Dogs change us. It’s that simple. When A Dog’s Purpose hit theaters in 2017, it wasn't just another movie about a golden retriever running through a field of wheat; it was a polarizing cultural moment that somehow managed to be both a box-office hit and a lightning rod for controversy. Based on the 2010 novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the film tackles the heavy, existential question of what happens to our pets after they leave us. Honestly, it’s a lot to process for a PG-rated family flick.
The story follows a dog named Bailey—voiced by Josh Gad—who is reincarnated through multiple lives, breeds, and owners. We see him as a Red Retriever, a German Shepherd, a Corgi, and a St. Bernard-Australian Shepherd mix. Each life serves a different "purpose," ranging from being a boy’s best friend to a hardworking K-9 officer. It’s a tear-jerker. Like, a serious, keep-the-tissues-handy kind of experience that taps into the universal bond between humans and canines.
The controversy that almost tanked the film
You might remember the leaked video. Before the movie even premiered, a clip surfaced via TMZ showing a German Shepherd named Hercules appearing distressed while being encouraged to enter a pool of turbulent water. It went viral instantly. PETA called for a boycott. The Los Angeles premiere was cancelled. For a minute there, it looked like the movie was dead on arrival.
However, an independent investigation by American Humane later found that the video had been "falsely edited" to mislead the public. They reported that the dog wasn't forced into the water and was uninjured. But the damage to the brand was done. Even today, if you bring up the movie in certain circles, the conversation shifts from the plot to animal welfare standards on set. It’s a weirdly dark cloud over a movie that is essentially about the purity of a dog's soul.
Why the "reincarnation" trope works (and why it hurts)
Most dog movies—think Old Yeller or Marley & Me—build up to a single, devastating goodbye. A Dog’s Purpose is different. It makes you go through that grief four different times. It’s kind of masochistic, right?
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W. Bruce Cameron, the author, has often said he wrote the book to comfort a girlfriend who had lost her dog. The idea is that your dog never truly leaves you; they just come back in a different body to keep learning or to find you again. This concept of the "soul" of a pet is what keeps people coming back to this film despite the mixed reviews from critics who found the sentimentality a bit too thick.
Director Lasse Hallström is no stranger to this genre. He also directed Hachi: A Dog's Tale, which is arguably the saddest movie ever made. He knows exactly how to pull at those heartstrings. He uses warm lighting, POV shots from the dog's height, and a score that swells at just the right moments to ensure you aren't leaving the theater with dry eyes.
Looking at the real-life breeds and roles
Bailey starts as a Golden Retriever (technically a Red Retriever in the book) named Bailey, living with a boy named Ethan. This is the heart of the movie. Dennis Quaid plays the older version of Ethan, and the chemistry between the man and the dog feels authentic.
Then we get Ellie, the German Shepherd. This segment is actually quite grounded. It shows the dog in a working role, finding a missing person and ultimately taking a bullet for her handler. It’s a stark contrast to the suburban life of the first act. It reminds us that dogs aren't just pets; they are partners, tools, and heroes.
After that, we meet Tino, the Corgi. This part is basically the "comic relief" beat. Tino helps a lonely college student find love. It’s cute. It’s light. It’s exactly what you need after the tragedy of the K-9 life. Finally, the dog becomes Buddy, which leads him back to an adult Ethan. This full-circle moment is what defines the "purpose" mentioned in the title. It’s about the idea that love is a cycle, not a straight line with a dead end.
The legacy and the "Dog Movie" boom
This movie didn't just exist in a vacuum. It sparked a whole wave of similar content. We got a sequel, A Dog’s Journey, in 2019. We got A Dog’s Way Home. It’s become a sub-genre of its own—the "Cameron-verse" of pet cinema.
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Critics generally weren't kind. The movie holds a fairly low score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers calling it "manipulative." But here’s the thing: audiences loved it. It has a high audience score because it delivers exactly what it promises. It’s a movie for people who talk to their dogs. It’s for people who have a photo of their childhood pet in their wallet.
What most people miss about the storytelling
If you look closely, the movie isn't really about the dog. It’s a character study of the humans through the dog's eyes. Through Bailey/Ellie/Tino/Buddy, we see:
- Domestic abuse and alcoholism (Ethan’s father).
- The loneliness of urban life (Tino’s owner).
- The dedication of law enforcement (Ellie’s handler).
- The regret of lost time (Old Ethan).
The dog is a witness. By stripping away the complex dialogue of humans and replacing it with the simple, sensory-focused inner monologue of a canine, the film makes human problems look both smaller and more manageable. It’s a perspective shift.
Actionable ways to enjoy the movie today
If you’re planning on watching A Dog’s Purpose for the first time—or the tenth—keep a few things in mind to make the experience better.
Prepare for the emotional toll. Don't watch this if you've recently lost a pet unless you're looking for a "cathartic cry." It can be very triggering for those in active grief.
Watch with your pet. It sounds cheesy, but the film’s focus on the bond makes you want to reach out and scratch your own dog's ears.
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Compare the book. If you find the movie a bit too fast-paced, the novel by W. Bruce Cameron offers much more depth into the dog's thoughts and the transitions between lives. The mechanics of the reincarnation are a bit more detailed there.
Check out the "sequel" trajectory. If you like the themes here, follow up with A Dog’s Journey. It follows the same soul (Bailey) as he protects Ethan’s granddaughter, CJ. It’s a bit more focused and arguably has a more satisfying ending than the first one.
Ultimately, A Dog’s Purpose remains a staple of the "animal-lover" movie marathon. It’s flawed, sure. It’s sentimental to a fault. But it captures a very specific feeling—that our pets understand us better than we understand ourselves—and that is why it continues to trend nearly a decade after its release.