The original Ringu (1998), directed by Hideo Nakata, is one of the most influential horror films of all time. It brought Japanese horror into the global spotlight and gave us one of the most haunting images in cinema—Sadako crawling out of the TV. What makes Ringu so effective is its slow, creeping dread. It’s quiet, unsettling, and deeply atmospheric. The cursed videotape is such a simple idea, but the way the mystery unfolds is masterfully done. There’s no overreliance on jump scares—just a heavy, chilling tone that lingers long after the film ends. It’s not just scary—it’s hypnotic. A true modern classic that changed the horror genre forever.
Then came The Ring Virus (1999), a South Korean remake that feels more like a flat imitation than a fresh take. It follows the same basic story, but without the same sense of unease or tension. Everything that made Ringu work—the atmosphere, the pacing, the sense of doom—is dulled here. The acting is fine, the visuals are decent, but it lacks personality. It feels like a shadow of the original, offering nothing new and failing to leave much of an impression. It’s not offensively bad—it’s just incredibly forgettable.
In 2002, Gore Verbinski brought us The Ring, the American remake that actually managed to do the rare thing of adapting a foreign horror film well. While it doesn’t beat the original, it brings its own strengths. Naomi Watts gives a strong lead performance, and the film has a polished, eerie aesthetic. The cursed tape is more disturbing this time around, and the overall production value helps bring a new level of intensity to the story. It’s faster-paced, more dramatic, and has a heavier reliance on visuals—but it still keeps the core horror intact. Samara isn’t quite Sadako, but she gets the job done.
In the end, Ringu remains the best version—subtle, haunting, and unforgettable. The American Ring is a worthy remake that holds up well, even if it’s a bit louder and more stylised. As for The Ring Virus… let’s just say not all remakes are necessary.
Winner: Ringu (1998) (9/10)
Runner-up: The Ring (2002) (7/10)
Forgettable: The Ring Virus (1999) (3/10)
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