Secret Life of Pets: Streaming, Cast & Sequel News

Few things spark as much curiosity as imagining what our pets do when we leave the house. The Secret Life of Pets turned that playful question into a global animated franchise, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide across two films. Whether you’re looking for streaming options, curious about age suitability, or wondering when a third movie might arrive, this guide covers it all.

First film release year: 2016 · Box office (first film): $875 million worldwide · Number of films released: 2 (third in development) · Streaming availability: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video · MPAA rating: PG · Runtime (first film): 87 minutes

Here is a quick reference table of the most important facts.

Is The Secret Life of Pets on Disney or Netflix?

Streaming Availability for The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

• The original film is available on Netflix in select regions, including the United States (Rotten Tomatoes streaming listings).
• Netflix lists the movie as a 2016 title with a PG rating in its Kids section (Netflix).
• For regions where Netflix does not carry it, the film can be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers (Amazon).

Streaming Availability for The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

• The sequel streams on Disney+ in the United States and many other countries (Disney+).
• Rotten Tomatoes also lists the sequel as available on Hulu (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Both films can be purchased on Prime Video (Amazon).

Comparison of Platforms and Regional Differences

One pattern stands out: neither film appears on the same major streaming service. The original is on Netflix, the sequel on Disney+ — and both shift by region. In Australia, for example, the Raising Children Network notes the original film carries a G rating and is not recommended for children under 8 (Raising Children Network (Australian parenting guide)).

The implication: families need to check their local listings before pressing play. A single subscription won’t cover both movies unless you buy them.

Is There a Secret Life of Pets 2?

Release Date and Box Office

• The sequel released on June 7, 2019 (IMDb).
• It grossed $431.8 million worldwide (Wikipedia (franchise page)).
• Budget was $80 million (Wikipedia).

Plot Summary and Cast

• Max, a terrier, adjusts to life with his new owner’s marriage and a baby.
• Patton Oswalt replaced Louis C.K. as the voice of Max (Wikipedia).
• Kevin Hart voices Snowball, Jenny Slate voices Gidget (Apple TV).

Critical Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes gives the sequel a 60% critic score, noting it’s “less inventive than its predecessor” (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Common Sense Media rates it age 5+, citing mild peril and potty humor (Common Sense Media).

The trade-off: the sequel earned less than half the original’s $875 million, but still landed profitably and kept the franchise alive.

Is The Secret Life of Pets Appropriate for Children?

MPAA Rating and Runtime

• Both films are rated PG for action and rude humor (IMDb Parents Guide; IMDb).
• The first film runs 87 minutes; the second, 86 minutes (IMDb).

Themes and Scenes of Concern

• Mild peril: characters chased by animals, escapes from the animal pound, and comedic falls.
• Potty humor: jokes about dog behavior and bodily functions.
• Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 5 and up (Common Sense Media).

Parental Recommendations

• The Raising Children Network suggests the film is not suitable for children under 8 in Australia (Raising Children Network).
• For sensitive kids, previewing scenes of animal danger is wise.

Why this matters: the PG rating and mild scares make the franchise fine for most school-age children, but parents of younger or anxious kids should watch alongside.

Is Secret Life of Pets 3 Coming Out?

Official Announcements and Production Status

• Illumination announced a third film in development in 2022 (Variety).
• No official release date has been set; 2024 is widely speculated but unconfirmed.

Expected Release Window

• Illumination typically schedules animated films 2–3 years after announcement. If development started in 2022, a 2024–2025 release is plausible.
• No trailer or teaser has been released.

Potential Plot and Returning Characters

• Plot details are under wraps.
• It is likely that Max, Duke, Snowball, and Gidget will return, but no cast is confirmed.

The catch: the third film’s fate hangs on Illumination’s production slate, which includes other big franchises like Despicable Me and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Fans should expect a wait.

Who Stars in The Secret Life of Pets?

Main Voice Cast of The Secret Life of Pets

• Louis C.K. voiced Max, a terrier, in the first film (IMDb).
• Eric Stonestreet voiced Duke, a Newfoundland mix (IMDb).
• Kevin Hart voiced Snowball, a rabbit (IMDb).
• Jenny Slate voiced Gidget, a Pomeranian (IMDb).

Sequel Cast Changes

• Patton Oswalt replaced Louis C.K. as Max in the sequel (Wikipedia).
• New additions included Tiffany Haddish as Daisy, a Shih Tzu (IMDb).

Animal Breeds and Character Names

• Max: Jack Russell Terrier mix
• Duke: Newfoundland
• Snowball: rabbit (lop-eared)
• Gidget: Pomeranian
• Chloe: tabby cat (voiced by Lake Bell)
• Mel: pug (voiced by Bobby Moynihan)

The pattern: the voice cast blends comedy heavyweights (Kevin Hart, Lake Bell) with animation veterans, and the recasting of Max is the most notable change.

Streaming Platforms Comparison

Three platforms, two films, one pattern: no single service carries both movies on subscription. Here’s how they stack up.

The implication: families wanting both films without buying need two subscriptions — or use a digital purchase option.

Film Specifications

Nine key specs across both films reveal a nearly identical runtime and rating, but a significant drop in box office for the sequel.

The catch: the sequel’s box office was roughly half the original’s, but it still more than covered its budget and kept the franchise alive for a third installment.

Timeline

• July 8, 2016: The Secret Life of Pets released in theaters.
• June 7, 2019: The Secret Life of Pets 2 released.
• 2022: Illumination announces third film in development.
• 2024 (estimated): Potential release of The Secret Life of Pets 3.

The timeline shows steady releases for the first two films, with the third still uncertain.

What’s Confirmed vs. Unclear

These distinctions help families decide what to trust.

Quotes & Reviews

“The Secret Life of Pets offers a beautifully animated, solidly voice-acted, and often wildly entertaining look at what our furry friends do when we’re not home.”

— Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus

“Parents need to know that The Secret Life of Pets is an animated comedy… Some mild peril and potty humor, but overall fine for kids 5 and up.”

— Common Sense Media

The consensus: the franchise wins with animation and vocal performances, but parents should preview the mild scares for younger viewers.

Summary: What This Means for Your Family

For families planning a movie night, the choice is straightforward: Netflix has the original, Disney+ has the sequel. If you want to own both, buy them on Prime Video. And watch for news on the third film from Illumination—though no date is set, the franchise is far from done. For parents in the US, the PG rating and short runtimes make both films easy weekend picks.

Frequently asked questions