Stray Dog (1949)
Kernel Score: 86% · 345 ratings
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1949-10-17
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch Stray Dog
- Stream: Fubo, The Criterion Channel
- Free with ads: Darkroom, Fawesome, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
A bad day gets worse for young detective Murakami when a pickpocket steals his gun on a hot, crowded bus. Desperate to right the wrong, he goes undercover, scavenging Tokyo’s sweltering streets for the stray dog whose desperation has led him to a life of crime. With each step, cop and criminal’s lives become more intertwined and the investigation becomes an examination of Murakami’s own dark side.
Stray Dog parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Stray Dog is a 1949 Japanese film noir about a detective hunting a criminal after his gun is stolen, involving crime and moral tension.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Involves gun crime and a tense manhunt typical of classic film noir, largely suspenseful rather than graphic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Stray Dog
If you liked Stray Dog, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Laura (1944) — 86%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
- Early Summer (1951) — 88%
- Odd Man Out (1947) — 82%
- Brute Force (1947) — 80%
- The Maltese Falcon (1941) — 88%
- Godzilla (1954) — 87%
- Pickup on South Street (1953) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Toshirō Mifune as Det. Murakami
- Takashi Shimura as Det. Sato
- Keiko Awaji as Harumi Namiki
- Eiko Miyoshi as Harumi's mother
- Noriko Sengoku as Girl
- Noriko Honma as Wooden Tub Shop woman
- Reikichi Kawamura
- Chōko Iida as Kogetsu Hotel manager
- Eijirō Tōno
- Yasushi Nagata
Stray Dog FAQ
Is Stray Dog good?
Stray Dog has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 345 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Stray Dog?
In the US you can stream Stray Dog on Fubo and The Criterion Channel, watch it free with ads on Darkroom, Fawesome and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Stray Dog OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Stray Dog is a 1949 Japanese film noir about a detective hunting a criminal after his gun is stolen, involving crime and moral tension.
What movies are like Stray Dog?
If you liked Stray Dog, try Laura, The Asphalt Jungle, Early Summer and Odd Man Out.