Ju-on: The Grudge
Performance & Direction: Ju-on: The Grudge Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ju-on: The Grudge features a noteworthy lineup led by Megumi Okina . Supported by the likes of Misa Uehara and Yoji Tanaka , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Ju-on: The Grudge
Quick Plot Summary: Ju-on: The Grudge is a Horror film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. When a social worker is sent to check on a traumatized elderly woman whose family have moved in at the site of a notorious murder case, she unwittingly unleashes a cycle of terror that transmits via its victims. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Ju-on: The Grudge
Ending Breakdown: Ju-on: The Grudge concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ju-on: The Grudge reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ju-on: The Grudge?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Ju-on: The Grudge
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ju-on: The Grudge Budget
The estimated production budget for Ju-on: The Grudge is $3.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Ju-on: The Grudge
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Where to Watch Ju-on: The Grudge Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeJu-on: The Grudge Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about Ju-on: The Grudge age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ju-on: The Grudge is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Ju-on: The Grudge is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ju-on: The Grudge worth watching?
Ju-on: The Grudge is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ju-on: The Grudge parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ju-on: The Grudge identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ju-on: The Grudge?
The total duration of Ju-on: The Grudge is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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