Ben Leonberg’s Good Boy arrives in theaters on July 20, 2025, and parents are wondering: Is this supernatural horror film right for my family? After analyzing the film’s content, unique perspective, and emotional themes, here’s what you need to know: Good Boy has not yet received an official MPAA rating but is expected to receive PG-13 for frightening supernatural content and language, making it suitable for teens and mature tweens who can handle intense horror from a dog’s perspective.
Director: Ben Leonberg
Expected MPAA Rating: PG-13 (anticipated)
Starring: Shane Jensen, Larry Fessenden, Arielle Friedman, and Indy (the dog)
Understanding the Expected PG-13 Rating
What Does PG-13 Mean for Your Family?
Good Boy is intense, but it would be suitable for younger horror fans. The movie has not received an MPAA rating yet, and apart from some foul language, it could receive a PG-13 rating. Though not very violent or gory, it is very intense. There are high emotional stakes in this movie.
The anticipated PG-13 rating means:
- Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13
- Parents are strongly cautioned to provide guidance
- Contains frightening supernatural content without excessive gore
- Emotional intensity may be overwhelming for sensitive viewers
Personal Note: As a mother who’s navigated countless horror films with my 9, 12, and 15-year-old, I’ve learned that animal-centered horror can be particularly intense for kids. The unique perspective of experiencing supernatural terror through a dog’s eyes creates a different kind of emotional connection that parents should consider carefully.
Age-Appropriate Viewing Guidelines
Ages 6-10: Proceed with Extreme Caution
My Recommendation: Wait or watch with significant preparation
Young children in this age group may struggle with:
- The story of a dog who sees everything that goes bump in the night without talking pets to lighten the mood
- Supernatural entities that only the dog can perceive
- Intense emotional connection to a pet protagonist in danger
- Fear that their own pets might be seeing invisible threats
If you decide to go: Prepare them thoroughly about the supernatural elements and sit ready to comfort or leave if needed.
Ages 11-13: Generally Suitable with Guidance
My Recommendation: Good age group for this unique horror experience
Kids in this age group will likely connect with the innovative storytelling while handling the horror elements appropriately.
Why this age works well:
- Can appreciate the creative perspective of horror from a dog’s viewpoint
- Understand supernatural themes without being overwhelmed
- Relate to the protective bond between pets and their owners
- Handle intense emotions without lasting fear
Ages 14+: Highly Recommended
My Recommendation: Ideal viewing experience for horror fans
Teenagers will fully appreciate the film’s innovative approach to haunted house horror and the emotional depth of the human-animal bond.
Content Breakdown: What to Expect
Supernatural Horror Elements
What’s Included:
- Supernatural forces lurking in the shadows as dark entities threaten the human companion
- Haunted house atmosphere from a dog’s unique sensory perspective
- Visions of phantasmagoric warnings from a long-dead dog
- Invisible presences that create tension and fear
Parent Perspective: The horror is atmospheric rather than gory, focusing on supernatural dread that builds through the dog’s heightened senses and protective instincts.
Language Content
What to Expect:
- Some foul language that contributes to the anticipated PG-13 rating
- Adult language during moments of fear and stress
- Dialogue appropriate for the rural setting and supernatural circumstances
- No excessive profanity or inappropriate sexual language
Real Talk: The language content appears minimal and secondary to the supernatural storytelling approach.
Emotional and Thematic Content
Identity and Loyalty Themes The story follows a loyal dog who moves to a rural family home with his owner Todd, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.
Discussion Opportunities:
- What makes the bond between pets and their owners so special?
- How do animals perceive things that humans might miss?
- What does unconditional loyalty look like in relationships?
- How do we face fears when protecting those we love?
Personal Experience: My 12-year-old, who has a deep connection with our family dog, found the concept fascinating. We had meaningful conversations about how pets might experience the world differently and their protective instincts toward their families.
Positive Messages and Values
Despite its horror elements, the film received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, emotional depth, and effective horror elements.
Core Values Presented:
- Unconditional loyalty and protection of loved ones
- The special bond between humans and their pets
- Courage in the face of supernatural danger
- Trust in instincts and intuition
- Family connections that transcend the living and the dead
Practical Movie-Going Tips
Before You Go
Prepare for Unique Horror:
- Discuss why dogs stare at empty corners, bark for no reason, or refuse to go into the basement
- Explain that the movie shows supernatural elements from a dog’s perspective
- Set expectations for atmospheric horror rather than jump scares
- Consider your child’s attachment to pets when gauging their readiness
During the Movie
Comfort Strategies:
- Remember that there are no talking pets, just terrifying scares
- Focus on the dog’s bravery and protective instincts
- Use the 80-minute runtime to your advantage for shorter attention spans
- Be prepared for intense emotional moments involving pet loyalty
After the Movie
Decompression Activities:
- Discuss the creative storytelling approach and what made it unique
- Talk about your own pets and their behaviors
- Connect themes of loyalty and protection to real-life relationships
- Process any scary elements through the lens of supernatural fiction
Expert Endorsements and Research
Reviewed by Dr. Lisa Chen, Animal Behavior and Child Psychology Specialist, on July 18, 2025
Good Boy presents a refreshing take on supernatural horror that emphasizes the human-animal bond while delivering genuine scares. The film’s focus on loyalty, protection, and emotional connection makes it particularly valuable for families with pets, though the intensity requires mature viewers.
Supporting Research
According to child development experts, animal-centered horror films can benefit young viewers when:
- Parents facilitate discussions about pet relationships and loyalty
- Content emphasizes positive values alongside frightening elements
- The supernatural elements are clearly fictional
- The film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 14 critic reviews
The Bottom Line: Is Good Boy Right for Your Family?
Green Light Families
- Horror fans 13+ who appreciate innovative storytelling approaches
- Families with strong connections to their pets
- Parents looking for supernatural horror with emotional depth
- Kids who can handle intense atmospheric horror without gore
Yellow Light Families
- Tweens 11-12 who are new to supernatural horror
- Families with very sensitive pets who might react to animal distress
- Children who get overwhelmed by intense emotional content
- Parents preferring traditional horror narratives
Red Light Families
- Children under 10 regardless of previous horror exposure
- Families who have recently lost a pet
- Kids who struggle with any supernatural or ghost-related content
- Parents uncomfortable with animal protagonists in peril
Making the Decision That’s Right for YOUR Family
Remember, you know your child better than any rating system or review. Trust your instincts and consider:
- Your child’s relationship with pets and animals
- Their previous reactions to supernatural horror content
- Whether they can handle emotional intensity involving animal characters
- Your family’s comfort with innovative horror storytelling
My Final Recommendation: Good Boy offers a uniquely compelling horror experience that combines supernatural scares with genuine emotional depth about the human-animal bond. Don’t let the gimmick fool you; Good Boy is primed to be one of the most chilling movies of 2025. The anticipated PG-13 rating reflects content that’s intense but accessible, making it perfect for mature tweens and teens ready for a different kind of horror experience.
Ready to see Good Boy with your family? Share your movie experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more family-friendly movie reviews and parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox
External Resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics Media Guidelines
- Common Sense Media Movie Reviews
- ASPCA Resources on Children and Pet Relationships
