Name: Hellboy (2004)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: action, crime, horror
Released: 2004-02-09
Cast: Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, Karel Roden, Ron Perlman, Rupert Evans

Overview

Hellboy (2004) Storyline

Hellboy is a comic book screen adaptation directed by Guillermo del Toro and released on 2 April 2004 by Columbia Pictures / Revolution Studios. It sits in that wonderfully chaotic space where capes, monsters, masks, mutations and studio decision-making all collide.

Whether it landed as a fan favourite, a cult curiosity or a “well, that happened” entry, it remains part of the bigger comic movie timeline — and around here, that means it gets a seat at the table. Possibly the wobbly one near the back, but still.

action crime horror

Hellboy (2004) Details Director, release, studio & more

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Release: 02/09/2004
Runtime: 2 hr 2 min
Studio: Array
Content rating: 15
Universe: Dark Horse Comics
Last Updated: 7 Aug 2025

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CMDB Review

7/10

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Who's In It

Cast of Hellboy (2004)

Doug Jones

Jeffrey Tambor

Karel Roden

Ron Perlman

Rupert Evans

Selma Blair

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Trailer & Media

CMDB Review

Hellboy (2004) Review 7/10

Hellboy is one of those comic book adaptations that reminds you the genre has never been one simple thing. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, it brings its own mix of spectacle, character drama, questionable choices and moments that make fans either cheer, groan, or quietly check whether the sequel did it better.

The strongest parts usually come when the film commits to its central idea instead of apologising for being based on comics. When the characters feel bold, strange or sincere, the material works. When it gets too tangled in studio notes, tonal whiplash or franchise homework, you can practically hear the spreadsheet breathing behind the camera.

Still, that is part of the fun. Comic book movies are messy little beasts, and Hellboy has enough personality, legacy or pure oddball energy to deserve a proper spot in the database. It may not be perfect, but perfection is overrated. Capes are already ridiculous. We signed the waiver years ago.

Did You Know?

Hellboy was directed by Guillermo del Toro.
The film/series was released on 2 April 2004.
It was produced or distributed by Columbia Pictures / Revolution Studios.
Key cast members include Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans.
It forms part of the wider history of comic book adaptations on screen.
Like many comic adaptations, it balances fan expectations with mainstream audience appeal.
The project helped shape how later comic book stories were presented on film or television.
Its legacy is often discussed through a mix of nostalgia, franchise context and fan debate.
The title remains a useful snapshot of where the genre was at the time.
Most importantly, it proves comic book movies were never just capes and punching. Sometimes they were capes, punching and deeply questionable boardroom confidence.