Ray

Play trailer

Ray

PG-13

Released Oct 29, 2004

2h 35m

Biography

History

Drama

Music

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

204 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Legendary soul musician Ray Charles is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in this Oscar-winning biopic. Young Ray watches his 7-year-old brother drown at age seven. When he loses his sight at the age of 9, his hardworking mother (Sharon Warren) urges him not to feel sorry for himself. He rises through the ranks of the Seattle jazz scene, struggling with drug addiction and infidelity while on the road. Supported by his wife (Kerry Washington), Ray Charles redefines soul music and inspires a generation.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

An engrossing and energetic portrait of a great musician's achievements and foibles, Ray is anchored by Jamie Foxx's stunning performance as Ray Charles.

Read Critics Reviews

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Ray is filled with such pleasures, but it's hobbled by the too-familiar conventions of the musical biopic: with so many chapters of Charles's life to cover, Hackford's movie never finds a rhythm, a groove, to settle into.

Nov 1, 2007

Full Review

Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Apr 1, 2006

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

It’s an inspired performance that creates a complex character out of the pop music legend.

Apr 6, 2024

Full Review

David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

Overall, ... the filmmakers have taken the line of least resistance, fashioning a familiar, 'inspirational' American tale about a man who overcomes personal trauma and experiences individual success. There's little richness in that.

Feb 15, 2021

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

The soul-stirring sounds of music legend Ray Charles keep saving the day for this straightforward, safe-bet biopic.

Rated: 3/5

May 12, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Sandra F

I was 14 when this film premiered and I remember the raves and cheers it received. And still for me to consider one of the greatest pieces of memorable films, acting, portrayal, and detailed story telling through the journey each range Jamie takes upon. Cinematic wise also. After 20 years of rewatching it, it is a refreshing revisit as when I had seen it for the first time. Jamie really set the standard for biopics across the board. No one has matched his portrayal with his acting in this film. A cinematic masterpiece. Cinematography was also amazing and the production outstanding. This film and the accolades stands the test of time. It has been 20 years and nothing nor neither can hold a candle to this epic performance. Not only a must see, but a must rewatch as well. Everything was very vivid and raw. Nothing was held back and we as the audience was graced to get every effect of that was delivered. Every single moment captured felt a reminiscent time that you have never experienced. A great tribute to the life of the late and great Ray Charles. Triple diamond. Luxury performance and deemed a great collection piece of filmography. A master class of what a biopic should be and must include. Also the story being the closest to detail is what makes it all the remarkable. I would like to say, thank you for this classic work of art.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/06/24

Full Review

Luca B

Yup. No words needed. Hit the road.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

Full Review

Sams K

Great performance by Jamie Foxx! God bless Ray.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

Full Review

Cody W

To hear Ray Charles play his songs while watching the movie is something that is really special to everybody. To see him go through so much drama throughout his career is something that everyone should learn about, that way they can support an incredible musician as a person and as a friend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/25/24

Full Review

John T. H

You must be blind if you can't see the brilliant performance by Jamie Foxx!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/24

Full Review

Sean D

Totally miss when biopics were more like this , and weren't afraid to show some of the nitty gritty stuff aswel as their rise to superstardom. Great film, and flawless performance by Jamie Fox 🏆

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/18/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Taylor Hackford

Director

Jamie Foxx

Ray Charles

Kerry Washington

Della Bea Robinson

Regina King

Margie Hendricks

Clifton Powell

Jeff Brown

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Mary Ann Fisher

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Walk the Line

83%

90%

Walk the Line

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Walk the Line

The Aviator

86%

79%

The Aviator

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Aviator

Judy

82%

85%

Judy

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Judy

Chevalier

76%

97%

Chevalier

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Chevalier

Hotel Rwanda

91%

94%

Hotel Rwanda

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

10 Certified Fresh Biopics of Groundbreaking African-Americans

Now Streaming: Tangerine, A Very Murray Christmas, And More

10 Rockin’ Music Biopics

Ray: Official Clip - A Wake Up Call

2:21

Ray: Official Clip - No More Segregation

1:46

Ray: Official Clip - It's Starting to Show

1:41

Ray: Official Clip - A Better Deal

1:32

Ray: Official Clip - Drunk at a Recording Session

2:12

Ray: Official Clip - I Might Be Blind, But I Ain't Stupid

2:18

Ray: Official Clip - Impromptu Audition

2:20

Ray: Official Clip - A Healing Flashback

2:36

Ray: Official Clip - Hummingbirds

1:57

Ray: Official Clip - The Raelettes

1:20

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Legendary soul musician Ray Charles is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in this Oscar-winning biopic. Young Ray watches his 7-year-old brother drown at age seven. When he loses his sight at the age of 9, his hardworking mother (Sharon Warren) urges him not to feel sorry for himself. He rises through the ranks of the Seattle jazz scene, struggling with drug addiction and infidelity while on the road. Supported by his wife (Kerry Washington), Ray Charles redefines soul music and inspires a generation.

Director: Taylor Hackford
Producer: Howard Baldwin, Stuart Benjamin, Taylor Hackford, Karen Elise Baldwin
Screenwriter: Robert Eisele, James L. White
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Crusader Entertainment LLC, Unchain My Heart Louisiana
Rating: PG-13 (Sexuality|Drug Addiction|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 29, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $75.3M
Runtime: 2h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now