Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
Kernel Score: 88% · 7,073 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Drama, Family
Released: 2009-06-08
Runtime: 93 minutes
Is Hachi: A Dog's Tale worth watching?
Must-watch. A simple, true-to-life story of a man and the Akita who waits for him, and it's one of the most reliable tearjerkers around. Richard Gere underplays well, and the film trusts the dog's loyalty to carry it.
Watch it if you
- love dog stories and don't mind crying
- want a quiet, sincere family drama
- like simple stories told plainly
Skip it if you
- can't stand sad animal stories
- want plot twists or action
Best for: Cosy night with tissues
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Hachi: A Dog's Tale
- Free with ads: BYUtv, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Professor Wilson discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home. Despite objections from his wife, Hachi endears himself to the family and grows to be Parker's loyal companion. As their bond grows deeper, a beautiful relationship unfolds.
Hachi: A Dog's Tale parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that Hachi: A Dog's Tale is an emotional true-story drama about a loyal dog and his owner, featuring a sad death that may upset sensitive children.
- Violence & scariness: A little — No physical violence; the emotional weight comes from the owner's sudden death (heart attack) and the dog's prolonged grief.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Hachi: A Dog's Tale
If you liked Hachi: A Dog's Tale, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Dog's Journey (2019) — 91%: Another dog story built on loyalty and tears.
- A Dog's Purpose (2017) — 87%: Dog-and-owner bond told through years of change.
- Red Dog (2011) — 83%: True-spirited dog story about devotion and the people it touches.
- A Dog's Way Home (2019) — 83%: A dog's long journey home driven by loyalty.
- The Call of the Wild (2020) — 86%: Dog adventure with heart and a bond with a human.
- Megan Leavey (2017) — 82%: Human-and-dog partnership, emotional and based on true events.
Director
Cast
- Richard Gere as Parker Wilson
- Joan Allen as Cate Wilson
- Sarah Roemer as Andy
- Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Ken
- Erick Avari as Jasjeet
- Robbie Sublett as Michael
- Davenia McFadden as Mary Anne
- Jason Alexander as Carl
- Kevin DeCoste as Ronnie (11 years)
- Robert Degnan as Teddy Barnes
Hachi: A Dog's Tale FAQ
Is Hachi: A Dog's Tale worth watching?
Must-watch. A simple, true-to-life story of a man and the Akita who waits for him, and it's one of the most reliable tearjerkers around. Richard Gere underplays well, and the film trusts the dog's loyalty to carry it.
Where can I watch Hachi: A Dog's Tale?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on BYUtv, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Hachi: A Dog's Tale OK for kids?
Hachi: A Dog's Tale is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Hachi: A Dog's Tale is an emotional true-story drama about a loyal dog and his owner, featuring a sad death that may upset sensitive children.
What movies are like Hachi: A Dog's Tale?
If you liked Hachi: A Dog's Tale, try A Dog's Journey, A Dog's Purpose, Red Dog and A Dog's Way Home.