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Battledogs

Battledogs

TV movie201388 minMidcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films
Director
Alexander Yellen
Starring
Craig Sheffer, Kate Vernon, Dennis Haysbert, Ariana Richards

When a strange werewolf virus threatens to decimate first New York and then the world, a rogue general uses the disease to create an army of super-soldiers.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Battledogs?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Battledogs streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Reception

Is Battledogs worth watching?

Battledogs' Midcredits score is the 3rd percentile of all films, from 3K ratings across 4 sources. 14% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

3rd percentile

Better received than 3% of films

7th percentile among Action4th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)7th
Approval (how many liked it)3rd

42 /100

7th percentile of all films

12th percentile among Action8th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

14% liked it

3rd percentile of all films

6th percentile among Action3rd percentile among 2010s
14% rated it 7–1086% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

43rd percentile

3K ratings across platforms

28th percentile among Action46th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a low-budget Asylum/SyFy B-movie with a game cast undermined by cheap CGI and a silly, predictable script.

Fans praised

  • fun, energetic B-movie with relentless action and high-energy set pieces
  • use of real animatronics and puppets lends werewolves a sense of realism
  • solid cast including Dennis Haysbert and Ernie Hudson elevate the material

Detractors panned

  • cartoonish, cheap CGI werewolves that look like 3D cartoon villains
  • plot is predictable, illogical, and poorly paced with gaping holes
  • wastes a capable cast on flat, stereotypical characters and cheesy dialogue

What stands out

ActingDivisive58

cast is generally praised as decent or fun, with Ernie Hudson singled out, but some call it poor or wasted

PacingDivisive50

some find it brisk and action-filled, others say it drags and feels padded

OriginalityDivisive45

premise of werewolf virus in a city is somewhat fresh, but execution is formulaic

CharactersDivisive35

overused stereotypes never developed or likable; some find them mildly engaging

TensionDivisive35

not thrilling or scary enough; attacks are tame and lack suspense

Plot and storyDivisive32

predictable, incoherent, with a make-it-up-as-you-go feel and logic holes

Effects and spectacleDivisive30

CGI werewolves widely panned as cartoonish; practical effects and gore get some praise

Dialogue30

cheesy, unnatural, and often unintentionally funny; a few tongue-in-cheek moments

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Battledogs like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTense
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brutal · 7% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlays its straight-faced genre material at face value with some tongue-in-cheek humour, though the low-budget camp shows through in the cheap CGI and cheesy dialogue.
The rideThe virus spreads and the military conflict escalates, creating sustained tension and dread from the premise onward.
StructureA conventional monster-outbreak action film told in chronological order, with the military conflict between cure and weaponization driving the plot.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayA cheap, fast monster-action romp that viewers who enjoy B-movie cheese leave entertained by, though the weaponization-of-disease premise lingers uneasily.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA werewolf virus overruns New York while a major seeks a cure against a general who wants to militarise the creatures — a monster-outbreak invasion plot with a military conflict layered on top.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalPower · 2% of filmsOppression · 4% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on characters fighting to survive a viral outbreak and on the power struggle between those who want a cure and those who want to weaponize the threat.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of weaponizing a biological threat, with Major Hoffman opposing the general's plan to turn werewolves into a canine army.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalHorror supernatural
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Christopher Cano
SettingNew York City overrun by a werewolf virus, with military command centers and outbreak zones

Content guide

Is Battledogs okay for kids?

As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (100/100) and sexual content at mild (25/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • Canada18A
  • Germany18
  • France10
  • Belgium16
  • Sweden15
Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 2.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Battledogs have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Battledogs?

Cast

Craig Sheffer
as Major Brian Hoffman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kate Vernon
as Dr. Ellen Gordan
Dennis Haysbert
as Lieutenant General Monning
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ariana Richards
as Donna Voorhees
Bill Duke
as President Donald Sheridan
Wes Studi
as Captain Falcons
Ernie Hudson
as Max Stevens
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Darin Cooper
as Defense Secretary Woods
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Afrim Gjonbalaj
as Captain Sims
Frank Rossi
as Air Force Chief of Staff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Battledogs?

Movies like Battledogs include Werewolves (2024), The Silence (2019) and Lake Placid 3 (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Shane Van Dyke, and several are animal horror films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its feel: brutal. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Battledogs?

741 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: outbreak. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.