DreamWorks Animation has once again brought a beloved children’s book series to life with Dog Man (2025), a high-energy adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular graphic novels. Directed by Peter Hastings (Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie), the film delivers a zany, action-packed adventure filled with humor, heart, and a touch of unexpected depth. While it clearly targets younger audiences, Dog Man is an enjoyable romp that has enough cleverness to entertain parents and animation enthusiasts alike.
The film follows Dog Man, a crime-fighting hero who is half-dog, half-man—the result of an emergency surgical procedure that combined the head of a brave police dog with the body of his human partner. As a result, Dog Man possesses heightened canine instincts and unshakable loyalty but struggles with basic human activities like following orders and resisting the urge to chase balls.
In his latest adventure, Dog Man must foil the latest dastardly scheme of Petey the Cat (voiced by Pete Davidson), a cunning yet oddly endearing villain. However, when an even greater threat emerges in the form of Flippy the Fish (voiced by Ricky Gervais), a telekinetic goldfish with a vendetta against humanity, Dog Man and Petey find themselves in an uneasy alliance. Alongside Chief (Lil Rel Howery), journalist Sarah Hatoff (Isla Fisher), and the irrepressible Lil’ Petey, Dog Man embarks on a chaotic mission to save the city from mind-controlled mayhem.
The animation in Dog Man is a delightful mix of stylized 3D CGI with occasional hand-drawn sequences that pay homage to Pilkey’s original artwork. The exaggerated character designs, vibrant colors, and frantic pacing create a kinetic visual experience reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons. The film’s aesthetic cleverly captures the scrappy, DIY energy of Pilkey’s books while adding a polished, modern flair that will keep audiences visually engaged.
The animation team has also done a commendable job incorporating Pilkey’s signature “flip-o-rama” sequences into the film. These moments mimic the interactive flip-book style from the novels, providing nostalgic charm while adding a unique storytelling element.
Dog Man leans heavily into slapstick humor, absurd sight gags, and wordplay, making it a hit with kids who enjoy energetic, fast-paced comedy. From Dog Man’s puppy-like antics to the over-the-top reactions of the city’s hapless citizens, the film embraces its ridiculous premise with infectious enthusiasm.
That said, while the film does contain some clever jokes for older viewers, it doesn’t reach the same level of cross-generational appeal as, say, Shrek or The LEGO Movie. Some of the humor is undeniably juvenile (think fart jokes and goofy sound effects), which may wear thin for adults sitting through repeated viewings. However, the film’s sheer commitment to silliness ensures that there’s never a dull moment.
At its core, Dog Man is about more than just action and laughs. The film explores themes of identity, redemption, and the importance of teamwork. Dog Man’s struggle to balance his dog instincts with his responsibilities as a police officer is played for comedy but also serves as a metaphor for self-acceptance.
One of the film’s strongest emotional threads revolves around Petey and his relationship with Lil’ Petey. While Petey starts as a classic antagonist, his interactions with his younger clone hint at a deeper desire to change his ways. This father-son dynamic adds surprising emotional weight to the story, giving Dog Man moments of genuine heart amid the chaos.
The voice cast does a solid job of bringing these eccentric characters to life. Pete Davidson delivers a playful and mischievous performance as Petey, capturing both his villainous charm and reluctant soft side. Lil Rel Howery’s Chief provides plenty of comedic frustration, while Isla Fisher’s Sarah Hatoff adds a dose of intelligence and wit. Ricky Gervais steals the show as Flippy the Fish, infusing the character with just the right mix of menace and dry humor.
As for Dog Man himself, the character is largely non-verbal, communicating through barks, whimpers, and exaggerated expressions. This choice, while true to the books, might make it harder for some audiences to fully connect with him as a protagonist. However, the animators and sound designers do a commendable job making Dog Man’s emotions clear despite his lack of traditional dialogue.
Early reviews for Dog Man have been largely positive, with critics praising its energetic pacing, inventive animation, and faithful adaptation of Pilkey’s work. While some have noted that the film’s relentless humor and chaotic storytelling may be overwhelming for some viewers, the overall consensus is that it succeeds in delivering exactly what fans of the books want.
At the box office, Dog Man has performed well, drawing strong numbers in its opening weekend. Families and young fans have flocked to theaters, and positive word-of-mouth suggests it will have a healthy run. With the success of Captain Underpants and now Dog Man, it wouldn’t be surprising to see DreamWorks greenlight a sequel or even a spin-off focusing on Lil’ Petey.
Dog Man (2025) is a wacky, action-packed animated film that brings Dav Pilkey’s beloved character to life with humor and heart. While its relentless energy and juvenile humor may not be for everyone, it’s a faithful and entertaining adaptation that will delight its target audience. The strong animation, engaging voice performances, and surprising emotional moments elevate it above a simple kids’ comedy.
If you’re a fan of Pilkey’s books or looking for a fun, lighthearted film for the family, Dog Man is well worth a watch. It may not break new ground in the world of animated films, but it delivers an undeniably fun ride—one that proves that sometimes, the best hero is part dog.
Bonus Features
- DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES WITH INTRODUCTIONS BY SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR PETER HASTINGS
- Sewer Ball Chase
- Petey Robs Bank of Jim
- Li’l Petey Adoption People
- Petey Puppet Time
- Dog Man Chopper Hang Glider
- Revenge of the Bank of Jim
- Butler Business
- Flippy in Jail Epilogue
- MEET THE PACK: Go behind the scenes of the DOG MAN recording sessions as we meet the actors who brought the characters to life and watch them perform some of their silliest lines!
- THE MAKING OF DOG MAN: A SARAH HATOFF EXCLUSIVE: Ace reporter Sarah Hatoff delivers a special report on the making of DOG MAN! Learn about the story, characters, and comic book animation behind Dog Man’s big screen debut!
- HOWL TO DRAW FLIP-O-RAMA STYLE: Join head of story Anthony Zierhut as he teaches how to draw Dog Man, Petey, and Li’l Petey, then learn how to transform your drawings into a Flip-O-Rama!
- HOWL TO MAKE DOUGHNUTS FOR DOGS: Police officers and dogs both love one thing…doughnuts! We’ll show you how to make your own Fido-friendly doughnuts for your canine best friend.
- FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR PETER HASTINGS