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Ray

Ray

The extraordinary life story of Ray Charles.

2004152 minPG-13Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Taylor Hackford
Starring
Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Harry Lennix

Born on a sharecropping plantation in Northern Florida, Ray Charles went blind at seven. Inspired by a fiercely independent mom who insisted he make his own way, He found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered coupling gospel and country together.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ray?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ray to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ray?

Ray earns 13 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Modern classic.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Ray worth watching?

Ray's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 287K ratings across 6 sources. 87% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

95th percentile among Biography96th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

77 /100

94th percentile of all films

94th percentile among Biography94th percentile among 2000s

Critics 73 · Audience 77

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

87% liked it

96th percentile of all films

94th percentile among Biography96th percentile among 2000s
87% rated it 7–1013% rated it 1–6

Critics 80% · Audience 87%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

2 Oscars won · 4 Oscar noms · 51 wins / 48 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

96th percentile

287K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Biography93rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$40M
Opening weekend$20M
Domestic gross$75M
Worldwide gross$124M

Returned 3.1× its budget — 96th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Jamie Foxx delivers an uncanny, physically and vocally precise performance that captures Ray Charles' essence.

Fans praised

  • Jamie Foxx's transformative embodiment of Ray Charles
  • music as the driving emotional force of the film
  • honest portrayal of Charles' flaws and demons

Detractors panned

  • formulaic biopic structure with clichéd beats
  • overlong runtime with sluggish pacing
  • shallow exploration of Charles' character beyond surface traits

What stands out

Sound and music95

phenomenal soundtrack of Charles' hits, but some feel overused

Acting92

Foxx's transformative, Oscar-winning embodiment

Emotional impactDivisive65

moving for fans but manipulative for detractors

CharactersDivisive63

strong women characters but Charles himself seen as one-dimensional by some

Plot and storyDivisive55

episodic rise-fall-redemption arc, conventional biopic structure

EndingDivisive45

abrupt, rushed, unsatisfying resolution

OriginalityDivisive40

heavily formulaic, compared to TV biopic or VH1 special

PacingDivisive40

overlong at 2.5 hours, drags in middle sections

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Ray like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
MelancholicHopefulTriumphant
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats Ray Charles's struggles and triumphs with earnest seriousness, while maintaining affection for its flawed protagonist.
The rideThe mood is predominantly melancholic due to Ray's addiction and losses, but with hopeful and triumphant peaks during his musical successes and recovery.
StructureConventional biographical narrative told in chronological order with brief childhood flashbacks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends with Ray's redemption and Georgia honor, leaving the viewer inspired but mindful of the pain behind his success.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Rags to riches underneath

Why this archetypeThe film traces Ray Charles's journey from blind poverty to musical stardom, his heroin addiction and fall, and his eventual recovery and vindication.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% (this title) · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 7% of filmsAddiction · 1% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on Ray Charles's relentless drive for musical success, while also exploring his heroin addiction and the lasting impact of his early family trauma.
StanceThe film questions the cost of ambition, showing how Ray's drive both lifts him and nearly destroys him through addiction and strained relationships.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalJazzPopRockForeground music · hybrid · Craig Armstrong
SettingThe American music scene from the 1940s through the 1970s, moving from Southern poverty to Los Angeles fame.
MusicFeatures Ray Charles's original recordings re-performed by Jamie Foxx.

Content guide

Is Ray okay for kids?

PG-13

Ray is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for depiction of drug addiction, sexuality and some thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (27/100), sexual content at moderate (43/100), language at moderate (56/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (82/100) and frightening material at moderate (51/100). Overall it is heavier than 93% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Austria12
  • Czechia15+
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 61% of all filmsHeavier than 93% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 21%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 79%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 80%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 99%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 57%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is drug and alcohol content.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Ray have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ray?

Cast

Jamie Foxx won the Oscar for this film.

Jamie Foxx
as Ray Charles
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kerry Washington
as Della Bea Robinson
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Regina King
as Margie Hendricks
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Harry Lennix
as Joe Adams
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Clifton Powell
as Jeff Brown
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Bokeem Woodbine
as Fathead Newman
Sharon Warren
as Aretha Robinson
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
C.J. Sanders
as Young Ray Robinson
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Curtis Armstrong
as Ahmet Ertegun
Richard Schiff
as Jerry Wexler

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ray?

Movies like Ray include Sweet Dreams (1985), The Buddy Holly Story (1978) and Coal Miner's Daughter (1980). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films about addiction, and most are biopics.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its praise for music. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Ray?

569 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: origin story. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.