Directed by
Mark Steven Johnson
Discover the intricate plot of Ghost Rider (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The Devil, Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda), dispatches his bounty hunter of the damned, the Phantom Rider, to reclaim the contract of San Venganza, which encompasses a thousand corrupt souls. Every generation is marked by the presence of a Phantom Rider, cursed to roam the Earth and collect on the Devil’s deals. However, when the Rider realizes that surrendering the contract would grant Mephistopheles the power to plunge the Earth into Hell, he defies the command and makes his escape from the Devil’s grasp.
Fast forward a century and a half, Mephistopheles sets his sights on Johnny Blaze (Matt Long), a 17-year-old stunt motorcycle rider. In a twisted deal, he offers to cure Johnny’s father, Barton (Brett Cullen), of cancer in exchange for Johnny’s soul. Johnny, who is infatuated with Roxanne (Eva Mendes), finds himself caught in turmoil as his father disapproves of their relationship, fearing that Roxanne will abandon Johnny if he ever becomes incapacitated. As fate would have it, Roxanne is soon forced to move away, leading both to agree on a plan to elope.
The next day, Johnny wakes to find that his father’s cancer has been miraculously cured. Yet tragedy strikes when Barton is killed in a motorcycle stunt, crashing into a deadly ring of fire while performing. Convinced that Mephistopheles is responsible for his father’s death, Johnny realizes that their contract is indeed fulfilled, and with it, his soul is now bound to the Devil. Mephistopheles promises to call upon him when necessary, leaving Johnny isolated—unable to maintain friendships, family ties, or romantic relationships.
Years later, Johnny Blaze—now played by Nicolas Cage—has become a renowned stunt rider, known for tackling perilous stunts and miraculously emerging unscathed despite suffering serious injuries in the process. As he prepares for an adrenaline-fueled jump over six Blackhawk helicopters, he reunites with Roxanne, now a journalist. Overwhelmed with emotion, he apologizes for his past abandonment, and she agrees to meet him for dinner.
Meanwhile, Blackheart (Wes Bentley), the demonic offspring of Mephistopheles, emerges on Earth with three fallen angels—Gressil (Laurence Breuls), Wallow, and Abigor—in search of the elusive contract of San Venganza. Blackheart’s goal is to unleash Hell upon Earth. Vulnerable here, Mephistopheles plots to send the Ghost Rider after Blackheart. He transforms Johnny into the Ghost Rider, promising to restore his soul in exchange for vanquishing Blackheart.
Without delay, Johnny is swept into action, battling Blackheart and the fallen angels. He manages to defeat Gressil and force Blackheart’s retreat by using the Penance Stare, a powerful ability that invokes the suffering mortals have caused others. The following day, Johnny encounters the Caretaker (Sam Elliott), an enigmatic figure who explains the haunting legacy of the Ghost Rider.
As Johnny struggles with his powers, he misses his dinner with Roxanne, who feels once again betrayed. In a desperate bid to reconnect, he reveals his true identity to her, but she responds with rage and disbelief, unable to accept the reality of his torment. Amidst the chaos, Johnny finds himself in a legal bind due to Blackheart’s heinous acts but manages to escape after killing the air angel Abigor.
Determined to protect Roxanne, who is now in danger after Blackheart captures her, Johnny seeks out the Caretaker for guidance. He learns of Carter Slade, a legendary Texas Ranger who had hidden the contract, and discovers that he possesses greater power than his predecessors because he sold his soul for love rather than selfish desires. Armed with this knowledge and a lever-action shotgun gifted by the Caretaker, Johnny sets off for San Venganza.
In a climactic showdown, Johnny confronts Blackheart once again. After a fierce battle, he delivers the contract, only to be left vulnerable when dawn breaks, stripping him of the Ghost Rider’s powers. Blackheart seizes the opportunity to absorb the souls contained within the contract, but when Roxanne intervenes, Johnny gains a renewed sense of purpose. Using the shadows to his advantage, he shoots Blackheart, enhancing the gun with his powers.
Just as victory seems within reach, Mephistopheles arrives to remind Johnny of their agreement, but Johnny stands firm, refusing to relinquish his powers to protect the innocent. He declares that he intends to combat evil rather than succumb to it. With Blackheart defeated, Mephistopheles vanishes in fury, while Roxanne recognizes Johnny’s redemption and kisses him. Riding off on his motorcycle, Johnny embraces his new life as the Ghost Rider, ready to confront whatever darkness lies ahead.
Track the key events of Ghost Rider (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Phantom Rider's Command
Mephistopheles, the Devil himself, dispatches the Phantom Rider to reclaim the contract of San Venganza, which holds a thousand souls. The Phantom Rider, cursed to roam the Earth, understands the implications of this command and realizes that surrendering the contract would grant Mephistopheles destructive power over humanity.
Johnny Blaze's Deal
Fast forward to a century and a half later, the story focuses on 17-year-old Johnny Blaze, a talented stunt motorcycle rider. Mephistopheles tricks Johnny into making a soul-bargain, promising to cure his father's cancer in exchange for Johnny's soul, trapping him in a web of destiny.
A Father's Tragic Death
Johnny's father, Barton, miraculously recovers from cancer due to the deal. However, tragedy strikes when he dies in a motorcycle stunt gone horribly wrong, leaving Johnny devastated and realizing that his soul is now bound to Mephistopheles.
Johnny's Isolation
Following his father's death, Johnny Blaze finds himself increasingly isolated as the contract with the Devil affects his life. Friends, family, and romantic prospects slip away, leaving him lonely and burdened by the consequences of his choices.
Reunion with Roxanne
Years later, Johnny becomes a famous stunt rider known for his daring feats. During preparations for a dangerous jump, he unexpectedly reunites with Roxanne, who has now become a journalist, leading to emotional apologies and a plan to reconnect over dinner.
Blackheart's Arrival
Blackheart, the demonic son of Mephistopheles, arrives on Earth with fallen angels seeking the contract of San Venganza. Their goal is to unleash Hell upon Earth, setting off a chain of events that puts Johnny's life and soul in jeopardy.
Transformation into Ghost Rider
To combat the impending threat, Mephistopheles transforms Johnny Blaze into the Ghost Rider, allowing him to harness supernatural powers. Johnny holds hope for reclaiming his soul, but he must first confront Blackheart and his minions.
The Battle Begins
Johnny engages in a fierce battle against Blackheart and his fallen angels, showcasing his newfound powers. Using the Penance Stare, Ghost Rider triumphs over Gressil and forces Blackheart to retreat, though the fight highlights the toll his powers take on him.
A Meeting with the Caretaker
Johnny seeks wisdom from the enigmatic Caretaker, who reveals the Ghost Rider's turbulent legacy. This encounter enlightens Johnny about his predecessor, Carter Slade, and the origins of the contract, providing him guidance for the battles ahead.
Johnny's Struggle with Identity
Despite his newfound powers, Johnny struggles to reconcile his identity and maintain a relationship with Roxanne. His efforts to reveal his true self lead to anger and disbelief from her, pushing him further into despair and confusion.
Blackheart's Kidnapping
Blackheart captures Roxanne, putting her life at risk and compelling Johnny to act decisively. His determination to save her drives him back to the Caretaker, leading to revelations that ignite his resolve to take on Blackheart once more.
The Confrontation at San Venganza
In an epic showdown, Johnny confronts Blackheart in San Venganza. A brutal battle ensues, but as dawn approaches, Johnny's powers begin to wane, putting him at a disadvantage just as Blackheart seeks to absorb the souls bound within the contract.
Roxanne's Intervention
Roxanne's timely intervention during the fight reignites Johnny's will to fight. With determined resolve, he uses the shadows and his abilities to shoot Blackheart, flipping the battle's momentum in his favor and proving he will protect the ones he loves.
Defiance Against Mephistopheles
As victory over Blackheart seems near, Mephistopheles appears to remind Johnny of their soul-binding agreement. However, Johnny defies the Devil, affirming his intent to combat evil, showcasing the strength of his character and newfound purpose.
A New Beginning
With Blackheart defeated and Mephistopheles vanishing in anger, Johnny finds redemption in Roxanne's eyes as she acknowledges his transformation. Riding off on his motorcycle, Johnny embraces his identity as the Ghost Rider, ready to face whatever darkness lies ahead.
Meet the characters that bring Ghost Rider (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage)
Johnny Blaze is a complex character marked by his torment and guilt due to the Devil's contract binding him. As a stunt rider, he is fearless, yet beneath his bravado lies deep emotional scars, torn between his past and desire for love. His journey represents the struggle for redemption despite overwhelming odds.
Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda)
Mephistopheles, the embodiment of temptation and malevolence, manipulates those around him to serve his dark purposes. He represents the quintessential villain, offering power in exchange for souls, and serves as a constant threat to Johnny Blaze. His character explores the lure of evil and the prices paid in pursuit of desires.
Roxanne (Eva Mendes)
Roxanne is the love interest who becomes entangled in Johnny's tragic fate, symbolizing hope and the pain of unfulfilled dreams. She serves as both a motivating force and a source of conflict, as Johnny's secret keeps them apart. Her character embodies resilience and the challenge of accepting a loved one's burdens.
Uncover the settings of Ghost Rider (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present Day, with historical references
The film progresses through time, showcasing the struggles of Johnny Blaze from his teenage years to adulthood. It reflects on a century and a half of hauntings and deals made with the Devil, illustrating how past events shape current realities. This intersection of time emphasizes the generational curse of the Phantom Rider.
Location
San Venganza, Earth
San Venganza is a cursed location known for holding the contract of a thousand corrupt souls, making it a focal point for demonic activities. It represents both the allure and danger of power, drawing characters like Johnny Blaze and Blackheart into its chaotic web. The essence of the city embodies the battle between good and evil.
Explore the core themes of Ghost Rider (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a central theme, as Johnny Blaze trades his soul and the love he craves for a fleeting chance to save his father. His decisions lead to devastating consequences, paving a path of loss and regret. Ultimately, it questions the lengths one is willing to go for love and redemption.
⚔️
Good vs Evil
The battle between good and evil is epitomized by Johnny's transformation into the Ghost Rider, a figure caught between his dark past and the desire to protect the innocent. The emergence of Blackheart and his minions intensifies this conflict, serving as a constant reminder of the darkness lurking within and around him.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.