The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›The Grudge
Entertainment • Film

The Grudge

The Grudge is a 2004 American supernatural horror film directed by Takashi Shimizu and written by Stephen Susco.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Grudge is a 2004 American supernatural horror film directed by Takashi Shimizu and written by Stephen Susco. It is a remake of Shimizu’s 2002 Japanese film Ju-On: The Grudge and the first film in The Grudge series. The film stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Clea DuVall, and Bill Pullman.

Plot premise

The film follows a supernatural curse that spreads from person to person after arising in a place marked by violent death and intense emotion. Those who encounter it are typically doomed to die, continuing the curse’s cycle.

Production and release

The film was directed by Takashi Shimizu, who also directed the Japanese original, and written by Stephen Susco. It premiered in North America on October 22, 2004 through Columbia Pictures.

Reception

The Grudge was a commercial success, earning $187.3 million worldwide. Critical response was mixed.

Franchise

The film is the first installment in The Grudge film series. The series is part of the larger Ju-On franchise and includes later sequels.

Key facts

  • The Grudge is a remake of the Japanese film Ju-On: The Grudge.
  • It was released in North America by Sony Pictures Releasing through Columbia Pictures.
  • The film grossed $187.3 million worldwide.
  • It received mixed reviews from critics.
  • The story centers on a curse born from death in extreme rage or sorrow.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Grudge?
The Grudge is a 2004 American supernatural horror film and a remake of Ju-On: The Grudge.
Who directed The Grudge?
Takashi Shimizu directed the film.
Who stars in The Grudge?
The film stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Clea DuVall, and Bill Pullman.
When was The Grudge released?
It was released in North America on October 22, 2004.
How successful was The Grudge at the box office?
It grossed $187.3 million worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grudge
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, cast, release date, box office, and premise.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grudge_(film_series)
    Supports: Series context and relationship to the larger Ju-On franchise.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_grudge
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and rating metadata.