The Ring franchise is a series of horror films that originated from the 1998 Japanese movie Ringu, directed by Hideo Nakata. The story revolves around a cursed videotape that leads to the viewer's death seven days after watching it. The franchise explores themes of fear, technology, and the supernatural, captivating audiences with its eerie atmosphere. The American adaptation, released in 2002 and directed by Gore Verbinski, became a significant box office success, leading to sequels and spin-offs. The franchise includes films like The Ring Two and Rings, as well as various adaptations in different countries, solidifying its impact on the horror genre.