Wag the Dog
1997, English. Directed by Barry Levinson.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.9/10 from 1,113 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Wag the Dog
Wag the Dog isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Barry LevinsonDirector
- Dustin HoffmanStanley Motss
- Robert De NiroConrad Brean
- Anne HecheWinifred Ames
- Woody HarrelsonSergeant William Schumann
- Denis LearyFad King
- Willie NelsonJohnny Dean
- Andrea MartinLiz Butsky
- Kirsten DunstTracy Lime
- William H. MacyCIA Agent Charles Young
- David KoechnerDirector
- Michael BelsonPresident
- Suzanne CryerAmy Cain
Details
- Released
- 25 December 1997
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Hilary Henkin, David Mamet
- Budget
- $15M
- Box office
- $64M
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News & fan talk
What Wag the Dog is based on
Wag the Dog is based on Wag the Dog: A Novel (1993) by Larry Beinhart, published by Perseus Books Group.
1993
Wag the Dog: A Novel
By Larry Beinhart
Published by Perseus Books Group
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Wag the Dog: quick answers
Is Wag the Dog worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.9/10 from 1,113 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Wag the Dog?
Wag the Dog runs 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Does Wag the Dog have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Wag the Dog. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Wag the Dog parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Wag the Dog is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Wag the Dog on?
Wag the Dog isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Wag the Dog?
If you liked Wag the Dog, try Primary Colors, Charlie Wilson's War, Winner.
Who directed Wag the Dog?
Wag the Dog (1997) was directed by Barry Levinson and stars Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche.
What is Wag the Dog based on?
Wag the Dog is based on Wag the Dog: A Novel (1993) by Larry Beinhart, published by Perseus Books Group.