Atomic Dog (1998)
A radiation-mutated dog terrorizes a small town, and only one determined teenage boy stands between the beast and a deadly fate.
Atomic Dog - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Brian Trenchard-Smith
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, TV Movie
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 14, 1998
- Production Companies: Wilshire Court Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Atomic Dog - Plot
When a pooch is irradiated by a nuclear plant and threatens the town, only a teenage boy can redeem him.
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Atomic Dog - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brian Trenchard-Smith
Main Cast
- Isabella Hofmann
- Daniel Hugh Kelly
- Cindy Pickett
- Scott Olynek
- Micah Gardener
- Katie Stuart
- Deryl Hayes
- Matt Clarke
- J.C. Roberts
- Carrie Schiffler
Writers
- Miguel Tejada-Flores
Producers
- Mark H. Ovitz
Atomic Dog - FAQs
What is Atomic Dog about?
Atomic Dog follows a family dog accidentally exposed to radiation from a nearby nuclear plant, turning it into a dangerous, mutated threat to the whole town. At the center of the story is a teenage boy who believes the dog can still be saved — and sets out to prove it before the authorities take drastic action.
Is Atomic Dog suitable for kids to watch?
Atomic Dog is rated PG, so it's generally fine for older kids and families. The horror elements are relatively mild — think creature-feature tension rather than graphic scares — making it a decent pick for younger viewers who enjoy a bit of spooky adventure.
Who directed Atomic Dog?
Brian Trenchard-Smith directed Atomic Dog. An Australian-born filmmaker with a long career in genre television and film, Trenchard-Smith is known for his work on action and horror productions, bringing a steady hand to this creature-feature TV movie.
Who are the main actors in Atomic Dog?
The cast is led by Isabella Hofmann, Daniel Hugh Kelly, and Cindy Pickett as the central family, with Scott Olynek and Micah Gardener rounding out key roles. Katie Stuart also appears as Heather Yates, the teenage daughter caught up in the chaos surrounding the irradiated dog.
Does the dog actually die in Atomic Dog?
Without giving too much away, the film leans into its PG rating and family-friendly tone, keeping the emotional stakes high without going to the darkest place. The teenage boy's determination to redeem the dog drives the story toward a resolution that balances tension with heart.
Is Atomic Dog based on a true story?
No, Atomic Dog is a work of fiction. It's a sci-fi horror TV movie written by Miguel Tejada-Flores, built around the classic creature-feature premise of nuclear radiation transforming an ordinary animal into something dangerous. The story is entirely original, not drawn from real events.
What movies are similar to Atomic Dog?
If you enjoyed Atomic Dog, you might like Freaks of Nature (2015) or Roswell (1994) for their blend of sci-fi and creature chaos. Stargate SG-1: Children of the Gods (2009) and The Signal (2007) also share that low-budget genre energy that makes Atomic Dog a fun watch.
When was Atomic Dog released?
Atomic Dog premiered on January 14, 1998. It was produced by Wilshire Court Productions as a made-for-TV movie, debuting during a period when cable and network TV creature features were a popular genre staple for family and genre audiences alike.
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