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A Dog's Purpose poster

A Dog's Purpose (2017)

“Every dog happens for a reason.”

7.6/10 · 3,583 votes 1h 40m pg ComedyFantasyAdventureDramaFamily

#25 of 319 films from 2017 #204 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Lasse Hallström · Written by W. Bruce Cameron, Maya Forbes, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A dog goes on quest to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes with multiple owners.

Cast

Josh Gadas Dogs: Bailey / Buddy / Tino / Ellie (voice)
KJ Apaas Teen Ethan
Britt Robertsonas Teen Hannah
Dennis Quaidas Adult Ethan
Peggy Liptonas Adult Hannah
Juliet Rylanceas Elizabeth - Ethan's Mom
Luke Kirbyas Jim - Ethan's Dad
John Ortizas Carlos
Kirby Howell-Baptisteas Maya Williams
Pooch Hallas Al
Logan Milleras Todd
Gabrielle Roseas Grandma Fran
Caroline Caveas Ellen - Boss' Wife
Nicole LaPlacaas Wendi

Facts

Release dateJanuary 19, 2017
Runtime100 min (1h 40m) — about the same as the 2017 average of 107 min
GenresComedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Family
LanguageEN
Budget$22,000,000
Box office$205,000,000 (9.3× budget)
IMDbtt1753383

More from Lasse Hallström

Hachi: A Dog's TaleHachi: A Dog's Tale2009 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 33m What's Eating Gilbert GrapeWhat's Eating Gilbert Grape1993 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 58m The Hundred-Foot JourneyThe Hundred-Foot Journey2014 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 2m Safe HavenSafe Haven2013 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 55m The Cider House RulesThe Cider House Rules1999 · ★ 7.1 · 2h 6m ChocolatChocolat2000 · ★ 7.0 · 2h 1m An Unfinished LifeAn Unfinished Life2005 · ★ 6.8 · 1h 48m Dear JohnDear John2010 · ★ 6.8 · 1h 48m

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Questions

How long is A Dog's Purpose?
A Dog's Purpose runs 100 minutes (1h 40m).
Is A Dog's Purpose worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.6/10 across 3,583 votes, which places it #25 of 319 films released in 2017 in this index (top 92%) and #204 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed A Dog's Purpose?
A Dog's Purpose was directed by Lasse Hallström. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009), What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014).
Who stars in A Dog's Purpose?
Josh Gad as Dogs: Bailey / Buddy / Tino / Ellie (voice); KJ Apa as Teen Ethan; Britt Robertson as Teen Hannah; Dennis Quaid as Adult Ethan; Peggy Lipton as Adult Hannah; Juliet Rylance as Elizabeth - Ethan's Mom.
What is A Dog's Purpose rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for A Dog's Purpose?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/8746.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.