One of the most influential horror films of all time is now available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Ring (1998), directed by Hideo Nakata, changed the face of modern horror films and introduced the world to Sadako, one of the most haunting figures in cinema history.
Based on Koji Suzuki’s 1991 novel, the film brought Japanese horror—or J-horror—to global prominence, inspiring a wave of remakes, sequels, and imitations across the globe.
Starring Nanako Matsushima and Hiroyuki Sanada, Ring tells the story of Reiko Asakawa, a journalist investigating the sudden death of her niece, Tomoko, and three of Tomoko’s friends.
At the heart of the mystery is an urban legend about a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it within seven days. Reiko, driven by both professional curiosity and personal fear, tracks down the tape and watches it—setting off a race against time to unravel its secrets before she becomes the next victim.
The film’s slow-burn tension and eerie atmosphere are masterfully crafted, with Nakata relying on psychological dread rather than graphic violence to create fear. The now-iconic scene of Sadako crawling out of a television—shot using practical effects and reversed footage—remains one of the most chilling moments in horror history. Unlike the slashers that dominated Western horror in the 1980s and ’90s, Ring leaned into quiet terror, blending folklore with contemporary anxieties about technology.
Released in Japan in 1998, the film became a box office sensation, grossing over ¥1.7 billion and earning critical acclaim for its innovative approach to horror. It won awards at festivals like the Fantasia Film Festival and opened the door for other Japanese horror classics, such as Ju-On: The Grudge and Dark Water.
The success of Ring sparked a Hollywood remake in 2002, directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Naomi Watts. The remake was a hit in its own right, but nothing captures the unsettling magic of the original.
Matsushima’s performance as Reiko is as gripping as it is vulnerable, while Hiroyuki Sanada—known for his later roles in The Last Samurai and Westworld—brings depth and intensity to his portrayal of Ryūji, Reiko’s psychic ex-husband.
For those new to Ring, it’s more than a horror film; it’s a cultural landmark that redefined the genre – its influence can still be seen in horror today, from its themes of cursed media to its ghostly aesthetics.
The film had a South Korean remake, The Ring Virus, in 1999, as well as an American remake, The Ring, in 2002.
Ring is now available to stream on Amazon Prime.