The Dog Stars

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2:06

The Dog Stars

R

Aug 2026

1h 58m

Adventure

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

41%

Tomatometer

221 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Verified Ratings

Ridley Scott's "The Dog Stars," is a riveting, epic thriller set in a world where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice. Scott tells the story of Hig, a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley, has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in a brutal post-apocalyptic world until a mysterious radio transmission spurs Hig to venture into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exists.

Critics Consensus

A derivative and drowsy tour through the post-apocalypse, The Dog Stars' lush visuals can't compensate for its listless narrative and underpowered pacing.

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Audience Says

While its deliberate pace may not be everyone’s tempo, The Dog Stars undeniably shines thanks to the compelling performances of its lead cast.

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Joey Shapiro

Chicago Reader

Sep 8, 2026

The Dog Stars is Frankensteined together from the well-worn tropes of more memorable movies.

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Adam Nayman

The New Republic

Aug 31, 2026

For a movie set in a wasteland, The Dog Stars is cluttered with plot points and symbolic gimmicks; the pileup distracts from the fact that it isn’t really about anything at all.

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Jake Helm

The Times (UK)

Aug 31, 2026

3/5

You have to hand it to Scott: even at the end of the world, he knows how to put on a show.

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Brandon Lewis

FandomWire

Sep 30, 2026

7/10

The film is a confounding but engrossing experience, offering a few new paths on well-worn territory.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Sep 29, 2026

B+

It's one of the weirdest experiences of the year. It starts off as a virus induced post-apocalyptic movie, then becomes a full blow western and then morphs into a surreal horror film. It's kind of jarring. It's messy. But weirdly affective.

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Víctor López G.

Espinof

Sep 29, 2026

If it hadn't been for a veteran of Scott's caliber, this rehash of clichés and ideas—seen time and time again in similar productions—would make you want to turn the page immediately without giving it a second thought.

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Monica

1 day ago

It was pretty good. A little weird but it played out well.

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Gregor

4 days ago

A klunker, for Ridley Scott... Bad script.

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NS85

5 days ago

His dogs death was unexpected. The ending leaves the opportunity for sequel.

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grace Q

Sep 25, 2026

no explanation on why, when or how... it was a movie almost about nothing really

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Tamela

Sep 19, 2026

Thought us was the right mixture of happy, sad, suspense and laughter

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Wilma

Sep 19, 2026

I loved Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce & the beautiful dog, of course, in this action packed adventure. Although the mountains & countryside scenery was beautiful... it didn't look like Colorado, but I still enjoyed the movie anyway!

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Ridley Scott

Director

Jacob Elordi

Hig

Josh Brolin

Bangley

Margaret Qualley

Cima

Allison Janney

Actor

Benedict Wong

Actor

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Synopsis

Ridley Scott's "The Dog Stars," is a riveting, epic thriller set in a world where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice. Scott tells the story of Hig, a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley, has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in a brutal post-apocalyptic world until a mysterious radio transmission spurs Hig to venture into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exists.

Director: Ridley Scott
Producer: Ridley Scott, Michael A. Pruss, Mark L. Smith, Cliff Roberts
Screenwriter: Mark L. Smith
Distributor: 20th Century Studios
Production Co: Scott Free Productions
Rating: R (Strong Violence|Language)
Genre: Adventure, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 28, 2026, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $15.0M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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