The original The Secret Life of Pets movie, released in 2016, runs for approximately 87 minutes. The Secret Life of Pets 2, released in 2019, has a runtime of around 86 minutes.
Understanding the Run Time of The Secret Life of Pets Films
The duration of a film impacts viewer experience, pacing, and ultimately, its overall narrative impact. The Secret Life of Pets franchise has opted for a shorter, more concentrated storytelling approach. This section will explore the run times of both films in the franchise, what contributes to those run times, and why they might be intentionally concise.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
The first film, The Secret Life of Pets, clocks in at approximately 87 minutes (1 hour and 27 minutes). This includes the opening animation segment from Illumination, the studio behind the film, as well as the end credits. The bulk of the runtime is dedicated to the narrative itself, exploring the adventures of Max, Duke, and their animal companions.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)
The sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2, is slightly shorter, running for approximately 86 minutes (1 hour and 26 minutes). This film also incorporates the standard Illumination opening and closing credits. Although a single minute shorter, The Secret Life of Pets 2 still attempts to pack in multiple interwoven storylines within its limited timeframe.
Factors Affecting Movie Runtime
Several factors contribute to the final runtime of a film, including:
- Narrative Complexity: More complex narratives, with multiple storylines and character arcs, often require longer runtimes to fully develop.
- Target Audience: Films targeted at younger audiences tend to be shorter to maintain attention spans. The Secret Life of Pets, being a family film, falls into this category.
- Pacing: A film with a faster pace and more action sequences might feel shorter than a slower-paced film, even if the actual runtime is similar.
- Studio Preferences: Studios often have general guidelines or preferences regarding film length, influenced by market research and perceived audience preferences.
- Editing: The editing process plays a crucial role in determining the final runtime. Scenes can be trimmed or cut entirely to improve pacing and focus the narrative.
Why Shorter Runtimes Can Be Effective
For family-friendly animated films like The Secret Life of Pets, shorter runtimes offer several advantages:
- Maintain Attention: Younger audiences, especially, are more likely to stay engaged throughout a shorter film.
- Increased Showings: Shorter films allow for more screenings per day in theaters, potentially increasing box office revenue.
- Accessibility: Shorter films are more accessible for families with young children who might have limited time or attention spans.
- Repeat Viewings: Shorter runtimes can encourage repeat viewings, both in theaters and at home.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into The Secret Life of Pets Run Times
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the runtime of The Secret Life of Pets movies, providing additional context and valuable information.
FAQ 1: Do the runtimes listed include credits?
Yes, the runtimes of 87 minutes for The Secret Life of Pets and 86 minutes for The Secret Life of Pets 2 include the opening Illumination animation segment and the end credits.
FAQ 2: Are there extended or director’s cut versions of these films?
As of the current date, there are no officially released extended or director’s cut versions of either The Secret Life of Pets or The Secret Life of Pets 2. What is available are bonus features and deleted scenes on home media releases.
FAQ 3: How do these runtimes compare to other animated films?
These runtimes are fairly typical for animated films geared towards family audiences. Many animated features hover around the 80-95 minute mark, balancing entertainment value with attention span considerations. Pixar movies, for instance, often run longer, nearing the 100-minute mark, due to their more complex narratives.
FAQ 4: Why is The Secret Life of Pets 2 slightly shorter than the first film?
There’s no official explanation for the one-minute difference. However, it could be attributed to tighter editing, a slightly less complex narrative structure, or simply a deliberate decision to streamline the storytelling. It is also possible that certain scenes were cut during the editing process to improve pacing.
FAQ 5: Where can I verify the official runtimes of these movies?
The official runtimes can typically be verified on reputable film databases like IMDb (Internet Movie Database), Rotten Tomatoes, and Wikipedia. These sources usually provide accurate and up-to-date information about film details.
FAQ 6: Do streaming services show a different runtime than the theatrical release?
In most cases, streaming services will display the same runtime as the theatrical release. However, some platforms might list slightly different times due to variations in encoding or the inclusion/exclusion of certain pre-roll or post-roll content. The core movie runtime, however, remains consistent.
FAQ 7: Are there any significant differences in pacing between the two films?
Some viewers perceive The Secret Life of Pets 2 as having a slightly more fragmented narrative due to its multiple storylines. This can give the impression of a faster pace, even though the runtime is only marginally shorter. The first film focuses more on a single, overarching plot.
FAQ 8: How does the runtime affect the movie’s overall impact?
The shorter runtimes contribute to the movies’ accessibility and replay value, especially for younger audiences. While some might argue for more in-depth character development, the concise storytelling keeps the movies engaging and entertaining.
FAQ 9: Are there any plans for a third movie in The Secret Life of Pets franchise?
As of the present moment, there are no confirmed plans for a third film in The Secret Life of Pets franchise. While the first two films were commercially successful, no official announcement regarding a sequel has been made.
FAQ 10: Does the runtime of the movie impact its rating (e.g., G, PG)?
The runtime of a movie does not directly impact its MPAA rating (e.g., G, PG, PG-13). The rating is determined by the content of the film, including language, violence, and thematic elements. Both The Secret Life of Pets films received a PG rating due to some mild action and rude humor.
FAQ 11: Are there advertisements added to the movie when watching on certain platforms?
Whether advertisements are added depends entirely on the platform you’re using to watch the movie. Streaming services with subscription models often do not have ads during the movie itself. However, ad-supported streaming services or viewing the film on platforms with ad breaks will naturally add to the overall viewing time.
FAQ 12: Are bonus features or deleted scenes included in the official runtimes?
No, bonus features and deleted scenes are not included in the official runtimes of the movies. These are typically presented as separate content on DVD, Blu-ray, or digital releases. They provide additional behind-the-scenes glimpses and alternative takes on certain scenes.