From Fangs to Fur: A Brief History of Pets in Horror Films

Whether you're into horror films or not, you’ve got to admit that pets add an extra layer of emotional tension to the screen. One minute they're the lovable sidekick, and the next, they're making us clutch our blankets in fear.

The history of dogs and cats in film is as long and complex as you might think. But during spooky season, movies of a creepier variety are our focus. So, let's go on a cinematic journey and explore just how important our soulful sidekicks have been to the horror genre.

The classics: Pets in 70s and 80s horror films

Back in the 70s and 80s, the cultural view of pets was a bit different than it is today. Dogs and cats were seen as companions, sure, but the deep emotional bond we now associate with pet parenting hadn't fully taken root in society's collective psyche.

This made it easier for filmmakers to cast pets, particularly dogs and cats, in roles that were more menacing or villainous. We’ve got a few examples of how these earlier films utilized our animal companions to ramp up the scare factor.

The Omen: Unsettling animals

Remember that Hellhound in "The Omen" (1976)? Yeah, it was way more than just a side character. Portrayed as a Rottweiler, he drives a nanny to an unfortunate end.

This pup is no joke - he’s supposed to be a manifestation of the antichrist. Yikes!

Cujo: The lovable turned terrifying

A 1981 cult classic, Stephen King's "Cujo" brought a St. Bernard to life in a way that, well, probably scared off a few potential St. Bernard parents.

You’d probably be hard-pressed to find a feature-length film these days where the main villain is a rabid dog. Again, our views around pet parenting have changed. Modern audiences are less likely to be cool with man’s best friend in such a villainous role.

Pet Sematary: The cat who knew too much

The 1989 horror classic "Pet Sematary," based on Stephen King's novel, features a Maine Coon cat named Church as one of its most memorable characters. Church isn't just any cat; after being buried in a cursed burial ground, he comes back to life but is changed—more malevolent and unsettling.

Church serves as a dark mirror reflecting the consequences of tampering with life and death. The cat's transformation is both a plot device and a symbolic representation of the unnatural, disturbing energies at play.

Alien: Jonesy, The cat with nine lives

The 70s and 80s didn’t solely portray pets in a negative light. Jonesy, the orange tabby in 1979’s "Alien," becomes a fan favorite for surviving against all odds, adding suspense in crucial scenes. He made a perfect sidekick to badass heroine Ripley.

Modern flicks and pet portrayals

Fast forward to now, and the cultural landscape has shifted big time. Pets are no longer just pets; they're integral members of our families.

This transformation in how we view our animal companions has also been reflected in their roles in horror films. No longer just background props or one-dimensional villains, pets in modern cinema have nuanced, pivotal roles that can either crank up the suspense or offer a moment of heartwarming loyalty.

I Am Legend: A copilot in solitude

Remember Sam, the German Shepherd in 2007’s "I Am Legend"? In a post-apocalyptic world, she's more than just a sidekick to Will Smith's character; she's his emotional lifeline.

When we talk about elevating roles, Sam's character adds a layer of emotional depth that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. It's not just about the scares; it's about a bond that survives against all odds, even in a world overrun by zombies.

Don't Breathe: A complicated guard dog

In the 2016 thriller "Don't Breathe," a ferocious Rottweiler serves as the guardian of a blind man's home. The dog plays a complex role, being both terrifying and somehow pitiable, as it's simply following its training in a twisted environment.

Love and Monsters: Man's best apocalypse buddy

In the 2020 film "Love and Monsters," a dog named Boy plays a crucial role in accompanying the protagonist, Joel, through a monster-ridden post-apocalyptic world. Boy isn't your typical horror movie dog—there's no sinister edge here.

Instead, he brings levity, emotional depth, and even moments of heroism to a grim setting. Like Sam in “I Am Legend”, his role highlights the loyalty and companionship that a dog can provide, even when facing monstrous challenges.

How breed stereotypes play into horror

From the menacing Rottweiler in "The Omen" to the terrifying Dobermans in movies like "Resident Evil", there's a reason these breeds became the go-to choices for classic horror films. Hollywood often capitalizes on public perception, painting these breeds as intimidating or even outright dangerous. These breeds were portrayed as villainous sidekicks, reinforcing stereotypes that they are naturally aggressive or evil.

Today, as our understanding of dog behavior and breed-specific traits grows, we're seeing a shift towards more nuanced portrayals. Still, it's important to recognize how media can perpetuate stereotypes, which can, unfortunately, impact these breeds in real life, from adoption rates to breed-specific legislation.

Cats: A different kind of typecasting

Cats have had their own unique journey in horror cinema. While dogs often get cast as aggressive or vicious due to their breed (especially in older film), cats usually take on a more mystical role associated with witches and the supernatural. Like the aforementioned Church from "Pet Sematary" or the numerous black cats that cross paths with witches in movies like "Hocus Pocus."

However, this hasn't necessarily cast cats in a villainous light the way some dog breeds have been portrayed. Rather, it's contributed to the mysterious and magical aura that many people associate with cats to this day. It's less about them being 'bad' and more about them being enigmatic, creatures that exist somewhere between the human world and the mystical realm.

Naturally, these cinematic tropes can still influence real-world perceptions, even affecting adoption rates for black cats. That's why it's crucial to be aware of these biases and not let them shape our understanding. At the end of the day, pets are complex beings with individual personalities, not just plot devices to add suspense to a storyline.

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The next time you catch a horror flick, pay attention to the pets. They're not just fluff; often they're integral to the story. They enhance the emotional stakes, ratchet up the suspense, and sometimes, they're the most relatable characters on screen.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.