A Dog's Purpose

Universal Pictures | Release Date: January 27, 2017

6.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 143 Ratings

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eagleeyevikingMar 17, 2017

While the script consistently prefers happy, feel-good moments over the grim reality of human life and some of these events feel forced and unearned, A Dog's Purpose is a heartfelt, emotional film that is perfect for families or anyone whoWhile the script consistently prefers happy, feel-good moments over the grim reality of human life and some of these events feel forced and unearned, A Dog's Purpose is a heartfelt, emotional film that is perfect for families or anyone who owns a pet.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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Bri6986Mar 5, 2017

The best mover ever - full stop. We are dog lovers, and have seen this movie in theatres multiple times. A job well done to everyone involved with the production!

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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hundocentJun 20, 2017

A truly wholesome movie about love and perspective that is a fresh change from the dark movies of today, if this was made 20 years ago it would of been much more praised, which is a shame.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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marcmyworksJun 21, 2017

This is a silly but beautiful film that is just nice for the sake of being nice. I did not realise how sappy I was until I watched it, and to be honest I really just enjoyed it.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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kathytreeceApr 1, 2017

This movie about a dog with multiple lives is almost as lovely as the book. My only gripe, is that I wish all dog owners knew that they need to use a leash with their dog. Watched this at the Riverview.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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neothinkerFeb 27, 2017

Super Cheesy! A great family film, but don't forget the tissues, because this movie will get you to tear up even though much of it feels forced and awkward.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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bigfoot1220May 6, 2017

This is one of my all time favorite movies. I loved the concept of a dog going through different lives. I loved the dog commentary. The concept of it was great. I just loved it.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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UnstoppableDec 30, 2019

A real tear jerker! However the film is very well done and the voice by the dog is excellent. Highly recommended for all ages. Just have some Kleenex handy because it will make you cry!.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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LeZeeSep 3, 2017

Caught in the rebirth-loop!

I might a bit overrated it, but it's well deserved that. It has been a long time since I wetted my eyes for a film. Especially for being a tearjerker fan in the early days. This looks like a sequel to 'Fluke',Caught in the rebirth-loop!

I might a bit overrated it, but it's well deserved that. It has been a long time since I wetted my eyes for a film. Especially for being a tearjerker fan in the early days. This looks like a sequel to 'Fluke', though it justified to be an independent film. Based on the book of the same name, directed by the one who made 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale'. A perfect family film, but entirely a fictional account.

Do you remember those films about a human being trapped in the time- loop, not knowing why and takes a quest to find the purpose? Yep, this is same, but with a dog and not a time-loop, instead, the rebirths. The tale was told from a dog's perspective, his life from puppy to growing old with his owners. The lives he enjoyed, struggled, loved, and not understanding why the life circle keeps repeating. After all the things film wanted to tell us, the story ends with an explanation. Just a simple one.

The dog's the hero, he's found in every frame. The rest of the characters were well designed. Especially the sub-stories to blend with the dog's. All the dogs who acted in the film were awesome. This is one of the best dog films. As I said, it is not great, but surely enjoyable by everyone. Especially in the today's CGI dominated and/or superhero flicks, this is something close to our heart, despite a fantasy tale. So, go it!

8.5/10… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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TheIcePhoenixApr 5, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My thoughts on the Movie A Dogs Purpose. One of the most heartfelt movies I've ever seen
Let me start by warning you this movie will probably make you cry if you ever owned a dog.
A Dog's Purpose is an outstanding movie about a dog's love for their Dogs Best Friend/Human. This movie visually shows many different ways that dogs are treated good/happy and unfortunately bad/sad . A Dog's Purpose does a superb job at building up heartfelt emotion in a short amount of time in many ways just like Marley and Me did. It is an absolute shame that this movie has be swept under the rug by many people because they believe everything they read on the internet and dont think/research things for themselves. The controversial videos show that "Hercules", the dog in the scene that particular scene went viral, was apparently being forced into the water. When in fact Hercules was chosen to do this scene because of his affinity to water. He was trained to jump in on the opposite side of the pool to what was shown in the video. After the trainer tried to calm him by allowing him test out the water and the dog still was spooked, they stopped attempting the scene from that side and waited for a while. There were multiple people in the water if something happened. There even a trained diver under the dog at all times. However, PETA and many other news organization's dont want to report this because it doesn't make news only drama does. I have had 4 dogs in my life, and I have always been interested small animal welfare and at one point even was preparing to try and become a small animal Veterinarian so I have heard about and seen many cases of animal abuse and a dog getting wet is not a form of abuse. The movie builds a human's love for their dog, and it really portrays how a dog is truly a man's best friend. If this movie wasn't boycotted, I honestly feel like it could have been a very beneficial movie to help gets more animals adopted from shelters and as such I feel that false accusations actually cause more harm for dogs then it helped and I mean this literally, as many people who may have been inspired to adopt a Dog because of this movie wont and thus cause those pups that could have been adopted by them and on the last stage will be put down. So what good did it do? false accusations by PETA and other people about cruelty actually caused a lot more.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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MeridianTNTBossApr 15, 2018

Undoubtedly the most well done movie I have ever seen. Predictable, but the sheer brilliance can justify that.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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fsdgfdAug 20, 2019

An emotional and nice movie with a ton of cute Dogs! This movie made me get one!

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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ZepharJan 28, 2017

This movie is a fresh change the the usual remakes. The actors both human and dog were wonderful. The adaption from book to the big screen was one of the best I've seen. This is 100% not a movie that anyone should pass up seeing.

10 of 12 users found this helpful102

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TVJerryJan 30, 2017

Ironically, the film that launched the international career of accomplished Swedish director Lasse Hallström was "My Life as a Dog." His latest is told from the POV of another earnest canine (voiced by Josh Gad), who goes thru severalIronically, the film that launched the international career of accomplished Swedish director Lasse Hallström was "My Life as a Dog." His latest is told from the POV of another earnest canine (voiced by Josh Gad), who goes thru several incarnations with several human companions. It's a sweet story with the inevitable hankie moments. The performances are genuine and the script is appeals with drama and humor. Hallström has made a variety of heartfelt, charming movies and this one is a fitting addition to his filmography. (Bonus: When was the last time you saw a Nash Rambler in a movie!)… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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horizonbtsJan 28, 2017

OK first of all those of you that didn't go see this movie, you are just plain missing out. If you love animals you can't help, but love this movie. Shame on Peta-the radicals that they are, I saw Dennis Quaid guest starring on Ellen, andOK first of all those of you that didn't go see this movie, you are just plain missing out. If you love animals you can't help, but love this movie. Shame on Peta-the radicals that they are, I saw Dennis Quaid guest starring on Ellen, and he said all the animals were treated with the utmost respect. The story had me very emotional thinking of all my dogs/pets that have passed, and had me wondering what they were thinking of me at different times in my life. It also has a great human interest story to go along with the dogs story as he comes back again and again as a different dog with different owners. It shows you how animals touch our lives in different ways! Being a former president and past Board member for 10 years on our local humane society, I think many pet owners should see this movie and get a different perspective. For example the dog that was chained outside with no human contact in this movie, and what he thought. Our movie theater was packed and got applause at the end, that should tell you something on how the movie was received!!… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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JoeB777Jan 31, 2017

This movie was absolutely phenominal! My boyfriend and I are dog owners, and we fell in love with this film. We laughed, we cried, and most of all - we related to the happy moments, as well as the sad ones. This movie did not depict merelyThis movie was absolutely phenominal! My boyfriend and I are dog owners, and we fell in love with this film. We laughed, we cried, and most of all - we related to the happy moments, as well as the sad ones. This movie did not depict merely "perfect" family units, or pet owners. It touched on more realistic life circumstances, which was greatly appreciated. This movie was not just for kids. This film would definitely appeal to all ages. The only thing that would have made the experience better, was if we were allowed to bring our dogs to the theatre with us! The writers, actors, and other professionals who worked on this film have created something to be proud of.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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thedaarkbattyJan 28, 2017

Best film in human history it was so good that my jaw dropped several times I mean holy poop this was amazing you should see this movie right now pleasse see

7 of 19 users found this helpful712

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CriticFerFeb 20, 2017

Its a cute movie. Nothing terrible, just cute and funny. And charming. Is good for those one who loves the Dogs and this kind of movies. It sometime can be weird in the script, but with the performances and the great acting of Josh Gad makesIts a cute movie. Nothing terrible, just cute and funny. And charming. Is good for those one who loves the Dogs and this kind of movies. It sometime can be weird in the script, but with the performances and the great acting of Josh Gad makes this movie cute.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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fearti2Nov 21, 2017

A Dog's Purpose is a film made in 2017 in which a dog questions the purpose of life living with different owners. I think people watching can also take a few lessons from the film. I can say as an animal loving as a person, the infinite andA Dog's Purpose is a film made in 2017 in which a dog questions the purpose of life living with different owners. I think people watching can also take a few lessons from the film. I can say as an animal loving as a person, the infinite and unrequited love of animals, especially dogs, to people, especially to their owners, is very well portrayed in the film. I think we can try to make people understand the animals who approach shouting or beating them, by making them watch this film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Vulf001Jun 13, 2018

If you like dogs, you will be interested. I dislike dramas, but this one is a rare exception. I never understood why many critics disliked this film. I cried while watching this film. The story is good, acting is very good and I love thisIf you like dogs, you will be interested. I dislike dramas, but this one is a rare exception. I never understood why many critics disliked this film. I cried while watching this film. The story is good, acting is very good and I love this film. You gotta check it out.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Real_g22Jun 14, 2020

Hermosa película. Una historia cautivadora y palpable. Cualquier persona se sentirá emocional al ver esta gran película.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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