The Alaskan Malamute does not have a reputation for being a “trick” dog, but can be seen in many wilderness/adventure films portraying wolves and wolf-dogs. Sometimes they even play Alaskan Malamutes! (Also see Wolf Hybrids for Malamute mixes, including Clint Rowe’s celebrated Jed.)
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Against the Wild * Year: 2014 * Country: Canada * Breed content: High
Long-coat Malamute, Newman plays “Chinook” in a starring role.
Against the Wild II: Survive the Serengeti * Year: 2016 * Country: Canada/South Africa * Breed content: Medium
With a different Mal than the prequel, and in a smaller part. A third installment is called Hero Dog (see below).
Back to God’s Country * Year: 1953 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
One of many movies based on the James Oliver Curwood’s Kazan and Baree novels, this one casts a fawn Great Dane as the central wolf-dog character and uses Malamutes for the wolves and in sled teams in which speed is of the essence. Because, why not?
Cats & Dogs * Year: 2001 * Country: Australia/US * Breed content: Low
Among the many background dogs.
The Chechahcos * Year: 1924 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Dozens of sled dogs throughout the film and several clear shots of Alaskan Malamutes, Canadian Inuit Dogs, Chinooks, and possibly other types or mixes. Adorable scene with Chinooks at a little after 40 minutes.
Darling Companion * Year: 2012 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
“Freeway” is a mixed-breed, but there are many others in background roles throughout. Producer Elizabeth Redleaf was so taken with the Belgian Laekenois appearing in this film, she adopted one of his relatives—a dog by the name of Albert.
Die blutigen Geier von Alaska AKA: The Bloody Vultures of Alaska * Year: 1973 * Country: West Germany/Yugoslavia * Breed content: Medium
This Euro-Western, in the style of a Jack London novel, features a GSD as well as Siberian Husky and Malamute sled dogs. Released in North America as Hellhounds of Alaska.
Dog Lover’s Symphony * Year: 2006 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Lots of screen time devoted to the agility class and dog training, where you’ll see many breeds. The Malamute is not until the end credits.
Eight Below * Year: 2006 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
An American remake of the Japanese film Antarctica. Siberian Huskies get the most screen time, but there are two Mal wheel dogs, the gray and white “Shadow” and red and white “Buck”.
Flight of the Navigator * Year: 1986 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Main dog is an Australian Shepherd. Others seen in the opening credits.
Giubbe rosse AKA: Red Coats * Year: 1975 * Country: Italy * Breed content: Medium
This Euro-Western features many dogs, but Malamutes are the primary sled dog. Also released under an array of titles including: Cormack of the Mounties, Killers of the Savage North, Redcoat, and Royal Mounted Police.
Harpy * Year: 1971 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Hero Dog: The Journey Home * AKA: Against The Wild III: The Journey Home * Year: 2021 * Country: Canada * Breed content: High
In this third Against the Wild film “Chinook” is now played by Iikona.
Ice Palace * Year: 1960 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Iron Will * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Most of the dogs in this film are Siberian Huskies, but you’ll also see Alaskan Huskies and Malamutes.
Kayla * AKA: Kayla: A Cry in the Wilderness * Year: 1986 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Based on the novel Three Dog Winter by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk.
L’arbre de Noël * AKA: The Christmas Tree * Year: 1969 * Country: France/Italy * Breed content: Low
Also released as When Wolves Cry in an English dub, this film features real wolves along with German Shepherd Dogs and Malamutes doubling for them.
Lefty, the Dingaling Lynx * Year: 1971 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
A Wonderful World of Disney TV movie in which a dog sled team is led in a race by an … Irish Setter. Most of the sled dogs are Siberian Huskies, but there are a few Malamutes in the kennel and the race.
Legend of the White Horse * AKA: Biały smok * Year: 1987 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Dog in one scene at the beginning. Based on the novel White Horse, Dark Dragon by Robert C. Fleet.
The Lost Boys * Year: 1987 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Lost in Alaska * AKA: Abbott and Costello Lost in Alaska * Year: 1952 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
Two small teams of Malamutes look very uncomfortable on the sound stage where this was filmed. Besides the teams and lead dog “Gloria” there are several other dogs featured.
Lost in the Barrens * Year: 1990 * Country: Canada * Breed content: Low
A couple of Mals play wolves toward the end of this film. Based on the young adult novel by Farley Mowat, author of Never Cry Wolf.
Misa Mi * Year: 2003 * Country: Sweden * Breed content: Medium
With real wolves, plus Malamutes as wolf puppies.
Mrs. Mike * Year: 1949 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
My Own Private Idaho * Year: 1991 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Several dogs in the house, including a Malamute running past the stairs.
Nankyoku monogatari * AKA: Antarctica * Year: 1983 * Country: Japan * Breed content: High
Based on the stunning true story of fifteen Sakhalin Huskies trapped alone on Antarctica for a year in 1957-58. Only one of the sled dogs in Nankyoku monogatari is a Malamute, but “Riki” leads the pack in a starring role. Although leaving a lot to be desired when it comes to animal welfare, this remains one of the greatest dog films ever made.
Night of the Wolf * Year: 2002 * Country: US * Breed content: Medium
A TV movie originally aired on Animal Planet in 2002. Malamute puppies play wolf puppies.
Nikki: Wild Dog of the North * Year: 1961 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: High
If you only see one Malamute movie make it this one. Based on the novel Nomads of the North by James Oliver Curwood and the biggest role for a Mal on film.
Northwest Stampede * Year: 1948 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Starring Flame, MGM’s famed German Shepherd star, with other dogs playing wolves.
On Deadly Ground * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Savage Sam * Year: 1963 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Sequel to Old Yeller.
Show Dogs * Year: 2018 * Country: UK/US * Breed content: Low
Over 60 breeds seen throughout the film. The Malamute is on a grooming table
Silent Hunter * Year: 1995 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: Low
Sparkle and Tooter * Year: 2009 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Again, Mal puppies as wolf puppies.
Strategic Air Command * Year: 1955 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Summer with the Ghosts * AKA: Sommer mit den Burggespenstern * Year: 2003 * Country: Austria/Canada * Breed content: Medium
“Hannibal” is played by Balou.
The Thing From Another World * Year: 1951 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Malamutes in the sled team of the expedition that discovers the Thing. Cute shot of the men and dogs on a plane together.
To Build a Fire * Year: 1969 * Country: UK * Breed content: High
Based on the Jack London short story. The dog, “Pepper”, is the star of the show, turning in an inspired performance, and either a Malamute or a Mal/Siberian Husky mix.
To the South Pole for Science * Year: 1957 * Country: UK * Breed content: Low
Disney documentary-style film with some sled dogs and shots of a Malamute.
Werewolf of London * Year: 1935 * Country: UK * Breed content: Low
There are wolves at the zoo and in one shot a Malamute instead of a wolf, presumably because the wolves were so shy and hiding.
White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf * Year: 1994 * Country: US * Breed content: High
A Malamute in makeup takes over the role of White Fang in this sequel to the 1991 version of the Jack London novel, in which the lead was played by famed wolf-dog, Jed. There are also real wolves.
The Wild Country * Year: 1970 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Also with a real wolf who was so overheated during production he refused to work for the trainer and escaped the set.
The Wild North * Year: 1952 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Wolves, of course.
The Year of the Dog * Year: 2022 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Maybe the only movie about canine weight-pull competitions. The main dog is a Siberian Husky, but a Malamute is featured as a pulling champion.
Know more Alaskan Malamute movies? Please send info to [email protected]. Thank you!