In 1998, the Hideo Nakata-directed Ring premiered. The horror film would grow into a sprawling media franchise, mesmerizing American and Japanese audiences and bringing about a resurgence in Japanese horror. Viewers interested in the franchise can use our guide to learn how to watch all of The Ring movies in order.
The Ring franchise began in 1991 with Koji Suzuki’s Ring novel. It was first adapted to the screen in the TV film Ring (1995). The earliest adaptation is one of the most faithful to the source material, but its lower budget/quality led to the film receiving little fanfare. It was ultimately Ring (1998) that kickstarted the franchise. The horror film follows journalist Reiko Asakawa (Nanako Matsushima) as she investigates the death of her niece, Tomoko (Yuko Takeuchi), who allegedly died after watching a cursed videotape. She enlists the help of her ex-husband, Ryūji Takayama (Hiroyuki Sanada), to find the tape and get to the bottom of its curse.
At the time of Ring’s release, slasher horror films were the norm. Hence, Ring stood out for its unique premise of a cursed video tape, lack of jump scares, and the decision to have most deaths occur offscreen. The idea of an unseen killer and the use of tension and mystery for horror had a lasting impact on Western cinema while sparking a J-horror renaissance.
Ring was filmed simultaneously with its sequel, Spiral, also released in 1998. After receiving criticism for a convoluted plot that contradicted the first movie, Spiral was initially forgotten. As a result, Nakata was brought back to direct an alternative sequel to Ring, Ring 2, which follows Mai (Miki Nakatani), a young woman determined to find and save Reiko and her son from the vengeful spirit Sadako (Rie Inō). Due to its financial success, Ring 2 was followed by a prequel, Ring 0: Birthday, which further explores the lore of Sadako (Yukie Nakama). Two decades later, Ring 2 finally received a sequel with Nakata’s Sadako. The film follows a young girl (Himeka Himejima) who is believed to be the reincarnation of Sadako.
Between Ring 0: Birthday and Sadako, the Spiral timeline was revived with the sequels Sadako 3D, Sadako 3D 2, and Sadako DX, as well as the crossover movie Sadako vs. Kayako. In addition, the American remake series began in 2002 with The Ring.
In the remake, Naomi Watts and Martin Henderson play reporter Rachel Keller and her ex-husband Noah Clay, respectively, as they investigate a cursed videotape connected to the spirit of Samara Morgan (Daveigh Chase). The film paid tribute to the original’s use of psychological horror and suspense, earning the direct sequel The Ring Two and the second sequel, Rings, which takes place 15 years after The Ring.
Although no new Ring movies are currently in development, further sequels, remakes, or crossovers remain possible.
How to watch The Ring movies in order
The best way to watch The Ring movies is by series. We recommend that newcomers start with the original series before moving on to the remake, followed by the Spiral timeline. Here is how to watch The Ring movies in chronological order by series.
Hideo Nakata series
- Ring 0: Birthday
- Ring (1998)
- Ring 2
- Sadako
American remake series
- The Ring
- The Ring Two
- Rings
Spiral series
- Spiral
- Sadako 3D
- Sadako 3D 2
- Sadako DX
Where to watch every The Ring movie and series streaming online
Check out our list below to find out where to stream every movie and series in The Ring franchise in release date order online in the U.S.! This list also includes two standalone films, a crossover, and two TV series that don’t fit into the film series above.
