🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Horror
- Release year: 2008
- Runtime (length): 2h
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (292K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
An angry elf dude wants to unleash robot ninjas because people suck, but a big red demon and his fishy friend try to stop him while singing karaoke.
🍿 Hellboy II: The Golden Army: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Ancient War and a Truce
The film opens with a flashback to 1955 where a young Hellboy listens to a story about an ancient war between humans and magical creatures. This war leads to the creation of the Golden Army, an unstoppable force. King Balor, realizing the army’s destructive potential, ends the war with a truce, dividing the world between humans and magical beings. The crown controlling the Golden Army is broken into three pieces to prevent its reawakening.

Prince Nuada’s Rebellion
In the present day, Prince Nuada, an elf prince, breaks the truce and begins a quest to reclaim the crown pieces and awaken the Golden Army. He believes humanity has violated the agreement and seeks to restore the dominance of magical beings. Nuada’s actions trigger a series of violent events, including a massacre at an auction where one of the crown pieces is located.

BPRD Investigates
Hellboy and his team at the BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense), including Liz Sherman and Abe Sapien, are called in to investigate the supernatural disturbances. They soon discover Nuada’s plot and the imminent threat posed by the Golden Army. A new agent, Johann Krauss, is assigned to the team, adding a new dynamic to their already complex relationships.

Quest for the Crown Pieces
The team races against time to locate the remaining pieces of the crown before Nuada can assemble it and unleash the Golden Army. Their investigation leads them to the troll market under the Brooklyn Bridge, a hidden world filled with mythical creatures. Abe Sapien develops a connection with Princess Nuala, Nuada’s twin sister, who opposes her brother’s violent agenda.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Hellboy (Ron Perlman): A cynical but ultimately heroic demon who works for the BPRD, struggling with his identity and relationship.
- Liz Sherman (Selma Blair): A pyrokinetic BPRD agent and Hellboy’s girlfriend, learning to control her powers and navigate their complex relationship.
- Abe Sapien (Doug Jones): An amphibious BPRD agent with psychic abilities who longs for connection and finds himself drawn to Princess Nuala.
- Prince Nuada (Luke Goss): A determined Elven prince who seeks to reclaim the earth for magical creatures by unleashing the Golden Army.
- Princess Nuala (Anna Walton): Prince Nuada’s twin sister who opposes her brother’s war and seeks to protect humanity.
- Johann Krauss (John Alexander/James Dodd/Seth MacFarlane): An ectoplasmic medium and new BPRD agent sent to oversee Hellboy, creating friction with the team.
- Tom Manning (Jeffrey Tambor): The BPRD director who struggles to manage Hellboy and the team while dealing with bureaucratic pressures.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Hellboy: “I’m gonna be a dad…dad…dad?” – Hellboy is surprised and overwhelmed after Liz reveals she’s pregnant.
- Prince Nuada: “You have been fighting for the wrong side. How long before they hate you too?” – Nuada tries to turn Hellboy against humanity by highlighting how he is also seen as a monster.
- Hellboy: “Aw, hell. I’m always the puppy.” – Hellboy says this sarcastically, lamenting his role as the underdog in a tough situation.
- Abe Sapien: “I’m not a baby! I’m a tumor!” – Abe says this when Hellboy is inspecting a small creature in the Troll Market.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $85,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $75,986,503
- Worldwide Gross: $168,319,243
💥 Hellboy II: The Golden Army Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely love this movie! The creatures are so imaginative, and the troll market scene is one of the best things I’ve ever seen in a fantasy film. Ron Perlman is perfect as Hellboy, and the relationship between him and Liz feels so real. The “Can’t Smile Without You” scene is hilarious and heartwarming. Every time I watch this, I discover something new to appreciate, I always tear up at the ending though when they are resigning! It is such a moving scene that makes me love the movie even more.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Guillermo del Toro’s visual style and creature design.”
- “Viewers who enjoy action-packed superhero movies with a dark fantasy twist.”
- “Those who appreciate films with a blend of humor, heart, and supernatural elements.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Fantasy violence and action sequences.”
- “Some scary images and creature designs.”
- “Mild language.”
Professional Reviews
- Empire Magazine: “Del Toro crafts a visual feast packed with imaginative creatures and thrilling action. While the plot is straightforward, the sheer creativity on display makes this a superhero sequel to savor. Ron Perlman continues to be perfectly cast as Hellboy.
- IGN: “Hellboy II delivers an exhilarating ride. The troll market scene alone is worth the price of admission. Though some of the humor feels forced, the movie’s heart and impressive visuals make it a worthy successor to the original.
- Rolling Stone: “Guillermo del Toro’s imagination is on full display in this visually stunning sequel. The action is top-notch, and the characters are as charming as ever. It might be a bit overstuffed, but it’s never boring.
Audience Reactions
The creature designs are unbelievably creative and beautifully realized.: Viewers consistently praise the movie’s stunning visuals and Guillermo del Toro’s unique vision.
The troll market scene is a standout, showcasing Del Toro’s imagination and attention to detail.: Fans appreciate the humor and heart in the characters’ interactions, especially between Hellboy and Liz.
Overall Consensus: Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a visually spectacular and imaginative sequel that offers a thrilling and entertaining experience, although some find the plot weaker than the original.
Awards
- Saturn Award (Best Make-Up)- 2009
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Guillermo del Toro turned down directing ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ to direct ‘Hellboy’. He also turned down directing ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ to direct ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’.”
- “Doug Jones, who plays Abe Sapien, also played the Angel of Death. The mechanical wings he wore weighed about forty pounds, and he was originally supposed to walk around the set, but when it was discovered that he could barely stand, they instead hung him from a wire, which is why The Angel of Death floats.”
- “The title sequence was created by Prologue Films, the same company that created the opening credits for ‘Seven’ and ‘Fight Club’.”
🖥️ How to Watch Hellboy II: The Golden Army?
Hellboy II: The Golden Army is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) can be found at online retailers such as Amazon and at most major retailers that carry movie titles. Pricing varies based on the platform and format.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Hellboy II: The Golden Army, you might like these similar films:
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Also directed by Guillermo del Toro, it shares a similar dark fantasy aesthetic and themes of good versus evil with fantastical creatures.
- Blade II (2002): Another comic book adaptation also directed by Guillermo del Toro, with similar action and creature design elements.
- The Shape of Water (2017): A more mature Del Toro film, exploring similar themes of acceptance and love for the ‘other’ with strong creature design.
- Hellboy (2004): The first movie that introduces the characters, origins, and dynamics of Hellboy’s universe. The film’s plot establishes the BPRD and Hellboy’s role as humanity’s protector against supernatural threats.
🛒 Hellboy II: The Golden Army Related Products
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army – Limited Edition Blu-ray: This Limited Edition Blu-ray features exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and collectible art cards. A must-have for die-hard fans, this edition enhances the viewing experience with detailed insights into the making of the movie and exclusive memorabilia.
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army – Art of the Movie: A comprehensive art book featuring concept art, sketches, and behind-the-scenes photos from the film’s production. Delve into the creative process and explore the intricate designs of the creatures, sets, and costumes.
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army – Wink Action Figure: A highly detailed and poseable action figure of Wink, Prince Nuada’s monstrous troll sidekick. Includes interchangeable hands and accessories, allowing fans to recreate iconic scenes from the movie.
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army – Hellboy T-Shirt: Officially licensed Hellboy II T-shirt featuring a striking design of Hellboy in action. Made from high-quality materials for a comfortable fit and long-lasting wear.
🎧 Soundtrack
Hellboy II: The Golden Army features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Prologue” – performed by Danny Elfman
- “Tooth Fairies” – performed by Danny Elfman
- “Can’t Smile Without You” – performed by Barry Manilow
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Filming locations for Hellboy II: The Golden Army included Sóskút, Pest, and Budapest in Hungary. Some scenes were also filmed at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Johann Krauss is voiced by Seth MacFarlane. The physical performance of the character was done by John Alexander and James Dodd.
Guillermo del Toro originally planned a Hellboy trilogy. However, due to financial reasons and creative differences, Hellboy 3 was never made. A reboot titled ‘Hellboy’ was released in 2019 with a different cast and director.
🔥 Bonus Content
Best Magic Weapon – Hellboy 2 Prince Nuada’s Changing Spear #nerd #movie #martialarts #weapons
Prepare to be captivated as this video delves into the fascinating details of Prince Nuada’s enchanting weapon from Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Get an up-close look at its remarkable abilities and design.
Did You Know In HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY…
Calling all Hellboy enthusiasts! Discover a hidden treasure in this video that uncovers fascinating facts from the making of Hellboy II. Learn how Seth MacFarlane’s quirky humor almost took over the character of Johann Kraus!
We Need More of Guillermo del Toro’s Better HELLBOY
Immerse yourself in a captivating discussion about Guillermo del Toro’s masterful Hellboy films. Delve into why they stand out and why his vision for the franchise is so captivating. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this epic saga!
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