The Grudge

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The Grudge

PG-13

Released Oct 22, 2004

1h 30m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

40%

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163 Reviews

46%

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250,000+ Ratings

Matthew Williams (William Mapother), his wife, Jennifer (Clea DuVall), and mother, Emma (Grace Zabriskie), are Americans making a new life in Tokyo. Together they move into a house that has been the site of supernatural occurrences in the past, and it isn't long before their new home begins terrorizing the Williams family as well. The house, as it turns out, is the site of a curse that lingers in a specific place and claims the lives of anyone that comes near.

Critics Consensus

There's some creepy imagery to be found, but not much in the way of logic or truly jarring scares.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Grisly ghost story lacks plot; not for tweens.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 28, 2010

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 3/5

Apr 1, 2006

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Jamie Russell

BBC.com

It's mechanical moviemaking, but when it works you're likely to quiver, cower and leap with fright.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 26, 2005

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Akos Peterbencze

The Screen

The absence of a real narrative and legit characters actually allowed Shimizu to focus on his one and only primary goal: inducing and cultivating fear in the viewer.

Aug 16, 2024

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Brian Bisesi

Horror Movie Club Podcast

The film toggles between characters in the past and present which prevents the viewer from becoming wholly engaged in the film and its stakes, but the frequent and effective scares make this a worthwhile watch.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 14, 2023

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Matthew Rozsa

matthewrozsa.com

One of those movies that seemed destined to be iconic as soon as it was released. From its unique storytelling method to the utter creepiness of Toshio, it's unforgettable.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 4, 2021

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Emil P

This was pointless. It was scary but not good.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/21/24

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e6e 6

This film is dreadful. The only thing its known for are it's lazy jumpscares, also the plot doesn't make sense at all.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/05/24

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Patrick F

When Kayakos husband finds out his wife is obsessed with another man. His rage fills within and he murder's his family and even the cat. The energy of sorrow, fear and rage remain in that house, infesting everyone who crosses its path, Cursing them to tragic deaths by the vengeful spirit of Kayako. A underated horror movie from my perspective.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/23/24

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Luke M

The Grudge captures everything it's set out to do, keeping you at the edge of your seat for the most of the run time and keeping you waiting for what's next for the rest. If you are looking for a fun, one and done horror flick. This is quite the recommendation.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/04/24

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Gnr E

This is just pure horror. It makes me pee in pants almost. Thats why i liked it so much

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/18/24

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K K

Look, I am biased here due to the fact that SMG (Sarah Michelle Gellar) created one of the greatest TV roles in history: a hero but not perfect in BVS( Buffy the Vampire Slayer). So pretty much all the movies SMG has been in, I have enjoyed. With that bias noted, The Grudge was scary, creepy, gross, good acting, script interesting, and special effects solid. Some action, drama, and scares. Actually, the whole cast overall was excellent! One of the stronger contingent actors in a scary commercial sort of movie that I have watched. FYI in 2005 while a fan of BVS, I did something unusual sent a letter to SMG public contact info. I cannot recall all times at pro tennis tournaments wanting an autograph. Within weeks SMG/team sent me in mail, still snail mail a photograph of SMG signed. That is a pro behaviors. At height of a tv show fame and in hit big screen movie the actor/star still takes time to appreciate a fan(s), a pro!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/24

Full Review

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Takashi Shimizu

Director

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Karen Davis

Jason Behr

Doug

William Mapother

Mathew Williams

Clea Duvall

Jennifer Williams

Kadee Strickland

Susan Williams

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Synopsis

Matthew Williams (William Mapother), his wife, Jennifer (Clea DuVall), and mother, Emma (Grace Zabriskie), are Americans making a new life in Tokyo. Together they move into a house that has been the site of supernatural occurrences in the past, and it isn't long before their new home begins terrorizing the Williams family as well. The house, as it turns out, is the site of a curse that lingers in a specific place and claims the lives of anyone that comes near.

Director: Takashi Shimizu
Producer: Doug Davison, Rob Tapert, Takashige Ichise
Screenwriter: Takashi Shimizu, Stephen Susco
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Senator International, Ghost House Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Mature Thematic Material|Disturbing Images|Some Sensuality|Terror|Violence)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 22, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $110.2M
Runtime: 1h 30m
Sound Mix: Surround, DTS, Dolby SRD, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)