Directed by
Yarrow Cheney
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of The Secret Life of Pets (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A Jack Russell Terrier named Max enjoys life in a cozy New York City apartment with his beloved owner, Katie. When Katie is away, Max passes the time socializing with other pets in the building, including tabby cat Chloe, pug Mel, dachshund Buddy, and budgerigar Sweet Pea. However, everything changes when Katie decides to adopt a Newfoundland named Duke, sparking feelings of jealousy in Max. Determined to rid himself of Max, Duke attempts to abandon him in an alley, but a group of aggressive cats, led by the Sphynx cat Ozone, attack them, ripping off their collars and leaving them vulnerable to capture by Animal Control. Duke is terrified of the prospect of returning to the pound, fearing for his life.
Max and Duke find unexpected allies in a white rabbit named Snowball, the charismatic leader of “the Flushed Pets,” a gang of discarded animals that harbor bitterness toward humans for abandoning them. In a bid to gain acceptance from the gang, Max and Duke feign disdain for humans, claiming they’ve “killed” their owners. However, their deceit is soon uncovered when Snowball realizes they are domesticated, forcing Max and Duke to flee the sewers and hilariously board a ferry to Brooklyn, unintentionally dispatching the viper that was to test their loyalty. Snowball, enraged, vows to bring them to justice.
While this is happening, Gidget, a lovestruck white Pomeranian with feelings for Max, discovers his absence and sets off on a mission to find him. Teaming up with a red-tailed hawk named Tiberius, who clumsily leads her to Ozone, Gidget persuades him to reveal what he knows about the missing dogs. She quickly rallies others including Mel, Buddy, Chloe, guinea pig Norman, and Sweet Pea. Their journey introduces them to Pops, an elderly Basset Hound who supports Gidget and her friends in their search for Max. However, they soon confront Snowball, who threatens their lives. During a chaotic chase, Norman is captured, but Gidget and the crew narrowly escape.
Meanwhile, Duke shares with Max heartbreaking memories of his previous owner, Fred, who adopted him as a puppy and cherished their time together. Tragically, Duke reveals that he was lost while pursuing a butterfly and was ultimately abandoned at Animal Control, as Fred never returned for him. In a desperate bid to reunite with Fred, they visit his home nearby, only to be met by the resident cat, Reginald, who informs them of Fred’s passing. Overwhelmed with grief, Duke wrongly believes Max is trying to rid himself of him and lashes out at the new homeowners, prompting Animal Control to intervene. In a twist of fate, Duke’s brave interference allows Max to escape, while he himself is captured.
Determined to rescue Duke, Max battles Snowball, who surprises everyone with his unexpected aggression. However, when Snowball’s gang is caught, they must put aside their differences and join forces to rescue themselves. A thrilling scene unfolds as they commandeer a bus, crashing into the Animal Control van on the Brooklyn Bridge while holding up traffic. Just when things look dire, Gidget and her team arrive to assist, leading to an explosive climax where the van tumbles into the East River, all while Max tries desperately to free Duke from captivity. In an act of bravery, Snowball jumps into the river to hand over the keys to Duke’s cage and help secure their escape.
In a heartwarming conclusion, the group returns to their apartment via a pig-driven taxi. Snowball and the Flushed Pets concoct a new scheme to rid the world of humans, but everything changes when a little girl named Molly adopts Snowball. Initially defiant, Snowball eventually succumbs to the joy of re-domestication. With their adventures behind them, the other pets proudly return to their owners, and Max and Duke joyously reunite with Katie, forever forging their bond.
Track the key events of The Secret Life of Pets (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Max's Happy Life
Max, a Jack Russell Terrier, enjoys a blissful life in a cozy New York City apartment with his devoted owner, Katie. He relishes in socializing with other pets in the building, such as Chloe the cat and Mel the pug.
The Arrival of Duke
Katie brings home a Newfoundland dog named Duke, which disrupts the harmony of Max's life. Feeling jealous of the new arrival, Max's affection for Katie is put to the test as he grapples with feelings of rivalry.
The Alley Abandonment
In an attempt to rid himself of Max, Duke tries to abandon him in an alley. However, their plan takes a turn when they are attacked by a gang of aggressive cats, led by the Sphynx cat Ozone.
Capture by Animal Control
During the chaos from the cat attack, Duke and Max lose their collars and become vulnerable to capture by Animal Control. Duke's fear of returning to the pound heightens the tension between the two dogs.
Meeting Snowball
Max and Duke encounter Snowball, a charismatic white rabbit and leader of the Flushed Pets, a gang of discarded animals. To gain acceptance, they pretend to share disdain for humans, but their lies soon unravel.
The Ferry Escape
After being exposed, Max and Duke hilariously escape from Snowball's gang by boarding a ferry to Brooklyn. They manage to fend off a viper that was supposed to test their loyalty while evading capture.
Gidget's Mission
Gidget, a lovestruck Pomeranian, realizes Max is missing and embarks on a mission to find him. She enlists the help of Tiberius, a red-tailed hawk, to track down Ozone in search of clues about Max's whereabouts.
Rallying the Pets
Gidget successfully rallies Max's friends, including Mel, Buddy, and Chloe, along with Norman the guinea pig, to assist her in the search. They encounter Pops, an elderly Basset Hound, who offers his support.
Duke's Sad Backstory
Duke opens up to Max about his painful past, detailing how he was once cherished by his owner, Fred, before being lost and abandoned at Animal Control. This heart-wrenching revelation deepens their bond.
Confrontation with Reginald
In a desperate bid to reconnect with Fred, Max and Duke visit his home. They are met by the resident cat, Reginald, who heartbreakingly informs them of Fred's passing, leading Duke to lash out in grief.
Duke's Capture
Amidst the turmoil, Duke bravely intervenes to help Max escape but ends up getting captured by Animal Control instead. This twist propels Max to take action and rescue his friend despite the danger.
The Rescue Mission
Max confronts Snowball, leading to an unpredictable showdown as both discover they must work together to escape their predicament. The unlikely alliance marks the beginning of a thrilling rescue mission.
The Bus Chase
In a wild turn of events, the group commandeers a bus to crash into the Animal Control van on the Brooklyn Bridge. Just as hope seems lost, Gidget and her team arrive to divert danger and facilitate a daring escape.
Snowball's Sacrifice
Snowball bravely jumps into the river to help Duke escape by delivering the keys to his cage. His courageous act solidifies the newfound camaraderie between the former foes.
A Heartwarming Reunion
The group returns to their apartment, where Snowball is eventually adopted by a little girl named Molly. With their adventures concluded, Max and Duke joyfully reunite with Katie, solidifying their bond as best friends.
Meet the characters that bring The Secret Life of Pets (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Max
Max is a spirited Jack Russell Terrier who enjoys a comfortable life with his owner, Katie. His initial jealousy of Duke's arrival reveals his vulnerability, and throughout the film, he grows into a more selfless and understanding character.
Duke
Duke is a gentle giant Newfoundland who struggles with feelings of abandonment. His backstory reveals a depth of character, showcasing his desire for companionship and acceptance, particularly with Max, though their relationship starts rocky.
Gidget
Gidget is a passionate and determined white Pomeranian with a crush on Max. Her adventurous spirit leads her on a mission to save him, showing her fierce loyalty and courageous heart in the face of danger.
Snowball
Snowball, a white rabbit, is a charismatic leader with a complex personality. Initially aggressive toward humans, his evolution throughout the film reflects the potential for redemption and the importance of friendship, especially when he helps to save the day.
Chloe
Chloe is a sassy tabby cat who often provides comic relief. Her nonchalant attitude juxtaposes the chaos around her, highlighting a different perspective on pet life within the apartment and adding to the ensemble dynamic.
Mel
Mel is a jovial pug with an enthusiastic personality. His comedic presence provides light-hearted moments throughout the film, and his loyalty to his friends showcases the theme of camaraderie amongst pets.
Buddy
Buddy is a dachshund who adds to the pet community's dynamic. His friendly demeanor and willingness to support his friends reflect the values of loyalty and teamwork in their daring adventures.
Uncover the settings of The Secret Life of Pets (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting a modern urban lifestyle where pets experience life in a bustling city while their owners go about their daily routines. The film's themes and technology, such as using a bus for a thrilling chase, align with present-day life.
Location
New York City, Brooklyn
The movie is primarily set in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture. Brooklyn, a borough within the city, features prominently, particularly with scenes revolving around the Brooklyn Bridge, showcasing the area's charm and energy.
Explore the core themes of The Secret Life of Pets (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Friendship
Friendship is a central theme of the movie, illustrated by the bond between Max and Duke as they navigate their challenges together. Their journey shows how they evolve from rivals to allies, emphasizing the importance of understanding and loyalty in relationships.
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Adventure
The film is filled with whimsical adventures as the characters embark on a mission to save their friends. From escaping aggressive cats to confronting the Flushed Pets, the storyline highlights the excitement of overcoming obstacles and the bonds forged through shared experiences.
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Loss
Loss is poignantly depicted through Duke's backstory, revealing the emotional turmoil of abandonment. Duke's memories of his previous owner add depth to his character, exploring themes of grief and longing for belonging in a new family.
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