A ton of great films hit theatres in 2009, and now they're all approaching a big milestones. In 2019, fan-favourite films like Avatar [1] and The Hangover [2] will be turning a decade old! Seriously, are we really that old? Answer: yes, yes we are. Not only were these films wildly entertaining, but they also broke tons of records when they were released. See which memorable films will be celebrating their tenth anniversary (and a few that are getting sequels [3]) ahead.
Zombieland
The film, which starred Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone [5], and Abigail Breslin [6], really set the tone for the zombie genre. At the time, it was the top-grossing zombie film in the United States. As the film approaches its 10th anniversary, fans can look forward to even more adventures. A sequel starring the original cast [7] is set to be released in October 2019.
Star Trek
The Star Trek reboot introduced a whole new generation to the beloved franchise with actors like Chris Pine [8] and Zachary Quinto [9] taking on iconic roles as James T. Kirk and Spock, respectively. It also became the first Star Trek film to win an Academy Award when it took home best makeup in 2010. The film was eventually followed by two sequels, Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013 and Star Trek Beyond in 2016.
The Hangover
This film, starring Justin Bartha [10], Bradley Cooper [11], Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis [12], was comedy gold when it was first released in December 2009. Not only was it full of hilarious one-liners [13], but fans loved it so much it was eventually granted two sequels, The Hangover Part II in 2011 and The Hangover Part III in 2013.
The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock [14] has always been known for her comedic roles, but that all changed when she starred in this biographical drama about football star Michael Oher. The film gained critical acclaim, and eventually earned Bullock her first Oscar for best actress.
500 Days of Summer
This film really shook up the romantic comedy genre when it was released in 2009. Not only did people fall in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel [15]'s quirky onscreen romance, but it also gained over $60 million at the box office [16].
Up
The Disney Pixar film really tugged at people's heartstrings when it was first released. Seriously, we'll never recover from that montage of Carl and his wife Ellie ageing together in the beginning of the film. Up became the second animated film in history to be nominated for best picture at the Oscars, following Beauty and the Beast in 1991.
The Proposal
The world completely fell in love with Sandra Bullock [17] and Ryan Reynolds [18]'s onscreen chemistry in this hilarious romantic comedy. Not only was the film a huge box office success, but Bullock even earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for best actress in a comedy or musical.
The Princess and the Frog
The film, which was loosely based on the novel The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker, was groundbreaking in multiple ways. In addition to featuring the first black Disney princess, it also received three Academy Award nominations, including one for best animated feature and best original song.
Inglourious Basterds
The Quentin Tarantino [19] film, which starred A-listers like Brad Pitt [20], Michael Fassbender, and Diane Kruger [21], was a box office hit when it was first released. It grossed over $321 million [22], making it the director's highest-grossing film at the time. It also received multiple awards and nominations, including eight Oscar nominations.
Avatar
The James Cameron film about an alien planet called Pandora made waves when it was first released in 2009. Not only was it nominated for countless awards, including nine Oscars, but it broke records at the box office. It even became the highest-grossing film of all time [23], beating out Cameron's Titanic [24]. Thankfully, fans will be reunited with their favourite characters soon enough. The director has signed on to produce four sequels, with the first set to be released on Dec. 18, 2020.