Good Boy: The Loyal Pup's Heart-Wrenching Horror Is Now Unleashed on VOD

Good news, horror hounds and dog lovers! The critically acclaimed Shudder sensation, Good Boy, which captivated audiences with its unique dog-centric perspective, is finally available for you to watch at home. Get ready for a terrifying and surprisingly emotional journey!

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Good Boy's Digital Release

• On-Demand Now: Good Boy became available for purchase and rental on major VOD platforms starting October 23 (PDT) / October 24.
• Pup-tastic Success: This indie horror film, made on a modest budget, has already wagged its way to $7 million at the box office, becoming Shudder's second-highest-grossing movie ever!
• Critically Adored: With an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics are praising its fresh take on horror, emotional depth, and the incredible performance by its canine star, Indy.

Unleashing the Hype: Good Boy's Journey to Your Screen

If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably caught a glimpse of Good Boy. This isn't your average haunted house flick; it's a chilling, emotionally charged horror film told entirely from the perspective of a loyal dog named Indy. And after its impressive theatrical run, it's now ready to bark its way onto your TV screens via Video On Demand.

Directed by Ben Leonberg in his feature debut, who also co-wrote the script with Alex Cannon, Good Boy premiered at South by Southwest in March 2025, immediately grabbing attention for its fresh take on a classic genre. It then hit theaters on October 3, 2025, and quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation.

Meet Indy, The Canine Star Stealing the Spotlight (and Your Heart)

At the heart of Good Boy is Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, who happens to be director Ben Leonberg's real-life dog! This isn't just a dog in a movie; Indy is the main character, and the entire story unfolds through his eyes. Imagine seeing supernatural forces, human illness, and the creeping dread of a haunted home from a dog's vantage point – it's a game-changer.

Critics have been absolutely gushing about Indy's performance, with some calling him "one of the most emotive actors of his generation, regardless of species." Leonberg himself shared that capturing Indy's "acting" involved observing his natural behaviors for three years and using subtle cinematography and sound to translate his natural instincts, like a still gaze, into expressions of fear or anxiety. It truly makes you wonder what your own furry friends might be witnessing!

"The audience gets on board with a canine protagonist so quickly. You have to sometimes convince the audience that your hero is someone to empathize with and root for. If you open the movie with a cute dog, you care about him. Whatever his problem is, we want him to succeed, and the people he cares about, we care about, just because people relate to animals so strongly."

– Ben Leonberg, Director & Co-writer of Good Boy (via Variety)

The Spooky Plot: A Loyal Dog's Fight Against the Unseen

The story follows Indy and his owner, Todd (played by Shane Jensen), as they move into a remote countryside home that Todd inherited from his late grandfather. But this isn't a peaceful escape. Todd is battling an unnamed medical condition, and soon after they arrive, Indy starts noticing sinister supernatural forces at play – forces that only he can perceive.

The film masterfully uses low-angle shots, muffled sounds, and blurred human faces to keep you squarely in Indy's perspective. It's not about jump scares; it's about the suffocating dread of watching a beloved, innocent creature trying desperately to protect its human from a threat it can't understand or explain. Indy's journey to uncover the truth about what happened in the house, including the fate of Todd's grandfather's dog, Bandit, is truly heartbreaking.

What makes Good Boy so impactful is how it weaves Todd's declining health with the supernatural haunting. Indy's unwavering loyalty becomes a powerful, poignant metaphor for the helplessness we feel when facing circumstances beyond our control. Even as Todd becomes more detached and ill, Indy remains vigilant, making his struggle to save his human all the more devastating.

Critical Bark of Approval: What Reviewers Are Saying

Good Boy has received widespread critical acclaim, currently holding an impressive 89% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers are highlighting its originality, emotional depth, and ability to redefine the horror genre.

• ScreenRant praised it as a "visually stunning and emotionally shattering horror film that breaks away from traditional genre tropes."
• One reviewer called it a "uniquely comforting haunted house horror where the dog becomes the main character," stretching its premise to "logical limits."
• Many noted the film's success in "emotional manipulation," leveraging the universal love for pets to create an intense, empathetic viewing experience.

While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some pointed out minor issues, such as occasionally poor lighting making scenes difficult to see, and an ambiguous third act that might leave some viewers scratching their heads about the exact resolution. However, these points are often overshadowed by the film's unique concept and the powerful emotional connection it builds with the audience.

Box Office Success: A Small Budget, A Big Impact

Against a modest budget of $750,000, Good Boy has truly overperformed, raking in an impressive $7 million at the box office. This makes it Shudder's second-highest-grossing movie ever, only behind the breakout hit Late Night with the Devil ($16.8M). It even surpassed other recent Shudder successes like In a Violent Nature ($4.6M) and Oddity ($1.9M).

Its domestic performance has been particularly strong, with most of its earnings coming from North American theaters despite a limited release. This kind of success for an independent, micro-budget horror film is a testament to its compelling premise and the strong positive buzz it generated. With its VOD release and an upcoming wider international rollout planned for October 31, 2025, Good Boy is set to continue its impressive run.

Bringing Good Boy Home: VOD and Future Streaming Details

If you missed it in theaters, you're in luck! Good Boy is now widely available on Video On Demand. You can purchase the film for $19.99 or rent it for a 48-hour period for approximately $14.99.

Where to Watch Good Boy:

• Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Fandango at Home
• YouTube
• and other major digital platforms

And for those patiently waiting, Good Boy will eventually be available for streaming on Shudder and AMC+, so keep an eye out for that announcement if you're a subscriber!

Why This Dog-Led Horror is a Must-Watch Experience

Good Boy is more than just a horror movie; it's a deeply resonant story about loyalty, fear, and the unbreakable bond between a pet and its owner. It dares to explore terror from an entirely new perspective, relying on empathy and dread rather than cheap scares or gore.

It's a film that will make you hug your own dog a little tighter, question what unseen horrors they might be protecting you from, and perhaps even shed a tear. If you're looking for a horror film that's genuinely unique, emotionally impactful, and boasts an unforgettable performance by a four-legged star, then grab your favorite blanket (and maybe your pup!) and settle in for Good Boy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Good Boy When did Good Boy release on VOD? Good Boy became available on VOD platforms starting October 23, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. PDT (making it widely available by October 24 across time zones). Where can I watch Good Boy? You can purchase or rent Good Boy on major digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and YouTube. It will eventually stream on Shudder and AMC+. What is the runtime and rating for Good Boy? The film has a runtime of 73 minutes (1 hour and 13 minutes) and is rated PG-13. Is Good Boy suitable for dog lovers who don't like seeing animals harmed? While the film creates immense tension and emotional distress around Indy's experiences, director Ben Leonberg intentionally kept Indy alive, as it is his real-life dog. However, some scenes might be upsetting due to Indy's perceived fear and the fate of another dog, Bandit, is implied to be tragic, though not explicitly shown in gory detail. Sources

• ScreenRant
• Forbes
• PopHorror
• 411Mania
• Her Campus at KU
• The Tulane Hullabaloo
• KoiMoi