Good Boy (2025) – Release Date, Reviews & Where to Watch

Dog’s-Eye Horror: Good Boy (2025) Brings a Unique Twist to the Supernatural Genre

When horror fans gathered at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March 2025, few expected one of the year’s most talked-about films to come from the perspective of a dog. Good Boy (2025), directed by first-time filmmaker Ben Leonberg, has since become a standout in the supernatural horror genre, offering a deeply emotional yet chilling experience unlike anything audiences have seen before.

The American indie horror, co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, stars Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden, and—perhaps most memorably—Leonberg’s real-life dog Indy, who takes the lead role without CGI or voiceover.

A Haunted House Through a Dog’s Eyes

At just 73 minutes, Good Boy delivers a compact but gripping narrative. The film explores the strange happenings inside a haunted house, with all events unfolding through the eyes of Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Shot primarily in New Jersey, Leonberg and producer Kari Fischer leaned into an experimental approach, filming many scenes at Indy’s eye level. This technique not only set the film apart visually but also allowed audiences to experience terror and loyalty from the perspective of man’s best friend.

Indy’s natural performance quickly became the soul of the movie. Critics have noted that his expressions and body language create more emotional weight than dialogue ever could—an achievement that earned him the inaugural “Howl of Fame” Award at SXSW 2025.

Festival Buzz and Global Release

After premiering at SXSW on March 10, 2025, Good Boy traveled across major festivals including the Overlook Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival (August 8), and Film at Lincoln Center (August 19).

The film’s distribution was picked up by Shudder, securing release rights across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The U.S. theatrical debut took place on October 3, 2025, under Independent Film Company (IFC), following early international screenings in the Philippines on October 1.

Strong Critical Reception

Good Boy quickly gained critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 91% approval rating, with reviewers praising both its visual style and emotional depth. Metacritic scored it 73/100, signaling “generally favorable” reviews.

IndieWire’s Rafael Motamayor described the film as “one of the best horror films so far this year,” while The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck highlighted Indy’s unwavering loyalty as the emotional core of the story.

Audiences searching for Good Boy (2025 reviews) and “What happens in Good Boy 2025?” will find that the ending leaves both a chilling mark and a tender message about companionship in the face of darkness.

Mini FAQ

Is Good Boy (2025) out yet?
Yes, it premiered at SXSW in March 2025 and had its U.S. theatrical release on October 3, 2025.

Where can I watch Good Boy (2025)?
The film is distributed by Shudder and Independent Film Company (IFC), with screenings in multiple countries.

Who stars in Good Boy (2025)?
The film stars Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden, and Ben Leonberg’s dog Indy.

Good Boy (2025) is more than just another horror film—it is a reminder that stories told from unexpected perspectives can redefine genres. With strong festival buzz, glowing reviews, and a canine performance that has already become legendary, the film looks set to remain a cultural talking point well beyond its release year.

Good Boy (2025) continues to trend among horror fans searching for updates on its release date, reviews, and where to watch. The film’s trailer and festival highlights have sparked global curiosity, making it one of the most-discussed horror releases of the year.