A Dog's Purpose (2017)
Kernel Score: 87% · 3,488 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Family, Drama
Released: 2017-01-19
Runtime: 100 minutes
Is A Dog's Purpose worth watching?
Worth watching. A dog lives several lives with different owners and searches for his purpose. It is sentimental and very much a tearjerker, but warm and well made for families. Dog lovers will be moved.
Watch it if you
- love dog movies
- want a family tearjerker
- enjoy gentle, sentimental stories
Skip it if you
- can't bear animal deaths
- dislike sentimental films
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch A Dog's Purpose
- Stream: MGM+
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A dog goes on quest to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes with multiple owners.
A Dog's Purpose parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that A Dog's Purpose is a family drama-fantasy following a dog reincarnated across several lifetimes and owners.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Dog's Purpose
If you liked A Dog's Purpose, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Dog's Journey (2019) — 91%: The direct sequel, continuing the same story.
- Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) — 88%: Devoted-dog tearjerker based on a true story.
- Togo (2019) — 91%: Sled-dog adventure built on loyalty.
- The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) — 90%: Story told from the dog's point of view.
- A Dog's Way Home (2019) — 83%: Dog's long journey home through the wild.
- Hachiko (2023) — 89%: Another story of a faithful dog's devotion.
Director
Cast
- Josh Gad as Dogs: Bailey / Buddy / Tino / Ellie (voice)
- KJ Apa as Teen Ethan
- Britt Robertson as Teen Hannah
- Dennis Quaid as Adult Ethan
- Peggy Lipton as Adult Hannah
- Juliet Rylance as Elizabeth - Ethan's Mom
- Luke Kirby as Jim - Ethan's Dad
- John Ortiz as Carlos
- Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Maya Williams
- Pooch Hall as Al
A Dog's Purpose FAQ
Is A Dog's Purpose worth watching?
Worth watching. A dog lives several lives with different owners and searches for his purpose. It is sentimental and very much a tearjerker, but warm and well made for families. Dog lovers will be moved.
Where can I watch A Dog's Purpose?
In the US you can stream A Dog's Purpose on MGM+, watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Dog's Purpose OK for kids?
A Dog's Purpose is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that A Dog's Purpose is a family drama-fantasy following a dog reincarnated across several lifetimes and owners.
What movies are like A Dog's Purpose?
If you liked A Dog's Purpose, try A Dog's Journey, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, Togo and The Art of Racing in the Rain.