Watchmen is a 2009 American superhero film directed by Zack Snyder, based on the acclaimed 1986–1987 DC Comics limited series co-created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Patrick Wilson. Set in an alternate history during the year 1985, at the height of the Cold War, Watchmen presents a dark and dystopian deconstruction of the superhero genre.
The story begins with the murder of Edward Blake, also known as "The Comedian," a former government-sanctioned vigilante. Rorschach, another vigilante who operates outside the law, investigates Blake's death and suspects that someone is targeting former heroes. He warns his old colleagues—Dan Dreiberg (Nite Owl), Laurie Jupiter (Silk Spectre), and Dr. Manhattan—of the potential danger. As they delve deeper into the conspiracy surrounding Blake's death, they uncover a plot that could have catastrophic consequences for humanity.
The film explores complex themes such as morality, power, and the nature of heroism. Each character grapples with their past actions and the implications of their choices in a world where traditional notions of good and evil are blurred. Dr. Manhattan, who possesses god-like powers, embodies this moral ambiguity as he struggles with his detachment from humanity.
Watchmen was notable for its visual style, closely mirroring the comic's artwork through elaborate cinematography and special effects. However, it received mixed reviews upon release; while some praised its fidelity to the source material and its stylistic choices, others criticized it for lacking the thematic depth present in the graphic novel. Despite this, it garnered a cult following over time and found success in home media markets.
The film premiered at Odeon Leicester Square on February 23, 2009, and was released in both conventional and IMAX theaters on March 6, 2009. It grossed over $185 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $130–138 million. Watchmen remains an influential work within the superhero genre, challenging conventions and prompting discussions about morality and societal issues in a way that resonates with audiences even years after its release.