Clifford the Big Red Dog
Performance & Direction: Clifford the Big Red Dog Review
Last updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Clifford the Big Red Dog features a noteworthy lineup led by Darby Camp . Supported by the likes of Jack Whitehall and Izaac Wang , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Quick Plot Summary: Clifford the Big Red Dog is a Family, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. As Emily struggles to fit in at home and at school, she discovers a small red puppy who is destined to become her best friend. When Clifford magically undergoes one heck of a growth spurt, becomes a gigantic dog and attracts the attention of a genetics company, Emily and her Uncle Casey have to fight the forces of greed as they go on the run across New York City. Along the way, Clifford affects the lives of everyone around him and teaches Emily and her uncle the true meaning of acceptance and unconditional love. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Ending Breakdown: Clifford the Big Red Dog resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Clifford the Big Red Dog reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Clifford the Big Red Dog?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Clifford the Big Red Dog
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $64.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $116.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Clifford the Big Red Dog Budget
The estimated production budget for Clifford the Big Red Dog is $64.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Clifford the Big Red Dog
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Clifford the Big Red Dog Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeClifford the Big Red Dog Parents Guide & Age Rating
2021 AdvisoryWondering about Clifford the Big Red Dog age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Clifford the Big Red Dog is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Clifford the Big Red Dog is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clifford the Big Red Dog worth watching?
Clifford the Big Red Dog is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Clifford the Big Red Dog parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Clifford the Big Red Dog identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Clifford the Big Red Dog?
The total duration of Clifford the Big Red Dog is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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Critic Reviews for Clifford the Big Red Dog
Great movie!
BEST MOVIE EVER!
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/clifford-the-big-red-dog-spoiler-free-review "Clifford the Big Red Dog holds cute, emotional moments that will tug at any pet lover's heartstrings, as well as the usual sweet messages destined to younger audiences, but it all comes at the cost of creating a deceptive, fake-looking world. CGI Clifford surprisingly looks decent, but inserting a digital dog in real sets while interacting with real people, leaves the viewers with a weird feeling that never quite goes away. Unfortunately, the dog isn't the most artificial element of the movie. Besides being expectedly childish, incredibly formulaic, and exaggerated in every possible way, the characters and the main narrative are far from looking, sounding, and being authentic. In the end, it's a disappointingly hollow adaptation that kids will inevitably love, but adults will find it hard to endure." Rating: C-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
