The film A Dog’s Purpose, based on the bestselling book by W. Bruce Cameron, has become a beloved family movie since its theatrical release in 2017. With its heartwarming story about a devoted dog finding meaning through reincarnation, A Dog’s Purpose resonated with audiences and animal lovers around the world.
Since the movie’s release, many fans have wondered if A Dog’s Purpose is available on the popular streaming service Netflix. With its family-friendly themes and feel-good animal story, A Dog’s Purpose seems like the perfect movie to cozy up with on Netflix. Here is a closer look at whether A Dog’s Purpose can be streamed on Netflix and where else the film is available online.
Is A Dog’s Purpose on Netflix?
Unfortunately, A Dog’s Purpose is not currently available to stream on Netflix in the United States. While you cannot watch the full A Dog’s Purpose movie on Netflix at this time, here are some similar dog-themed movies you can view on Netflix in the meantime:
- Marley & Me
- Benji
- Dog Days
- The Buddy Games
- Scooby-Doo
So if you are hoping to stream A Dog’s Purpose on Netflix, you will have to look elsewhere. But Netflix does have some other good dog movies to enjoy.
Why isn’t A Dog’s Purpose on Netflix?
There are a few possible reasons why A Dog’s Purpose is not included in the Netflix streaming library:
- Netflix licensing agreements – Netflix licenses titles for a certain period of time and that license may have expired for A Dog’s Purpose.
- Studio partnerships – A Dog’s Purpose was produced by Universal Pictures which has an exclusive streaming deal with HBO Max.
- New releases go to premium platforms – Major new releases often go first to premium rental platforms before hitting subscription services.
So while Netflix often gets older titles or makes deals for exclusive streaming rights on certain films, the licensing deal may not have worked out for A Dog’s Purpose yet. But there is still a possibility it could be added to Netflix in the future.
Where to stream A Dog’s Purpose online
While A Dog’s Purpose is not on Netflix, you do have several options for streaming the movie online. Here are some of the top places you can watch A Dog’s Purpose:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Free with subscription or $3.99 rental |
| Vudu | $3.99 rental |
| YouTube | $3.99 rental |
| iTunes | $3.99 rental |
| Google Play | $3.99 rental |
As you can see in the table, the top options for streaming A Dog’s Purpose are digital rental platforms like Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, iTunes and Google Play. On most of these services, you can rent A Dog’s Purpose for around $3.99.
The one subscription option currently available is Amazon Prime Video. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can stream A Dog’s Purpose for free. For non-Prime members, you can still rent the movie on Amazon for $3.99.
Additional streaming options
Here are a few other places you may be able to find A Dog’s Purpose streaming:
- Hulu – A Dog’s Purpose was previously available on Hulu but is now only for purchase or rental.
- HBO Max – You can stream A Dog’s Purpose on HBO Max with the Cinemax add-on subscription.
- STARZ – STARZ and related channels like STARZ Encore sometimes air A Dog’s Purpose.
- Spectrum TV – Spectrum cable customers can access A Dog’s Purpose on demand.
So while major subscription services like Netflix and Hulu no longer have A Dog’s Purpose available to just stream for free, you still have plenty of rental options to watch online. And you can stream free on Amazon Prime or HBO Max/Cinemax if you already subscribe to those services.
Will A Dog’s Purpose ever be on Netflix?
Since A Dog’s Purpose is not new to streaming in 2022, the chances of it being added to Netflix in the future are decent. Here are some reasons Netflix could potentially pick up A Dog’s Purpose at some point:
- Popularity – A Dog’s Purpose was a major box office hit grossing over $190 million worldwide. Netflix often acquires rights to commercially successful films down the road.
- Family friendly – The movie’s universal themes and PG rating make it appealing for Netflix’s family audience.
- Cult following – A Dog’s Purpose has developed a devoted fanbase who would love to stream it on Netflix.
- Sequel – With the sequel, A Dog’s Journey, now also available, Netflix may want to add both movies to its library.
Based on these factors, A Dog’s Purpose would seem to align well with the Netflix brand. And as it gets older, the streaming rights could certainly end up at Netflix. Of course there is no guarantee, but fans should keep an eye out in case A Dog’s Purpose pops up on their Netflix feed soon!
The path to streaming on Netflix
Since A Dog’s Purpose is not a Netflix original, here is a look at the general path a movie takes before finally becoming available on Netflix:
- Theatrical release – A Dog’s Purpose hit theaters in January 2017.
- Digital purchase – Became available for digital purchase roughly 90 days after theaters.
- Digital rental – Was released for online rental around 120 days after theatrical premiere.
- Blu-ray/DVD – The movie was released for physical purchase around 6 months after hitting theaters.
- Pay TV – A Dog’s Purpose aired on premium cable channels like HBO and STARZ about a year after theaters.
- Subscription streaming – Could come to Netflix 2-3 years after theatrical release.
Based on this general timeline, A Dog’s Purpose could have started streaming on Netflix sometime in 2019. The fact it is not on Netflix yet suggests the streaming license is tied up with another service like Amazon Prime or HBO Max. But Netflix may be able to make a deal for it soon.
Is A Dog’s Purpose appropriate for kids?
With its pet-focused story, A Dog’s Purpose is certainly designed to appeal to families and kids. Here are some key things to know about whether A Dog’s Purpose is kid-friendly:
- Rated PG – The movie earned a PG rating for “thematic elements and some peril.”
- Mild action – There are a few mild action sequences like perilous falls.
- Safety messages – Promotes responsibility and care for pets.
- Positive themes – Family, friendship, hope and perseverance.
- Brief language – One use of the word “damn.”
Overall, A Dog’s Purpose is appropriate for most kids ages 8 and up. There is no graphic violence or sexuality. The movie highlights the bond between humans and animals with some gentle life lessons mixed in.
What parents should know
For parents considering letting their kids watch A Dog’s Purpose, here are a few things to be aware of:
- A dog dies and is reincarnated multiple times – this could be sad or confusing for very young kids.
- Some perilous situations like a dog caught in a current or falling off a truck.
- Brief adolescent drinking and references to abuse.
- One minor curse word.
Talking to your kids about the overall message of treasuring life and discuss any sad scenes with them can help them process anything that may be scary or upsetting. But the movie presents lessons about loyalty, friendship and purpose in an uplifting way.
Similar movies to A Dog’s Purpose available on Netflix
While you wait and hope for A Dog’s Purpose to someday make it onto Netflix, here are some similar dog-centric movies you can currently watch on Netflix right now:
Marley & Me
Like A Dog’s Purpose, this comedy/drama follows the life of a loyal dog named Marley who brings joy and chaos to his family. Marley & Me will appeal to anyone who loves a feel-good dog story.
Benji
Benji is a classic family movie about a stray dog who helps rescue two kidnapped kids. It has the same endearing dog hero as A Dog’s Purpose.
Dog Days
This ensemble comedy weaves together stories about different people’s relationships with their pet dogs. Dog Days captures the same thoughtful look at human/pet connections as A Dog’s Purpose.
Turner & Hooch
While more of a buddy comedy, Turner & Hooch also follows a man forming a close bond with a canine companion. Fans of A Dog’s Purpose will enjoy this odd couple pairing.
Conclusion
A Dog’s Purpose has clearly resonated with viewers as a heartwarming movie about the loyalty between humans and dogs. Unfortunately the film is not currently available to stream on Netflix. But you do have options like renting digitally or subscribing to Amazon Prime or HBO Max. And there is still a chance A Dog’s Purpose could come to Netflix in the future as it gets older. While you hope it may someday be added, you can always enjoy some similar dog-themed movies currently on Netflix like Marley & Me, Benji, Dog Days and Turner & Hooch. With its beautiful message about living life to the fullest, A Dog’s Purpose is sure to delight any animal lovers once it finally becomes available to stream on Netflix.