“Star Trek” Was the Most Pirated Film of 2009

Paramount’s worst fears are confirmed: “Star Trek” was the most pirated film of 2009.

In October, studio COO Frederick Huntsberry delivered a presentation to the FCC that detailed how “Star Trek” had become a hot commodity in piracy circles. Illegal file-sharing had advanced from “geek to sleek,” he said. Now, according to data from TorrentFreak, “Star Trek” was downloaded nearly 11 million times this past year, just edging “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” in total downloads.

Interestingly, for all the fuss about the “Wolverine” leak, the film barely makes the top 10.

Meanwhile, Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla” was the third most pirated film this year. The film was distributed in the U.S. by Warner Bros. and grossed less than $26 million in worldwide box office. We wonder whether its availability online hurt boxoffice—or whether Warners might have promoted the theatrical release more heavily with the knowledge of its underground appeal.

 Now, drumroll please…here are the ten most pirated films of 2009: