As you may know I’m a huge nerd and I love Sadako, so I decided to make this. Sadako Yamamura is probably one of the most iconic horror characters to date, and even if you don’t know her name or where she’s from, you’ve most likely seen her character in mainstream media.
She was first introduced in the “Ring” novel from 1991, written by Koji Suzuki, and has since had a lof of different adaptations from movies to manga.
These are the main movies where she appears differently, or close, to the book. I haven’t added “Sadako 3D” nor the other Ring sequels, since they’re close to the 1998 Sadako.
Ring - 1991: Sadako is in the book described to be a very beautiful woman. She also has testicular feminization, which means she has testicles. Also a little spoiler: Sadako doesn’t crawl out of the TV, that was first introduced in the movies.
Ring: Kanzenban - 1995: Most would think that the 1998 movie was the first Ring movie adaptation, but it’s actually “Ring Kanzenban”. It’s a tv show that pretty much can’t be found anywhere. I haven’t seen the show myself, but apparently it should be on YT with a rough translation. The tv show is said to be very close to the book.
Ringu - 1998: The movie that’s known to be the frist adaptation. In the movie Sadako isn’t shown much as beautiful, but rather more terrifying, and she doesn’t have testicles. This is also the first time we see Sadako crawl out of the TV, that has then become her iconic move.
The Ring: Virus - 1999: This is the Korean version that’s very close to the book. The difference is Sadako Yamamura’s name is changed to Park Eun-Suh, and she’s Korean. She also has testicular feminization and doens’t crawl out of the TV.
Ring 0: Birthday - 2000: This is a prequel to the Ringu movie, where we get to know about Sadako’s past. She is seen as a beautiful woman, but doesn’t have testicular feminization.
The Ring - 2002: This is the American version and probably the most famous one as well. Sadako Yamamura’s name is changed to Samara Morgan, she’s a little girl and not an adult as Sadako originally is. This version is a little close to the 1998 version, with a few difference (like the whole setting taking place in the US etc.)
Sadako vs Kayako - 2016: This version is close to the 1998 version, except for the curse. Originally it takes 7 days before the victim dies by the curse, but in this version it takes 5 days. She also fuses with Kayako, and Yuri, to become Sadakaya gaining both Sadako’s and Kayako’s abilities.