The Call of the Wild poster

The Call of the Wild

Movie 2020 7.5 /10
Directed by Chris Sanders

Buck is a big-hearted dog living a contented life at a California home when a string of events uproots him to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. He becomes the newest recruit on a mail-delivery sled team and soon proves he can lead as well as follow, using wits and courage to... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026

About The Call of the Wild

Buck is a big-hearted dog living a contented life at a California home when a string of events uproots him to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. He becomes the newest recruit on a mail-delivery sled team and soon proves he can lead as well as follow, using wits and courage to endure brutal cold, steep terrain, and demanding masters. The Yukon wilderness tests Buck's instincts, loyalty, and sense of self, yet he forges a deep bond with a human caretaker who offers gentleness and a sense of belonging in a place that feels foreign. The tale tracks Buck's awakening to where he belongs and what it means to define his own path. The film emphasizes family ties and personal responsibility.

Directed by Chris Sanders, The Call of the Wild reimagines London's novel with screenwriter Michael Green. Released in 2020, it blends practical performances with digital animals and features Harrison Ford as John Thornton alongside a supporting cast that anchors the story. The film emphasizes family ties and personal responsibility.

Audiences responded positively, reflected in a 7.5 out of 10 rating from 3878 votes. Critics highlighted the film's striking wilderness visuals and solid performances, especially Ford's restrained, protective Thornton. The film centers on belonging, resilience, and the tension between civilization and the raw pull of the wild, while celebrating loyalty and courage in the bond between human and dog. The interplay between Buck's instincts and Thornton's care resonates.

Awards: While it did not rack up major award nominations, the movie earned recognition for its technical craft and faithful adaptation of a beloved classic. Viewers appreciated the emotional core and the way the production brought Buck's world to life on screen. It stands as a solid example of family cinema that marries spectacle with heart.

Box office: The worldwide gross was modest, reflecting the film's appeal to families seeking a modern wilderness adventure rather than a blockbuster spectacle. Its production values and faithful adaptation earned it a respectable footprint in the market.

What Viewers Are Saying

7.5/10
from 3,878 ratings

Viewers are divided over The Call of the Wild's adaptation, with some appreciating Harrison Ford's solid performance and the story's engaging depiction of the dog-master relationship. However, many criticize the heavy reliance on CGI for the dog character, finding it unconvincing and detracting from the film's authenticity. While some see it as a decent family film, others feel it fails to capture the novel's spirit, resulting in a bland and soulless experience. Overall, audiences note uneven visuals and a lack of emotional depth despite likable elements in the acting and narrative.

Details

Release Date
February 19, 2020
User Ratings
3,878 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Adventure, Family, Drama

Official Trailer

Cast

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford

John Thornton

Dan Stevens

Dan Stevens

Hal

Colin Woodell

Colin Woodell

Charles

Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan

Mercedes

Omar Sy

Omar Sy

Perreault

Raven Scott

Raven Scott

Pastry Chef

Wes Brown

Wes Brown

Mountie

Cara Gee

Cara Gee

Françoise

Jean Louisa Kelly

Jean Louisa Kelly

Katie Miller

Terry Notary

Terry Notary

Rail Worker / Live Action Reference Performance of Buck

Director: Chris Sanders

Written by: Jack London, Michael Green

Frequently Asked Questions

The Call of the Wild is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, The Call of the Wild is available to stream on Disney+.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.5/10 from 3,878 viewers, The Call of the Wild is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Buck is a big-hearted dog living a contented life at a California home when a string of events uproots him to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. He becomes the newest recruit on a mail-delivery sled team and soon proves he can lead as well as follow, using wits and courage to e...

The Call of the Wild stars Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Colin Woodell, Karen Gillan, and Omar Sy.

The Call of the Wild was directed by Chris Sanders.

The Call of the Wild was released on February 19, 2020.

The Call of the Wild is a Adventure, Family, and Drama film.

It's an adaptation of Jack London's 1903 novella, not a literal true story. Buck is a fictional dog, and the film follows his Yukon adventure during the 1890s Gold Rush.

Harrison Ford plays John Thornton. Thornton is a central human character who befriends Buck on his journey.

Yes, it's based on Jack London's 1903 novella with a screenplay by Michael Green.

The movie blends adventure, family, and drama. It presents a canine led journey through the Yukon during the Gold Rush.