The Secret Life of Pets movies in order Secret Life of Pets Marathon
Page Last Modified:
4 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
The Secret Life of Pets 2 - 2019
Total Runtime:
172 Minutes
Total Items:
3
Average User Score:
(6.5)The Secret Life of Pets movies in order
Ever wondered what your pets do when you close the door behind you? That very question sparked one of the most delightful animated franchises of the past decade: The Secret Life of Pets. Brought to life by Illumination Entertainment, the same creative minds behind Despicable Me and Minions, this series is a treat for anyone who loves talking animal comedies, zany adventures in New York City, and all things pet-related. It's perfect for a short, cheerful binge with a surprisingly generous dose of heart. In this guide, we'll walk you through the correct viewing order, share insider tidbits about Max, Duke, Snowball, and the rest of the gang, and explain why this movie marathon deserves a spot on your watchlist. Got your popcorn ready? Check. Pet snuggled next to you on the couch? Double check.
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1
The Secret Life of Pets Movie 86 min. 2016The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.USER SCORE 6 -
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The Secret Life of Pets 2 Movie 86 min. 2019Max the terrier must cope with some major life changes when his owner gets married and has a baby. When the family takes a trip to the countryside, nervous Max has numerous run-ins with canine-intolerant cows, hostile foxes and a scary turkey. Luckily for Max, he soon catches a break when he meets Rooster, a gruff farm dog who tries to cure the lovable pooch of his neuroses.USER SCORE 7 -
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Why You Should Plan This Marathon
The Secret Life of Pets franchise is short, punchy, and packed with humor ideal for a movie night that won't leave you debating which film to watch first. With just two films and some fun extras like games and merchandise, it's a manageable binge you can enjoy in one evening. But don't be deceived: the energy, humor, and subtly profound themes like pet owner separation anxiety, adoption, and friendship elevate these films beyond your typical talking-animal comedy.
Moreover, The Secret Life of Pets is a vital part of the broader Illumination animated universe. If you're already a fan of Gru, the Minions, or Sing, you'll feel right at home. The style, chaos, and energy are all familiar. Add a stellar voice cast featuring Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, and Harrison Ford, and you have an animated blockbuster franchise with surprisingly sharp edges.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
The first film, directed by Chris Renaud and written by Brian Lynch, introduces us to Max, a small terrier with a big heart and a slightly jealous streak. Originally voiced by Louis C.K., and later by Patton Oswalt in the sequel, Max's perfect life is upended when his owner adopts a new dog: the clumsy but kind-hearted Duke, voiced by Eric Stonestreet.
What follows is a classic animated pet adventure that quickly turns into a rescue mission, filled with chases, underground gangs of abandoned pets, and a wild rabbit superhero arc featuring Snowball, voiced by Kevin Hart. Set entirely in New York City, the film is brimming with slapstick humor, inside jokes for animal lovers, and small easter eggs that reward a second viewing.
The film's strength lies in its contrast: hyperactive animal humor against real emotions about letting go, fitting in, and the bond between humans and animals. And let's face it who hasn't looked at their pet and wondered, "What do you do when I'm away?" Exactly.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)
In the sequel, also directed by Chris Renaud, we take a small leap forward in the lives of Max and Duke. Max has settled in, but the arrival of a human baby changes everything. What begins as a new chapter in Max's life unfolds into a three-part storyline surprisingly well-crafted for an animated family comedy.
One storyline sends Max and Duke to the countryside, where they meet the gruff but wise sheepdog Rooster, voiced by Harrison Ford. This farm adventure feels like a breath of fresh air and contrasts nicely with the city chaos. Meanwhile, Snowball evolves into a wannabe superhero, and Gidget, voiced by Jenny Slate, gets her own hilarious subplot in a pet daycare setting.
The sequel shines by deepening the dynamics between characters. The Max and Duke relationship grows, Max learns to face his fears, and new animals like Daisy, voiced by Tiffany Haddish, keep things fresh. The humor remains over-the-top, but there's an underlying warmth that works perfectly for a family-friendly comedy without becoming overly sentimental.
How to Plan the Perfect Secret Life of Pets Movie Night
You've got the films, and we've got the tips. Set up your marathon on a night when you can truly unwind no work emails, no obligations, just you and maybe your pet. Start around 7 PM with the first film, plan a 20-minute snack break (yes, you have time to channel your inner Snowball in the kitchen), and then dive straight into the second film.
Create a cozy atmosphere: think blankets, mood lighting, and maybe even a special spot for your cat or dog. After all, this is an animated pet adventure your pet is basically a co-star of the evening. For the die-hard fans, don't forget to check out the Secret Life of Pets video games and Minions crossovers, as the Illumination animated universe is full of surprises.
Why This Franchise Sticks
The magic of The Secret Life of Pets lies in its relatability and absurdity. The films touch on something universal the bond between humans and animals but do so with such flair, pace, and humor that you're constantly surprised. And though there are "only" two films, they manage to create a world that feels alive from the apartments in Manhattan to the countryside farm.
With characters like the sarcastic cat Chloe, voiced by Lake Bell, the wise old Pops, voiced by Dana Carvey, Buddy, voiced by Hannibal Buress, Mel, voiced by Bobby Moynihan, and of course Snowball, this cast feels like a real group of friends. You know them, you recognize them, and you just want to see more of them. No spin-off series yet, but hey, we'll keep an eye on Universal Pictures updates.
Conclusion: Short, Powerful, Pure Fun
A Secret Life of Pets movie marathon is perfect for those seeking something light, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. Thanks to the strong direction of Chris Renaud, the sharp script by Brian Lynch, and the top-notch voice cast, this is a franchise you can easily rewatch and discover something new each time. The chaos, the emotions, the inside jokes for every pet owner it all just works.
So what are you waiting for? Get that popcorn ready, give your dog a pat, and dive into the secret life of our favorite pets. And who knows... maybe you'll discover what your cat really gets up to when you're not looking.