The Secret Life of Pets

The Secret Life of Pets is a 2016 American animated comedy film directed by Chris Renaud and written by Brian Lynch, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. Produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film stars the voices of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, Dana Carvey, Ellie Kemper, Steve Coogan, and Albert Brooks. Taking place in New York City, the film's plot follows the relationship between a spoiled terrier named Max and a giant, unruly dog named Duke. It also follows what other pets do when their owners are gone for the day. The Secret Life of Pets premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 16, 2016, and was released in theaters in the United States on July 8. The film received generally positive reviews and grossed $885.3 million worldwide, making it the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2016 as well as the year's most profitable release. A sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2, was released on June 7, 2019, with Patton Oswalt taking over the role of Max from Louis C.K.