The Plague Dogs (1982)
Kernel Score: 89% · 283 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Adventure, Animation, Drama
Released: 1982-10-01
Runtime: 86 minutes
Where to watch The Plague Dogs
- Stream: Philo, Fandor
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Cineverse
- Rent: Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two dogs, Rowf and Snitter, struggle to survive in the countryside after escaping from an animal research laboratory. They are pursued by search parties and then the military after rumors spread that they could be carrying the bubonic plague.
The Plague Dogs parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Plague Dogs is a bleak animated drama depicting animal cruelty and testing, likely to distress younger viewers despite being animated.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts animal cruelty, vivisection, and survival hardship for the two dog protagonists.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Plague Dogs
If you liked The Plague Dogs, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Fox and the Hound (1981) — 80%
- Tokyo Godfathers (2003) — 89%
- Max (2015) — 79%
- Fluke (1995) — 80%
- SlugTerra: Return of the Elementals (2014) — 75%
- Batman: Bad Blood (2016) — 76%
- Duma (2005) — 81%
- A Dog's Purpose (2017) — 87%
Director
Cast
- John Hurt as Snitter (voice)
- Christopher Benjamin as Rowf (voice)
- James Bolam as The Tod (voice)
- Nigel Hawthorne as Dr. Boycott (voice)
- Warren Mitchell as Tyson / Wag (voice)
- Judy Geeson as Pekinese (voice)
- Patrick Stewart as Major (voice)
- Brian Stirner as Laboratory Assistant (voice)
- Penelope Lee as Lynn Driver (voice)
- Geoffrey Matthews as Farmer (voice)
The Plague Dogs FAQ
Is The Plague Dogs good?
The Plague Dogs has an 89% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 283 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Plague Dogs?
In the US you can stream The Plague Dogs on Philo and Fandor, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Plex and Cineverse and rent it from Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is The Plague Dogs OK for kids?
The Plague Dogs is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Plague Dogs is a bleak animated drama depicting animal cruelty and testing, likely to distress younger viewers despite being animated.
What movies are like The Plague Dogs?
If you liked The Plague Dogs, try The Fox and the Hound, Tokyo Godfathers, Max and Fluke.