The Best Movies of 2009

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Updated June 1, 2024 28.5K views 141 items
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Only movies released in theaters in 2009.

A list of the best movies of 2009, from top movies like Avatar to blockbusters like Star Trek. The '00s were a decade where Hollywood thrived with famous stars and big blockbusters and 2009 was no exception. Some of the best movies of this year are some of the great teen, coming of age, adventure, comedies, and dramas in history. The films on here are very memorable and had audiences on the edges of their seats, and still pack a punch so many years after they were first released. You shouldn't be too surprised by the good movies listed on here.

As stated before, some of the best movies of the decade were released in 2009. Who could forget top 2009 movies like Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges, The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock, and of course, Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. And let's not forget about Bruno either.

The best movies of 2009 featured some of the biggest stars in the movie business. Whether it was the aforementioned stars continuing their success or the breakout performances featured in The Hangover, or established stars like Brad Pitt in Inglorious Basterds and Jason Segal and Paul Rudd in I Love You, Man.

Some of the best movies of all time came out in in 2009. This is the ultimate list of the best and most popular movies that came out in 2009, which means you might be interested in the best movies of 2008 too. Vote and re-rank this list according to how you think the best movies of that year should be reflected.

Most divisive: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies of 2009
  • Up
    1

    Up

    Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
    684 votes
    Up, an animation adventure film, spins a story of unexpected friendships and unforeseen journeys. Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a whimsical journey after he ties thousands of balloons to his house. Russell (Jordan Nagai), a young wilderness explorer, accidentally joins him in this airborne odyssey. The two navigate diverse landscapes and meet colorful characters, including the exotic bird Kevin and the talking dog Dug (Bob Peterson). This Pixar creation, directed by Pete Docter, won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a testament to its imaginative storytelling.
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  • The Princess and the Frog
    2

    The Princess and the Frog

    Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David
    265 votes
    In the animated musical The Princess and the Frog, hardworking Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), transformed into a frog by the wicked Dr. Facilier (Keith David). A fumbled attempt to break the spell lands them both in a wild adventure through Louisiana's mystical bayous. The film, a delightful blend of traditional animation and jazz-age tunes, won an Academy Award for its original song Almost There.
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  • Inglorious Basterds
    3

    Inglorious Basterds

    Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz
    649 votes
    Set against the backdrop of World War II, Inglourious Basterds is a compelling tale about two plots to assassinate Nazi Germany's political leadership. The first plot involves Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), who leads a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the Basterds, on a mission to kill Nazis in gruesome ways. Parallel to this, Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a French-Jewish cinema proprietor, prepares her own scheme for revenge. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz). It's an intriguing blend of history and fiction, filled with Tarantino's signature humor and violence.
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  • Star Trek
    4

    Star Trek

    Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy
    548 votes
    Star Trek, a science fiction film directed by J.J. Abrams, embarks on a thrilling journey through the cosmos. The plot centers around James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), an impulsive cadet at Starfleet Academy, and Spock (Zachary Quinto), a Vulcan who struggles to reconcile his logical nature with his human half. Together, they must thwart the diabolical plans of the villainous Nero (Eric Bana). Aided by an ensemble cast of memorable characters like Uhura (Zoe Saldana) and Bones (Karl Urban), they navigate interstellar politics, alien races, and black holes. Filled with action-packed sequences and intricate storylines, Star Trek is both a reboot and homage to the original TV series. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
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  • The Hangover
    5

    The Hangover

    Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
    562 votes
    In the raucous comedy The Hangover, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) awake after a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night. The trio's soon-to-be-married buddy Doug (Justin Bartha) is missing, their hotel suite is trashed, and a tiger lurks in the bathroom. As they scramble to piece together the events of their blackout night and locate Doug, they encounter an array of eccentric characters and outrageous situations. A Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, The Hangover delivers laughs with its unforgettable blend of chaos and camaraderie.
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  • Zombieland
    6

    Zombieland

    Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
    511 votes
    In a world overrun by zombies, Zombieland offers a thrilling comedic ride. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy college student, pairs up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), an unapologetic cowboy. They're joined by Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), sisters with their own survival tactics. Together, they navigate their way across the zombie-infested United States in search of a safe haven. This 2009 horror-comedy is known for its unique blend of apocalyptic dread and humor, earning it critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
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  • Sherlock Holmes
    7

    Sherlock Holmes

    Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
    484 votes
    Sherlock Holmes, a gripping detective thriller, plunges you into the foggy lanes of 1890s London. The iconic detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) navigate a web of mystery, deception, and danger. From shadowy alleys to opulent mansions, they unravel a plot that threatens the entire city. With wit sharper than any blade and courage unwavering in the face of peril, this dynamic duo battles black magic and brute force alike. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this film is a thrilling ride into the mind of literature's greatest detective.
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  • The Hurt Locker
    8

    The Hurt Locker

    Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty
    405 votes
    In the gripping war film The Hurt Locker, Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner) leads a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War. The movie is a high-stakes portrayal of their perilous mission, where every moment could be fatal. This intense drama unfolds against a backdrop of chaos and conflict, with characters like Sergeant J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) adding depth to the narrative. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker won six Academy Awards in 2010, including Best Picture and Best Director.
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  • Fantastic Mr. Fox
    9

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman
    415 votes
    In the animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) lives an idyllic home life with Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep) and their son, Ash (Jason Schwartzman). However, when Mr. Fox's sly nature drives him to raid the farms of three wealthy farmers, he jeopardizes not only his family but the entire animal community as well. Directed by Wes Anderson, this stop-motion comedy-drama is a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel. It was nominated for two Oscars including Best Animated Feature. The movie, known for its witty dialogues and rich visuals, is a delightful mix of humor and adventure.
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  • Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
    10

    Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

    Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Amy Adams
    355 votes
    In Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is back, now as a successful inventor and entrepreneur. The exhibits at his old workplace, the Natural History Museum, are being shipped to federal storage at the Smithsonian Institution. Amidst this change, the magical Egyptian tablet that brings museum exhibits to life gets misplaced. This leads to an all-out battle between good and evil exhibits in the world's largest museum complex. With his old friends like Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck), and new ones such as Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), Larry must save the day once again. This adventure comedy sequel is a rollercoaster ride packed with humor, history, and action.
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  • Avatar
    11

    Avatar

    Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
    727 votes
    In Avatar, paraplegic ex-Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) finds a new lease on life on the alien world of Pandora. Aided by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), he embarks on a mission involving avatars, bodies that resemble the planet's native Na'vi inhabitants. As Jake explores Pandora's lush biosphere, he grows close to Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), a fierce Na'vi warrior. Their bond deepens as they face corporate forces driven by Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) that threaten Pandora's existence. This epic science fiction film directed by James Cameron snagged three Academy Awards for its groundbreaking visual effects and art direction.
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  • Coraline
    12

    Coraline

    Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders
    369 votes
    Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) is a dark, stop-motion animated fantasy movie adapted from Neil Gaiman's celebrated novel. Coraline, an adventurous girl, discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate world mirroring her own life but seemingly perfect. However, this parallel reality harbors sinister secrets. The 'Other Mother' (Teri Hatcher), who rules this realm, tries to keep Coraline forever. Directed by Henry Selick, the film received critical acclaim for its unique animation style and compelling narrative. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2009.
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  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
    13

    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    536 votes
    As Death Eaters wreak havoc in both Muggle and Wizard worlds, Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven for students. Though Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) suspects there are new dangers lurking within the castle walls, Dumbledore is more intent than ever on preparing the young wizard for the final battle with Voldemort. Meanwhile, teenage hormones run rampant through Hogwarts, presenting a different sort of danger. Love may be in the air, but tragedy looms, and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
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  • The Blind Side
    14

    The Blind Side

    Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron
    474 votes
    In The Blind Side, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) encounters Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager with a troubled past. Offering him shelter and support, the Tuohy family helps Michael discover his potential as a student and football player. This true-life drama, directed by John Lee Hancock, is an inspiring tale of compassion and opportunity. Bullock's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also netted a nomination for Best Picture, underscoring its profound impact on audiences and critics alike.
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  • District 9
    15

    District 9

    Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
    525 votes
    In the 2009 science fiction film District 9, an alien race, derogatorily referred to as Prawns, finds themselves stranded on Earth in Johannesburg. The central character here is Wikus van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a government agent assigned to relocate these beings to a new camp. This Neill Blomkamp-directed movie takes an unexpected turn when Wikus becomes the subject of a bizarre transformation, leading him into the heart of District 9's tension. Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, District 9 blends elements of dystopia with socio-political commentary, making it a notable entry in the genre.
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  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
    16

    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

    Noomi Rapace, Marika Lagercrantz, Lena Endre
    346 votes
    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish drama thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Swedish author/journalist Stieg Larsson. It is the first book in the trilogy known as the Millennium series, published in Sweden in 2005. By August 2009, it had been sold to 25 countries outside Scandinavia, most of them planning a release in 2010, and had been seen by more than 6 million people in the countries where it was already released. Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, the film stars Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace.
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  • Orphan
    17

    Orphan

    Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman
    203 votes
    In Orphan, Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John Coleman (Peter Sarsgaard) open their home to a nine-year-old girl, Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman), in the wake of a personal tragedy. As Esther settles into the family, her demeanor starts to shift and strange occurrences begin to unfold. The film is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of parenthood, trust, and deception. With an eerie narrative and chilling performances, this movie keeps viewers on edge till its shocking climax. A distressing tale of adoption gone wrong, Orphan unravels the dark secrets that lurk beneath innocence.
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  • Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
    18

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan
    314 votes
    In the animated film, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader) is an eccentric inventor whose latest creation, a machine that converts water into food, accidentally launches into the sky. The device starts to malfunction and causes food to rain down on his small town, much to the delight and then dismay of its inhabitants. Alongside weather reporter Sam Sparks (Anna Faris), Flint must stop his invention before it wreaks global disaster. This wacky comedy-adventure won the Golden Trailer award for Best Animation/Family in 2009.
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  • 2012
    19

    2012

    John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet
    257 votes
    In the disaster movie 2012, the world faces an apocalyptic cataclysm of biblical proportions. Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), a science fiction writer, stumbles upon these unsettling predictions and embarks on a race against time to save his family. Alongside him is Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a government scientist who also discovers the impending doom. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this film combines elements of action and science fiction genres, bringing together a star-studded cast in a thrilling narrative about survival and resilience amidst global catastrophe.
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  • Monsters vs. Aliens
    20

    Monsters vs. Aliens

    Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen
    219 votes
    In the animated feature Monsters vs. Aliens, Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day, causing her to grow to an enormous size. Dubbed Ginormica, she's taken to a secret government facility where she meets a motley crew of fellow monsters: Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), The Missing Link (Will Arnett), and B.O.B. (Seth Rogen). When an alien overlord named Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) threatens Earth, it falls to these unlikely heroes, under General W.R. Monger's (Kiefer Sutherland) command, to save humanity. This comedy-action film won the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film in 2009.
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  • Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
    21

    Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

    Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo
    229 votes
    In Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, the familiar gang we've grown to love faces new adventures. Manny (Ray Romano) and Ellie (Queen Latifah) are expecting a baby, whisking us into a world of prehistoric parenthood. Meanwhile, Sid (John Leguizamo), in his quest for familial fulfillment, stumbles upon three dinosaur eggs. This act propels him, and our loyal crew, into a hidden world beneath layers of ice, where dinosaurs still roam. Buck (Simon Pegg), the one-eyed dino-hunting weasel, becomes their guide in this new world teeming with danger and excitement. Amidst the chaos, Scrat's (Chris Wedge) pursuit of the elusive acorn continues, adding humor to this animated adventure tale.
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  • A Christmas Carol
    22

    A Christmas Carol

    Jim Carrey, Robin Wright, Gary Oldman
    262 votes
    In A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) is a miserly old man who despises the festive season. One Christmas Eve, he receives a visit from three spirits - the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These spectral visitors guide Scrooge through his own life, showing him the errors of his ways and what might befall him if he doesn't change. This animated retelling of Charles Dickens's classic tale is a fusion of drama and fantasy, with stunning visual effects that earned it an Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction.
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  • (500) Days of Summer
    23

    (500) Days of Summer

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend
    306 votes
    This indie rom-com follows the bittersweet relationship between Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an aspiring architect stuck in a mundane greeting card job, and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel), his charismatic colleague. Directed by Marc Webb, (500) Days of Summer subverts traditional narrative structure, unfolding in a non-linear fashion that mirrors Tom's emotional journey. Notably nominated for two Golden Globe awards, it explores themes of love, fate, and the nature of happiness through its protagonists' tumultuous romance and their contrasting views on relationships.
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  • The Road
    24

    The Road

    Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron
    178 votes
    In the bleak, post-apocalyptic movie The Road, a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) traverse an ashen landscape. Their world, ravaged by an unspecified cataclysm, is devoid of civilization. The pair press on in their journey towards the coast, clinging to hope. They encounter scarce resources and dangerous nomadic gangs, their survival hinging on their wits and the strength of their bond. Directed by John Hillcoat, this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer-winning novel presents a stark exploration of humanity's struggle for existence in a devastated world.
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  • Up in the Air
    25

    Up in the Air

    George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick
    344 votes
    In Up in the Air, we follow the life of Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizer and frequent flyer, whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million miles in air travel. Sharing his journey is Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), a fellow traveler, and Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), an ambitious young co-worker. Directed by Jason Reitman, this drama-comedy won Golden Globe awards for its screenplay and for Clooney's performance. It paints a poignant portrait of a man forced to reevaluate his life amidst constant transit.
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  • Where the Wild Things Are
    26

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo
    284 votes
    Embarking on a fantastical journey, Max (Max Records), the film's young protagonist in Where the Wild Things Are, finds himself in a realm of bizarre, yet endearing creatures. Directed by Spike Jonze and based on Maurice Sendak's treasured children's book, this adventure drama unfolds as Max becomes the ruler of these wild beings. Among them are Carol (James Gandolfini), Judith (Catherine O'Hara), and KW (Lauren Ambrose). The movie captures Max's struggle with loneliness and his yearning for friendship, offering viewers an enchanting exploration of childhood imagination. With its unique blend of live-action and puppetry, it won the 2010 BAFTA award for Best Production Design.
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  • The Proposal
    27

    The Proposal

    Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
    266 votes
    Within the 2009 rom-com The Proposal, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), an exacting book editor, finds herself in a pickle. Her work visa is denied, threatening her high-power job in New York. Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), her tormented assistant, becomes an unlikely solution. A faux engagement to circumvent immigration laws puts them in a hilarious situation. They journey to Alaska, meeting Andrew's vibrant family and experiencing eccentric local traditions. Amidst the comedy, unforeseen feelings emerge. Directed by Anne Fletcher, this film intertwines humor with unexpected romance, revealing that love can blossom in the most unusual circumstances.
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  • Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
    28

    Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

    Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra
    190 votes
    Viktor (Bill Nighy), the cruel king of the vampires, has persecuted the Lycans for centuries. Young Lycan Lucian (Michael Sheen) rallies his people against Viktor and his Death Dealer warriors. With his secret lover Sonja (Rhona Mitra), a vampire, at his side, Lucian leads the werewolves in a final battle to break free of enslavement -- or die trying.
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  • Moon
    29

    Moon

    Sam Rockwell, Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario
    258 votes
    Moon is a captivating science fiction drama, the directorial debut of Duncan Jones. The film features Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), stationed alone on a lunar base for a three-year stint. As his tenure nears its end, he starts to grapple with disturbing experiences, questioning his reality. GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey), an AI assistant, is his only companion during this ordeal. A gripping exploration of isolation and identity, Moon won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 2010. It's a cerebral journey that challenges viewers without relying on flashy special effects.
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  • X-Men Origins: Wolverine
    30

    X-Men Origins: Wolverine

    Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, will.i.am
    336 votes
    X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a gripping amalgamation of action, adventure, and science fiction genres. The film revolves around the character of Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), who embarks on an intense journey to unearth his complex past filled with violence, loss, and mutation. Alongside him is Victor Creed/Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber), a fellow mutant with a shared history, but differing moral compass. The narrative unfolds their tumultuous relationship and the origins of Wolverine's adamantium skeleton and claws. Directed by Gavin Hood, this movie offers a riveting exploration into one of Marvel Comic's most iconic characters.
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