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Must-see films with furry feline stars

Cats have captivated audiences for centuries, and their cinematic presence is no exception. From animated classics to live-action adventures, these films celebrate our beloved feline companions.

Cats Don't Dance
The Cat Returns
A Street Cat Named Bob

Feline friends have long held a special place in our hearts, and Hollywood is no stranger to their charm. Movies featuring cats span a delightful range of genres, from heartwarming family tales and animated musical extravaganzas to quirky comedies and even sci-fi adventures.

Whether they're the central characters, like the jazz-loving crew in The Aristocats or the swashbuckling Puss in Boots, or providing memorable support like the titular character in That Darn Cat, cinematic cats bring a unique blend of independence, mystery, and unexpected loyalty to the screen. Creating believable cat performances, especially in animation or with CGI, presents fascinating challenges and showcases incredible advancements in filmmaking over the years.

From the early days of Disney's hand-drawn felines to modern digital creations and surprisingly effective trained animal actors, the world of cat movies offers something for every animal lover and film fan. Get ready to explore some purr-fectly entertaining films where cats take center stage.

14. Cats (2019)

Cats is a film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous stage musical, which in turn is based on T.S. Eliot's poetry collection 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'. The movie brings together a star-studded cast, including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Hudson, and Taylor Swift, to tell the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles who must decide which one of them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The film uses motion capture technology to transform the actors into felines. Directed by Tom Hooper, it attempts to translate the unique world and characters of the musical to the screen.

Cats

13. The Cat in the Hat (2003)

Based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, The Cat in the Hat brings the mischievous, top-hat-wearing feline to live-action. Mike Myers stars as the titular character who shows up at the home of two bored siblings, Conrad and Sally, on a rainy day and turns their lives upside down with chaos and fun. While the character is a cat, the film is more about embracing imagination and breaking free from strict rules than it is about actual feline behavior. Directed by Bo Welch, the film leans heavily into the surreal and colorful aesthetic of Dr. Seuss's world. It's a film filled with visual gags and rhymes, aiming to capture the playful anarchy of the beloved children's story.

The Cat in the Hat

12. Catwoman (2004)

Catwoman brings DC Comics' iconic anti-heroine to the big screen, though this iteration offers a unique take on the character. Halle Berry stars as Patience Phillips, a shy graphic designer who gains cat-like abilities after a mysterious encounter. Embracing her new powers, she becomes Catwoman, navigating a world of corporate conspiracy and discovering her true potential. While perhaps not a direct adaptation of the comic book origins many know, the film focuses on themes of empowerment and transformation. Sharon Stone plays the villain, adding a touch of glamour and menace. It's a stylish, action-oriented film centered on a character inspired by the grace and independence of felines.

Catwoman

11. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a beloved family adventure film that, while not solely about cats, features one of cinema's most iconic felines, Sassy the Himalayan cat! Alongside two dogs, Chance and Shadow, Sassy is accidentally left behind while her family goes on vacation. Believing they've been abandoned, the three pets embark on a perilous cross-country journey to find their way home. Sassy, voiced with delightful sass by Sally Field, provides much of the film's humor and proves that cats are just as capable (and perhaps a bit more finicky) adventurers as dogs. The animal performances are genuinely remarkable, making you believe in their determination and bond. It's a touching story about loyalty, perseverance, and the meaning of family.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

10. Garfield (2004)

The world's most famous lazy, lasagna-loving feline makes his live-action debut in Garfield. Based on the hugely popular comic strip by Jim Davis, the film brings the cynical orange tabby to life using CGI. Garfield's comfortable life of eating and sleeping is disrupted when his owner, Jon Arbuckle, brings home a cheerful dog named Odie. The film follows Garfield's attempts to get rid of Odie, which leads to unexpected adventures. Bill Murray provides the voice of Garfield, bringing his signature dry wit to the character. While the adaptation took some creative liberties, it captures the essence of Garfield's personality and his unique relationship with Jon and Odie.

Garfield

9. Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010)

The secret war between pets continues in Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. This sequel ups the ante with a former M.I.A.O.W. agent, Kitty Galore, going rogue and planning world domination. Cats and dogs are forced to team up for the first time to stop her. The film continues the blend of live-action animals with visual effects and features a voice cast that includes Bette Midler as the villainous Kitty. It even incorporates elements of James Bond films for its spy parody angle. While maintaining the goofy tone of the original, it offers more gadgets, more elaborate schemes, and proves that sometimes, even the fiercest rivals have to work together when faced with a common enemy.

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

8. Cats & Dogs (2001)

Ever wondered what secret war is being fought right under our noses? Cats & Dogs imagines just that! This family comedy posits that felines and canines are engaged in a high-tech espionage battle for control of the world. The film centers on a beagle puppy named Lou who gets caught up in this secret conflict when he must protect a scientist working on a formula that could eliminate dog allergies. While leaning heavily into slapstick and anthropomorphic humor, the movie boasts some impressive animatronics and visual effects for its time to bring the animal agents to life. It's a silly premise played for laughs, offering a fun, action-packed look at the age-old rivalry between two beloved pets.

Cats & Dogs

7. The Cat from Outer Space (1978)

Blast off with The Cat from Outer Space, a quirky Disney sci-fi comedy from 1978! When an alien spaceship makes an emergency landing on Earth, its pilot turns out to be a highly intelligent cat named Zunar-J-5/9 Doric-4-7, or 'Jake' for short. Jake needs a special collar to power his ship and get home, leading him to enlist the help of a shy scientist. The film is a charming relic of its era, blending mild sci-fi elements with lighthearted humor and a healthy dose of animal antics. It features a fun cast including Ken Berry and Sandy Duncan, and the visual effects, while dated, add to its retro appeal. It's a simple, enjoyable story about friendship across the cosmos, proving that even aliens can appreciate a good purr.

The Cat from Outer Space

6. That Darn Cat (1997)

Get ready for some vintage Disney mystery with That Darn Cat! This live-action comedy from 1965 stars Hayley Mills as Patti Randall, a young woman whose Siamese cat, D.C. (short for Darn Cat), comes home one night wearing a wristwatch. Patti suspects the watch belongs to a bank teller who was kidnapped, and she ropes the FBI, specifically agent Zeke Kelso (Dean Jones), into helping her investigate. The film is a fun caper with a great blend of comedy and suspense, centered around the antics of the clever feline protagonist. It was remade in 1997, but the original has a classic charm and features some great physical comedy from its human and animal stars. It's a feel-good family film where the real hero has four paws and a tail.

That Darn Cat

5. A Street Cat Named Bob (2016)

A Street Cat Named Bob is a genuinely heartwarming film based on the bestselling true story. It tells the tale of James Bowen, a struggling street musician and recovering addict in London, whose life is transformed when he finds an injured ginger cat and nurses him back to health. The cat, whom he names Bob, becomes his constant companion, accompanying him as he busks and sells 'The Big Issue' newspaper. The film beautifully captures the special bond between a human and an animal and how that connection can provide hope and purpose. The real Bob the cat even plays himself in most of the movie! It's an emotional journey about second chances and the profound impact a furry friend can have.

A Street Cat Named Bob

4. The Cat Returns (2002)

Step into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli with The Cat Returns. This enchanting film is actually a spin-off from their earlier movie, Whisper of the Heart, where the Baron character first appeared. It follows Haru, a shy high school girl who saves a cat from being hit by a truck, only to discover he's actually Lune, the Prince of the Cat Kingdom! This act of kindness leads her into a bizarre and fantastical adventure where she starts turning into a cat herself. Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, it's a shorter, lighter Ghibli film but still packed with their signature charm, imagination, and beautiful animation. It explores themes of self-acceptance and finding your own path. Plus, it features talking cats in dapper suits!

The Cat Returns

3. Cats Don't Dance (1997)

Prepare to be dazzled by Cats Don't Dance, a wonderfully underrated animated film that deserves way more love! Set in 1939 Hollywood, it tells the story of Danny, a hopeful orange tabby from Indiana who dreams of making it big in showbiz. He quickly discovers that Hollywood is a lot tougher for animals than he imagined. This movie is a vibrant explosion of color, energy, and absolutely phenomenal musical numbers composed by Randy Newman. The animation style is unique and expressive, clearly influenced by classic Warner Bros. cartoons, which is fitting as it was produced by Warner Bros. Feature Animation. It's a sharp, funny, and heartfelt commentary on prejudice and pursuing your dreams against all odds. The characters are charming, the songs are toe-tapping, and it's a film that truly celebrates the magic of performance.

Cats Don't Dance

2. Puss in Boots (2011)

Puss in Boots is an absolute swashbuckling delight! This spin-off from the Shrek universe finally gives Antonio Banderas's charismatic feline adventurer his own origin story, and it's a purrfect fit. The animation is stunning, especially the action sequences which are choreographed with incredible flair, making Puss's sword fighting and agility truly shine. Did you know Guillermo del Toro served as an executive producer on this film? His touch for visual creativity and unique character designs is certainly felt, particularly with characters like Humpty Dumpty and Kitty Softpaws, voiced brilliantly by Zach Galifianakis and Salma Hayek. It's a film packed with witty humor, genuine heart, and some seriously cool sombrero action. A must-watch for fans of fairy tales and fantastic felines!

Puss in Boots

1. The Aristocats (1970)

Dive into the jazzy world of The Aristocats, a true Disney classic that purrs with charm! This animated gem from 1970 follows a family of aristocratic felines kidnapped from their posh Parisian home and dumped in the countryside. Their only hope? A cool, street-smart alley cat named Thomas O'Malley. The film is a delightful blend of adventure, comedy, and absolutely fantastic music, most notably the catchy 'Everybody Wants to Be a Cat' sequence. It was the last animated film project approved by Walt Disney himself before his passing, and you can feel that classic era magic throughout. The voice cast is superb, featuring Eva Gabor as the elegant Duchess and Phil Harris bringing laid-back cool to O'Malley. It's a timeless tale of finding friendship in unexpected places and proves that sometimes, the best music comes from the most unlikely ensembles!

The Aristocats

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