7.1
Where can I stream Wag the Dog legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Wag the Dog fingerprint
Very funny, immersive world, emotionally cool.
Energy
Fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Fast Pace7
- Tension6
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Catharsis3
- Pathos2
- Melancholy1
Humor
Plenty of sharp wit and satire
- Wit & Wordplay9
- Satire & Parody9
- Dark Humor7
World
Politics, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and direction
- Acting9
- Dialogue Quality9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumFast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Wag the Dog is fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
NoneEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos2Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy1Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics0Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
Very highPlenty of sharp wit and satire
Expect plenty of sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay9Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody9Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighPolitics, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around politics, society, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and direction
The performances, dialogue, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A comedy about truth, justice and other special effects.
During the final weeks of a presidential race, the President is accused of sexual misconduct. To distract the public until the election, the President's adviser hires a Hollywood producer to help him stage a fake war.
Political SatireDark ComedyMedia ManipulationSharp DialogueHollywood IndustryBehind-the-Scenes MachinationsCynical & WittyFast-Paced StorytellingSocial Commentary
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Wag the Dog
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Wag the Dog worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Wag the Dog rated?
RStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is Wag the Dog?
1 h 37 min
Wag the Dog runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Wag the Dog?
Critics80
Audiences74
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see Wag the Dog much the same way.
Was Wag the Dog a box office hit?
Budget$15 million
Box office$64 million
Yes. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $64 million worldwide, 4.3 times its budget.
What language is Wag the Dog in?
EnglishAlbanian
It was made in English, with some Albanian. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Wag the Dog?
50
+36
+36GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Wag the Dog in 50 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Wag the Dog use?
Character Catch PhraseBlack Comedy RapeBlack ComedyStylistic SuckSuspiciously Specific DenialScout-OutToo Dumb to LiveThe Un-RevealAstroTurfHope SpotIndy PloyDude, Not Funny!and 38 more
TV Tropes lists 50 storytelling tropes for Wag the Dog, including Character Catch Phrase, Black Comedy Rape, Black Comedy.