Dogman (2023)
Luc Besson's visceral tale of a broken man and his dogs — a raw, unforgettable portrait of trauma, survival, and unlikely redemption.
Dogman - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dogman
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Luc Besson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 27, 2023 (France - 16), March 22, 2024 (United States - R), October 12, 2023 (Germany - 16), January 4, 2024 (Brazil), January 4, 2024 (Mexico - C), October 12, 2023 (Italy - 6+), January 24, 2024 (South Korea - 15), December 15, 2023 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Dog man (US), Dogman: Vida Inquebrantable (MX), 狗神 (CN), Dogman: Köpeklerin Efendisi (TR), مرد سگی (IR)
- Production Companies: EuropaCorp, Luc Besson Production, TF1 Films Production, Mediamax Films, Kinology
- Production Countries: France, United States of America
Dogman - Plot
A boy, bruised by life, finds his salvation through the love of his dogs.
Dogman - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Dogman come to life.
Wherever there is an unfortunate, God sends a dog.
Where to Watch Dogman
Looking for where to watch Dogman?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Dogman - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Luc Besson
Main Cast
- Caleb Landry Jones
- Jojo T. Gibbs
- Christopher Denham
- Clemens Schick
- John Charles Aguilar
- Grace Palma
- Iris Bry
- Marisa Berenson
- Lincoln Powell
- Alexander Settineri
Writers
- Luc Besson
Producers
- Virginie Besson-Silla
Dogman - FAQs
What is Dogman about?
Dogman follows Douglas, a man shaped by a brutal childhood who finds his only true comfort and loyalty in his pack of dogs. Written and directed by Luc Besson, the film blends crime, trauma, and redemption as Douglas navigates a violent world, using his extraordinary bond with animals as both shield and weapon.
Is Dogman based on a true story?
Dogman is not based on a single true story. Luc Besson drew inspiration from real cases of children raised in extreme neglect and abuse, as well as the broader mythology of feral children. The character of Douglas is fictional, though his emotional journey resonates with very real human experiences of trauma and survival.
Where can you stream Dogman right now?
You can rent or buy Dogman on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It's widely available across digital platforms, so finding it shouldn't be a problem no matter which service you prefer.
How does Caleb Landry Jones perform in Dogman?
Caleb Landry Jones delivers a fearless, physically transformative performance as Douglas. He brings raw vulnerability and unpredictable intensity to the role, earning widespread critical praise. Many reviewers consider it a career-defining turn — the kind of committed, go-for-broke acting that makes the film impossible to look away from.
Is Dogman worth watching?
If you're drawn to dark, character-driven cinema with a magnetic lead performance, Dogman is absolutely worth your time. Luc Besson crafts a visually bold and emotionally bruising story, and Caleb Landry Jones anchors every frame. It's unconventional and intense, but those willing to go with it will find something genuinely memorable.
Why does Douglas dress in drag in Dogman?
Douglas's drag performances are a form of self-expression and escape — a way of reclaiming identity after years of abuse and dehumanization. Besson uses these sequences to highlight Douglas's complexity: he is simultaneously vulnerable and powerful, outcast and artist. The drag element adds a layer of defiance and beauty to an otherwise brutal story.
Who directed Dogman and what are their other films?
Dogman was written and directed by Luc Besson, the French filmmaker behind iconic films like Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, and Lucy. Known for his kinetic visual style and outsider protagonists, Besson brings a distinctly European sensibility to this English-language production, blending gritty crime drama with operatic emotional storytelling.
What is the age rating for Dogman?
Dogman is rated R in the United States, reflecting its intense depictions of violence, abuse, and dark thematic content. It's not a film for younger viewers — the story deals unflinchingly with childhood trauma, crime, and brutality. Mature audiences who appreciate challenging drama will find it most rewarding.
More About Dogman
Explore further details about Dogman on these trusted resources.