You’ve probably seen the memes or heard that high-pitched, manic energy coming from a cartoon animal and thought, "Wait, is that Kevin Hart?" It's a common rabbit hole to fall down. When people search for a kevin hart dog movie, they are usually looking for one of two things: either his breakout voice role as a bunny who hates dogs, or his more recent turn as a literal hound dog alongside The Rock.
It’s kinda funny how Hart has carved out this specific niche in animation. He’s basically become the go-to guy for small, loud creatures with massive chips on their shoulders. But if you're trying to figure out which movie is which, or if he’s got a new one coming out in 2026, let’s clear the air. There is a lot of confusion between his different franchises, especially since he often plays animals that act more like humans than pets.
The Secret Life of Pets: When Kevin Hart Wasn't Actually a Dog
Let’s get the biggest misconception out of the way first. In The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and its 2019 sequel, Kevin Hart does not play a dog. He plays Snowball, a fluffy white rabbit.
So why does everyone call it a kevin hart dog movie?
Basically, because the movie is about dogs. The main characters, Max and Duke, are dogs. The plot revolves around dogs getting lost in New York City. Snowball starts as the villain—the leader of the "Flushed Pets"—and he spend a good chunk of the first movie trying to take down the canine protagonists. By the second film, Snowball has a bit of a hero complex and starts wearing pajamas, which is honestly one of the better visual gags in modern animation.
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If you are looking for the movie where he screams about "liberated pets" and leads a revolution from the sewers, you are looking for The Secret Life of Pets.
DC League of Super-Pets: Finally, a Real Kevin Hart Dog Movie
If you specifically want to see (or hear) Kevin Hart as an actual dog, then DC League of Super-Pets (2022) is the one you’re after. This is the project where the "Hart and Huntington" dynamic—wait, no, the Hart and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson dynamic—moved into the animated world.
In this film, Kevin Hart voices Ace the Bat-Hound.
Ace is a Boxer with a cynical attitude who eventually becomes Batman’s pet. It’s a bit of a departure from his usual high-octane roles. Ace is world-weary and tough, a contrast to Johnson’s Krypto the Superdog, who is a bit of a goody-two-shoes.
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- The Dynamic: This movie relies heavily on the real-life chemistry between Hart and Johnson. They recorded many of their lines together in the same booth, which is actually pretty rare for big-budget animation. Usually, actors record solo to give the editors more control, but these two needed to riff.
- The Character: Ace isn't just a sidekick; he has a pretty emotional backstory about being a shelter dog. It gives Hart a chance to do more than just shout funny one-liners, though there’s still plenty of that.
What’s Next? Kevin Hart's 2026 Movie Slate
If you’re wondering if there’s a new kevin hart dog movie on the horizon for 2026, the short answer is: not exactly, but he’s staying busy.
As of right now, Hart is leaning back into live-action comedies. His big project for 2026 is a film called 72 Hours, which is slated for a summer release on Netflix. It’s a "bachelor party gone wrong" story directed by Tim Story. No dogs have been cast in lead roles for that one yet, though knowing Hart's production company, Hartbeat, there’s usually a joke or two involving a pet somewhere in the script.
There have been whispers about a Secret Life of Pets 3 for years. Illumination (the studio behind Minions) hasn't officially put it on the 2026 calendar yet, but given that the first two movies made over $1.3 billion combined, it’s almost a certainty that Snowball will return eventually.
Why We Associate Him With Pets
There’s a reason people keep searching for these roles. Kevin Hart’s comedic persona—the "tough guy in a small package"—translates perfectly to the animal kingdom.
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Whether he's a bunny who thinks he's a gang leader or a shelter dog who thinks he's a loner, the archetype remains the same. He brings an "energy" that few other voice actors can match. It's why The Secret Life of Pets felt like a Kevin Hart stand-up special at times, just with more fur and fewer four-letter words.
How to Watch These Movies Right Now
If you’re looking to scratch that itch today, here is where you can typically find his animal-centric films:
- The Secret Life of Pets (1 & 2): Frequently rotates through Peacock and Netflix.
- DC League of Super-Pets: Usually available on Max (formerly HBO Max) or for digital rental.
- Upcoming 2026 Projects: Keep an eye on Netflix for 72 Hours and potential animation announcements during the summer slate reveals.
Check your local streaming listings as these tend to hop between platforms every few months. If you want the "true" kevin hart dog movie experience, start with DC League of Super-Pets to see him actually playing a canine, then jump over to Secret Life of Pets to see him at his most unhinged as a bunny.
Be sure to check for any surprise trailers during the 2026 Super Bowl, as that's usually when Netflix and Illumination drop their big animation teasers.