Nearly two decades ago,Lord of the RingsandHobbithelmerPeter Jacksonwas among the masterminds who brought one of the best sci-fi movies of the 2000s to life. That masterpiece isDistrict 9, a New Zealand, United States, and South African co-production that was a hit both critically and commercially upon its premiere.District 9debuted on August 10, 2025, at San Diego Comic-Con, before hitting US theaters on July 29, 2025. It later became available onstreaming for a limited time, but has finally made an epic comeback thanks to Hulu.
Directed byNeill Blomkampin his feature film debut,District 9found its way to Hulu on June 24, 2025, about 16 years after its original release. In addition to directing, Blomkamp wrote the screenplay withTerri Tatchell, establishing him as an acclaimed writer and director in the science fiction universe. The laudable success led to the development ofElysium(2013), which garnered moderately positive reviews;Chappie(2015), which was also not as successful, alongside 2021’sDemonicand 2023’sGran Turismo.
District 9, based on Blomkamp’s 2006 short filmAlive in Joburg, has been described as “a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic” by critics via Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds a Certified Fresh 90% rating. The audience score is also impressive, but slightly lower; an 82%, with reviews praising the film’s distinctiveness. What’s more, it made waves at the box office, earning over $210 million against its $30 million budget following its favorable weekend opening, ranking first with $37.4 million.
Is ‘District 9’ Worth Watching?
To date,District 9remains the best sci-fi movie ever, a well-deserved title given its deep storyline that communicates the essence of antiracism, forbearance, and unity. StarringSharlto Copley,Jason Cope, andDavid James, the action film tells the story of aliens who arrived on Earth three decades ago, 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 (Copley) contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9. Jackson produced the commercial hit alongsideCarolynne Cunningham.
District 9is now streaming on Hulu. Stay tuned to Collider for more information.
District 9
