The Secret Life of Pets was a major success when it was released in 2016, but the animated film has not received much attention in the last several years, even following the release of the sequel. However, the film has recently become a streaming hit on Netflix, proving it has more merit than it is being given credit for.

The Secret Life of Pets is more than a cute animated film about talking pets, but a fun concept about humans' animal companions having full lives and fun adventures outside their relationship with their owners. What might seem like a silly concept is an endearing narrative that is a respectable rework of a profoundly popular animated movie series.

The Secret Life of Pets is a great Illumination animated film about a Jack Russell Terrier, Max, who dislikes his owner's new dog, a Newfoundland named Duke. The animosity between the two dogs leads them to get lost in New York City and endure a series of harrowing events before they find their way back home. In addition to Max and Duke's adventure, a group of pets within their apartment building works together to find them and help them return home.

The Secret Life of Pets is a fun story about talking pets with distinct personalities, but it's often overlooked when considering the best animated movies featuring animal protagonists. This film isn't just about a cute narrative involving anthropomorphic animals, but an impactful story that makes some prominent commentary on pet abandonment and the importance of pet needs and care. While making suggestions about how people's beloved animals should be treated, the film also offered a meaningful story about accepting change and embracing new friends to the young target audience.

This underrated film is reminiscent of one of the best animated movies of all time, Toy Story, which uses anthropomorphic toys to tell a narrative about a fear of change and eventually having to accept unexpected life events. There is a clear connection between these two films, with different character designs conveying a similar message to young audiences.

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