Good Boy is a 2025 supernatural horror film directed and co-written by Ben Leonberg, marking his feature directorial debut. The movie stars Shane Jensen alongside Leonberg’s real-life dog, Indy, who plays the lead role.
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival in March. It will be released in limited theaters in the United States and Canada on October 3, 2025 by Shudder, and in the UK and Ireland on October 10, 2025 by Vertigo Releasing.
Set in a secluded, old family home, the story is told almost entirely from the point of view of Indy, a loyal dog. After his owner Todd suffers a health scare, the two move to the countryside for a fresh start. But Indy quickly senses a dark presence in the house that Todd cannot detect. Strange visions, ghostly warnings from another dog’s spirit, and growing supernatural danger push Indy to protect Todd at all costs.
Blending heartfelt loyalty with eerie haunted house tension, Good Boy offers a fresh perspective on horror while exploring the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.
Good Boy Age Rating
Good Boy is rated PG-13 for terror, bloody images, and strong language. The PG-13 rating means “Parents Strongly Cautioned” and is given to films that may contain material unsuitable for children under 13. The rating serves as a guide for parents to decide if the themes, intensity, or language are appropriate for their child’s maturity level.
Violence & Peril
There is no graphic violence or gore shown. The tension comes from supernatural terror and implied danger. Frightening moments involve ghostly apparitions, unsettling noises, and the sense of an invisible threat. Some bloody imagery appears briefly but is not extreme.
Language
There is some mild to moderate profanity, used in moments of stress or fear. No slurs or offensive sexual language are present.
Mature Themes
The story explores illness, loyalty, grief, and the fear of losing a loved one. While handled sensitively, the emotional stakes are high, especially for animal lovers.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
This is where the movie is most intense. Because it is told from a dog’s perspective, viewers often know danger is coming before the characters do. The suspense builds with eerie sounds, shadowy figures, and tense sequences. Younger or sensitive viewers may find these moments too scary.
Is Good Boy Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Caution advised. While there is no gore or sexual content, the film’s supernatural tension and scary moments could be too intense for pre-teens. Animal lovers might also find the suspense emotionally stressful.
Ages 13–17: Suitable for most teens who enjoy supernatural thrillers. The PG-13 rating reflects scary imagery and language rather than graphic content.
Good Boy is best for teens and adults who enjoy emotional, suspenseful horror with a unique perspective.
What Parents Can Do
Preview if Concerned: If your child is sensitive to animals in danger, you may want to watch it first.
Discuss Scary Elements: Talk about the difference between fictional suspense and real-life situations.
Focus on Positive Themes: Highlight the film’s central message about loyalty, love, and courage.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Good Boy?
A: PG-13 for terror, bloody images, and strong language.
Q: Is Good Boy appropriate for kids under 13?
A: Possibly too intense for younger children due to scary scenes and suspense.
Q: Does Good Boy have graphic violence?
A: No. It contains mild bloody images but no explicit gore.
Q: Is there sexual content in Good Boy?
A: No. The film contains no sexual content or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch Good Boy?
A: Limited theaters in the US and Canada from October 3, 2025, and in the UK and Ireland from October 10, 2025.