District 9

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District 9

R

Released Aug 14, 2009

1h 51m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

310 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth -- not to conquer or give aid, but -- to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent (Sharlto Copley) contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9.

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Critics Consensus

Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

I don't know guys, at the end of the day it's aliens and hard for me to take this seriously.

Rated: B

Sep 12, 2017

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Jeannette Catsoulis

NPR

The wonder is that despite its obvious roots, District 9 feels staggeringly original.

Jun 17, 2015

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Jonathan Romney

Independent on Sunday

Blomkamp is good at mustering speedy action and posting grisly sight gags in the background, carnage always hovering comically at the edge of your vision. But I'm not sure that District 9 entirely gets the earthling racism out of its own system.

Jun 17, 2015

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Fico Cangiano

CineXpress Podcast

Easily, one of the most original and exciting science fiction films of the last 20 years. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/5

Mar 28, 2025

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Blomkamp doesn’t miss a step. His film is cynical, funny, smart, exciting, and satirical—all without losing his audience’s involvement in the scenario.

Rated: 4/4

Sep 4, 2023

Full Review

John Brhel

Vague Visages

District 9 might not be a classic like Alien or ‘The Terminator’ (not many films are), but it’s still an effective sci-fi film with depth and style.

Jun 5, 2023

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Oaklee D

District 9 is a 2009 film directed by Neil Blomkamp and produced by Mr lord of the rings himself Peter Jackson. The main gist of the film is that an alien ship had made it's way to Johannesburg. We're then introduced to the alien species that have been given the name Prawns by the locals after we receive some more back story it leads us to the modern day here and now part of the film where after years of unrest the Prawns are to be evicted and moved to a new camp by the MNU. Now I'm not going to go into the plot anymore here as it gets fairly interesting as the film progresses and I'd rather you see it for yourself as I wouldn't be able to do it justice. The mix of sci fi, body horror and dystopia make for an originally unique film but I did find the main character to be very unlikeable for a large chunk of the film I was hoping he'd redeem himself and I was happy to see he eventually did. The special effects are top notch, the Prawns are very detailed and the body horror scenes are really well done. This film is a treat for the eyes. I also thought that the way the film was set as part documentary and part narrative was very clever. Now with that being said I did enjoy this movie but I couldn't get into it as much as I wanted too. Overall it's an entertaining film but it just didn't end up being for me and isn't something I'm going to revisit in a hurry

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

Full Review

Anthony J.

Great watch. Definitely a unique sci-fi movie from story to cinematography. Very intense and keeps your attention throughout. I’m glad to see there are still some writers directors and producers that came come up with new ideas instead of just regurgitating the same old ideas franchises and plot lines. A must watch if you’re a sci-fi fan especially if you’re looking for something other than invasions or space wars.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

Full Review

Michael J

Es una obra maestra

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/25

Full Review

21 - Priyan B

2nd half has some lags but an unique attempt. Rating: 7.2/10

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/31/25

Full Review

Gerardo O.

Its vivid portrayal of human nature stays with you for years. The film is a sci-fi classic. Here’s to the return of Christopher Johnson!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/30/25

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DIYORBEK D

Men O'zbek kritigiman, film menga yoqti,

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

Full Review

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District 9: Trailer 2

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District 9: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth -- not to conquer or give aid, but -- to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent (Sharlto Copley) contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9.

Director: Neill Blomkamp
Producer: Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham
Screenwriter: Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell
Distributor: Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: WingNut Films
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Bloody Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 14, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $115.6M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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