Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Moderate
- propulsive
- gritty
- straightforward
- action movie night
- road movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film to be a thin, derivative action thriller, though its practical vehicle stunts later attracted cult appreciation.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film is noted as one of the last action road movies to emphasize practical effects, including truck crashes, explosions, and a train collision.
Jack accepts an off-the-books trucking job and must complete the delivery while protecting the cargo and his family.
Jack takes the illegal job because his family risks losing their house after his release from prison.
Jack does not initially know that the trailer contains illegal artillery, making the hidden load the central source of danger.
Films like Black Dog, and why
Convoy
practical-effects action road movie centered on a trucker facing criminal threats and escalating pursuit
Joy Ride
highway-set action thriller with vehicular stunts, blue-collar protagonists, and relentless pursuit
The Wraith
crime-driven road action built around dangerous cargo, truckers, and practical vehicle spectacle
Movie Details
- Director
- Kevin Hooks
- Release Date
- 1998-05-01
- Runtime
- 88 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (310)
Cast
- Patrick Swayze
- Meat Loaf
- Randy Travis
- Gabriel Casseus
- Graham Beckel
- Brenda Strong
- Rusty De Wees
- Brian Vincent
- Cyril O'Reilly
- Erin Broderick
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Black Dog about?
- A disgraced trucker takes one illicit delivery job and becomes the target of a violent hijacking while racing to protect his family.
- What is Black Dog like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Black Dog as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Black Dog violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Black Dog as moderate.
- What did critics think of Black Dog?
- Critics broadly found the film to be a thin, derivative action thriller, though its practical vehicle stunts later attracted cult appreciation.
- Which films are like Black Dog?
- Films with a similar feel include Convoy, Joy Ride, and The Wraith.
- How long is Black Dog?
- Black Dog runs 88 minutes.
- Where can I watch Black Dog?
- In United States, Black Dog is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
