The Call of the Wild (2020)
Kernel Score: 86% · 3,905 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Family, Drama
Released: 2020-02-19
Runtime: 100 minutes
Is The Call of the Wild worth watching?
Worth watching. A gentle, adventurous version of the classic dog story set in the Yukon gold rush, with Harrison Ford as narrator and co-star. It's warm and well made, though the CGI dog looks artificial.
Watch it if you
- love dog adventures
- want an easy family film with heart
- like snowy wilderness settings
Skip it if you
- dislike obvious CGI animals
- want a faithful, gritty version of the novel
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Call of the Wild
- Stream: Disney+, Fubo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team—and later its leader—Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.
The Call of the Wild parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Call of the Wild is a PG family adventure about a dog's journey during the Yukon Gold Rush, with wilderness peril.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Wilderness adventure includes sled-dog peril and rugged survival situations appropriate for a PG family film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Call of the Wild
If you liked The Call of the Wild, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Togo (2019) — 91%: True-story sled-dog adventure in harsh snow
- Balto (1995) — 84%: Sled-dog hero story set in the snow
- Eight Below (2006) — 79%: Dog survival story in a harsh cold
- A Dog's Journey (2019) — 91%: Tearjerker adventure about a devoted dog
- A Dog's Way Home (2019) — 83%: Long journey home told from the dog's side
- The Fox and the Hound (1981) — 80%: Gentle animal friendship story with real heart
Director
Cast
- Harrison Ford as John Thornton
- Dan Stevens as Hal
- Colin Woodell as Charles
- Karen Gillan as Mercedes
- Omar Sy as Perreault
- Raven Scott as Pastry Chef
- Wes Brown as Mountie
- Cara Gee as Françoise
- Jean Louisa Kelly as Katie Miller
- Terry Notary as Rail Worker / Live Action Reference Performance of Buck
The Call of the Wild FAQ
Is The Call of the Wild worth watching?
Worth watching. A gentle, adventurous version of the classic dog story set in the Yukon gold rush, with Harrison Ford as narrator and co-star. It's warm and well made, though the CGI dog looks artificial.
Where can I watch The Call of the Wild?
In the US you can stream The Call of the Wild on Disney+ and Fubo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Call of the Wild OK for kids?
The Call of the Wild is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Call of the Wild is a PG family adventure about a dog's journey during the Yukon Gold Rush, with wilderness peril.
What movies are like The Call of the Wild?
If you liked The Call of the Wild, try Togo, Balto, Eight Below and A Dog's Journey.