Best Rated Movies from 2009

The year 2009 was a standout for cinema, delivering a wide range of films that left a lasting impact. From gritty war dramas to heartwarming animations, the movies of this year offered something for everyone, earning critical praise and audience love.

These films, ranked from good to great, showcase the best of 2009, based on critic reviews, audience votes, and lasting cultural influence. Let’s dive into the list, counting down to the top-rated movie of the year.

Zombieland (2009)

This zombie comedy follows a shy college student and a tough survivor teaming up in a post-apocalyptic world. With sharp humor and a fun cast, including a memorable cameo, it became a cult classic.
The mix of action, laughs, and heart made ‘Zombieland’ a hit, grossing over $102 million worldwide. Its clever script and rules for surviving zombies kept audiences entertained.

The Proposal (2009)

A high-powered book editor faces deportation and convinces her assistant to fake a marriage. This romantic comedy shines with witty banter and strong chemistry between its leads.
‘The Proposal’ grossed nearly $317 million globally, proving its broad appeal. Its lighthearted story and funny moments made it a fan favorite.

Watchmen (2009)

Set in an alternate history, this dark superhero film explores retired vigilantes facing a new threat. Its bold visuals and complex story stood out in a year without many superhero movies.
‘Watchmen’ earned praise for its ambitious take on the graphic novel, though its long runtime divided some viewers. It still grossed over $185 million worldwide.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

This action-packed take on the classic detective story follows a brilliant sleuth and his loyal partner solving a mysterious case. The film’s fast pace and clever dialogue kept audiences hooked.
With a global box office of over $524 million, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ redefined the iconic character. Its strong performances and stylish direction made it a hit.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

This romantic comedy-drama follows a young man navigating love and heartbreak. Its nonlinear storytelling and relatable characters offered a fresh take on romance.
‘(500) Days of Summer’ earned critical acclaim for its honest look at relationships, grossing over $60 million on a small budget. It remains a beloved indie gem.

The Secret of Kells (2009)

This animated film tells the story of a young monk creating a sacred book in medieval Ireland. Its unique art style and heartfelt story captivated audiences.
‘The Secret of Kells’ earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, a rare feat for an indie film. Its beauty and depth made it a standout.

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Disney’s return to hand-drawn animation follows a hardworking woman chasing her dreams in New Orleans. The film’s vibrant visuals and catchy music won over families.
Grossing over $270 million worldwide, ‘The Princess and the Frog’ was praised for its diverse cast and classic Disney charm. It remains a beloved modern fairy tale.

Crazy Heart (2009)

A washed-up country singer fights for redemption in this heartfelt drama. The lead’s raw performance and soulful music struck a chord with viewers.
‘Crazy Heart’ won two Oscars, including Best Actor, and grossed over $47 million on a modest budget. Its emotional depth made it a critical darling.

The Hangover (2009)

This wild comedy tracks four friends on a chaotic Vegas bachelor party. Its unpredictable humor and quotable lines turned it into a cultural phenomenon.
Grossing over $469 million worldwide, ‘The Hangover’ became the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of its time. It’s still a go-to for laughs.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

The sixth wizarding film dives deeper into darkness as young heroes face growing threats. Its stunning visuals and emotional weight kept fans gripped.
With a global box office of $934 million, ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ was a massive hit. Its mix of magic and maturity resonated widely.

Coraline (2009)

This creepy animated tale follows a girl discovering a strange, alternate world. Its haunting visuals and eerie story made it a unique family film.
‘Coraline’ grossed over $124 million and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Its dark charm continues to captivate audiences.

Moon (2009)

A lone astronaut nears the end of his mission on a remote space station in this sci-fi drama. Its minimalist story and strong lead performance left a big impact.
‘Moon’ earned critical praise for its smart script and emotional depth, grossing over $9 million on a small budget. It’s a cult favorite for sci-fi fans.

Up in the Air (2009)

A corporate downsizer faces changes in his isolated life in this sharp drama. Its witty script and strong performances hit home with audiences.
‘Up in the Air’ grossed over $166 million and earned six Oscar nominations. Its blend of humor and heart made it a standout.

A Serious Man (2009)

This dark comedy follows a professor facing a string of personal crises. Its quirky humor and deep themes earned it critical acclaim.
‘A Serious Man’ grossed over $31 million and nabbed two Oscar nominations. The Coen Brothers’ unique storytelling shone through.

The White Ribbon (2009)

Set in a German village before World War I, this unsettling drama explores hidden tensions. Its stark visuals and gripping story left viewers thinking.
‘The White Ribbon’ won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and earned two Oscar nominations. Its haunting tone made it a critical favorite.

The Cove (2009)

This documentary exposes the secret dolphin slaughter in Japan. Its intense storytelling and activism angle shocked and inspired viewers.
‘The Cove’ won the Oscar for Best Documentary and grossed over $1 million. Its powerful message resonated globally.

Mary and Max (2009)

A lonely girl and an older man form an unlikely pen-pal bond in this animated drama. Its touching story and unique visuals stood out.
‘Mary and Max’ earned widespread praise for its emotional depth, despite a limited release. It’s a hidden gem in animation.

An Education (2009)

A bright teen in 1960s London navigates a risky romance in this coming-of-age tale. Its sharp script and strong lead performance won hearts.
‘An Education’ grossed over $26 million and earned three Oscar nominations. Its charm and insight made it a critical hit.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

This quirky animated film follows a clever fox outwitting farmers. Its stop-motion style and witty humor delighted kids and adults alike.
‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ grossed over $46 million and earned an Oscar nomination. Wes Anderson’s charm made it a beloved classic.

In the Loop (2009)

This sharp political satire follows bumbling officials stumbling toward war. Its fast-paced dialogue and biting humor earned high praise.
‘In the Loop’ grossed over $7 million and nabbed an Oscar nomination for its script. It’s a cult favorite for political comedy fans.

The Loved Ones (2009)

A teen faces a twisted nightmare after rejecting a prom date in this horror flick. Its bold mix of gore and dark humor stood out.
‘The Loved Ones’ gained a cult following for its intense story and strong performances. It’s a hidden gem for horror fans.

A Prophet (2009)

A young man rises in a brutal prison world in this gripping French crime drama. Its intense story and strong lead performance won acclaim.
‘A Prophet’ grossed over $17 million and earned an Oscar nomination. Its raw storytelling made it a global hit.

mother! (2009)

A devoted mother fights to clear her son’s name in this South Korean thriller. Its mix of drama, mystery, and horror gripped audiences.
‘Mother’ earned critical praise and grossed over $17 million. Bong Joon-ho’s masterful direction made it a standout.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2009)

This documentary follows an aging metal band chasing dreams. Its heartfelt and funny story resonated with viewers.
‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ became a cult hit, grossing over $1 million. Its inspiring tale touched music fans worldwide.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

An Argentine investigator revisits a haunting case in this crime drama. Its emotional depth and twisty plot earned global praise.
‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and grossed over $35 million. It’s a gripping classic.

District 9 (2009)

This sci-fi thriller follows a man caught in an alien refugee crisis. Its fresh take on the genre and social commentary wowed critics.
‘District 9’ grossed over $210 million and earned four Oscar nominations. Its intense story and visuals made it a sci-fi gem.

Star Trek (2009)

This reboot of the classic franchise follows a young crew on a thrilling mission. Its action, humor, and visuals revitalized the series.
‘Star Trek’ grossed over $385 million and earned critical acclaim. It’s a fan favorite for sci-fi and action lovers.

Avatar (2009)

James Cameron’s epic sci-fi follows a Marine on an alien planet. Its groundbreaking visuals and immersive story changed cinema.
‘Avatar’ grossed nearly $3 billion, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its three Oscars cemented its place in film history.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Quentin Tarantino’s war epic follows a team plotting against Nazis. Its bold story and unforgettable performances thrilled audiences.
‘Inglourious Basterds’ grossed over $321 million and won an Oscar for its supporting actor. It’s a modern classic.

Up (2009)

Pixar’s tale of an old man’s balloon-powered adventure warmed hearts. Its stunning visuals and emotional story made it a masterpiece.
‘Up’ grossed over $735 million and won two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature. It’s Pixar’s finest work of the year.

The Hurt Locker (2009)

This intense war drama follows a bomb disposal team in Iraq. Its gripping tension and raw performances earned critical acclaim.
‘The Hurt Locker’ won six Oscars, including Best Picture, and grossed over $49 million. It’s the top-rated film of 2009.

Which of these 2009 films is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments!