Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Secret Life of Pets

film

The Secret Life of Pets

2016

The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Cartoon action is frequent, including attacks, capture, threatened killing, a dangerous vehicle crash, and a character’s death in backstory. The tone is comedic, but abandonment and grief may upset younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

General representation of city life; not overtly commercialized beyond standard tie-in merchandise typical of animation.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Duke learns that his former owner Fred has died; characters also make repeated threats to kill others, without showing a central on-screen death.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No gore or blood is present.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults and name-calling occur, typical of a PG animated comedy.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Gidget is in love with Max, but the romance is a light subplot with no substantial dating or sexual relationship.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Animals face capture, abandonment, sewer danger, pursuit, cages, and threats of being killed; comic animation softens the intensity.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent cartoon chases, attacks, animal-control capture, threats, a bus crash, and perilous escapes; violence is stylized rather than graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face pursuit, capture, dangerous rescues, and grief, taking risks to protect friends and save the group.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Anthropomorphic pets, imaginative urban adventures, inventive escapes, and unusual animal teamwork strongly encourage playful imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a varied cast of animal characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers light social lessons about pet care, abandonment, friendship, and animal welfare rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Pets rescue one another, recruit help, forgive rivals, and reunite animals with caring owners; cooperation is central to the resolution.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, empathy, accepting newcomers, overcoming jealousy, and finding safe, caring homes.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty and courage and learn to cooperate, though some initially act selfishly, deceptively, or aggressively.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Secret Life of Pets would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Secret Life of Pets, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating