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All Dogs Go to Heaven

All Dogs Go to Heaven is a 1989 animated musical fantasy film directed by Don Bluth.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

All Dogs Go to Heaven is a 1989 animated musical fantasy film directed by Don Bluth. Set in New Orleans in 1939, it follows Charlie B. Barkin, a casino-owning dog who returns from Heaven to settle a score but ends up befriending an orphan girl and learning about kindness and redemption.

Plot

The film centres on Charlie B. Barkin, a dog who returns to Earth from Heaven to take revenge on Carface Carruthers. His plans change after he meets Anne-Marie, leading him toward themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption.

Production

All Dogs Go to Heaven was directed by Don Bluth and features voice performances by several well-known actors, including Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise. It is an animated musical fantasy film produced for theatrical release in 1989.

Release and reception

The film was released in 1989 and became one of Don Bluth’s better-known animated features. It is often discussed for its darker tone compared with many children’s animated films.

Legacy

The film has remained notable for its cast, music, and emotionally complex story. It is also remembered for Judith Barsi’s final film role.

Key facts

  • The film was directed by Don Bluth and released in 1989.
  • It stars Burt Reynolds as Charlie B. Barkin and Dom DeLuise as Itchy Itchiford.
  • The story follows Charlie, who leaves Heaven to return to Earth after being murdered by his former partner.
  • Anne-Marie, an orphan girl who can talk to animals, becomes central to the plot.
  • Judith Barsi, who voiced Anne-Marie, gave her final film performance in this movie.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada and is part of the North American animated-film canon often shown on Canadian television and home video, making it familiar to many Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

What is All Dogs Go to Heaven about?
It follows a dog named Charlie B. Barkin who returns from Heaven to Earth to seek revenge, then becomes involved in protecting an orphan girl and learning about redemption.
Who directed All Dogs Go to Heaven?
The film was directed by Don Bluth.
When was All Dogs Go to Heaven released?
It was released in 1989.
Who voices Charlie B. Barkin?
Charlie is voiced by Burt Reynolds.
Where is the film set?
The story is set in New Orleans in 1939.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Dogs_Go_to_Heaven
    Supports: Director, release year, plot, cast, setting, and Judith Barsi’s final film role.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096787/
    Supports: Plot synopsis, main cast, and basic film identification.
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/all-dogs-go-to-heaven
    Supports: 1989 release, animated feature description, and plot details.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/all_dogs_go_to_heaven
    Supports: Plot summary and film identification.