🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David R. Ellis
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
- Release year: 1996
- Runtime (length): 1h 28min
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Three pampered pets get lost *again*, this time in a bustling city where they encounter canine gangs, dog catchers in a suspiciously red van, and love, because why not?
🍿 Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Vacation Plans Gone Awry
Three years after their initial adventure, Chance, Shadow, and Sassy are living with their family in San Francisco. The family is planning a vacation to Canada and intends to bring the pets along. However, Chance, still struggling with insecurities, fears abandonment.

Escape at the Airport
While at the airport and being loaded onto the plane, Chance panics and escapes from his carrier. Shadow and Sassy follow, leading to all three becoming lost in the unfamiliar urban environment of San Francisco. They are now separated from their family who are unaware and on their way to Canada.

Navigating the City Streets
Lost and alone, the trio navigates the city streets, encountering various challenges including territorial stray dogs and bumbling dog catchers in a distinctive “Blood Red Van.” Chance develops a romantic interest in a Kuvasz named Delilah, a street-smart dog who questions his loyalty to his humans. The animals face dangers and heartwarming moments as they try to find their way home, seeking the “golden bridge.”

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Chance (Michael J. Fox): A mischievous and optimistic American Bulldog who learns about loyalty and love while lost in San Francisco.
- Shadow (Ralph Waite): A wise and aging Golden Retriever who provides guidance and support to his companions during their urban adventure.
- Sassy (Sally Field): A sarcastic and independent Himalayan cat who adds wit and practicality to the group’s journey.
- Delilah (Carla Gugino): A kind Kuvasz and stray dog who captures Chance’s heart and shows him the value of community.
- Riley (Sinbad): A street-smart dog and leader of a pack who initially distrusts humans due to past abandonment.
- Hope Burnford (Veronica Lauren): One of the children and owners who misses and worries about her lost pets.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Chance: “My name is Chance and I’m lost in the city with an optimistic dog and a sarcastic kitty.” – Chance introduces the trio and their predicament at the start of their adventure.
- Shadow: “We have to find the golden bridge.” – Shadow repeatedly refers to the Golden Gate Bridge as the landmark that will lead them home.
- Chance: “Home? You remember what happened before? Huge mountains, stinky skunks, porcupines – not me, pops!” – Chance expresses his reluctance about another homeward journey, referencing their previous adventure.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $24000000
- Domestic Gross: $32,772,492
- Worldwide Gross: $32,772,492
💥 Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco Reviews
Personal Review
As a kid, I adored ‘Homeward Bound II’! Seeing Chance, Sassy, and Shadow navigate the city streets was thrilling. I remember being particularly invested in Chance’s budding romance with Delilah. Sure, it’s not as emotionally resonant as the first, but it’s still a fun, nostalgic trip. That scene where they rescue the kid from the burning house? Classic!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Families with young children”
- “Animal lovers”
- “Fans of the original Homeward Bound”
- “Viewers looking for a lighthearted adventure”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief scenes of peril”
- “Mild cartoon violence”
- “Some emotionally tense moments (e.g., fear of abandonment)”
- “Animal Neglect Themes”
Professional Reviews
- Empire Magazine: “While lacking the emotional depth of the original, ‘Homeward Bound II’ offers a fun, lighthearted adventure for younger audiences. The voice acting is solid, and the San Francisco setting provides a vibrant backdrop.
- Common Sense Media: “A serviceable sequel with mild peril and some humor, but lacks the heart of the original. Safe for kids, but parents might find it a bit repetitive.
- TV Guide: “This sequel struggles to recapture the magic of the first film, relying on familiar plot points and predictable humor. The San Francisco setting is underutilized, and the new characters are forgettable.
Audience Reactions
The animal voice acting is fantastic, especially Michael J. Fox as Chance.: Viewers generally appreciate the comedic elements and the continuation of the pets’ journey.
Chance’s romance added a new dimension to the story that some loved.: While not as good as the first, it’s still seen as a decent family movie.
Overall Consensus: A fun, but less impactful sequel that still offers entertainment for families, though it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of the original.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Ralph Waite replaced Don Ameche as the voice of Shadow after Ameche’s death in 1993, following the first film.”
- “The film includes scenes showing the Vancouver skyline, despite being set in San Francisco, due to filming locations.”
- “The film reuses the same core plot as the first film, but transposes the wilderness setting for an urban environment.”
🖥️ How to Watch Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco?
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Disney+, where a subscription is required for viewing. It’s also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand. You can also search Amazon for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, you might like these similar films:
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): The original movie sets the stage for the characters and their initial journey home.
- The Incredible Journey (1963): The original film the Homeward Bound series is based on, featuring a similar plot of animals finding their way home.
- Oliver & Company (1988): An animated film about a lost kitten navigating the streets of New York City, sharing the theme of animals in an urban setting.
- Bolt (2008): A modern animated film about a dog who has to find his way back home, experiencing the real world for the first time.
🛒 Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco Related Products
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (DVD): Relive the magic of the original journey with this classic DVD. Perfect for completing your ‘Homeward Bound’ collection.
- Disney Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco Little Golden Book: A classic children’s book adaptation of the movie.
- Dog Anatomy: A Coloring Book: A fun and educational coloring book that explores canine anatomy. Perfect for kids interested in animals, inspired by the movie’s canine stars.
- Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (Poster): Decorate your room with your favorite movie poster. A great addition to your collection.
🎧 Soundtrack
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” – performed by Tony Bennett
- “Main Title” – performed by Bruce Broughton
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco was primarily filmed in San Francisco, California, showcasing various locations throughout the city. Some scenes were also filmed in Vancouver, which can be identified by the skyline.
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco is a sequel to Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), which itself is a remake of the 1963 film The Incredible Journey. So, while Homeward Bound II is not a remake, it is part of a series of films based on the same original story.
The “golden bridge” the animals refer to in the movie is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s a landmark they recognize as being on the path towards home.
🔥 Bonus Content
Digitized opening to Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (UK VHS)
Ever wonder what it was like to pop in the ‘Homeward Bound II’ VHS back in the day? This digitized opening takes you right back to the 90s, complete with those classic Disney previews! Honestly, seeing those old logos is such a trip down memory lane.
Bruce Broughton – HOMEWARD BOUND 2 (1996) – Soundtrack Suite
Love the music from ‘Homeward Bound 2’? This soundtrack suite is a must-listen! It captures all the adventurous and heartwarming feels of the movie. I always forget how good the score is until I hear it on its own!
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