«Good Boy,» a new supernatural horror movie, is quickly becoming one of fall’s breakout horror surprises. Directed by Ben Leonberg, the film debuted at SXSW in March 2025 and was released in the U.S. on Oct. 3.
Despite its modest $990,000 budget, the movie has earned strong box-office returns and glowing reviews, with a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In its second weekend, «Good Boy’s» total box office gross reached $5.1 million, securing a top-10 spot.
The buzz began long before its release. A short trailer, featuring the story’s canine protagonist, sparked widespread speculation online about the dog’s fate — with fans flooding Reddit and YouTube comments asking, «Does the dog in ‘Good Boy’ die?» This question quickly became a viral meme, driving online discussions and significantly amplifying interest in the film.
Initially, «Good Boy» was slated for a limited release. However, after its trailer and poster amassed over 100 million online views in July, the film expanded to a broader rollout.
At first glance, it’s a classic haunted-house story, but told entirely from the perspective of Indy, a golden retriever, whose owner unwittingly moves into a haunted home. As supernatural events intensify, Indy becomes the only one who perceives — and confronts — the invisible threat.
Leonberg’s direction makes the film visually distinct. By shooting from low angles and rarely revealing human faces, he captures a world that appears vast, threatening and disorienting. This stylistic choice elevates «Good Boy» beyond standard horror. Critics have called it an «existential story about fear, loyalty and devotion,» praising the director’s craftsmanship.
