What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Secret Life of Pets
Film · 2016
If you loved The Secret Life of Pets, start with SPY x FAMILY (2022) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Secret Life of Pets across media.
What hooked you in The Secret Life of Pets was the chaotic, endearing dynamic of mismatched companions navigating their domestic world.
Books on the same thread
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter · Book · 1902
Explores: Disobedience, Consequences, Nature.
If the mischievous energy and animal-led escapades of The Secret Life of Pets kept you entertained, you will appreciate Peter Rabbit’s bold, garden-bound quest for trouble and tasty rewards.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
Much like the emotional growth found in The Secret Life of Pets, this story captures the wild, imaginative spirit of a child processing big feelings through a grand, transformative adventure.
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss · Book · 1957
Explores: Mischief, Imagination, Consequences.
The Secret Life of Pets thrives on the chaos caused by unexpected visitors, a feeling perfectly mirrored by the Cat in the Hat as he turns a quiet day upside down.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Norman Bridwell · Book · 1963
Shares a thread with The Secret Life of Pets: Friendship.
The bond between Max and his owner in The Secret Life of Pets finds a heartfelt parallel here, focusing on the unconditional love and support shared between a girl and dog.
Series on the same thread
SPY x FAMILY
Series · 2022
Explores: Found Family, Secret Identity, Fish Out of Water.
Just as the odd-couple pairing in The Secret Life of Pets relies on a secret domestic life, this show builds a found family dynamic through humor, deception, and hidden identities.
Family Guy
Seth MacFarlane · Series · 1999
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Satire, Political Incorrectness.
If you enjoyed the comedic, fast-paced absurdity of The Secret Life of Pets, you will recognize that same irreverent, punchy style in the dysfunctional and chaotic adventures of the Griffin family.
Adventure Time
Pendleton Ward · Series · 2010
Shares a thread with The Secret Life of Pets: Friendship.
The Secret Life of Pets captures the essence of inseparable best friends on a mission, a dynamic that drives every surreal, adventurous journey Finn and Jake take through their mystical land.
The Flintstones
William Hanna · Series · 1960
Shares a thread with The Secret Life of Pets: Friendship.
The Secret Life of Pets highlights the humor of domestic routines, a theme central to this classic sitcom as two families navigate the complexities of life in a prehistoric suburban setting.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Secret Patreon
Podcast
Explores: Male Friendship, Improv Comedy, Current Events Commentary.
The Secret Life of Pets succeeds because of the chemistry between its central duo, a rapport you will find mirrored in the casual, improvisational banter of this comedy podcast.
HENRY List
Podcast
Shares a thread with The Secret Life of Pets: Friendship.
Building on the comedic friendship themes that anchor The Secret Life of Pets, this show offers a similar focus on the entertaining, conversational dynamics between close companions sharing their lives.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of The Secret Life of Pets?
The Secret Life of Pets follows a terrier named Max whose quiet life is disrupted when his owner brings home a stray dog named Duke. Max instantly dislikes the new arrival, leading to a conflict that drives the central narrative of the film.
Is The Secret Life of Pets about a dog named Max?
Yes, The Secret Life of Pets focuses on a terrier named Max. His peaceful daily routine is challenged when his owner introduces Duke, a stray dog, into their home, causing immediate tension between the two animals.
Does The Secret Life of Pets feature a conflict between two dogs?
Yes, the plot of The Secret Life of Pets centers on the rivalry between Max, a terrier, and Duke, a stray dog. Their relationship begins with instant dislike after Max's owner brings Duke home, which upends Max's quiet life.
Who are the main characters in The Secret Life of Pets?
The main characters in The Secret Life of Pets are Max, a terrier who enjoys a quiet life, and Duke, a stray dog. The story begins when Max's owner adopts Duke, creating an immediate conflict between the two pets.