentaryKedipresents a new perspective on the Turkish city with seven different cats of different personalities.
As we follow the lives of these cats among locals, we also learn of the history of Istanbul’s feline population. It adds to our appreciation of these fluffy companions, and whether you’re a cat lover or not,Kedi’s embrace of this whimsical world of cats is a lovely watch.
8. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Disney has made several feline-centered movies with popular feline characters, but this one’s really influential. Many childhoods were made complete by the twoHomeward Boundmovies!
In the original, we follow the cross-country adventures of Chance the bulldog pup, Shadow the golden retriever, and Sassy the Himalayan cat as they overcome obstacles and make their way back to their owners.
While the dogs have their charm, Sassy has her moments, especially with her laid-back, catty attitude.
Related:The Best Movies About Man and Animal Relationships
7. Soul (2020)
Soulis one of Pixar’s most ambitious projects as it tackles philosophical themes about the afterlife. The story of Joe achieving his dreams and going through life is an inspiring one, even if he ends up as a vapor-life soul that suddenly enters a cat’s body.
Joe as a cat may seem out of place for this list, but it’s hard to resist the feline-centered gags as he guides his pessimistic soul companion who possesses his actual body. The cat-and-his-owner shenanigans also lead toSoul’s deep and heartwarming moments.
Related:The Best Metaphorical Movies With Deeper, Hidden Meanings
6. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocusis primarily remembered for the wickedly fun Sanderson sisters, who hog the limelight and dominate with their screen presence. The film is an amusing tribute to the Halloween season and its excesses, which is best conveyed by the rest of the characters.
But there’s also the black cat Binx, who guides the teenager Max to the history behind the witch trio and his eventual curse. He’s friendly and unforgettable, which goes against black cat stereotypes, and so we can’t help but root for Binx to the very end!
Related:The Best Movies About Sisterhood
5. Keanu (2016)
Best known for their Comedy Central sketch showKey & Peele, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele took advantage of their momentum and went a step further by starring as dual leads inKeanu.
In this film, Rell (played by Jordan Peele) is a depressed man who finds a kitten on his doorstep and names him Keanu. When Keanu is kidnapped by a gang, Rell works together with his cousin (played by Keegan-Michael Key) to rescue him. Hijinks ensue!
This violently outrageous film was unexpected from the duo, but it’s all for rescuing a kitten who’s the definition of cute and cuddly.
Related:The Best Movies About Kidnappings
4. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
The beloved Puss in Boots first appeared inShrek 2and stole every scene with his charming presence and the vocal finesse of Antonio Banderas. It’s no wonder that he got two spin-off movies, but itissurprising that the sequel got such a glowing reception.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wishtakes Puss to uncharted territories, both in terms of his personal journey as well as his personality, which even involves a confrontation with Death personified.
With Kitty Softpaws and Perrito by his side, Puss is able to find strength beyond his cavalier persona—and the result is thatPuss in Boots: The Last Wishends up being one of my favorite movies about cats.
Related:The Best Medieval Fantasy Movies
3. That Darn Cat! (1965)
What’s the best Disney live-action movie about a cat? The answer isThat Darn Cat!, which mixes up the best elements of a caper movie and spits out a film that’s great for both adults and younger audiences.
For the uninitiated,That Darn Cat!involves a kidnapping that’s thwarted by a mischievous, quick-witted Siamese cat named D.C.
There’s no denying the talents of Syn Cat as D.C. Given the era of this movie, it’s amazing how this Siamese cat is able to find help from FBI Agent Kelso, stop the two bank robbers, and rescue a bank teller. Hilarious and clever,That Darn Cat!is such a solid watch.
Related:The Best Classic Old Movies Everyone Should See
2. The Aristocats (1970)
If Disney has one best movie about cats, it has to beThe Aristocats. This iconic film is to cats as101 Dalmatiansis to dogs.
Sure,The Aristocatsmight be far from the first, the best, or the most memorable Disney animated films that come to mind, but it’s tailor-made for cat owners and lovers of all ages.
Duchess and her kittens Toulouse, Marie, and Berlioz are lovable just by their designs alone. You can almost imagine taking them home. But J. Thomas O’Malley is the real star, who goes from alley cat to father figure to the kittens. It’s true fun from start to finish.
1. A Street Cat Named Bob (2016)
Capping off this list is a movie based on a true story!
A Street Cat Named Bobcenters on recovering drug addict James Bowen, whose life changes when he takes home a stray cat he names Bob. From there comes an unbreakable friendship that leads both of them to places they least expected.
The real story of James and Bob is a heart-wrenching one, but the film brilliantly portrays their growing bond that turns James around. And as a warm presence and a friend who you can share your stirring life with, Bob the Cat is the ideal feline best friend.
Related:The Best Movies About Redemption
