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Poster for Ray

2004 | 152 min | Drama, Music

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

It won 2 Oscars, it earned strong reviews (79% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (7.5 out of 10) and it was a solid box office hit. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Rocketman or Better Man, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 32 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • It's long: 2 hr 32 min.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 2 Oscars: Best Actor, Best Sound. Also nominated for 4 more Oscars. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $125 million worldwide on a $40 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 319K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Taylor Hackford

  • Jamie FoxxRay Charles
  • Kerry WashingtonDella Bea Robinson
  • Regina KingMargie Hendricks
  • Harry LennixJoe Adams
  • Clifton PowellJeff Brown
  • Bokeem WoodbineFathead Newman
  • Sharon WarrenAretha Robinson
  • C.J. SandersYoung Ray Robinson
  • Curtis ArmstrongAhmet Ertegun
  • Richard SchiffJerry Wexler