2009 Movies

Plex's database focuses exclusively on 2009 films and offers a comprehensive and user-friendly database housing every title from 2009, offering streamlined navigation and optimized functionality. Use our reliable database for instant access to an array of cinema classics from 2009.
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The Best Movies of 2009

As we dive into the nostalgia of the year 2009, we remember the moments of cinematic brilliance. Some films released in that year left a significant impact, delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Avatar

Heading up our list is Avatar, a visual marvel that rekindled a sense of awe among film enthusiasts. This James Cameron masterpiece narrates the tale of a paraplegic marine engaging in an interspecies battle on a distant, vibrant moon. The seamless blend of an absorbing narrative and groundbreaking visual effects in Avatar sometimes made the audience oblivious of the artifice.

Inglourious Basterds

Next on the list, Inglourious Basterds by Quentin Tarantino offers an audacious retelling of history characterized by Tarantino's distinct narrative style. The film culminates in an unexpected conflict involving a vile Nazi, a dauntless Jewish heroine, and a knife-wielding American commando leader. Christophe Waltz's performance garnered accolades, and the film surprises viewers by deviating from the known historical path.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Third on the list, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wes Anderson's stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic, stands out for its meticulous construction. Embodying grace and charisma, George Clooney's voice-over performance of the cunning fox takes center stage in this vibrantly crafted masterpiece.

Up In The Air

Up In The Air artfully straddles the boundaries of a screwball comedy and an acute portrayal of the American economic crisis. George Clooney delivers an impactful performance as a professional downsizer, blending old-school charisma with nuanced melancholy. The movie presents an insightful examination of loneliness and detachment in a rapidly evolving society.

The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, provides a gripping depiction of the Iraq War, portraying the fearless bomb-detonation squads and their risk-laden lives. It narrates the story of a soldier battling his addiction to danger. The film excels on multiple levels as an action-packed spectacle and an astute psychological exploration.

UP

Next, UP, a product of the creative minds at Pixar, tells the story of a grumpy old widower who, in an attempt to escape his mundane life, ties thousands of balloons to his house and soars into the skies. The film crafts an emotive narrative through beautifully detailed animation, proving that storytelling in animation can also touch hearts and uplift spirits.

In the Loop

In the Loop, a cleverly scripted comedy stands unique in its class with its razor-sharp wit and cutting political satire. The dialogue is a treasure trove of unforgettable quips, offering a scathing commentary on the absurdities of the political landscape.

The Road

The Road, inspired by Cormac McCarthy's apocalyptic literature, juxtaposes stark brutality with heartrending fatherly tenderness. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of a man's desperation to survive in a desolate world adds to the profound emotional resonance of the film.

Coraline

On a lighter note, Coraline, directed by Henry Selick and penned by Neil Gaiman, offers a visually spectacular experience. This stop-motion animation breaks the boundaries of the genre, blending captivating visuals with an intriguing narrative. It presents a uniquely eerie yet delightful spectacle that captivates both children and adults.

A Serious Man

Finally, A Serious Man, a Coen Brothers film, uses humor and introspection to delve into themes of guilt and faith. Set in a medium-sized American town in the late-1960s, the film narrates the unraveling life of a physics professor. Its Kafkaesque narrative style, interspersed with humor and unexpected grey areas, presents a compelling tale.

2009 Movie & Film Industry Highlights

In retrospect, 2009 was a distinctive year in the realm of cinema. The year not only introduced numerous movies, seven of which made their way into the top 50 highest-grossing films list, but it also saw the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences making a significant change to their Best Picture category. The category would now host ten nominees instead of the customary five, a modification not seen since the 1943 awards.

The Year Begins

2009 commenced with a cascade of serious major movies showcased in late December screenings in Los Angeles. The intent was simple: to qualify for the Oscars. Some of these films included "The Reader," "Slumdog Millionaire," and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Although these films have faded from memory or are faintly regarded as semi-classics, they created a dynamic start to the year.

Embrace of Horror

The horror genre dominated the year, specifically through the vampire sub-species, thanks to Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga. "New Moon," the latest installment of the saga, turned out to be the most profitable. However, it was the subtle Swedish film "Let the Right One In" that received critical acclaim, while the British horror spoof "Lesbian Vampire Killers" didn't hit the mark.

A Flourish of Documentaries and Animation

Documentaries and animated films were the other two genres that continued to flourish in 2009. We were introduced to new, intriguing worlds through documentaries like "Afghan Star," "Not Quite Hollywood," and "The September Issue." Animation also saw a remarkable year with the 3-D comeback threatening to become a permanent feature, notably in animated features like Pixar's "Up."

The Uninspiring Sequels and Remakes

On the contrary, 2009 wasn't an inspiring year for remakes or sequels, nor was it a great year for movies based on comic strips and graphic novels. None of these movies were of notable merit. Hollywood films, such as Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" and Michael Mann's "Public Enemies," proved to be largely indifferent.

British Cinema’s Obsession with Soccer

British cinema of 2009 remained generally in the doldrums, with movies like "Fish Tank" and "The Young Victoria" receiving more acclaim than perhaps they deserved. The obsession with soccer, however, led to some of the best films by native directors, notably Ken Loach's "Looking for Eric" and Tom Hooper's "The Damned United."

Year of Impersonations

Impersonations were particularly striking in 2009. Meryl Streep's depiction of Julia Child in "Julie & Julia" and Christian McKay's portrayal of Orson Welles in "Me and Orson Welles" were noteworthy.

Highest-Grossing Films of 2009

In the sphere of financial gains, 2009 was undoubtedly a significant year. Avatar, distributed by Fox, took the lead with a worldwide gross of approximately $2.74 billion. This success saw Avatar surpass Titanic as the highest-grossing film of all time in early 2010. Other notable entries in the top-grossing list included "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."