A Dog's Purpose

2017

"Love knows no boundaries, even in life’s journeys."

Also known as: 🇩🇪 DE: Bailey - Ein Freund fürs Leben^? 🇯🇵 JA: 僕のワンダフル・ライフ^? 🇷🇴 RO: Câinele, adevăratul meu prieten AZ: Bir İtin Məqsədi^? All international titles (4) →

Drama Adventure Comedy 100 min 7.3/10

Synopsis

A Dog's Purpose is a movie released in 2017.

In this heartwarming adventure, a spirited dog embarks on a life-affirming journey to uncover his purpose across multiple lifetimes and a series of devoted owners. Each reincarnation presents new challenges and experiences, allowing the audience to witness the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions. Through laughter, joy, and poignant moments, the film masterfully explores themes of loyalty, love, and the profound impact a pet can have on a person's life. As our canine protagonist navigates the ups and downs of his existence, from playful puppyhood to wise old age, viewers of all ages will find themselves reflecting on the significance of their own relationships. The film combines elements of comedy and fantasy, delivering an emotional rollercoaster that resonates deeply with pet lovers and families alike. With stunning visuals and a touching narrative, this cinematic gem reminds us that every dog indeed has a purpose—and that love transcends time and circumstance. Prepare to be enchanted as this enchanting tale unfolds, proving that the bond between a dog and its owner is truly eternal.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 7+

7+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	1/5
Sexual Content	0/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	2/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are some mild scenes of conflict and animal struggles that may be distressing to sensitive viewers.

Sexual Content

There is no sexual content in the film.

Language

There is occasional mild language, but nothing that is particularly strong or offensive.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no depictions of drug or alcohol use in the film.

Frightening Elements

Some scenes may be emotionally intense or sad, particularly involving animal welfare, which could be upsetting to younger viewers.

Summary for parents:

A Dog's Purpose is a family-friendly film that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals through the life of a dog. The film contains mild violence and emotional moments but is generally suitable for children with parental guidance.

Parental Guide Hub

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

Hachi: A Dog's...

2009

Same Director Lasse Hallström

What's Eating...

1993

Same Director Lasse Hallström

War Machine

2026

Same Actor Josh Gad

Frozen

2013

Same Actor Josh Gad

Project Hail M...

2026

Similar Theme

Avatar: Fire a...

2025

Similar Genre

Where to Watch A Dog's Purpose Online

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Box Office

Budget: $22,000,000

Revenue: $205,000,000

Profit $183,000,000

ROI +831.8% (9.3x)

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A Dog's Purpose is directed by Lasse Hallström .

Cast of A Dog's Purpose

Josh Gad

Dogs: Bailey / Buddy / T…

Britt Robertson

Teen Hannah

Dennis Quaid

Adult Ethan

Peggy Lipton

Adult Hannah

Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Lasse Hallström

Director

More from Lasse Hallström

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Hachi: A Dog's Tale

2009 8.1

What's Eating Gilbert Grape

1993 7.7

Chocolat

2000 7.2

The Cider House Rules

1999 7.4

The Hundred-Foot Journey

2014 7.3

Keywords

#based on novel or book 609 #dog 55 #pets 30 #human animal relationship 12 #reincarnation 9

Production Companies

Amblin Entertainment

Reliance Entertainment

Walden Media

Pariah

Trivia & Fun Facts about A Dog's Purpose

5

• The film was shot in various locations across the United States, with significant scenes filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, which doubled for several American towns due to its versatile landscapes.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• Josh Gad, who provided the voice for the main dog character, also contributed to the film's emotional depth by improvising several lines during recording sessions.

  Fun Fact ai

• During a scene where the dog interacts with a character played by Dennis Quaid, the dog's tail inadvertently knocks over a vase, a moment that was left in the final cut for its authenticity.

  Movie Mistake ai

• Lasse Hallström, known for his work on other heartfelt narratives like 'The Cider House Rules', brings a similar tone to 'A Dog's Purpose', emphasizing themes of love and loyalty.

  Movie Connection ai

• The movie features a scene where a character reads a book by the famous author Jack London, which subtly nods to themes of survival and the bond between humans and animals present in London's works.

  Easter Egg ai