Ju-on movies in order Ju-on Marathon
Page Last Modified:
16 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Ju-on: The Final Curse - 2015
Total Runtime:
511 Minutes
Total Items:
6
Average User Score:
(6.2)Ju-on movies in order
Whether you're a long-time J-horror fan or just discovered the Ju-On franchise for the first time during a late-night scroll session, it's a must-see for any horror aficionado. With a mix of Japanese releases, American remakes, and a timeline that jumps back and forth, it can be daunting to know where to start. But don't worry, we've put together a complete Ju-On movie marathon for you. Check out this horror marathon, and you'll get all the lore, spooky vibes, and creepy atmosphere you need for an unforgettable night. It'll take you from the origins of the Saeki curse to the latest death list, and it'll cover everything from Takashi Shimizu's original Japanese films to the American reboot produced by Sam Raimi and the spin-offs you might have missed. Get your popcorn ready (or let it explode in the microwave from fright), dim the lights, and brace yourself for the ominous creaking of Kayako's stairway moments.
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1
Ju-on: The Curse Movie 70 min. 2000When elementary school teacher Kobayashi investigates the absence of one of his young pupils from the classroom, he finds himself at the doorstep of an anonymous suburban house that harbours a horrible secret, and into which all who enter are doomed.USER SCORE 7 -
2
Ju-on: The Curse 2 Movie 76 min. 2000On his request, the sensitive sister of a real estate agent visits a house he intends to put up for sale, only to cross paths with its resident curse.USER SCORE 6 -
3
Ju-on: The Grudge Movie 92 min. 2002When 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.USER SCORE 7 -
4
Ju-on: The Grudge 2 Movie 92 min. 2003When the cast and crew of a paranormal TV reality program decide to shoot in the house of the original Saeki hauntings, a series of strange events unfold at the location.USER SCORE 6 -
5
Ju-on: The Beginning of the End Movie 91 min. 2014A school teacher visits the home of a boy who's been absent from school for a long period of time, unaware of the horrific tragedy which occurred in the boy's household many years ago.USER SCORE 6 -
6
Ju-on: The Final Curse Movie 90 min. 2015Following the events of Ju-on: The Beginning of the End, Mai, the older sister of elementary schoolteacher Yui Shono, goes to look for her sister, who disappeared after a year while working in an elementary school. Mai soon discovers the Teriyaki household who tells her about what happened to her sister. Mai will now uncover the dark secrets of Ju-on and will try to end the curse once and for all.USER SCORE 5
Ju-On: The Curse (2000)
We'll start where it all began: in an apparently ordinary house in Nerima, Tokyo. Ju-On: The Curse is where it all starts. We meet the famous Kayako Saeki, her son Toshio, and the scary idea of a curse that follows anyone who comes across it. Takashi Shimizu made the Saeki house scary in a way that felt familiar to horror fans, even though he didn't have a lot of money. Its non-linear structure and fragmented storytelling make it more of a puzzle than a typical film, slowly unraveling your mind as you watch it.
Ju-On: The Curse 2 (2000)
This direct sequel picks up with new victims and a recap of parts from the first film, typical of early Japanese V-Cinema releases. But don't let that stop you. The Curse 2 adds some really important layers to the whole Ju-On franchise. The curse is spreading, and it feels like no one's safe anymore. The house isn't just cursed—it's actively hunting.
Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)
Two years later, Takashi Shimizu took his franchise to a new level. Ju-On: The Grudge feels like the more grown-up version of The Curse. The cinematography is sharper, the threat is deeper, and the characters are more intertwined in a web of death and misfortune. We meet Rika (Megumi Okina), a caregiver who doesn't know the horror that's coming her way. This film is a must-see for two reasons: the story and the international fame it brought to Ju-On.
Ju-On: The Grudge 2 (2003)
Now, things get really complicated. The curse is unleashed, literally. Hitomi (Misaki Ito) and the other new characters run into the evil, and the film plays around even more with time jumps and parallel storylines. Ju-On: The Grudge 2 is more than a sequel, it takes the curse to a whole new level and makes you wonder how far the influence of a single location can reach. And yeah, the staircase scene is still a total legend.
The Grudge (2004)
Then... Hollywood. Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures is bringing the curse to America, and Takashi Shimizu is still on board as director. Smart move. With Sarah Michelle Gellar as Karen Davis and Jason Behr as Doug, the story takes place in the West but keeps that classic Japanese tension. The Grudge (2004) isn't a reboot, but rather a retelling that respects the original enough to give seasoned fans a few new scares.
The Grudge 2
The Grudge 2 (2006) stars Amber Tamblyn as Aubrey, Karen's sister, who travels to Tokyo to find answers. This film takes the American branch of the curse to the next level, showing that even an ocean isn't enough to stop a grudge that's truly set in stone. Masayuki Ochiai's fresh take on the series makes this film a bit less polished than the last one, but it's still key to see the big picture.
The Grudge 3 (2009)
And then: America is in the red. The Grudge 3 is set in Chicago and introduces Aiko Horiuchi as a new version of Kayako. The tone is more straightforward, and the scares are more intense, but the story neatly concludes the American trilogy. Director Toby Wilkins goes for a slightly more traditional horror structure, but he captures the essence of the curse: it doesn't stop unless you understand it.
Ju-On: The Beginning of the End (2014)
Back to the roots, with a modern twist. This soft reboot of the Japanese line brings back the Saeki-family massacre with just enough new elements to keep it fresh. The character Yui, a young teacher, brings a fresh perspective to the story. The film is pretty straightforward, making it accessible for new viewers, but it still has enough nods for hardcore fans. The curse is still going strong, and this time it's even more intense.
Ju-On: The Final Curse (2015)
As the name says, this is the last chapter in the Japanese Ju-On series, at least for now. We follow Mai, searching for her missing sister Yui (yes, the same one from the previous film), and the curse reaches its true climax. The Final Curse is tragic, dark, and despite what the title suggests, feels like a conclusion that leaves room for interpretation. Kayako's presence is the grimmest it's ever been, and it's clear that the curse affects not just individuals but entire families. This makes for a powerful ending.
Bonus: Ju-On Spin-offs, Games & Reboot Connections
If you really want to go all-in with your Ju-On movie marathon, don't forget the Ju-On: The Grudge Wii game. This unique horror experience lets you navigate the curse, with the controller as your only protection. The manga and novels also add extra layers to the Saeki mythology, which is perfect for when you're still tossing and turning after the marathon. And yes, the 2020 reboot The Grudge with Andrea Riseborough is technically part of the same universe. And remember, the curse travels. But this film has a totally different tone and style. Think of it as a dark side path within the larger whole, especially interesting if you want to understand how the franchise has evolved globally. Why This Marathon Is the Ultimate Horror Experience Ju-On is not just a horror series. It's its own world, with ideas like unfinished rage, inevitable fate, and the constant reminder of trauma. It's not your typical ghost story. It's a curse that just keeps growing and changing, and it'll eventually consume you. What started as a low-budget J-horror release under Toho Company turned into a global nightmare, spanning from manga to games, from Tokyo to Chicago. Whether you're into a non-linear timeline or prefer a more straightforward narrative, the Ju-On marathon offers a chilling journey through one of horror's most enduring franchises. Get ready for a night of terror that'll stick with you long after the credits roll.