The Ritual (2017)
Four friends on a hiking trip confront an ancient evil that slowly stalks them through the desolate woods.
A group of college friends reunite for a trip to the forest, but encounter a menacing presence in the woods that's stalking them.
How intense is The Ritual?
The Ritual is properly scary, with graphic gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is a slow burn, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Ritual feels like
- Tone
- bleaksuspensefulgrittychilling
- Pace
- Slow burn
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Ritual
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Ritual for you?
Is The Ritual scary?
Yes, properly. The Ritual is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.
Is The Ritual gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is The Ritual sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Ritual OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 2, gore 2, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Ritual?
The Ritual runs 1h 34m.
Where can I stream The Ritual?
The Ritual is streaming on Netflix.
Does The Ritual have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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