Ray (2004)
Kernel Score: 84% · 2,154 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Music
Released: 2004-10-29
Runtime: 152 minutes
Is Ray worth watching?
Worth watching. A long, well-acted biopic of Ray Charles that follows his rise, his blindness, and his battle with addiction. The music is excellent and the lead performance carries it, though it follows the standard biopic path.
Watch it if you
- love soul, gospel and R&B
- enjoy strong lead performances
- like music biopics
Skip it if you
- dislike long biopics
- want a surprising structure
Best for: Music night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Ray
- Stream: Starz
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
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.
Ray parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Ray is a biographical drama about musician Ray Charles, including his struggles with drug addiction and loss.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Depicts significant heroin addiction and its consequences throughout the musician's career.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ray
If you liked Ray, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) — 89%: Big music biopic driven by a standout performance.
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) — 89%: Music biopic about a group rising to fame.
- Rocketman (2019) — 81%: Music biopic with flamboyance and addiction.
- Control (2007) — 86%: Intense music biopic of a troubled star.
- Amadeus (1984) — 90%: Gifted musician's rise and the cost of talent.
- The Doors (1991) — 80%: Rock biopic about fame and excess.
Director
Cast
- Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles
- Kerry Washington as Della Bea Robinson
- Regina King as Margie Hendricks
- Harry Lennix as Joe Adams
- Clifton Powell as Jeff Brown
- Bokeem Woodbine as Fathead Newman
- Sharon Warren as Aretha Robinson
- C.J. Sanders as Young Ray Robinson
- Curtis Armstrong as Ahmet Ertegun
- Richard Schiff as Jerry Wexler
Ray FAQ
Is Ray worth watching?
Worth watching. A long, well-acted biopic of Ray Charles that follows his rise, his blindness, and his battle with addiction. The music is excellent and the lead performance carries it, though it follows the standard biopic path.
Where can I watch Ray?
In the US you can stream Ray on Starz, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ray OK for kids?
Ray is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Ray is a biographical drama about musician Ray Charles, including his struggles with drug addiction and loss.
What movies are like Ray?
If you liked Ray, try Bohemian Rhapsody, Straight Outta Compton, Rocketman and Control.