Year: 2004
Runtime: 122 min
Language: English
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Budget: $66M
During World War II, a Nazi occult experiment to summon a powerful entity goes awry, leading to the unexpected arrival of Hellboy, a demon infant. Raised by the Allied forces, he grows into a formidable agent, working alongside a team of paranormal experts like Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman. Together, they confront supernatural threats and defend the nation from a rising tide of darkness and malevolent forces seeking to destroy the world.
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In 1944, the Nazis constructed a dimensional portal off the Scottish coast, seeking to unleash the Ogdru Jahad, a race of monstrous entities imprisoned in another realm. With the guidance of Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin, they aimed to summon these creatures to turn the tide against the Allies, believing such chaos would lead to a new paradise. Rasputin opened the portal with the help of his followers, Ilsa Von Haupstein and Obersturmbannfuhrer Karl Ruprecht Kroenen, who was a pivotal figure in Hitler’s inner circle.
An Allied task force, led by the knowledgeable Trevor Bruttenholm, was dispatched to thwart their plans. In the ensuing confrontation, the German team was eliminated, and the portal was destroyed, tragically absorbing Rasputin in the process. However, the destruction unleashed a baby demon with a mysterious stone right hand, which the team dubbed Hellboy.
Fast forward sixty years: Hellboy’s relationship with Bruttenholm has evolved, with Hellboy affectionately referring to him as “father.” Unfortunately, their bond is strained due to Hellboy’s frequent defiance of orders, which jeopardizes the Bureau’s reputation. Enter FBI agent John Myers, who is assigned to the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) at Bruttenholm’s behest. He encounters Hellboy and meets a psychic amphibian named Abe Sapien. Meanwhile, another BPRD member, Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), has checked into a mental health facility, hoping to protect others from her unpredictable pyrokinetic powers. Hellboy’s feelings for Liz complicate matters as she seems to be attracted to someone else, sparking his jealousy.
In a dark turn of events, Kroenen and Haupstein succeed in resurrecting Rasputin in the rugged landscapes of Moldova. Together, they unleash Sammael, a hell-hound capable of multiplying itself, growing stronger with each defeat. Meanwhile, Rasputin invades Liz’s slumber, tipping her powers into volatility and nearly wreaking havoc within the hospital. After much coaxing, she reluctantly returns to the Bureau.
Tragedy strikes when Bruttenholm is diagnosed with terminal cancer, with only days to live. He sends Hellboy and Abe on a mission to retrieve and destroy Sammael’s eggs before it’s too late. As they face off against the multiplying hell-hound, things intensify, leading to Abe sustaining injuries and Kroenen launching a lethal attack against an FBI agent. Kroenen, whose body is a twisted assemblage of mechanical parts, pretends to retreat after an encounter but is secretly plotting. As Hellboy struggles with jealousy over Liz, who is out with Myers, Rasputin reanimates Kroenen and confronts Professor Bruttenholm, offering the professor a glimpse of a dark future where Hellboy becomes the harbinger of destruction.
In a fit of rage, Kroenen murders Bruttenholm, leading to Hellboy and the attack team being guided to Rasputin’s hiding place in a Russian cemetery. Here, a fierce battle ensues where Hellboy reunites with Liz and Myers, ultimately leading to Liz unleashing her fiery powers against the Sammaels. After the trio is captured by Rasputin, he forces Hellboy into a catastrophic decision: release the Ogdru Jahad or watch Liz perish. In an intense moment of self-realization, Hellboy awakens his true potential as Anung Un-Rama, regrowing his horns but ultimately rejecting his destiny.
In a climactic confrontation, Hellboy stabs Rasputin, who becomes possessed by the monstrous Behemoth. Choosing sacrificial heroism, Hellboy detonates grenades, obliterating the creature from within. When Hellboy returns, he finds Liz’s life hanging in the balance. Drawing upon an emotional plea, he negotiates her release from the other side, leading to a heartfelt reunion. As they share a kiss, enveloped in flames, their bond is solidified amidst the chaos, while Myers stands witness to their love amidst turmoil.
Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:56
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Supernatural heroes fight epic threats while wrestling with their own humanity.Explore movies like Hellboy where teams of unconventional heroes battle supernatural threats. If you enjoyed the mix of chaotic action, grotesque monsters, and the heavy emotional weight of Hellboy's found family and personal destiny, this thread features similar stories of powerful outcasts fighting for a world that fears them.
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Movies are grouped here for their shared blend of high-intensity action, dark fantasy/horror elements, and a surprisingly heavy emotional core. They balance spectacular battles with character-driven stories about found family, redemption, and the struggle between one's nature and one's choices.
Powerful figures grapple with a prophesied evil fate while fighting for a better path.Discover films similar to Hellboy that explore the theme of a reluctant hero confronting a dark prophecy. If you were captivated by Hellboy's struggle against his demonic heritage and his choice to defy destiny for love, this thread features powerful stories about characters wrestling with fate, choice, and redemption.
The plot often involves a looming prophecy or a villain who believes the hero is key to their plans. The hero's journey is one of resistance and self-discovery, facing temptations and tragic losses that test their resolve. The climax frequently involves a pivotal choice that affirms their free will, leading to a bittersweet victory where the world is saved but personal sacrifices are profound.
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Don't stop at just watching — explore Hellboy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hellboy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Hellboy with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Hellboy. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Hellboy that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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