The Ring

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The Ring

PG-13

Released Oct 18, 2002

1h 55m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

209 Reviews

48%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

It sounds like just another urban legend -- a videotape filled with nightmarish images leads to a phone call foretelling the viewer's death in exactly seven days. Newspaper reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) is skeptical of the story until four teenagers all die mysteriously exactly one week after watching just such a tape. Allowing her investigative curiosity to get the better of her, Rachel tracks down the video and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery.

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Critics Consensus

With little gore and a lot of creepy visuals, The Ring gets under your skin, thanks to director Gore Verbinski's haunting sense of atmosphere and an impassioned performance from Naomi Watts.

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Keith Phipps

AV Club

Gore Verbinski creates an air of dread that begins with the first scene and never lets up, subtly incorporating elements from the current wave of Japanese horror films along the way.

Rated: B+

Jul 25, 2014

Full Review

David Edelstein

Slate

The filmmakers have wisely stayed close to the original's mood, which is somber and flat, with quick (near-subliminal) inserts and a soundtrack full of watery-grave groans and murmurs.

Jul 25, 2014

Full Review

Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

An edgy, watchable film, but one that makes you feel more squeamish than screamish.

Jul 25, 2014

Full Review

Kristy Strouse

Wonderfully Weird and Horrifying

The Ring captivates audiences with its original concept, atmospheric horror, psychological thrills, compelling characters, and a twist ending that resonates long after the credits roll.

Nov 8, 2023

Full Review

Rick Romancito

The Taos News

It created a myth, one that drew upon the supernatural and, like assembling a dark puzzle, elements of modern life such as video recordings, technology, and most effectively a mystery full of portent.

Rated: B+

Oct 29, 2023

Full Review

Stephanie Archer

Film Inquiry

The Ring still shines in its own era of horror, bringing to Western audiences the terror of the J-horror while still remembering the masters that have come before it.

Jul 1, 2023

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Rebecca

One of my favorite horror movies! I was excited to see it again in the theatre:)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/24/22

Full Review

Emil P

Average horror movie but I still liked it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/21/24

Full Review

Deontae D

The 2002 ring was alright, It's not scary though, I remember I had the ring two on dvd, I enjoyed it a lot, I never saw the 1998 ringu Japanese film, I need to check that one out.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/02/24

Full Review

TROY S

The Ring is be one of the best horror films of the 2000s. Strong story, solid acting, successfully creepy and just as effective on second and third viewing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/07/24

Full Review

Donald L

I LIKE "THE RING" BECAUSE IT IS INTELLIGENTLY MADE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE MOVIE, WHICH IS UNUSUAL FOR ANYTHING THESE DAYS!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/03/24

Full Review

Rami A

Gore Verbinski's "The Ring" is often regarded as a classic in the horror genre, but it does exhibit some notable structural problems. The film opens powerfully as a horror narrative, effectively setting an eerie tone that hooks the audience. However, for about 85% of its runtime, the focus shifts away from chilling moments to a mystery or investigative plot, which can disrupt the immersive horror experience. This lengthy setup, while engaging, ultimately leads to a climax that feels surprisingly brief in comparison. Although the backstory is intriguing and adds depth to the narrative, it might have benefited from a more concise exploration, as its dominance over the film’s progression can dilute the intensity of the overall horror elements. In summary, while "The Ring" has its strengths, its pacing, and structural choices could be improved to enhance the viewer's experience of the film's runtime.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/30/24

Full Review

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Gore Verbinski

Director

Naomi Watts

Rachel Keller

Martin Henderson

Noah

David Dorfman

Aidan

Brian Cox

Richard Morgan

Jane Alexander

Dr. Grasnik

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The Ring: Official Clip - Samara Comes to You

2:13

The Ring: Official Clip - What Did You Do To Her?

2:12

The Ring: Official Clip - Into the Well

2:12

The Ring: Official Clip - You Will Die in Seven Days

2:12

The Ring: Official Clip - The Tape

2:12

The Ring: Official Clip - Nose Bleed

2:04

The Ring: Official Clip - Ferry Accident

2:13

The Ring: Official Clip - Nightmare

1:53

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The Ring: Trailer 1

1:28

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Synopsis

It sounds like just another urban legend -- a videotape filled with nightmarish images leads to a phone call foretelling the viewer's death in exactly seven days. Newspaper reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) is skeptical of the story until four teenagers all die mysteriously exactly one week after watching just such a tape. Allowing her investigative curiosity to get the better of her, Rachel tracks down the video and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery.

Director: Gore Verbinski
Producer: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald
Screenwriter: Ehren Kruger, Scott Frank, Kôji Suzuki
Distributor: DreamWorks SKG
Production Co: DreamWorks SKG
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Disturbing Images|Some Drug References|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 18, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $128.6M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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