9 (2009 animated film)

9 is a 2009 American computer-animated dark fantasy adventure film directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov. The film features the voices of Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer, Crispin Glover, and Martin Landau.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where sentient machines have destroyed humanity. A scientist, prior to the cataclysm, creates nine sentient rag dolls, each imbued with a portion of his soul, to combat the machines. These dolls, designated by numerals, awaken one by one, with "9" being the last to come to life.

"9" discovers that he possesses the key to activating the others and understands the vital importance of their survival. He encounters "2," a kind inventor and scavenger, but their meeting is disrupted by a monstrous machine. "9" then seeks out the protection of "1," the self-proclaimed leader who prioritizes hiding over fighting. As "9" explores their ruined world, he learns about the origins of the machines and the scientist's plan to restore life.

The film centers on the efforts of "9" and his fellow stitchpunk creations to unravel the mysteries of their creation, learn how to defeat the remaining machines, and ultimately, find a way to bring hope back to a desolate world. The narrative explores themes of creation, responsibility, free will, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.