The Ring (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Journalist Rachel Keller investigates a strange videotape that may be behind the untimely deaths of four teenagers. There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die seven days after watching it. Rachel tracks down the video... and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery of the Ring in order to save herself and her son.
Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 55m
A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it. The American remake of the Japanese Ringu. The PG-13 rating significantly undersells the terror — the final Samara sequence is one of the most genuinely frightening moments in mainstream American horror. Not appropriate for younger teenagers.
Cast
Is The Ring appropriate for kids?
A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it. The American remake of the Japanese Ringu. The PG-13 rating significantly undersells the terror — the final Samara sequence is one of the most genuinely frightening moments in… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Ring
What happens in The Ring, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Ring
None.
Violence and gore in The Ring
Victims' faces frozen in expressions of absolute terror. Samara emerging from a television — one of horror cinema's most effective single images. The final act is genuinely traumatising for susceptible viewers. More psychologically frightening than graphically violent.
Language in The Ring
Moderate language consistent with PG-13.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Ring
None.
Mature themes in The Ring
Maternal bonds and their dark inversions. A child whose supernatural evil was created by her mother's rejection. The film's logic — watch the tape, die in seven days — creates genuine dread in the audience. The ending refuses comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ring appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Ring is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG-13. A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it. The American remake of the Japanese Ringu. The PG-13 rating significantly undersells the terror — the final Samara sequence…
What age rating does The Ring have?
The Ring is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is The Ring about?
A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days after watching it. The American remake of the Japanese Ringu. The PG-13 rating significantly undersells the terror — the final Samara sequence is one of the most genuinely frightening moments in mainstream American horror. Not appropriate for…
Is there sex or nudity in The Ring?
None.
How violent is The Ring?
Victims' faces frozen in expressions of absolute terror. Samara emerging from a television — one of horror cinema's most effective single images. The final act is genuinely traumatising for susceptible viewers. More psychologically frightening than…
Is the language in The Ring appropriate for kids?
Moderate language consistent with PG-13.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Ring?
None.
What mature themes appear in The Ring?
Maternal bonds and their dark inversions. A child whose supernatural evil was created by her mother's rejection. The film's logic — watch the tape, die in seven days — creates genuine dread in the audience. The ending refuses comfort.
How long is The Ring?
The Ring runs 115 minutes, directed by Gore Verbinski, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full The Ring parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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