9 Movie Review
Synopsis: In the movie 9, you are in a world where humanity has vanished, only machines remain. Among the ruins of civilization, a small group of sentient ragdoll-like creations must find a way to survive—and uncover the truth about what destroyed their world.
9 follows its namesake, a brave and curious creation brought to life in a bleak, mechanical wasteland. As he meets others like himself, including 1 (the leader), 2 (the inventor), and 7 (the fearless warrior voiced by Jennifer Connelly), the group must band together against deadly robotic predators. Along the way, they uncover secrets about their origins and the scientist who gave them life.
Visually stunning and emotionally gripping, 9 blends breathtaking animation with a haunting score and thought-provoking storytelling. It’s a dark, imaginative journey that explores themes of creation, courage, and the spark of life that endures even in the darkest times.
With its striking visuals and powerful message, 9 stands out as one of the most underrated animated sci-fi films of its era—a must-watch for fans of dystopian worlds, deep symbolism, and artistic animation.
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 Hour 19 Minutes
Director: Shane Acker
Dvd Extra’s: Deleted Scenes, The Long and the Short of it, The Look of 9, Acting Out, The Original Short, commentary, Languages: English, Espanol, Francais, Subtitles: English, Espanol, Francais.
Nudity Factor: None
Of Note: A canny choice of the marketing department was to give the film a release date of September 9, 2009 (09/09/09).
Script: 9 Movie Script
Recommendations:
Review by: Jason Schulte
Rating: 
9 takes viewers into a haunting post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been wiped out and only a small group of sentient rag-dolls remain. Each is stitched together from scraps of the old world, identified only by the number sewn onto their back. The film’s protagonist, Number 9, awakens in this desolate wasteland and soon discovers that survival isn’t the only challenge—the group must uncover why the world fell apart and whether hope can still exist among ruins.
Breathtaking Animation and Atmosphere
There’s no denying that the animation in 9 is absolutely stunning. The gritty textures, haunting landscapes, and imaginative mechanical designs pull you into a world that feels both familiar and alien. Every frame is carefully crafted, and the post-apocalyptic setting is rich with visual storytelling. It’s clear that Shane Acker and producer Tim Burton poured incredible artistry into building this universe.
Where the Story Falters
Unfortunately, while the visuals soar, the story falls short. The film feels like a strange blend of Edward Scissorhands and Fallout—a mix of beauty, melancholy, and chaos that doesn’t quite come together. It tries to balance being dark and emotional for adults while still accessible for younger audiences, but in doing so, it loses focus. The result is a narrative that feels both shallow and oddly disjointed.
Final Thoughts
Despite its gorgeous animation and haunting aesthetic, 9 struggles to deliver the emotional impact it seems to be reaching for. The world-building is impressive, but the characters and story never fully connect. It’s one of those films that looks incredible but leaves you wishing it had more substance beneath the surface.
If you love dark animated films or post-apocalyptic settings, 9 is worth watching for its artistry alone. Just don’t expect the story to pack the same punch as its visuals.