The Ring

Rachel Keller is a journalist who starts digging into a mysterious videotape that seems to cause the viewer to die seven days after watching. As she follows a trail of deaths tied to the tape, Rachel discovers a chilling urban legend and a deadly curse that travels through media itself. After she and her ex-husband begin to suspect a link to an abandoned case, she and her partner race to understand what the tape hides before the clock runs out. With her young son in danger, Rachel must unravel the truth behind the Ring to protect him. The investigation blends personal fear with a growing sense that modern technology can harbor brutal consequences. The tape travels from town to town.

Directed by Gore Verbinski and released in 2002, The Ring is an American remake of a Japanese source based on Koji Suzuki novels and films. Ehren Kruger wrote the screenplay adapting the premise for a wide audience around the world.

With a budget of 48000000, the Ring grossed 249348933 worldwide, making it a box office success and helping establish the trend of high suspense remakes that translated well to mass audiences. Its performance underscored genre appeal across global markets worldwide.

The Ring left a lasting imprint on horror culture, with a haunting video motif and a chilling aesthetic that many films imitate. It helped spark talk of video haunting and inspired a wave of American remakes and horror franchises. Audiences still discuss why the footage feels inevitable and dread lingers.

Critics generally praised the mood and Watts's performance while noting the film's lean, relentless suspense. The Ring explores how grief and fear intersect with media obsession and the anxiety of everyday technology, turning a simple rumor into a fear that feels personal. Its themes remain relevant in media saturated times.