What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDog Man
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2016
If you loved Dog Man, start with Dog Man (Peter Hastings, 2025) — a film from the same story. Below: 3 films, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Dog Man across media.
If you loved the chaotic humor and crime-fighting heart of Dog Man, you will enjoy these stories about unlikely investigators.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Dog Man
Peter Hastings · Film · 2025
Films on the same thread
Dogman
Luc Besson · Film · 2023
Explores: Animal Companion, Abuse Survival, Outsider Narrative.
Like Dog Man, this film explores the profound bond between humans and dogs, focusing on how canine companionship provides salvation and purpose for an outsider navigating a difficult world.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
David Soren · Film · 2017
Shares a thread with Dog Man: Friendship.
Since this shares the same creator as Dog Man, you will recognize the identical brand of slapstick humor, imaginative pranks, and the delightful subversion of traditional superhero tropes.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Rob Letterman · Film · 2019
Explores: Partnership, Nostalgia, Finding your purpose.
This detective mystery captures the same fun partnership dynamic found in Dog Man, pairing an enthusiastic protagonist with an intelligent, crime-solving animal in a world of action.
Series on the same thread
Duckman
Everett Peck · Series · 1994
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Social Satire, Detective Parody.
If the detective antics in Dog Man kept you entertained, you will appreciate this satirical parody that features an anthropomorphic lead solving crimes with a loyal partner.
Bluey
Joe Brumm · Series · 2018
Explores: Family Relationships, Imaginative Play, Childhood Development.
Fans of Dog Man who enjoy seeing canine characters express big emotions and creative energy will love how this series turns everyday life into an imaginative adventure.
Podcasts on the same thread
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
This podcast mirrors the irreverent, humorous approach to crime seen in Dog Man by finding the absurdity and comedy in stories where the law is involved.
Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network · Podcast · 2026
Explores: moral ambiguity, social justice, human behavior.
If you were drawn to the crime-fighting themes of Dog Man, this series offers a deeper, narrative-driven look at the complex lives of those involved in wrongdoing.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the correct order to read the Dog Man books?
The Dog Man series began with the original book published in 2016 by Dav Pilkey. You should start with this first volume to follow the early adventures of the character as he learns to balance his hero duties while dealing with the criminal schemes of Petey the cat.
Is the Dog Man movie based on the book series?
Yes, the 2025 Dog Man movie is an adaptation based on the book series created by Dav Pilkey. The film features the same hero introduced in the 2016 source material, focusing on his efforts to catch criminals and impress the Chief while managing his unique canine traits.
Who created the Dog Man series?
The Dog Man series was created by Dav Pilkey. He is also the creator of the Captain Underpants books. His work follows the story of a hero who is still learning tricks of the trade while trying to stop the criminal curiosity of his nemesis, Petey the cat.
Does Petey the cat appear in the Dog Man story?
Yes, Petey the cat is a central figure in the Dog Man series. He is described as being out of the bag and utilizing his criminal curiosity to cause trouble. Dog Man must work quickly to stop him to prove his worth to the Chief.