All Dogs Go to Heaven

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BadNews R All Dogs Go to Heaven is one of those animated films that sticks with you long after childhood. I still remember vividly watching it as a kid, and to this day, whenever I’ve lost a dog, the phrase “all dogs go to heaven” has always echoed in my mind. That’s the power of this movie—it became more than just a film, it became a comforting idea for anyone who’s ever loved a pet. The film, released in 1989, is beautifully animated and carries a surprisingly deep story for a family cartoon. It balances themes of life, death, heaven, and even glimpses of hell, all while weaving in humor, music, and heart. For younger audiences, some of these lessons might feel a little mature, but that’s part of what makes the movie so special—it doesn’t talk down to kids. Instead, it uses fantasy and lovable characters to approach big topics in a way that feels emotional and sincere. The characters are unforgettable. Charlie, Itchy, and the little girl Anne-Marie create such a heartfelt bond that you can’t help but root for them. Anne-Marie’s innocence and compassion shine especially bright when she takes in these scrappy, street-smart dogs and turns them into part of her circle, her family. Their dynamic makes the story so touching and timeless. The animation style is rich, creative, and uniquely Don Bluth. It stands apart from Disney, DreamWorks, or Sony Pictures productions because it isn’t afraid to get a little darker, a little more raw, while still keeping that childlike magic alive. That’s part of why All Dogs Go to Heaven has endured for decades—it isn’t just another “cute animal movie,” it’s a layered, emotional story that resonates with both kids and adults. For me, this film will always be one of my favorites. It carries a sense of nostalgia, heart, and comfort that few animated movies can match. I may not rewatch it as often as I should, but every time I do, it reminds me why it’s timeless. The rewatchability is built in from the very first moment, and it never loses its charm. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review Gabriel M When I first came across All Dogs Go to Heaven on Netflix, I didn't quite finish it, perhaps because I wasn't fully prepared for how emotionally intense it would be. I later borrowed the DVD from my local library, and I'm glad I finally saw it through to the end. While the film is good, it's not one I would watch again. All Dogs Go to Heaven tells the story of Charlie B. Barkin, voiced by Burt Reynolds, a German Shepherd who dies and escapes from Heaven to return to Earth. Along the way, he meets Ann Marie (Judith Barsi), a young girl in need of protection, and together they face off against a villainous dog named Carface. While the film offers some light-hearted moments, its emotional weight lies in its themes of death, redemption, and love. But what makes the ending particularly gut-wrenching for me is the real-life tragedy of Judith Barsi. She tragically passed away in 1988, long before the movie was released, and her performance as Ann Marie is all the more poignant knowing that this was one of her final roles. The film's ending, where Charlie saves Ann Marie and ultimately redeems himself, takes on a darker, sadder tone because of the fact that Judith Barsi's life was cut so short. There's something incredibly emotional about hearing her voice as the character, knowing the devastating end to her own story. The final scenes, where Charlie sacrifices himself for Ann Marie, are already emotional, but the real-life tragedy makes them hit much harder. I found myself crying, especially as I feared for Ann Marie's safety in those last moments. The looming sense that this was one of Barsi's final performances gave the ending an unexpected weight. Though Burt Reynolds was still alive when the film was released in 1989, his own death in 2018 from a heart attack adds another layer of sorrow when watching the film now. Reynolds' voice brought Charlie to life with warmth, humor, and a touch of vulnerability, and knowing that he's no longer with us makes his performance in this film feel bittersweet. However, it's the loss of Judith Barsi that truly gives this movie an emotional complexity that wasn't apparent on my first viewing. The movie's darker themes and emotional weight made me reflect on how All Dogs Go to Heaven is probably too intense for younger viewers. It's rated G, but its themes of death, the afterlife, and redemption are much heavier than most animated films aimed at children. The final scenes, in particular, feel far more suited to an older audience, and I would have personally rated it PG because of how scary and emotionally intense it can be for younger kids. If you're considering watching this with children, be aware that the movie delves into some heavy topics that might be difficult for younger audiences to handle. The ending alone, with its mix of redemption and sadness, could be a lot to process. While I can appreciate the film's message, I do think it's one that will resonate more with older audiences or adults who can understand the deeper emotional layers, especially when you consider the real-world context surrounding the voices of the actors. Ultimately, All Dogs Go to Heaven is a film that's filled with heart, but it's not a movie I would revisit. The emotional weight of the ending, combined with the tragic passings of both Judith Barsi and, later, Burt Reynolds, leaves the film feeling much darker than I initially expected. While it is a good movie with an important message about redemption, the emotional toll it takes is significant, and I think that's worth considering before watching it. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/10/25 Full Review Stephen C Success in 1 hour and 26 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All ages admitted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $26,200,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/25/25 Full Review J V 2 dogs get murdered, rise from the grave, kidnap a little girl who can talk to animals and use her to rig horse races. You know....for kids Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/06/25 Full Review Gianni M Got damn, i cried real hard in this movie Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/23/25 Full Review Liam D It’s Don Bluth at his most Don Bluth. An well animated film with an great cast but full of forgettable songs and an surprisingly mean spirited tone Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews

All Dogs Go to Heaven

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