If you’ve spent any time around a second-grader in the last decade, you’ve heard of Dav Pilkey. You know the drill: the chaotic drawings, the bathroom humor, and the surprisingly deep heart. But for years, the big question has been haunting every school library and parent group: When does Dog Man come out on the big screen?
Well, the wait is actually over, but the answer depends entirely on how you plan to watch it.
The Dog Man movie officially hit theaters in the United States on January 31, 2025. It was a massive moment for DreamWorks Animation. They finally brought the "Supa Cop" to life after years of development. If you missed the theatrical run, don't sweat it. We are currently in 2026, and the landscape for watching this flick has shifted from the big screen to your living room couch.
The Theatrical Release: What You Missed
Universal Pictures handled the rollout, and honestly, it was a bit of a sleeper hit. It premiered a few weeks early at the Festival de l'Alpe d'Huez in France before the wide US release.
Critics were surprisingly kind. Most people expected just a bunch of fart jokes (it is a spin-off of Captain Underpants, after all), but Peter Hastings—the director—really leaned into the "high-end handmade" look. It doesn't look like a polished, plastic Pixar movie. It looks like the books. It looks a bit rough, a bit 2D-blended, and very chaotic.
The box office reflected that love. On a relatively modest budget of $40 million, it raked in over **$145 million worldwide**. That’s not Disney money, but for a niche graphic novel adaptation, it’s a huge win.
When Does Dog Man Come Out on Streaming?
This is where it gets interesting for the home viewers. Because of the deal between Universal, Peacock, and Netflix, the movie has been bouncing around like a ball in a dog park.
- Peacock: The movie landed on Peacock first, back on May 30, 2025.
- Netflix: If you’re a Netflix subscriber in the US, the movie officially arrived on September 30, 2025.
Right now, as we move through 2026, Netflix is the primary home for Dog Man. However, these deals are temporary. The film is expected to stay on Netflix until roughly the summer of 2026, at which point it will pivot back to Peacock for a final four-month stint.
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Basically, if you have Netflix right now, go watch it before July. After that, you’ll likely need a Peacock sub or just to buy it on VOD (Amazon, Apple, etc.).
Who Is in the Cast?
The voice cast is actually kind of wild. You’ve got Pete Davidson voicing Petey the Cat. It fits perfectly—that sort of dry, slightly exhausted energy.
- Dog Man: Voiced by the director himself, Peter Hastings (mostly barks and huffs).
- The Chief: Lil Rel Howery brings the perfect level of stressed-out energy to the role.
- Sarah Hatoff: Isla Fisher.
- Flippy the Evil Fish: Ricky Gervais (because of course the villainous fish has a biting British accent).
The standout for most families, though, has been Li'l Petey, voiced by Lucas Hopkins Calderon. The relationship between Petey and his kitten clone is the emotional anchor that caught a lot of parents off guard. It’s actually... kind of sweet?
Is There a Sequel Coming?
The rumors are swirling, and for good reason. With a $145 million gross on a $40 million budget, a sequel is a no-brainer for DreamWorks.
While nothing is set in stone with a specific date for Dog Man 2, the fan community (and some "leaks" on fanon wikis) have been whispering about a 2026 or 2027 window. Given that animation takes forever—usually 2 to 3 years—a late 2027 release for a sequel seems way more realistic than anything sooner.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're still wondering "when does Dog Man come out" because you haven't seen it yet, here is your checklist:
- Check Netflix first. As of early 2026, it is currently streaming there for US subscribers.
- Look for the "Supa Good!!!" single. The soundtrack by Tom Howe is actually pretty catchy if you need something for the car ride.
- Grab the "Art of Dog Man" book. If your kid is into the animation style, Abrams Books released a "making of" book that shows how they translated Dav Pilkey’s style into 3D.
- Prepare for the Netflix exit. If you don't have Peacock, consider buying the digital version on Prime Video or Apple TV before July 2026 so you own it permanently.
The movie successfully bridged the gap between the "dumb fun" of the books and a story that actually has something to say about family and redemption. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Cat Kid Comic Club or just someone who wants to see Pete Davidson voice a cat, the movie is finally out there for everyone to enjoy.