Dogman (2018)
Kernel Score: 86% · 2,277 ratings
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2018-05-17
Runtime: 103 minutes
Is Dogman worth watching?
Worth watching. Dogman is a bleak, tense Italian crime drama about a gentle dog groomer trapped by a violent bully. Marcello Fonte's performance carries it, and the grim slow build pays off.
Watch it if you
- like character-driven crime dramas
- enjoy slow-building tension
- can read subtitles
Skip it if you
- want an action-packed crime movie
- dislike bleak, violent stories
Best for: Serious solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dogman
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Marcello, a small and gentle dog groomer, finds himself involved in a dangerous relationship of subjugation with Simone, a former violent boxer who terrorizes the entire neighborhood. In an effort to reaffirm his dignity, Marcello will submit to an unexpected act of vengeance.
Dogman parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Dogman is a violent Italian crime drama about a mild-mannered dog groomer who takes brutal revenge on a man who has terrorized him.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Reviews describe extreme violence including burning a captive man alive, reflecting the film's brutal revenge plot.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — The protagonist deals cocaine on the side to supplement his income, per the overview and reviews.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dogman
If you liked Dogman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Suburra (2015) — 83%: Gritty Italian crime drama about corrupt power and violence
- Don't Be Bad (2015) — 88%: Italian crime story of friends dragged down by their world
- Io Capitano (2023) — 87%: Grounded, human drama from Dogman's own Italian director
- Reality (2012) — 78%: Same director's tragicomic study of obsession in Naples
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) — 89%: Tense crime drama built around one desperate ordinary man
Director
Cast
- Marcello Fonte as Marcello
- Edoardo Pesce as Simoncino
- Nunzia Schiano as Simoncino's Mother
- Adamo Dionisi as Franco
- Francesco Acquaroli as Francesco, Video Lottery Owner
- Alida Baldari Calabria as Alida
- Gianluca Gobbi as Restaurant Owner
- Laura Pizzirani as Alida's Mother
- Giancarlo Porcacchia as Gasparone
- Aniello Arena as Police Inspector
Dogman FAQ
Is Dogman worth watching?
Worth watching. Dogman is a bleak, tense Italian crime drama about a gentle dog groomer trapped by a violent bully. Marcello Fonte's performance carries it, and the grim slow build pays off.
Where can I watch Dogman?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dogman OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Dogman is a violent Italian crime drama about a mild-mannered dog groomer who takes brutal revenge on a man who has terrorized him.
What movies are like Dogman?
If you liked Dogman, try Suburra, Don't Be Bad, Io Capitano and Reality.