There are things that go bump in the night, and Netflix has one of the best bumpers around—but only until June 30. Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy (2004) is a rare gem that seamlessly fuses science fiction and fantasy, all while delivering one of the most faithful and entertaining comic book adaptations ever made. If you haven't seen it, or if you're craving a rewatch, now's the time.
Based on Mike Mignola's Dark Horse comics, Hellboy kicks off during World War II, when the sorcerer Grigori Rasputin summons a demon to Earth. That demon, nicknamed Hellboy (Ron Perlman), is adopted by occult scientist Trevor "Broom" Bruttenholm (John Hurt) and becomes an agent for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). What follows is a wild ride that balances dark fantasy, sci-fi tropes, and genuine heart.
Why Hellboy Still Holds Up
Part of the film's magic lies in its source material. Del Toro drew heavily from the first Hellboy comic, Seed of Destruction, which establishes Hellboy's origin, his relationships with Abe Sapien (voiced by David Hyde Pierce) and Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), and Rasputin's apocalyptic scheme. Del Toro added his own twists—replacing frog-men with the demonic hound Sammael and deepening the romantic tension between Hellboy and Liz—giving the story a fresh yet respectful spin.
But the real secret weapon is Ron Perlman. As Hellboy, Perlman embodies the ultimate outsider: a demon who loves Baby Ruths, Red Bulls, and cracking wise, yet struggles with his feelings for Liz and his destiny as the Beast of the Apocalypse. Del Toro once called Perlman "the Lon Chaney of the 21st Century," praising his ability to convey nuance under heavy makeup. It's a performance that rivals Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man or Michael Keaton's Batman in terms of bringing a comic book character to vivid life.
A Legacy That Couldn't Be Matched
Hellboy was a box office hit, grossing nearly $100 million and spawning a sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, which doubled down on del Toro's visual flair. Sadly, the planned trilogy never materialized. A 2019 reboot starring David Harbour failed to connect with audiences, and the recent Hellboy: The Crooked Man went straight to VOD despite a solid performance by Jack Kesy and Mignola's involvement. That only underscores how singular del Toro's vision was—and how much Perlman's portrayal defined the character.
Perlman has repeatedly said he's ready to reunite with del Toro for a third film, and fans are still hoping. In the meantime, the original Hellboy remains a must-watch, especially as it's set to leave Netflix on June 30. If you're looking for a weekend watch that blends sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book action, this is it.
For more on the best genre fare, check out our picks for dark fantasy gems that shine from start to finish. And if you're in the mood for other streaming hits, Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief is also making waves on Netflix.
