A Dog's Purpose

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2:28

A Dog's Purpose

PG

Released Jan 27, 2017

2h 0m

Comedy

Drama

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

35%

Tomatometer

147 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

A devoted dog discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan. As the boy grows older and comes to a crossroad, the dog once again comes back into his life to remind him of his true self.

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Critics Consensus

A Dog's Purpose offers an awkward blend of sugary sentiment and canine suffering that tugs at animal-loving audiences' heartstrings with shameless abandon.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

A welcome, woofy warning against human speciesism.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 14, 2017

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

This remains a textbook example of what the website Snopes.com refers to as "glurge" -- the kind of gooey uplift associated with the novels of Nicholas Sparks and their film adaptations.

Rated: 1.5/5

May 10, 2017

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

It's hard not to be charmed by the film's pack of hyperactive, wriggling puppies, but there's only so much time to be spent watching them play before it becomes eye-wateringly banal.

Rated: 2/5

May 7, 2017

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Hosea Rupprecht

Pauline Media Studies

Lasse Hallström once again provides theater-goers with some food for thought in A Dog's Purpose. Of course, the food tastes better out of the trash and bacon from under the table is just the best.

Aug 26, 2021

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Linda and Al Lerner

Movies and Shakers

It's a safe family film that's a heart tugger for dog lovers.

Sep 4, 2019

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Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

The problem with that premise is you have to watch a dog die 5 times, which is like Marley and Me times 5.

Rated: C

Mar 12, 2019

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Rose W

I never fail to cry when watching this movie—it's the key definition of an emotional rollercoaster. It definitely hits harder if you're a dog owner like myself. It really shows how much value an animal brings to our lives and how much we can bring to theirs.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

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Tim B

So bad. Basically endorsing slavery through reincarnation. The worst film l think I've ever seen ?and I HAVE watched grease 2

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

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Cesar R

This movie is heartfelt and touching exploration of the bond between humans and their furry companions. The film masterfully weaves humor, love, and poignant moments as it follows a dog’s journey through multiple lives, showcasing its unwavering loyalty and devotion. The narrative is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, reminding us of the profound connections we share with our pets. With charming performances and a sincere message about love and purpose, this movie is a must-watch for animal lovers and anyone seeking a feel-good story with emotional depth.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Instead of going off of what happens in the film and raging that way, it’s more important to understand the true meaning, concept, and what’s the message being put out, yes a dog dies multiple times and comes back but it gives the viewer perception of something much deeper. A dog, that’s everything a dog is (loving, innocent, loyal etc), is watched as it so fearlessly tries to fulfill his purpose and always comes back ready to do it over again. It’s a beautiful way to think about reincarnation and that not only do dogs die but their purpose continues in other lives no matter its circumstance. Truly beautiful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/18/24

Full Review

Carson G

to be honest it is a grate hart warming movie grate for every won its god 10 out of 10 grate movie the part ware he dies is so sad

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/18/24

Full Review

Sami R

Laughed a lot, cried a lot more. Absolutely love this movie. made me cry multiple times, A heartwarming movie exploring the everlasting bond between a dog and his owner. Hating critics should be honest and just admit they like cats instead.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

Full Review

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Lasse Hallström

Director

Josh Gad

Bailey

Dennis Quaid

Ethan Montgomery

Peggy Lipton

Adult Hannah

Bryce Gheisar

Ethan - 8 Years Old

K.J. Apa

Teen Ethan

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A Dog's Purpose: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A devoted dog discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan. As the boy grows older and comes to a crossroad, the dog once again comes back into his life to remind him of his true self.

Director: Lasse Hallström
Producer: Gavin Polone
Screenwriter: W. Bruce Cameron, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells, Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Reliance Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Walden Media, Pariah
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Some Peril)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 27, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 18, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $64.3M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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