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Parents' Guide to

Superpower Dogs

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Science docu unleashes pup power potential; mild peril.

Movie G 2019 45 minutes
Superpower Dogs Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Superpower Dogs Movie: Ricochet, a Golden Retriever from southern California, surfs with children with special needs as a form of therapy
  • Superpower Dogs Movie: Border Collie Henry and partner Ian Bunbury search for avalanche victims
  • Superpower Dogs Movie: Reef, a water rescue Newfoundland with the Italian Coast Guard, on the Italian Riviera

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

ncullen12
ncullen12 Parent of 2 and 7-year-old
December 22, 2020
age 5+

Fun Documentary

Fun documentary about superdogs and their various "professions" to assist people in emergency type scenarios. It kept my 7 year old entertained, but our 3 year old's attention span was in and out.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

SUPERPOWER DOGS is a made-for-IMAX documentary that demonstrates that our pets are capable of having superpowers. With the help of loving humans who help train their sharp senses, the featured dogs are shown to have the ability to save lives and help those in need. It turns out that their incredible skills are mostly a matter of science. Chris Evans narrates.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

IMAX movies can always be counted on for gorgeous, immersive cinematography, but this one takes it further in making science playful and fun. Superpower Dogs speaks to kids about the stuff they love: superheroes and pet dogs. In this case, it shows how dogs have "super senses" and documents the way that certain breeds can hone these senses to save lives and help people. The stories brought to light include a Border Collie on a ski patrol rescue team, a Newfoundland in the Italian Coast Guard, "The Bloodhound Brothers" (who save endangered species from hunters), and a surfing Golden Retriever that helps people deal with anxiety and fear.

It's easy-peasy science: Clear graphics demonstrate why certain breeds are adept at certain skills; for instance, how a bloodhound's nose is physiologically wired for keen scent detection. Most of the film shows the animals hard at work, either tracking down bad guys, training to rescue survivors, or providing emotional support with the aid of humans who give them plenty of ear scratches, belly rubs, and love. The movie's message isn't just about the animals' amazing capabilities; it argues that it's the bond between human and animal that creates the superpower. In other words, together with our four-legged friends, we can be both super and heroes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes each of the featured canines in Superpower Dogs good at their job. What makes them exceptional enough to do such high-stakes, important work, as opposed to untrained dogs of the same breed? What's your superpower? What do you need to do to hone it to a superior level?

  • Do the dogs exhibit courage? Do you think they get scared? What do we see Cat do to help Halo be comfortable walking across the ladder? The humans in the film don't show fear; what do you think fuels their bravery?

  • How do the featured dogs and their partners exhibit teamwork? Why is this an important life skill?

  • In the training exercises, Halo isn't "perfect" at his schooling; sometimes he just wants to play! Why is it important to have the self-control to focus on education at certain times and fun at other times? Halo gets a reward when he succeeds. What kind of reward do we get for success in school and in sports?

  • How is perseverance demonstrated in the film? Why is this an important character strength in the work the dogs and their human partners do?

Movie Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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