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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| My Bloody Valentine |
| Director: Patrick Lussier |
| Lead Roles: Jensen Ackles as Tom Hanniger, Jaime King as Sarah Palmer |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 16, 2009 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: 3-D, Slasher Horror |
| Classification: Remake, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $51,545,952 |
|
International BO: $51,290,050 |
Synopsis
Ten years ago, an inexperienced coal miner named Tom Hanniger caused an accident that killed five men and put a sixth, Harry Warden, into a coma. A year later, on Valentine’s Day, Harry woke up and murdered 22 people with a pickaxe before dying. Now Tom has returned home, still haunted by the past. And something else is back in Harmony: a pickaxe-wielding killer in a miner’s mask, who may be the ghost of Harry, come to claim Tom and his friends.
| The Proposal |
| Director: Anne Fletcher |
| Lead Roles: Sandra Bullock as Margaret Tate, Ryan Reynolds as Andrew Paxton |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 19, 2009 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Romance, Directing Yourself, Romantic Comedy, Boss From Hell, Publishing Industry, Fired, Marriage of Convenience, Immigration, Set in Alaska |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $163,958,031 |
|
International BO: $150,751,686 |
|
Domestic BO: $402,111,870 |
|
International BO: $434,407,829 |
| The Twilight Saga: New Moon |
| Director: Chris Weitz |
| Lead Roles: Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan, Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 19, 2009 (Wide) (Australia) |
| Keywords: Vampire, Romance, Romantic Drama, Young Adult Book Adaptation |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $296,623,634 |
|
International BO: $390,934,093 |
Synopsis
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| 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.
| He's Just Not That Into You |
| Director: Ken Kwapis |
| Lead Roles: Ben Affleck as Neil, Jennifer Aniston as Beth, Drew Barrymore as Mary, Jennifer Connelly as Janine, Kevin Connolly as Conor, Bradley Cooper as Ben, Ginnifer Goodwin as Gigi, Scarlett Johansson as Anna, Justin Long as Alex |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 6, 2009 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Romance, Romantic Comedy, Relationships Gone Wrong, Non-Chronological, LGBTQ+, Infidelity, Voiceover/Narration, Unrequited Love, Scene in End Credits |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $93,953,653 |
|
International BO: $87,100,004 |
| Angels & Demons |
| Director: Ron Howard |
| Lead Roles: Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 15, 2009 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Crime Thriller, Catholic, Kidnap, Terrorism, Shadowy Organization, Revenge |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $133,375,846 |
|
International BO: $357,500,000 |
| 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: $116,472,020 |
|
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.
| 3 Idiots |
| Director: Rajkumar Hirani |
| Lead Roles: Aamir Khan as Rancho, R. Madhavan as Farhan Qureshi, Sharman Joshi as Raju Rastogi |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 23, 2009 (Limited) by Big Pictures |
| Keywords: Medical and Hospitals, Dysfunctional Family, Romance, Coming of Age, Surprise Twist, Voiceover/Narration, Non-Chronological, Photography, Academics, Secret Identity, College, Bollywood, Foreign Language, Remade, Comedy Drama, Suicide, Death of a Sibling, Death of a Son or Daughter, Ensemble, Satire |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $6,533,849 |
|
International BO: $63,000,000 |
| Brüno |
| Director: Larry Charles |
| Lead Roles: Sacha Baron Cohen as Bruno |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 10, 2009 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Mockumentary, Satire, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy, Models, LBGTQ |
| Classification: Based on TV, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $60,054,530 |
|
International BO: $78,653,997 |
Synopsis
Blacklisted after crashing a runway presentation, a flamboyant Austrian fashionista travels to the United States, where he hopes to launch a celebrity interview show. In his quest for superstardom, Brüno sparks one outrageous situation after another, pushing the boundaries of decorum to the breaking point.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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 Wonder of it All |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 17, 2009 (Limited) by Indican Pictures |
| Keywords: Space Program |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Documentary, Live Action, Factual |
|
Domestic BO: $781,016 |
| Orphan |
| Director: Jaume Collet-Serra |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 24, 2009 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Scary Kids, Adopted Family, Surprise Twist, Dwarfism, Psychological Thriller |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $41,596,251 |
|
International BO: $37,173,177 |
| 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 |
| Paul Blart: Mall Cop |
| Director: Steve Carr |
| Lead Roles: Kevin James as Paul Blart |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 16, 2009 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Action Comedy, Crime, Hostage, Rescue, Single Parent |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $146,336,178 |
|
International BO: $39,568,572 |
| American Pie Presents: The Book of Love |
| Video Release Date: December 22, 2009 by Universal Home Entertainment |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
| 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.
| 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 |
| Knowing |
| Director: Alex Proyas |
| Lead Roles: Nicolas Cage as John Koestler |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 20, 2009 (Wide) by Summit Entertainment |
| Keywords: Action Thriller, Psychics, Disaster, End of the World, 1950s, Single Parent |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $79,957,634 |
|
International BO: $106,492,683 |