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Isle of Dogs

Play trailer 2:35 Poster for Isle of Dogs PG-13 2018 1h 41m Comedy Adventure Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 368 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.
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Isle of Dogs

Isle of Dogs

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Critics Consensus

The beautifully stop-motion animated Isle of Dogs finds Wes Anderson at his detail-oriented best while telling one of the director's most winsomely charming stories.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader The director and his hip writing partners (Jason Schwartzman, Roman Coppola, Kunichi Nomura) infuse their imaginary world with winning deadpan humor. Mar 5, 2020 Full Review Robert Daniels 812filmreviews Wes Anderson's latest venture, Isle of Dogs, is another example of the writer/director's editing and camerawork craftsmanship. A triumph of his own Andersonian aesthetic, yet an albatross concerning his appetite for cultural window dressing. Rated: 3/4 Aug 27, 2018 Full Review David Stratton The Australian With its beautiful formal imagery, its gallery of hugely likeable canines and its cheerfully crazy plotting, Isle of Dogs really is a unique experience, and a thoroughly enchanting one. Rated: 4/5 Apr 13, 2018 Full Review Adele Campisi Loud and Clear Reviews Isle of Dogs is Wes Anderson’s underrated masterpiece, mixing the originality of The Royal Tenenbaums, the visuals of The Grand Budapest Hotel, and the cuteness of Fantastic Mr. Fox. Rated: 5/5 Jul 5, 2025 Full Review Ankit Ojha Cinema Elite The USP of Wes Anderson’s films is to turn even the most tried-and-tested indie narrative tropes into a borderline-absurdist adventure. “Isle of Dogs” feels right at home with the rest of his work. Rated: 4.5/5 Jul 9, 2024 Full Review Denise Pieniazek Metacultura (AR) Although this story may seem innocent, it hides a clear metaphor about the oppression of minorities by dictatorial orders, and the segregation, since a clear parallel can be drawn between the "Garbage Island" ” and a concentration camp or a slum. Rated: 9/10 Dec 28, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

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Stephen H not my favorite Wes Anderson flic Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/21/22 Full Review Ivan H. Visually stunning and with a story filled with heart. I Love Dogs. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/21/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Isle of Dogs (2018) is definitely one of the most unique animated films ever made — but also one that divides audiences. Directed by Wes Anderson, it carries his signature eccentricity, symmetry, and offbeat storytelling. The film uses a stop-motion animation style that gives it that claymation-like texture, which is both visually stunning and at times emotionally distant. The story centers on a group of exiled dogs living on Trash Island after all canines are banished from Japan due to an outbreak of “dog flu.” A young boy named Atari sets out on a mission to rescue his beloved dog, Spots, and along the way, we meet a pack of strays led by Chief, voiced by Bryan Cranston. The voice cast is stacked — Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, and even Greta Gerwig all lend their talents, giving the film a strong personality and rhythm that matches Anderson’s quirky tone. From a technical standpoint, Isle of Dogs is a marvel. The cinematography, attention to detail, and artistic direction are all remarkable. Every shot feels meticulously crafted, and the cultural influences — from Japanese art and cinema to traditional storytelling — are evident. Anderson’s precision in animation and design is what makes this film so highly regarded by critics. However, I personally didn’t connect with it. While it’s a beautifully crafted piece of work, it felt cold, distant, and oddly hollow for something centered around man’s best friend. The emotional core just didn’t land for me. The pacing is slow, the humor is dry, and the film often feels more like an artistic showcase than an engaging story. I found myself checking out halfway through, realizing it was one of those movies that I could appreciate — but not enjoy. Rewatching it now for this review reminded me exactly why I never revisited it after my first viewing. It’s clever, yes. It’s original, absolutely. But it’s also forgettable. There’s a fine line between creative brilliance and emotional disconnect, and Isle of Dogs sits right in the middle of that. While the critics have praised it and cinephiles adore its artistry, I honestly don’t see myself ever watching it again. It’s one of those films you experience once, acknowledge its craftsmanship, and then move on from. It’s not bad — it’s just not for everyone. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/12/25 Full Review Michari N. Anderson’s second animated film will bring joy to all dog lovers, but the portrayal of Japanese people may throw some off. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/25/25 Full Review Hao Ian L Wes Anderson proves himself once again as a meticulous world-builder with an adorable stop-motion adventure that is equal parts whimsical and melancholy, where beneath all the quirky aesthetics lies a tender but important narrative. One of Anderson's most underrated projects yet. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/02/25 Full Review Parker J An absolutely stunning movie by Wes Anderson with the perfect amount of emotion, dry humor, and beautiful shots. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/02/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.
Director
Wes Anderson
Producer
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
Screenwriter
Wes Anderson
Distributor
Fox Searchlight
Production Co
American Empirical Pictures, Studio Babelsberg
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Violent Images)
Genre
Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 6, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 27, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$31.9M
Runtime
1h 41m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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