🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Walt Becker
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10 (19K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A small red puppy eats some magic kibble and terrorizes New York City until a corporation tries to steal him, but community spirit and the power of love save the day.
🍿 Clifford the Big Red Dog: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Tiny Red Puppy Arrives
Emily Elizabeth, a middle schooler struggling to fit in, encounters a magical animal rescuer named Mr. Bridwell. He presents her with a tiny red puppy whose size, he claims, will depend on how much love it receives. Despite her uncle Casey’s initial reluctance, Emily names the puppy Clifford.

Clifford’s Gigantic Growth and Viral Fame
The next morning, Clifford has grown to an enormous size, causing chaos and attracting attention. His massive size goes viral, catching the eye of Zac Tieran, a biotechnology CEO who wants to exploit Clifford for his genetic research. Emily and Casey must now protect Clifford from Tieran’s clutches.

On the Run in New York City
Evicted from their apartment, Emily, Casey, and Clifford go on the run through New York City. They seek help from friends and neighbors, encountering humorous obstacles and heartwarming moments along the way. Their journey emphasizes the importance of community and acceptance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Emily (Darby Camp): A young middle schooler who struggles to fit in and finds a magical connection with a small red puppy.
- Clifford (N/A): The tiny red puppy whose size dramatically increases due to Emily’s love, becoming a giant dog.
- Casey (Jack Whitehall): Emily’s irresponsible but supportive uncle who lives in a van and gets caught up in Clifford’s adventures.
- Tieran (Tony Hale): The unscrupulous CEO of a biotechnology company who wants to capture Clifford for his own gain.
- Bridwell (John Cleese): The mysterious animal rescuer who gives Emily the tiny red puppy and explains the magic behind it.
- Owen (Izaac Wang): Emily’s friend who stands by her side to help her save Clifford
- Packard (David Alan Grier): The nosy superintendent of Emily and Casey’s apartment building.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Emily Elizabeth: “How big is he going to get?” – Emily asks Mr. Bridwell about Clifford’s potential size, hinting at the magical nature of their bond.
- Mr. Bridwell: “That depends, doesn’t it?” – Mr. Bridwell cryptically responds to Emily’s question, suggesting that Clifford’s size is tied to her love for him.
- Mr. Bridwell: “On how much you love him.” – Mr. Bridwell explains that the puppy’s growth depends on her love.
- Emily Elizabeth: “Clifford, come on!” – Emily says this many times throughout the movie, particularly during moments of adventure.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $64,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $48,947,356
- Worldwide Gross: $115,941,364
💥 Clifford the Big Red Dog Reviews
Personal Review
I remember reading Clifford books as a kid, so I was excited to see this movie. It’s cute and has some funny moments, but it definitely feels aimed at a younger audience. The CGI Clifford is decent, but sometimes a little wonky. I enjoyed the nostalgia, and it’s a fun family movie, but don’t expect a cinematic masterpiece! Overall, I’m glad I watched it for the feel-good vibes. The part where the community comes together to help Clifford was heartwarming and brought back sweet childhood memories. My inner child loved it!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Families with young children”
- “Fans of the Clifford the Big Red Dog books and TV show”
- “People who enjoy heartwarming animal stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild action and comedic violence”
- “Some scenes of bullying”
- “Brief moments of peril”
Professional Reviews
- MovieWeb: “While ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ is aimed at a younger audience, adults can find some enjoyment in its simple story and heartfelt message. The CGI is decent, and the cast is charming. However, don’t expect groundbreaking cinema; it’s a feel-good film that delivers exactly what it promises.
- CBR: “‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ embraces its silliness, creating an inoffensive, fast-paced movie with a surprising amount of heart. While it’s clearly geared towards children, many jokes land for adults as well. It’s a fun, forgettable watch that provides a lighthearted escape.
- IMDB: “Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall and Izaac Wang were perfect for their characters, but not even these three could save this movie. The story was mediocre and the cgi was very poor. Overall not a great movie.
Audience Reactions
The movie is a sweet and heartwarming story that families can enjoy together.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s simple plot, lovable characters, and emphasis on acceptance and love.
Nostalgia factor is strong with many viewers who grew up with the Clifford books and show.: Fans of the original Clifford series found the movie to be a charming adaptation that captures the spirit of the source material.
Overall Consensus: Clifford the Big Red Dog is a lighthearted and family-friendly film that appeals to younger audiences and nostalgic fans of the original books. While the plot is simple and the CGI is not always perfect, the movie’s heartwarming message and comedic moments make it an enjoyable watch for families.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The character of Mr. Bridwell is named after Norman Bridwell, the creator of the original ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ book series, as a tribute to his work.”
- “While the film is set in New York City, many of the scenes were filmed on Long Island, New York, to create the vibrant urban backdrop.”
- “The filmmakers used a combination of CGI and practical effects to bring Clifford to life, aiming to create a realistic and lovable giant dog.”
🖥️ How to Watch Clifford the Big Red Dog?
Clifford the Big Red Dog is available to stream on Paramount+. You can also rent or buy the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Clifford the Big Red Dog, you might like these similar films:
- Beethoven (1992): Features a family adopting a large dog who causes chaos and heartwarming moments.
- Paddington (2014): A CGI-live action hybrid about a lovable animal causing mayhem in a big city while teaching lessons about family and acceptance.
- The Iron Giant (1999): A child befriends a giant being and must protect it from those who see it as a threat.
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019): Another live-action adaptation of a beloved children’s series, focusing on adventure and overcoming obstacles.
🛒 Clifford the Big Red Dog Related Products
- Clifford the Big Red Dog Plush Toy: A huggable plush version of Clifford, perfect for kids who love the movie. High-quality materials and accurate design.
- Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Movie Storybook: Relive the movie’s adventures with this beautifully illustrated storybook. Available on Kindle and other ebook platforms.
- Clifford the Big Red Dog Kids T-Shirt: Officially licensed T-shirt featuring Clifford. Available in various sizes for kids. Comfortable and durable fabric.
- Clifford’s Really Big Adventure Game: Join Clifford on a fun-filled adventure in this interactive game. Educational and entertaining for young children.
🎧 Soundtrack
Clifford the Big Red Dog features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, Clifford does not talk in the live-action movie adaptation. He communicates through actions and expressions.
The movie emphasizes the importance of love, acceptance, and celebrating differences. It teaches viewers to embrace their own uniqueness and to stand up for what they believe in.
Yes, Clifford the Big Red Dog is generally considered suitable for young children. It’s rated PG for mild action and some impolite humor, but overall, it’s a family-friendly film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Every Decade Has A Fat Guy! #familyguy
Ever wondered who the most iconic red characters are from each decade? This video’s got you covered! I never realized how many there were, especially Clifford!
#shorts Girl Adopts Red Puppy, The Next Day He Grows 3 Meters Tall#movies #films
Want a quick rundown of what “Clifford the Big Red Dog” is all about? This short video gives you the gist in under a minute. Prepare for some oversized puppy love!
Family Guy – A wolf who claims to have read Brian’s book
Did you know “Family Guy” made a reference to Clifford? This clip is hilarious and shows how Clifford has permeated pop culture. It’s a pretty unexpected crossover, you gotta see it!
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