5.0
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
The Ringer (2005)
The Ringer (2005)
Overview
Pressured by a greedy uncle and a pile of debt, lovable loser Steve Barker resorts to an unthinkable, contemptible, just-crazy-enough-to-work scheme. He pretends to be mentally challenged to rig the upcoming Special Olympics and bring home the gold. But when Steve's fellow competitors get wise to the con, they inspire him to rise to the greatest challenge of all: becoming a better person.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Trans: Positive
Viewer Rating
5.0
Overview
Pressured by a greedy uncle and a pile of debt, lovable loser Steve Barker resorts to an unthinkable, contemptible, just-crazy-enough-to-work scheme. He pretends to be mentally challenged to rig the upcoming Special Olympics and bring home the gold. But when Steve's fellow competitors get wise to the con, they inspire him to rise to the greatest challenge of all: becoming a better person.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film's dominant themes align with progressive values by championing the dignity and capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion, and critiquing prejudice and exploitation. The narrative's solution emphasizes individual transformation towards empathy and respect for marginalized groups.
The movie features a diverse cast, notably including actors with intellectual disabilities, contributing to its inclusive representation. The narrative, while centered on a white male protagonist, does not critically portray traditional identities but rather focuses on a story of personal growth and the celebration of the Special Olympics athletes.
Secondary
The film features Lynn, a transsexual woman portrayed with dignity and complexity. While her identity's revelation initially serves as a comedic shock for the protagonist, Steve, the narrative ultimately resolves with his acceptance and their loving relationship. This arc, despite initial problematic reactions, results in a net positive portrayal, affirming her worth.
The film 'The Ringer' does not include any discernible LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Its narrative focuses on a man faking a disability to rig the Special Olympics, with no elements related to queer identity or experiences present in the story.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The Ringer is an original film with characters created specifically for this production. There is no prior source material, historical record, or previous installment from which character genders could have been established and subsequently changed.
The Ringer (2005) is an original film, not an adaptation of existing source material or a biopic. All characters were created for this specific movie, meaning there are no pre-established canonical or historical racial identities to be altered. Therefore, no race swaps occurred.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
5.8
5.7
Critic Ratings
4.0
4.6
More Like This
Leans Progressive
6.9
The Boxtrolls
(2014)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.0
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
(2017)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.3
The Civil War on Drugs
(2011)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
DC League of Super-Pets
(2022)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
6.8
A Man Called Otto
(2022)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Center
7.4
The Bad Guys
(2022)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Female Combat: Yes
Progressive
8.0
Nimona
(2023)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Female Combat: Yes
Leans Progressive
7.1
Jules
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Low
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.5
ParaNorman
(2012)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Neutral
Leans Progressive
7.2
Always Be My Maybe
(2019)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.8
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.4
South Park: Post COVID
(2021)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.7
The Threesome
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.0
The Phoenician Scheme
(2025)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.8
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
(2022)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.6
Lilo & Stitch
(2025)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Negative
Center
6.6
Jumanji: The Next Level
(2019)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Female Combat: Yes
Progressive
8.1
The Eye of the Salamander
(2024)
Political: Not Rated
Diversity: Not Rated
Leans Progressive
8.2
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.4
The Book of Life
(2014)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Female Combat: Yes