50 greatest movie cats

40. Frank's Cat

The Cat: A malnourished neighbourhood cat, scooped up by Ryan Goslings affable junkie despite Franks (Anthony Mackie) insistence that he not bring that shit inside my house. The scene was an improvised addition from Gosling, proving the man really can do no wrong.

If It Was A Dog: It wouldnt look quite so quirkily enigmatic had Gosling slung a retriever under one arm.

39. Mr. Bigglesworth

The Cat: A horrible, fleshy sphinx cat favoured by Dr. Evil. Once a long-haired Persian cat a la Blofelds, the cryogenic freezing process has left him utterly hairless. Poor little bugger.

If It Was A Dog: Hed run the risk of mistaking Mini-Me for a fire hydrant. The results would be disastrous.

38. The Ghost & The Darkness

As Seen In: The Ghost And The Darkness (1996)

The Cats: A pair of man-eating lions, legendary for their blood-spilling prowess. It takes the combined efforts of Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer to bring them down, and even their skeletons are enough to get the flesh crawling. As the films narrator puts it, if you dare lock eyes with them, you will be afraid.

If They Were Dogs: The problem could quickly have been solved with a can of Winalot and a rifle.

37. Tonto

The Cat: Tonto is the feline companion of Art Carneys elderly widower who decides to embark upon a cross-country road trip after being evicted from his flat. Poor Tonto ends up on a lead, being walked to within an inch of his life. Cheers Harry.

If It Was A Dog: It would probably be glad of the exercise. Theres just something wrong about putting a cat on a leash

36. Snowball II

As Seen In: The Simpsons Movie (2007)

The Cat: The long-suffering and perennially downtrodden cat belonging to the Simpsons. Not as well-loved as Santas Little Helper, which might explain her baleful expression

If It Was A Dog: Theres only room for one pooch in the Simpson household. Even Laddie the wonderdog wasnt allowed to stay for long

35. Jake

The Cat: A cat-like alien who is forced to befriend some real-life, no-fooling cats in order to help him get back to his home planet. Every bit as daft as it sounds

If It Was A Dog: A loveable pooch could have recruited some helpful humans to get him back home in a jiffy. People are naturally mistrustful of cats, which made the whole process more arduous

34. Binx

The Cat: Binx is actually a young man from Massachusetts who has been turned into a cat and doomed to live for ever by a trio of cackling witches. Many hilarious would-be-deaths ensue

If It Was A Dog: The symbolism of the unlucky black cat would have been somewhat lost in translation.

33. Mr. Tinkles

The Cat: The sneeringly sinister villain of this CGI caper, Mr Tinkles has a devious plan to overthrow the canine population, by making all humans allergic to dogs. The cunning devil

If It Was A Dog: When did you ever hear of a dog trying to conquer the world? Hed be happy with a bone and a blanket, like the rest of them.

32. Azrael

The Cat: Gargamels pet kitty is a nasty piece of work, accompanying the dastardly wizard in his attempts to destroy the little blue folk. Were not ones for booing cats, but in this case well make an exception. Booooo!

If It Was A Dog: Villains never seem to keep dogs as pets. Were sure Gargamel might have been a friendlier sort had somebody bought him a puppy to play with as a child.

31. Garfield

The Cat: Okay, so the movies might be pants, but theres no denying the bizarre appeal of having Bill Murray voice a self-serving layabout moggy. Pity this one didnt get the script it deserved. Or the CGI. Or the human actors

If It Was A Dog: Recasting Garfield as a dog would have been one way of making this even less enjoyable