Hellboy smashes his way into the superhero cinematic pantheon.
In 2004, Hellboy was summoned to the big screen under the inspired direction of Guillermo del Toro, bringing Mike Mignola’s beloved comic book creation to life with a perfect blend of dark fantasy, pulpy action, and a surprising amount of heart. What could have easily been a standard superhero fare instead became a singular, visually stunning film, thanks to del Toro’s unique vision and a perfectly cast Ron Perlman, who embodies the titular demon with both gruff wit and gruffer vulnerability.
Hellboy follows the story of the cigar-chomping, sarcastic demon with a giant stone hand who works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence (BPRD). Despite being summoned to Earth by the Nazis during World War II, Hellboy has grown into a force for good, defending the world from supernatural threats while grappling with his own identity as a creature of darkness raised to protect humanity. Perlman is an absolute revelation in the role—his dry humour and world-weary charm make Hellboy both larger-than-life and deeply relatable. His performance captures the character’s internal struggle between his demonic heritage and his human upbringing, making him an unlikely but undeniably lovable hero.
Del Toro, a master of creature design and world-building, infuses Hellboy with an otherworldly aesthetic that sets it apart from other superhero films of the time. The gothic, art-deco inspired visuals create a moody, atmospheric world that feels both lived-in and fantastical. From the dark, rain-soaked streets to the creepy, Lovecraftian creatures Hellboy battles, every frame of the movie is imbued with a sense of wonder and menace that only del Toro could achieve. The creatures, in particular, are brought to life with a mix of practical effects and CGI, and the results are dazzling. Kroenen, the undead Nazi assassin, is as terrifying as he is visually striking, and the giant tentacled monsters add a layer of cosmic horror that feels right at home in the Hellboy universe.
Yet, despite all the supernatural spectacle, Hellboy remains grounded in its character relationships. Hellboy’s bond with his adoptive father, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm (John Hurt), is the emotional core of the film, giving the story a deep emotional resonance as Hellboy grapples with his destiny. The supporting cast, including Selma Blair as pyrokinetic Liz Sherman and Doug Jones (voiced by David Hyde Pierce) as the amphibious Abe Sapien, provide solid performances that complement Perlman’s larger-than-life persona. The chemistry between Hellboy and Liz adds a layer of humanity to the superhuman story, as it explores Hellboy’s yearning for normalcy and acceptance.
While Hellboy is certainly a visual feast and an exciting action film, it’s not without its flaws. The plot, involving the resurrection of the ancient, world-destroying god Ogdru Jahad by Rasputin (yes, that Rasputin), occasionally meanders and feels more like a setup for the spectacular action set pieces than a fully cohesive narrative. However, the film’s charm, energy, and del Toro’s sheer inventiveness more than make up for any narrative shortcomings.
One of the great strengths of Hellboy is its willingness to be quirky and embrace its strangeness. Whether it’s Hellboy sneaking out of his base to grab beers and candy with a kid, or having a battle with a giant tentacle monster in a subway station, the film never shies away from mixing the bizarre with the heartfelt. The film deftly balances its more absurd elements with genuine emotional stakes, making Hellboy a superhero film that isn’t afraid to be different, or to wear its heart on its sleeve.
Hellboy manages to become much more than just another superhero movie—it’s a story about identity, family, and finding your place in the world, even when you’re literally a demon with horns and a giant stone fist. Del Toro’s blend of horror, humour, and heart, combined with Ron Perlman’s pitch-perfect performance, makes Hellboy a standout entry in the genre, and a cult classic that still holds up.
