The Ring

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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Critics Reviews

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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

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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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Audience Reviews

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Rebecca One of my favorite horror movies! I was excited to see it again in the theatre:) Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/24/22 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 3/5 Stars • 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 5/5 Stars • 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 5/5 Stars • 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 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/30/24 Full Review Chase P I really liked it! The perfect mix of unsettling and scary. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/27/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

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

The Ring: Official Clip - Samara Comes to You