A Dog's Way Home

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A Dog's Way Home

PG

2019

1h 36m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

59%

Tomatometer

78 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog touches the lives of an orphaned mountain lion, a down-on-his-luck veteran and some friendly strangers who happen to cross her path.

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Critics Consensus

A Dog's Way Home may not quite be a family-friendly animal drama fan's best friend, but this canine adventure is no less heartwarming for its familiarity.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

Sep 13, 2019

Wall-to-wall voiceover... Lassie never had to explain herself.

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Stephen Romei

The Australian

Mar 2, 2019

2.5/5

It touches on ongoing problems in modern society such as homelessness and the postwar physical and psychological suffering of soldiers, and on the growing use of animal-based therapy.

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Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

Feb 27, 2019

3/5

There's not much variation on the old themes here. What's new is the film's definition of community and family.

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M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Aug 17, 2022

2.5/5

The film is unapologetically feel-good while unabashedly manipulating your feelings, even though it is hard to knock a film that serves up cats and dogs living peacefully while giving each other endless Eskimo kisses.

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Nicolás Delgadillo

Cultured Vultures

Aug 17, 2019

6/10

A Dog's Way Home has a bit too much filler thrown in to pad out the runtime, and the segments at home feel very detached from the dog's journey back home, but it's a cute and heartwarming story that any dog lover will enjoy.

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Rashid Irani

Hindustan Times

May 3, 2019

1.5/5

Predictably, the last act unfolds in full-on heartstrings-tugging mode...

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Christine

Aug 3, 2022

the movie was so sweet and told a great message for all about loyalty & compassion.

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R T

@RT13220398 Jun 26, 2026

The settings in Colorado were spectacular. The training behind the scenes getting the animals to perform certain movements was intense. The Humane Society has a detailed analysis of the hours and hours of training with the animals. I found myself gripping my hands even though I knew Bella would eventually find happiness. She was actually a pitbull mix and did not look like a pitbull. Her face was loving and sweet. The scenes in the military hospital were superb and well contrasted with the homeless vet who died alone with only a chained dog at his side. This film in should be a lesson in getting all pets microchipped!

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Yurissa F

@YurissaF Jun 6, 2026

Great movie. Beautiful story of Bella. Loved seeing Ashley Judd in the movie

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Dawn L

@Little1494UK Jan 24, 2026

I found the voice over really annoying and unnecessary. Overall the film was OK but the Incredible Journey is sooo much better.

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Lisa C

@Daphmena Jul 8, 2025

I thought the movie was heartwarming. There were several moments that had me crying. This movie reminded me of Homeward Bound, a favorite movie of mine. 5/5 imo.

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Kaleena G

@RT47405158 Jun 20, 2025

I just loved it. I cried more than 3 times, it is sad but also very heartwarming.

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Charles Martin Smith

Director

Ashley Judd

Terri

Jonah Hauer-King

Lucas

Edward James Olmos

Axel

Alexandra Shipp

Olivia

Chris Bauer

Kurch

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Synopsis

As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog touches the lives of an orphaned mountain lion, a down-on-his-luck veteran and some friendly strangers who happen to cross her path.

Director: Charles Martin Smith
Producer: Gavin Polone
Screenwriter: W. Bruce Cameron, Cathryn Michon
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Bona Film Group, Pariah
Rating: PG (Some Peril|Language|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 11, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 26, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.0M
Runtime: 1h 36m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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