"The Ring," directed by Gore Verbinski and released in 2002, is often cited as one of the scariest movies due to its haunting atmosphere and psychological tension. It tells the story of a journalist who investigates a mysterious videotape that causes viewers to die seven days after watching it. While opinions on the "scariest movie ever" vary, many consider films like "The Exorcist" or "Hereditary" to hold that title due to their profound impact on audiences. Ultimately, the scariest movie is subjective and depends on personal fear factors.

"The Ring" is considered scary due to its effective use of atmospheric tension, unsettling visuals, and a haunting storyline. The film's central premise—a cursed videotape that predicts the viewer's death—creates a sense of inevitability and dread. Its eerie imagery, such as Samara's ghostly appearance and the disturbing content of the tape, adds to the horror. Additionally, the film employs a chilling sound design and an eerie score, enhancing the sense of fear. The themes of guilt, obsession, and the unknown also resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

"The Ring" is not based on a true story; it is a fictional horror film adapted from the Japanese movie "Ringu," which was inspired by the novel of the same name by Koji Suzuki. The film revolves around a cursed videotape that leads to the viewer's death after seven days. While the story is rooted in supernatural elements and urban legends, it does not depict real events. The film taps into themes of fear and the unknown, but its narrative is purely a work of fiction.

"The Ring" and "The Grudge" are both part of the J-horror (Japanese horror) wave that gained popularity in the early 2000s, but "The Ring" is not inspired by "The Grudge." "The Ring" (2002) is based on the Japanese film "Ringu" (1998), which centers around a cursed videotape. "The Grudge" (2004) is based on the Japanese film "Ju-on" (2002), focusing on a curse that is born from a violent death. Both films share themes of curses and supernatural horror but originate from different stories and filmmakers.