History's Best Selling Movies of 2009

Make way for the hits of 2009! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the turn-of-the-millennium pop explosion and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as Gran Torino shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Coraline. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Clint Eastwood and Steve Carr, these trailblazing products dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Gran Torino

   Released in 2009 by Clint Eastwood, Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Malpaso Productions

   On January 9, 2009, Clint Eastwood's powerful drama "Gran Torino" roared into theaters across the United States for its wide release. Following a limited, awards-qualifying run in December 2008, this was the date the film became a nationwide cultural event, introducing audiences to Walt Kowalski, one of Eastwood's most memorable characters. The film, which Eastwood both directed and starred in, arrived at a time of economic uncertainty and cultural transition in America. It immediately struck a chord with its story of a prejudiced Korean War veteran forced to confront his own biases and a changing world, becoming both a surprise box office smash and a major topic of conversation.

2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop

   Released in 2009 by Steve Carr, Kevin James, Adam Sandler, Happy Madison Productions, Columbia Pictures

   On January 16, 2009, during a weekend typically considered a dumping ground for films with low studio expectations, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" rode its Segway into theaters and became one of the year's most surprising cinematic phenomena. Against all odds and defying poor critical reviews, this family-friendly comedy starring Kevin James captured the hearts of audiences across North America. It debuted at number one at the box office, shattering projections and demonstrating the immense appeal of a simple, high-concept comedy. Its release marked a significant moment, proving that a relatable underdog hero and good-natured slapstick could triumph and become a massive commercial success.

3. Coraline

   Released in 2009 by Henry Selick, Laika, Focus Features

   On February 6, 2009, audiences were invited into a beautifully crafted and unsettlingly magical world with the theatrical release of "Coraline." Directed by Henry Selick, the visionary behind "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and produced by the burgeoning animation studio Laika, the film was a landmark achievement in stop-motion animation. It was the first-ever stop-motion feature to be conceived and shot entirely in stereoscopic 3D, a technical feat that immersed viewers in its story like never before. Its release on this date introduced the world to a dark fantasy that was both visually stunning and thematically complex, pushing the boundaries of what family entertainment could be and establishing Laika as a major force in the animation industry.

4. Madea Goes to Jail

   Released in 2009 by Tyler Perry, Lionsgate, The Tyler Perry Company

   On February 20, 2009, audiences flocked to theaters for the premiere of "Madea Goes to Jail," the fifth film in Tyler Perry's wildly popular Madea franchise. The release was a major event, capitalizing on the immense popularity of Perry's signature character, the tough-talking, no-nonsense matriarch Mabel "Madea" Simmons. The film's debut wasn't just another movie release; it was a cultural phenomenon that shattered box office expectations. Opening at number one in the U.S., it secured what was then the biggest opening weekend for any Tyler Perry film and for its distributor, Lionsgate. This date marks the moment a beloved stage character solidified her status as a certified box office titan, demonstrating the immense power of a dedicated, often underserved, audience.

5. Star Trek

   Released in 2009 by J.J. Abrams, Paramount Pictures, Bad Robot Productions

   Premiering on May 8, 2009, J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" represented a monumental gamble and a stunning success. The film arrived seven years after the franchise's last, poorly received entry, "Star Trek: Nemesis," when the brand was largely considered dormant and culturally niche. This release date marked a pivotal moment, as the film aimed to reboot the entire universe of the original 1960s series for a modern, mainstream audience. It needed to satisfy die-hard Trekkies while simultaneously captivating a new generation unfamiliar with Kirk, Spock, and the Starship Enterprise. Its spectacular opening proved the mission was an overwhelming success, relaunching Star Trek into a global blockbuster phenomenon.

6. Angels & Demons

   Released in 2009 by Ron Howard, Columbia Pictures

   May 15, 2009, marked the wide theatrical release of 'Angels & Demons,' a highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster 'The Da Vinci Code.' Audiences around the globe eagerly awaited the return of symbologist Robert Langdon for another thrilling adventure steeped in ancient conspiracies and religious intrigue. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film demonstrated formidable commercial power, quickly asserting itself as a major box office success. This date signified the moment millions could dive back into Dan Brown's intricate world, proving the enduring appeal of his suspenseful narratives on the big screen.

7. Up

   Released in 2009 by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

   On May 29, 2009, Pixar Animation Studios released its tenth feature film, "Up," which soared into theaters and the hearts of audiences worldwide. Directed by Pete Docter, the film premiered as the opening selection at the Cannes Film Festival, a first for an animated feature, signaling its artistic ambition. At a time when computer-animated films were becoming ubiquitous, "Up" distinguished itself with a story of profound emotional depth, focusing on themes of love, loss, grief, and finding new purpose in old age. Its release marked a new high point for Pixar, proving the studio's unparalleled ability to blend breathtaking adventure with deeply human storytelling that resonated with viewers of all ages.

8. The Hangover

   Released in 2009 by Todd Phillips, Warner Bros. Pictures

   June 5, 2009, marked the highly anticipated North American theatrical release of 'The Hangover,' a film that would swiftly redefine the R-rated comedy genre and become a massive sleeper hit. This date ushered in a new era for adult humor, as audiences flocked to witness the chaotic aftermath of a bachelor party gone horribly wrong in Las Vegas. The movie's unexpected critical acclaim and staggering box office performance, ultimately nearing half a billion dollars worldwide, cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon and made its premiere a significant moment in modern cinematic history, launching the careers of its lead actors into superstardom.

9. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

   Released in 2009 by Michael Bay, Paramount Pictures

   June 24, 2009, marked the global theatrical release of 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,' a highly anticipated sequel that exploded onto cinema screens worldwide. Following the massive success of the first film, expectations were sky-high for this second installment in Michael Bay's action-packed live-action adaptation of the beloved Hasbro toy line. This date was a monumental occasion for fans and a significant event in cinematic history, as the film was poised to shatter box office records, leveraging its groundbreaking visual effects and the enduring popularity of its robotic heroes and villains. Its premiere heralded a summer blockbuster event, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of its year.

10. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

    Released in 2009 by Carlos Saldanha, 20th Century Fox

    June 26, 2009, marked the global theatrical debut of 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,' a pivotal moment for Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox. This third installment in the beloved animated franchise didn't just entertain; it roared into the box office, setting new benchmarks and solidifying its place as a summer blockbuster. It became a monumental commercial success, ultimately grossing close to $900 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year and the most successful entry in the Ice Age series. The release date itself heralded the arrival of a prehistoric adventure that captivated audiences globally with its innovative 3D presentation and a thrilling new storyline, drawing families into a vibrant, unseen world beneath the ice.

11. 2012

    Released in 2009 by Roland Emmerich, Sony Pictures Releasing

    On November 11, 2009, audiences in select international markets were first plunged into the catastrophic world of Roland Emmerich's disaster epic, "2012." This date marked the earliest commercial theatrical release for the film, preceding its wider global rollout. "2012" promised a spectacle of unprecedented global destruction, and it delivered, shattering box office expectations. Its debut initiated a massive worldwide gross that would eventually climb to over $769 million, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of its year. This premiere date was the beginning of a cinematic event that captivated audiences with its vision of the end of the world, making it a truly special moment in the annals of disaster cinema.

12. The Twilight Saga: New Moon

    Released in 2009 by Chris Weitz, Summit Entertainment

    November 20, 2009, marked the global theatrical premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', an event that sent shockwaves through the cinematic landscape and delighted millions of eager fans worldwide. This date wasn't just another Friday release; it was a cultural phenomenon, continuing the saga of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen with renewed intensity. The film immediately shattered box office records, demonstrating the immense power of its dedicated fanbase and solidifying the 'Twilight' series as a dominant force in popular culture. Its launch was a testament to effective marketing, a passionate built-in audience, and the compelling allure of a supernatural romance that transcended typical young adult fiction, making this day an unforgettable milestone in movie history.

13. Avatar

    Released in 2009 by James Cameron, 20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Entertainment

    On December 18, 2009, James Cameron's science fiction epic "Avatar" was released in theaters, an event that fundamentally altered the landscape of modern cinema. After more than a decade in development, the film's premiere was one of the most anticipated cultural moments of the new millennium. This was more than just a movie; it was the unveiling of a new technological paradigm. Cameron's revolutionary use of stereoscopic 3D filmmaking and advanced performance-capture technology promised an immersive experience beyond anything audiences had ever witnessed. This date marks the moment a blockbuster film became a global technological phenomenon, setting new standards for visual effects and launching an unprecedented box office run that would rewrite the industry's record books.

14. Sherlock Holmes

    Released in 2009 by Guy Ritchie, Warner Bros. Pictures

    The thrilling reintroduction of the world's most famous detective, Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes," exploded onto North American screens on December 25, 2009. This Christmas Day release proved a stroke of marketing genius, capitalizing on holiday crowds eager for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Far from a quiet period piece, this film promised and delivered a kinetic, reimagined take on Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic character, featuring a dynamic Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Its debut marked a significant moment for the Sherlock Holmes canon, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the detective and his world while propelling the franchise to a blockbuster status that few could have predicted, setting the stage for impressive box office returns.