Every 9 Movie Poster Explained (2024)

Released in 2009, 9 stands out as a cinematic gem that marries the dark visionary talents of producer Tim Burton with the innovative one-time director of Shane Acker, represented artfully by each 9 movie poster. The movie has a post-apocalyptic setting where humanity has fallen, leaving behind a world overrun by machines. In this desolate landscape, nine animated ragdoll beings, each infused with aspects of their creator's soul, embark on a journey to find their place in this new world order. The film has a distinctive animation style, blending elements of steampunk and dark fantasy, creating a uniquely atmospheric environment.

9 is a 2000s sci-fi masterpiece that explores themes of survival, identity, and the essence of humanity through the interactions and struggles of its ragdoll protagonists. To coincide with the film's release, a series of eight posters was unveiled (3 and 4 were paired), each dedicated to one of the titular characters, offering deeper insight into the individual personalities and roles of these beings within the film's narrative. These posters are not merely promotional materials but are artworks in their own right, intricately designed to reflect the essence of each character and the overarching themes of the movie.

8 1

1's Stance Highlights His Control & Order

The 9 movie poster featuring 1, voiced by Christopher Plummer (Knives Out), captures the character's authoritative and domineering nature, with him standing resolutely below a looming clock. This imagery not only emphasizes his self-appointed role as the leader of the group but also symbolizes the ticking clock against which they all struggle for survival. 1's appearance, stern and unyielding, reflects the fearful, arrogant, and cowardly aspects of the Scientist's personality.

1's stance below the clock highlights his obsession with control and order, even in a world where such concepts have largely been rendered obsolete. This poster conveys a sense of urgency and the weight of leadership that 1 burdens himself with, illustrating his complex relationship with the group and foreshadowing the internal conflicts that arise due to his rigid leadership style and refusal to accept dissent, particularly from 9.

7 2

2 Is Presented As Innovative & Resourceful

The poster of 2 (voiced by Martin Landau) stands out for its depiction of the character on a backdrop of rubble, signifying the post-apocalyptic setting of the movie. It showcases 2's nature as the creative and genius inventor of the group, highlighting his fascination with the remnants of the past as a source for his inventions.

The use of scrap and garbage around him not only speaks to his resourcefulness but also to the desolation of the world they inhabit. This imagery suggests 2's role as a beacon of hope and innovation, using what was left behind to forge a path forward for himself and his companions. His early demise in the movie adds a layer of tragedy to this poster, emphasizing the loss of creativity and ingenuity in a world that desperately needs it.

6 3 & 4

The Twins Hiding Behind Books Hints At Their Knowledge

The poster featuring 3 and 4 hiding behind books with expressions of fear encapsulates their identities as the twin historians of the group. Their placement behind books signifies their role as keepers of knowledge in a world where history has been obliterated. The scared looks on their faces highlight the constant danger they face while fulfilling their mission of preserving the past.

The twins' inability to speak, using instead flickering lights to communicate, adds a layer of mystery and emphasizes their reliance on non-verbal forms of expression, such as the images they project from their eyes. This poster effectively conveys their importance to the group's understanding of the world, as well as their vulnerability in the face of its dangers. It also hints at the resilience and survival of knowledge and history through adversity, as they are among the few characters who survive the film's events.

5 5

5's Poster Reflects The Character's Vigilance

5, voiced by John C. Reilly (Step Brothers), is depicted on a rooftop, peering through a telescope, an image that immediately conjures notions of vigilance, hope, and the search for something beyond the immediate desolation. This poster underscores 5's role as the healer and the heart of the group, showcasing his nurturing and caring nature amidst the chaos of their world.

5's position above the ground, looking out into the distance, symbolizes his forward-looking perspective and his hope for a future beyond conflict and destruction. The loss of his eye, a result of the ongoing battle between human and machine, is a testament to his bravery and the sacrifices he has made. This visual representation of 5 highlights his essential role in maintaining the group's morale and unity, portraying him as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of fear.

4 6

6's Poster Paints Him As The Most Creative

The poster of 6 (Crispin Glover) immersed in ink with a painted "6" on the wall captures the essence of his character as the artistic soul of the group. His disproportionate eyes and fingers made of ink pen nibs are prominently featured, symbolizing his unique perspective and the creative madness that drives him. This portrayal emphasizes 6's role as the seer, the one who looks beyond the visible world to uncover deeper truths.

6's drawing, often seen as cryptic or obsessive, is represented by the chaotic splashes of ink and the prominent "6" marking his territory, suggesting his need to communicate his visions despite their misunderstood nature. This poster hints at the duality of creativity and madness, showcasing 6's integral role in the group's journey with his ability to see what others cannot, even as it leads to his untimely demise.

3 7

7's Superhero Pose Reflects Her Role As A Guardian

7 (Jennifer Connelly) is depicted on rubble, striking a superhero pose with a knife in hand, embodying the spirit of the warrior and the rebel. This poster vividly captures her fierce independence and readiness to fight for the survival and freedom of her companions. The choice of a knife as her weapon and her dynamic pose reflect her agility, bravery, and willingness to confront danger head-on.

7's protective stance towards 3 and 4, hinted at in her determined expression and the strategic position she holds, speaks to her role as a guardian and mentor within the group. This visual representation of 7 underscores her significance as a symbol of resistance and empowerment, highlighting her crucial role in the group's struggle against the oppressive forces that seek to extinguish their existence.

2 8

8's Poster Portrays Him As The Toughest Character

The poster showing 8 (Fred Tatasciore) with a giant kitchen cleaver and half a scissor blade, poised to fight a winged creature, instantly communicates his role as the group's protector and enforcer. His imposing figure and choice of heavy, makeshift weapons reflect his physical strength and his function as the brute force within the group.

The imagery suggests a moment of impending conflict, highlighting 8's readiness to defend his companions, especially 1, whom he is tasked to protect. Despite his limited intelligence, this depiction of 8 emphasizes his importance in the group's survival, showcasing his loyalty and the simple yet vital contribution of strength and protection in a world filled with threats.

1 9

9 With The Talisman Depicts His Youthful Leadership

The poster of 9, voiced by Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings), the most important character in the movie, holding a talisman in the form of a staff with a bulb on top, exploring the apocalyptic landscape, encapsulates his role as the embodiment of humanity and the seeker of truth. 9's youthful appearance and inquisitive posturereflect his innate curiosity and determination to understand the origins and meaning of their existence.

The staff with a bulb symbolizes enlightenment and the quest for knowledge, suggesting 9's leadership in guiding the group toward discovery and understanding. This image conveys a sense of adventure and hope, highlighting 9's essential qualities of thoughtfulness, sincerity, and intelligence. The 9 movie poster portrays him as a beacon of light in the darkness, a symbol of the enduring human spirit in the quest for purpose and truth in a shattered world.