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Entertainment • Film

The Ring (2002 film)

The Ring is a 2002 American supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Ehren Kruger.

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

The Ring is a 2002 American supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Ehren Kruger. It is a remake of the 1998 Japanese film Ring and follows a journalist investigating a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it.

Plot

The film follows Rachel Keller, a journalist who investigates a videotape linked to multiple deaths. After watching the tape herself, she has seven days to uncover the curse's origin and save herself and her family.

Production and release

The Ring was directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Ehren Kruger. It was distributed in the United States by DreamWorks Pictures and released theatrically on October 18, 2002.

Reception

The film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and became a major commercial success. It grossed $249.3 million worldwide and received Saturn Award recognition for Best Horror Film and Naomi Watts's performance.

Franchise context

The Ring is the first installment in the American Ring series. It is based on the Japanese horror franchise created from Kōji Suzuki's novel Ring.

Key facts

  • The Ring is an American remake of the 1998 Japanese film Ring.
  • The story centers on a cursed VHS tape that causes the viewer to die seven days later.
  • The film stars Naomi Watts as journalist Rachel Keller.
  • It was released in U.S. theatres by DreamWorks Pictures in October 2002.
  • The film grossed $249.3 million worldwide and won Saturn Awards for Best Horror Film and Best Actress.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed internationally, including in Canada, and is part of a globally recognized horror franchise that has also influenced Canadian horror audiences and home-video markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Ring?
The Ring is a 2002 American supernatural horror film about a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after they watch it.
Is The Ring a remake?
Yes. It is a remake of the 1998 Japanese film Ring, which was based on Kōji Suzuki's 1991 novel.
Who directed The Ring?
Gore Verbinski directed the film.
Who stars in The Ring?
The film stars Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, and Brian Cox.
When was The Ring released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on October 18, 2002.
How successful was The Ring?
It grossed $249.3 million worldwide and won Saturn Awards for Best Horror Film and Best Actress.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ring_(2002_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, plot premise, release date, box office, awards, and franchise position.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Ring-2002-film
    Supports: Identification of The Ring as the 2002 film by Gore Verbinski.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ring
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, release date, and general reception.