Most Popular Movies 2009
This chart shows the 2009 movie releases that have attracted the most interest on The Numbers web site over the past 24 hours. A share of 100 corresponds to 1 percent of the total views for all 2009 releases.
See also: Domestic Release Schedule for 2009 - Top 2009 Worldwide
| ← 2008 | Most Popular Overall | 2010 → |
| Avatar |
| Director: James Cameron |
| Lead Roles: Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana as Neytiri |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 17, 2009 (Wide) (Australia) |
| Keywords: 3-D, Invented Language, Visual Effects, Alien Invasion, IMAX: DMR, Humans as Aliens, Language Barrier, 2010 Oscars Best Picture Nominee, Romance, Interspecies Romance, Slow Motion Scene, Wheelchair User, Voiceover/Narration, Death of a Sibling, Twins, Death of a Twin, Genetic Engineering, 3-D - Shot in 3-D, Environment, Motion Capture Performance, Filmed in Wellington, New Zealand, Filmed in New Zealand, Filmed in United States, Filmed in Stone Street Studios, Wellington, New Zealand, Filmed in Playa Vista, CA, Filmed in California, United States, Filmed in Hughes Aircraft studio, Playa Vista, CA, Filmed in Los Angeles County, CA, Action Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Animation/Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $785,221,649 |
|
International BO: $2,138,484,377 |
Synopsis
Jake Sully is a wounded ex-marine, thrust into an effort to settle and exploit Pandora, an exotic moon rich in bio-diversity and inhabited by the Na’vi, a ten-foot-tall humanoid species. After Neytiri, a female Na’vi, rescues Jake after he becomes separated from his team, he learns more about the planet and eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival.
| Up |
| Director: Pete Docter |
| Lead Roles: Ed Asner as Carl Fredricksen, Jordan Nagai as Russell |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 28, 2009 (Wide) (Australia) |
| Keywords: 3-D, Infertility, Widow/Widower, Romance, Prologue, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Animal Lead, Talking Animals, 2010 Oscars Best Picture Nominee, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $293,004,164 |
|
International BO: $438,459,213 |
Synopsis
Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman, is about to fulfill a lifelong dream. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, he flies away to the South American wilderness. But curmudgeonly Carl’s worst nightmare comes true when he discovers a little boy named Russell is a stowaway aboard the balloon-powered house.
| Disney’s A Christmas Carol |
| Director: Robert Zemeckis |
| Lead Roles: Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and Ghosts |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 5, 2009 (Wide) by Walt Disney (New Zealand) |
| Keywords: Christmas in November, Christmas, 3-D, IMAX: DMR, Class Warfare, Haunting, Historical Drama, Motion Capture Performance, 3-D - Shot in 3-D |
| Classification: Remake, Drama, Digital Animation, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $137,855,863 |
|
International BO: $177,853,834 |
| Paranormal Activity |
| Director: Oren Peli |
| Lead Roles: Micah Sloat as Micah, Katie Featherston as Katie |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 25, 2009 (Limited) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Found Footage, Exorcism, Guerilla Filmmaking, Supernatural Horror |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $107,918,810 |
|
International BO: $86,264,224 |
| The Lovely Bones |
| Director: Peter Jackson |
| Lead Roles: Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon, Rachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 11, 2009 (Limited) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Heaven and Hell, Murdered Child, 1970s, Mystery Drama, Serial Killer, Death of a Son or Daughter, First Love, Possessed, Supernatural, Dysfunctional Family, Addiction |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $44,114,232 |
|
International BO: $50,780,216 |
| Sunshine Cleaning |
| Director: Christine Jeffs |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 13, 2009 (Wide) by Overture Films |
| Keywords: Baby Shower, Comedy Drama, Dysfunctional Family, Sibling Rivalry, Suicide, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Money Troubles, The Other Woman, Relationships Gone Wrong, LGBTQ+, F-Rated, F-Rated, Triple |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $12,062,558 |
|
International BO: $5,266,779 |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
| Director: David Yates |
| Lead Roles: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 15, 2009 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Boarding School, 3-D, IMAX: DMR, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $302,089,278 |
|
International BO: $623,979,813 |
| The Hangover |
| Director: Todd Phillips |
| Lead Roles: Bradley Cooper as Phil, Ed Helms as Stu, Zach Galifianakis as Alan |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 5, 2009 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Black Out Drunk, Day After, Accidental Engagement or Marriage, Body in a Trunk, Buddy Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $277,322,503 |
|
International BO: $188,165,080 |
Synopsis
Two days before his wedding, Doug and three friends drive to Las Vegas for a wild and memorable stag party. In fact, when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning, they can't remember a thing; nor can they find Doug. With little time to spare, the three hazy pals try to re-trace their steps and find Doug so they can get him back to Los Angeles in time to walk down the aisle.
| Toy Story 3D Double Feature |
| Lead Roles: Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 2, 2009 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Family Adventure, Living Toys |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $30,702,446 |
|
International BO: $5,165,623 |
| Five Minutes of Heaven |
| Lead Roles: Liam Neeson |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 21, 2009 (Limited) by IFC Films |
| Classification: Drama, Live Action |
|
Domestic BO: $15,676 |
| The Princess and the Frog |
| Director: John Musker, Ron Clements |
| Lead Roles: Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 25, 2009 (Exclusive) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Jazz, Spoiled Child, Food, Prince/Princess, Curses, Family Adventure, Talking Animals, Animal Lead |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Hand Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $104,400,899 |
|
International BO: $166,596,479 |
Synopsis
Hardworking and ambitious, Tiana dreams of one day opening the finest restaurant in New Orleans. Her dream takes a slight detour when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been turned into an amphibian by evil Dr. Facilier. Mistaking her for a princess and hoping to break the spell, Naveen plants a kiss on poor Tiana — thereby turning her into a frog as well. The pair hop along on an adventure through the bayous to seek the help of a powerful voodoo priestess.
| X-Men Origins: Wolverine |
| Director: Gavin Hood |
| Lead Roles: Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 1, 2009 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Marvel Comics, Disrupted by 2007/2008 WGA Strike, Action Adventure, Origin Story, Prologue, War, 1800s, The Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Scene in End Credits |
| Classification: Spin-Off, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $179,883,157 |
|
International BO: $194,942,603 |
| Fast & Furious |
| Director: Justin Lin |
| Lead Roles: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto, Paul Walker as Brian O'Connor, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 2, 2009 (Wide) (South Korea) |
| Keywords: Action Thriller, Crime, Car Chase, Revenge, Fugitive / On the Run, Drug Cartels, Crime Boss, Organized Crime |
| Classification: Based on Factual Book/Article, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $155,064,265 |
|
International BO: $204,283,568 |
| Old Dogs |
| Director: Walt Becker |
| Lead Roles: John Travolta as Charlie, Robin Williams as Dan |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 25, 2009 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Advertising and Marketing, Unexpected Families, Posthumous Release, Buddy Comedy, Twins |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $49,492,060 |
|
International BO: $45,612,244 |
| Sherlock Holmes |
| Director: Guy Ritchie |
| Lead Roles: Robert Downey, Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law as Dr. Watson |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 25, 2009 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Private Investigator, Bare Knuckle Fighting, Action Adventure, 1890s, Set in London, Set in England, Occult |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $209,028,679 |
|
International BO: $289,409,533 |
| Astro Boy |
| Director: David Bowers |
| Lead Roles: Freddie Highmore as Astro/Toby |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 23, 2009 (Wide) by Summit Entertainment |
| Keywords: Robot, Directing Yourself, Family Adventure, Anime, Inventor |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Adventure, Digital Animation, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $19,551,067 |
|
International BO: $22,085,176 |
Synopsis
In futuristic Metro City, a brilliant scientist named Tenma builds Astro Boy, a robotic child with superstrength, X-ray vision and the ability to fly. Astro Boy sets out to explore the world and find acceptance, learning what being human is all about in the process. Finding that his friends and family in Metro City are in danger, he uses his incredible powers to save all that he loves.
| The Hurt Locker |
| Director: Kathryn Bigelow |
| Lead Roles: Jeremy Renner as Staff Sergeant William James, Anthony Mackie as Sergeant JT Sanborn |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 26, 2009 (Limited) by Summit Entertainment |
| Keywords: War Drama, War, Oscars Best Picture Winner, 2010 Oscars Best Picture Nominee, Iraq War |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $17,017,811 |
|
International BO: $32,859,173 |
Synopsis
Staff Sgt. William James, Sgt. J.T. Sanborn and Specialist Owen Eldridge are members of a bomb-disposal unit in Baghdad. As their tour of duty enters its final weeks, the men face a set of increasingly hazardous situations, any of which could end their lives in an explosive instant.
| Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel |
| Director: Betty Thomas |
| Lead Roles: Justin Long as Alvin, Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon, Jesse McCartney as Theodore |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 23, 2009 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Talking Animals, Animal Lead, Singers, 2000s, Accidental Injury, Battle of the Sexes, High School, Set in Los Angeles, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Based on TV, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $219,614,612 |
|
International BO: $223,868,601 |
| Fantastic Mr. Fox |
| Director: Wes Anderson |
| Lead Roles: George Clooney as Mr. Fox, Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox, Jason Schwartzman as Ash |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 23, 2009 (Wide) by Twentieth Century Fox (United Kingdom) |
| Keywords: Animal Lead, Talking Animals, Heist, Life on a Farm, Food, Mid-Life Crisis, Crime Comedy |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Comedy, Stop-Motion Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $21,002,919 |
|
International BO: $25,184,592 |
Synopsis
After 12 years of bucolic bliss, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and raids the farms of their human neighbors, Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Giving in to his animal instincts endangers not only his marriage but also the lives of his family and their animal friends. When the farmers force Mr. Fox and company deep underground, he has to resort to his natural craftiness to rise above the opposition.
| Outlander |
| Director: Howard McCain |
| Lead Roles: James Caviezel as Kainan |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 23, 2009 (Limited) by Third Rail |
| Keywords: Alien Invasion, Vikings |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $166,003 |
|
International BO: $1,084,614 |
Synopsis
The story of what happens when an alien creature falls to Earth when there were no guns, no blasters — just brawn and steel.
| Coraline |
| Director: Henry Selick |
| Lead Roles: Dakota Fanning as Coraline Jones |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 6, 2009 (Wide) by Focus Features |
| Keywords: 3-D, Monster, 3-D - Shot in 3-D, Kids Horror, Dysfunctional Family, Alternative Dimensions / Parallel universe, Missing Child, Child Neglect |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Stop-Motion Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $75,286,229 |
|
International BO: $50,750,828 |
Synopsis
While exploring her new home, a girl named Coraline discovers a secret door, behind which lies an alternate world that closely mirrors her own but, in many ways, is better. She rejoices in her discovery, until Other Mother and the rest of her parallel family try to keep her there forever. Coraline must use all her resources and bravery to make it back to her own family and life.
| G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra |
| Director: Stephen Sommers |
| Lead Roles: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Heavy Duty, Christopher Eccleston as Destro, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Rex, Byung-hun Lee as Storm Shadow, Sienna Miller as Baroness, Rachel Nichols as Shana "Scarlett" O'Hara, Ray Park as Snake Eyes, Said Taghmaoui as Breaker, Channing Tatum as Conrad Hauser / Duke, Dennis Quaid as General Clayton Abernathy / Hawk |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 7, 2009 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Action Adventure, Presumed Dead, Terrorism, Bent on World Domination, Washington, D.C., Political, Special Ops |
| Classification: Based on Toy, Action, Animation/Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $150,201,498 |
|
International BO: $152,267,519 |
Synopsis
Armed with the latest in military and spy technology, the team of elite soldiers known as G.I. Joe travel around the globe to wherever their services are needed. In their latest assignment Gen. Hawk, Duke and the rest of the G.I. Joe team take on Destro, a corrupt arms dealer, and fight the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization.
| Flickan som lekte med elden |
| Director: Daniel Alfredson |
| Lead Roles: Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 25, 2009 (Wide) (Canada) |
| Keywords: Crime Thriller, Hackers, Sex Crimes, Dysfunctional Family, Remade, Film Noir, Human-Trafficking, Prostitution, Revenge |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $9,081,782 |
|
International BO: $61,615,330 |
Synopsis
Lisbeth, a computer hacker, goes on the run after being accused of three murders. It is up to journalist Mikael to investigate to try and clear her name.
|
Domestic BO: $402,111,870 |
|
International BO: $434,407,829 |
| Hannah Montana: The Movie |
| Director: Peter Chelsom |
| Lead Roles: Miley Cyrus as Miley Stewart / Hannah Montana |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 10, 2009 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Tween, Comedy Drama |
| Classification: Based on TV, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $79,576,189 |
|
International BO: $89,597,017 |