This list includes both the Japanese Akita Inu and American Akita, although we have yet to find an American Akita in any starring or major film role. If you know of one, please write to the email at the bottom of this page and we can add it to the list!
The title links will take you to Amazon movie pages (Reel Dogs earns a referral fee at no cost to you) or, for rarer titles, alternative sources for the films.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! * Year: 2012 * Country: Mexico/US * Breed content: Low
Dozens of background dogs in this film, including one of the same Akitas from Hachi, below.
Big Baby * Year: 2015 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
The main dog is a doodle, but you can see a dark Akita in the background at the park.
Dog Lover’s Symphony * Year: 2006 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Not part of the agility class, but at the shelter in a kennel, and maybe a mix.
Frequency * Year: 2000 * Country: US * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Hachiko monogatari * AKA: Hachi-ko * Year: 1987 * Country: Japan * Breed content: High
Still the best Akita film and a classic in all of canine cinema. Based on the true story of a dog who became something of a legend in his own lifetime.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale * Year: 2009 * Country: US * Breed content: High
In this American remake of the classic Japanese Hachiko story, baby Hachi is played by Shiba Inus.
Hoshi mamoru inu * AKA: Star Watching Dog * Year: 2011 * Country: Japan * Breed content: High
Based on the manga by Takashi Murakami.
Inu to watashi no 10 no yakusoku * AKA: 10 Promises to My Dog * Year: 2008 * Country: Japan * Breed content: Unconfirmed
The main dog is a Golden Retriever.
L’intrus * AKA: The Intruder * Year: 2004 * Country: France * Breed content: Medium
Japanese Akitas in at least a few scenes.
Little Heroes 3 * Year: 2002 * Country: Canada/US * Breed content: Low
The third in a series about two mixed-breeds of a Border Collie and Norfolk Terrier type. A background player at the end of the film is a rare blue brindle Akita.
Marmaduke * Year: 2010 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Background dogs who also appeared in Hachi, above.
The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson * Year: 2019 * Country: US * Breed content: Low
Rare sighting of an American Akita in a film.
Suna no onna * AKA: Woman in the Dunes * Year: 1964 * Country: Japan * Breed content: Unconfirmed
Sunō Purinsu: Kinjirareta Koi no Merodii * AKA: Snow Prince * Year: 2009 * Country: Japan * Breed content: High
A Japanese adaptation of A Dog of Flanders.
Wasao * Year: 2011 * Country: Japan * Breed content: High
Unusual long-coat Akita in a starring role in this film based on a true story. (Wasao is the dog’s name.)
Know more Akita movies? Please send info to moviedogs@gmail.com. Thank you!
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