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Arctic Dogs

Arctic Dogs

Time to run with the big dogs!

201993 minPGMidcredits score: 14th percentile of all films
Director
Aaron Woodley
Starring
James Franco, Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin, Anjelica Huston

Animals band together to save the day when the evil Otto Von Walrus hatches a sinister scheme to accelerate global warming and melt the Arctic Circle.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Arctic Dogs?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Arctic Dogs streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Arctic Dogs?

Arctic Dogs earns 7 badges, led by Overhyped and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Arctic Dogs worth watching?

Arctic Dogs' Midcredits score is the 14th percentile of all films, from 6K ratings across 6 sources. 26% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

14th percentile

Better received than 14% of films

5th percentile among Animation15th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)14th
Approval (how many liked it)17th

49 /100

14th percentile of all films

6th percentile among Animation17th percentile among 2010s

Critics 28 · Audience 50

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

26% liked it

17th percentile of all films

7th percentile among Animation16th percentile among 2010s
26% rated it 7–1074% rated it 1–6

Critics 13% · Audience 60%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

86th percentile

5.9K ratings across platforms

72nd percentile among Animation87th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 3% in 30 days

Box office

BudgetCA$61M

In Canadian dollar, not converted to dollars.

Opening weekend$2.9M
Domestic gross$5.8M
Worldwide gross$10M

64th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A harmless kids' film with a familiar underdog story and a handful of decent voice performances, but unremarkable in nearly every other way.

Fans praised

  • likable protagonist with relatable underdog arc
  • John Cleese's fun performance as the villain
  • wholesome messages about following dreams and teamwork

Detractors panned

  • generic, clichéd story lacking originality
  • stiff, cheap-looking animation
  • bland characters with weak development

What stands out

ActingDivisive55

voice cast has big names but many sound phoned-in; John Cleese praised for lively villain work

Sound and musicDivisive40

score described as lackluster or overwrought; some fans note decent soundtrack

CharactersDivisive30

protagonist Swifty called likable by fans, but bland and generic by most detractors

Pacing30

starts slow; overall uneventful and boring to many adults

Plot and storyDivisive20

generic good vs. evil formula with predictable arc; called lazy and full of holes

Humor20

few laughs; humor described as dry, bland, and unfunny

OriginalityDivisive10

derivative, feels like many past animated films; nothing inventive

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Arctic Dogs like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulTriumphantTense
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmAdventurous · 11% of filmsSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its underdog hero story straight with a light, earnest heart, never winking at its own silliness.
The rideThe mood is generally light and hopeful as Swifty pursues his dream, with mild tension and a triumphant climax when he faces the villain.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning-middle-end arc: introduction of Swifty's dream, discovery of the villain's plot, and final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's uplifting message about following your dreams and being yourself leaves a warm, positive feeling.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeSwifty stumbles upon Otto Von Walrus's evil plan to melt the Arctic and must rally his friends to stop him.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeSwifty's desire to be a courier rather than a mailroom clerk drives his journey, but he must also rally the community to stop a common threat.
StanceThe film celebrates Swifty's pursuit of purpose and ambition, affirming that anyone can be a hero regardless of their starting point.

The world

TimelessWildernessInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · David Buckley
SettingAn Arctic town (Toundratown) with a package delivery service and a hidden fortress of an evil walrus.
MusicThe score is described by critics as 'overwrought', but it supports the adventurous tone.

Content guide

Is Arctic Dogs okay for kids?

PG

Arctic Dogs is rated PG: “Rated PG for some mild action and rude humor” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (17/100), sexual content at minimal (7/100), language at minimal (6/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (5/100) and frightening material at minimal (13/100). Overall it is heavier than 1% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • CanadaPG
  • IrelandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Hungary6
  • SKU
Overall
None / Minimal · all five categories
Heavier than 1% of all filmsHeavier than 1% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 16%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 9%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 8%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 7%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 10%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 16% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Arctic Dogs have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Arctic Dogs?

Cast

7 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

James Franco
as Lemmy
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeremy Renner
as Swifty
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alec Baldwin
as PB
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Anjelica Huston
as Magda
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Michael Madsen
as Duke
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Heidi Klum
as Jade
John Cleese
as Otto Von Walrus
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Omar Sy
as Leopold
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Laurie Holden
as Dakota
Donny Falsetti
as Dusty
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Arctic Dogs?

Movies like Arctic Dogs include PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023) and Robots (2005). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Bob Barlen and Cal Brunker, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its world: a fictional world. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Arctic Dogs?

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