I have a confession to make. I’m a little obsessed with dog sledding…and…dog movies (and dog books).
I’ve been dog sledding in Alaska, and it’s not uncommon that I’ve seen every movie in the box office at once. Thank you Movie Pass.
So, I figured I’d put my passions to work and give you the ultimate list of dog sledding movies. Make sure you scroll all the way to the end and I’ll tell you which 3 are my favorites.
2024 Update Notes
1. This is every dog-sledding movie I actually know of. If you happen to know of any others please let me know and I’ll get it added to the list.
2. The following ratings are an average of the Amazon and IMDB ratings. My personal preferences can be found at the end of this post.
3. Some of the following movies (i.e. White Fang) aren’t true dog sledding movies, but they have enough elements that I included them.
4. Each year a couple new movies are made. Instead of moving films off the list I’ve extended the list. So, while it’s called the “Top 25,” the list actually has a bit more than 30 now.
Top 25 Best Dog Sledding Movies
Faith In Every Footstep
Letterboxd
If you happen to be a Letterboxd member, you can view/add the list here: https://letterboxd.com/wbauthor/list/dog-sledding-movies/
Notable Mentions
I talked to several mushers who recommended some low budget movies and obscure documentaries. Unfortunately many of them didn’t have any reviews on IMDB or Amazon, or just were near impossible to find. So, I’ve added those here in no specific order.
Okpik’s Dream. This documentary follow Harry Okpik as he recounts the momentous events of his life and cares for his magnificent husky dogs in preparation for the Ivakkak. Check out the trailer below.
Dog Gone Addiction. Michelle Phillips, a young Canadian mother, Agata Franczak, a 48-year-old Polish adventurer, and Kelley Griffin, an Alaskan veteran all test their limits in the Yukon Quest.
Season of the Sled Dog. A PBS special sharing Mary’s Alaskan lifestyle, celebrating the huskies in their everyday life, on the long race, and on a spring trip.
Appetite and Attitude. A Conversation with Lance Mackey, about the world’s preeminent long distance sled dog racer.
Dog Power. Dog Power Movie is a powerful look into the incredibly deep bond that forms between humans and canines as they train, play and race together. Check out the trailer below.
My Top 3 Favorite Dog Sledding Movies
I actually love every movie on the list above, even the hatchet job they did to one of the greatest novels of all time, Call of the Wild. However, there are 3 movies that stand above the rest (for me). If you ever watch these movies you may even notice some similarities to Hope In Every Raindrop.
1. Iron Will. Probably goes down as top 3 best endings of any movie I’ve ever seen.
2. Stone Fox. I know I just said I loved the ending of Iron Will, well I love the ending of Stone Fox too.
3. White Fang. As I mentioned above, there were a couple movies on the list that weren’t pure dog sled racing movies, but no list like this can leave off White Fang.
Unfortunately there aren’t a ton of sled dog racing movies to choose from, but some of them are absolutely amazing.
So, which ones have you seen? Any favorites?
We are huge fans of Eight Below, Balto, and Snow Dogs in our house. And since we’re heading out on an Alaskan cruise in May, we will be brushing up on our iditarod movies … and hopefully visiting a museum or two focusing on that while we’re there!
We went on an Alaskan cruise for our honeymoon. You’re going to have so much fun! I don’t know where all you’re going, but one of our excursions was dog sledding on a glacier, so definitely check that out.
Responding to Kasee above, I am going on my first Alaskan Cruise, with my husband, in May 2016 too! Are you going on Princess?
If you go to Fairbanks there is nice little museum here: http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1160139
Check out Toby Mcteague
Didnt see previous comment
If you like True Story movies TOGO is the best one I have seen and I could watch it over and over!!!I know there is controversy over who was the best sled dog in the great Alaskan race to save lives from diptheria in NOME but in my mind TOGO was the hero dog taking the sled many more miles than Balto did!!!
Toby mcTegue good movie
Totally agree Brad!
Love iron will, white fang and snow dogs! Will definitely check out the others!!!!!
What about Spirit of the Wind the George Attla Story.
I’ll have to check that one out and get it added to the list. Thanks Rol!
“I’ll have to check that one out . . .” I was surprised that this wasn’t in your Top Three until I read this, as I feel it is not only the best mushing video of all time, but also the finest movie about Alaska ever made. For some it lacks the otherwise ubiquitous Hollywood-style violence that is portrayed (and supported by the soundtrack) as drama, which so many film-goers seem to crave, but to me that is one of its top qualities. It beautifully tells a story in reality-time and space (except for a few bouts of humor) about a period in Alaska’s history that is lost today, with the drama interwoven in the story, with the pain, heartache and successes not pounded into one’s brain, but offered in a way that gives one the opportunity to explore one’s own feelings as they unfold.
Thanks so much for this list! I just got back from a royal carribean, Alaskan cruise and after going to a musher camp in Skagway, listening to a 19 year old musher talk about his first Iditarod this last winter, I am now obsessed with this subject and aim to watch these while also reading Jack London books!!
That’s awesome Jennifer. I want to go back to Alaska so bad.
Also, I’ve got a book coming out (later this year hopefully) about dog sledding, so stay tuned!
You should check out Gary Paulsen books, too. Really funny stories, true stories, etc. related to his dog sledding and other adventures. Just love his description of the “skunking” incident.
The Great Alone – Greg Kohs – Documentary about Lane Mackey, 4 time Iditarod Champion.
Will check it out Janet; I’ve read quite a bit about Lance Mackey, so I’m sure the documentary is great.
It is now on Netflix.
How about Disney’s Snow Buddies? Those Husky puppies are so adorable!
Amanda,
I can’t believe I haven’t even heard of this one. Going to watch it tomorrow and get it added to the list, thanks 🙂
My husky is descended from dogs in the Iron Will movie. The people I got him from supplied dogs, sleds and mushers for the movie. The people in the area of the shooting became friends with Mackenzie Aston, who by all reports, was a very nice person. He still keeps in contact with people he met there. It happened that is was very cold, but had no snow. So they made fake snow out of potatoes. But the dogs wouldn’t quit eating it , which caused problems trying to shoot scenes while all the dogs were gobbling up the potato snow.
Anne, that is an amazing story! Iron Will is one of my favorites of all time.
Iron will!! I wore out three vhs tapes I watch it so much and it got me to start running my own teem when I was younger
Kevin, that’s so awesome! Did you ever compete? I’d love to hear about the dogs.
Love them all..,,Iron Will is my favorite! Had a lead dog, Paco whose father was in it. Wore out VHS’s & now own a DVD. Have had 17 Mals in my years of mushing (for my own recreation & enjoyment). Libby’s book inspired me to start 25+ years ago. Down to two…back issues & age slowed me down. Sad, by still enjoy my two girls & take them out on my old sled a few times each winter. Have many of others on your list as well.
Iron Will, a story about young strong will. This movie can compete with any good movie in any field.
White Fang although different than the book is a charming story. If you have not read the book, it conveys the true nature of sled dogs as experienced by someone (me) who lives close to sled dogs.
Balto although inaccurate is also a cute story for children.
Kavik is one. We are watching it right now with our friend at her house.
Hi I remember watching a movie or show where I believe a boy and girl had sled dogs. They had to move them from one mountain or peak to another. The dogs were in harnesses and fastened to a rope or cable to be pulled with. One of the harnesses break and the dog falls. Does anyone know the name of this program? I may have some details messed up it has been quite a while since I’ve watched it. Thank you. Torrey
Banner from the Moon. Cindy Abbott It’s her documentary. She is a musher and this is an incredible movie. From Mt. Everest to dog sledding while battling life threatening health issues. She now lives in Alaska and is running Iditarod this year. And we will be there to see it!
Hi Wesley,
Mushers, Conquering the Yukon Quest
http://www.redletterfilms.com/movie-eng/yukon-quest/ A small film company from Vancouver. Should be good. Thanks for spreading positive things on the internet!
In Alaska right now to see my first Iditarod. Went on my first sled dog ride with a four time Iditarod competitor this past Saturday. Had lunch today at the Iditarod headquarters in Anchorage and have been reading and watching as much as I can about the Iditarod and mushing before the ceremonial start on Saturday. Thanks for this list so that I can watch a little more before then.
Have you seen Disney’s Togo yet?
Haven’t seen it yet, but planning to this weekend. Was it good?
I don’t trust a person who doesn’t tear up a little watching Togo 😉
It was intense, and made my heart feel a yo-yo of emotions… I enjoyed knowing ahead of time, that Martin Buser was Willem Dafoe’s musher stunt double!!
Amazing is a better word. And I agree with Erika below that it’s a tear jerker.
Nikki Wild Dog of the North. Very old movie. Suppose to be great
Have you seen togo yet? If you haven’t you should right now!!
What about Dog Sled Soldiers, excellent.
Trying to find a film with an alsatian/ german shepherd called boyfriend taking on a sledge race to win some money to save his mother
Thank you for putting this list together, alot of movies I didn’t know about! My Alaskan husky named Jay just had her first litter of puppies I’m starting my own dog team, so excited I have to binge watch all of these!!
My favorite sled dog movie is Togo the reale story based on what happened in nome and the medicine Journey.
If this is every dog sledding movie that you’ve heard of, does that mean this is also the list of the worst dog sledding movies of all time?
Is the glass half empty or half full?