My Top 15 Movies of 2019
Before we get started here, I need to address some stuff from last year’s list that bothers me. I would like to formally apologize for making my 2019 list before seeing Roma. That’s like an easy top 3 movie of 2019. Also If Beale Street Could Talk would probably be there too. That’s why I’m releasing this before The Academy Awards rather than the end of the calendar year. Also, I’m doing a top 15 this year because so many good movies came out last year. Most of these would be at least top 5 in 2019. Also, The Joker isn’t on this list because it’s overrated as hell lol. In my non-expert opinion, these were the best films of 2019.
Horrible, But Entertaining
As the title says, these movies sucked, but they entertained the hell out of me.
- Breakthrough
- Gemini Man
- Hobbs and Shaw
- The Lion King (2019)
Honorable Mentions
These are some movies I liked but just missed out. In no particular order:
- Just Mercy
- The Art of Self-Defense
- Brittany Runs a Marathon
- Fighting with my Family
- Avengers Endgame
- Honey Boy
- Yesterday
- Zombieland: Double Tap
- Blinded by The Light
- Us
- John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum
- Detective Pikachu
- Spider-Man: Far from Home
15. The Two Popes
Directed by Fernando Meirelles
Definitely a slow burn, but a fascinating view of the problems the modern Catholic Church faces. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins deserve all the praise they’re getting for their performances as Popes Francis and Benedict. While the flashbacks help to inform the viewer on why Francis was initially hesitant to take the role of Pope, Pryce’s commanding presence on the screen is severely missed.
14. Rocketman
Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Bohemian Rhapsody but better. Playing his real-life friend Elton John could have ended horribly, but Taron Egerton brings his a-game. Like Elton himself, Egerton is a bonafide star. The film's original recordings of Elton’s hits are just as good, if not better than some of the originals; the choreography is full as hell, and the film hits both serious and fun notes very well. It would be getting more accolades if Bohemian Rhapsody didn’t beat it to the punch. Going into the summer, this was my number one movie of the year just to show you how good of the year 2019 was.
13. Uncut Gems
Directed by The Sadfie Brothers
A future cult-classic. The most quotable and meme-able movie of the year. For what its worth Adam Sandler was my choice for the best actor and got absolutely snubbed by the Academy. No one could have pulled this performance off like The Sandman and without him, the movie wouldn’t work at all. You won’t remember this movie’s pacing issues, just Howard’s incredible one-liners and the film’s electric and heart-pounding ending.
12. Booksmart
Directed by Olivia Wilde
This generation’s Superbad. The movie is fun as hell. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein’s chemistry makes coming of age story shine. You really just want these two to succeed so badly. The side characters feel realistic and there are so many laughs out loud moments and incredible set pieces. Just thinking about the Alana Morriset karaoke scene is making me crack up. Booksmart is a party movie for everyone who was too lame to party in high school.
11. 1917
Directed by Sam Mendes.
To be honest with you I always found war movies to be a little bland and formulaic, but this one really breaks the mold with its seemingly one-cut style. Sure Birdman did it better, but we’ve never had it in a war movie before and this plus the third-person camera makes the viewer feel like their playing Call of Duty in the best way. While the story is basic, 1917 knows just when to tense you up or play with your heartstrings.
10. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Not Tarantino's best, but he’s made so many classics it's hard to compete there. Seeing Brad and Leo together is just a match made in heaven. This movie captures that old-school cool Hollywood aesthetic perfectly. To be honest, I really didn’t know anything Sharon Tate murder, but I was still entertained. The last scene of this movie is absolutely wild in the most Tarantino way.
9. Marriage Story
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Heartbreaking. Adam Driver should win Best Actor, but we all know that’s going to Jaoquin Phoenix. Yes, the story is a bit elitist at times, but watching this couple’s marriage fizzle out feels so real and so sad. Because of the memes, I tend to forget how powerful that argument scene is on the first watch.
8. The Irishman
Directed by Martin Scorsese
The Mob movie to end all mob movies. Totally lives up to the hype. The end of this movie man, holy shit. Marty deconstructed an entire genre in 30 minutes. Deniro, Pesci, and Pachino are as good as you expect. Yes, this movie is long as hell, but the pay off is so worth it. The consequences are so much higher here than in any mob movie. Also, Jimmy Hoffa yelling about Tony Pro wearing shorts is one of my favorite scenes of the year.
7. Knives Out
Directed by Rian Johnson
The Rose Tico story is forgiven. What a fun story man. This movie is very well written takes a bunch of fun twists and turns and has eccentric and remarkable characters. Daniel Craig is the draw, the Ana De Armas is the standout. Seeing Chris Evans have an attitude (and a sick sweater)for the first time since Scott Pilgrim is delightfully refreshing after seeing him be Captain America for a decade. Apparently Knives Out is getting a sequel: Let’s hope they get it right.
6. Little Women
Directed by Greta Gerwig
Another masterclass by Greta Gerwig, Saoirse Ronan, and Timothee Chalamet. Florence Pugh is by far the breakout star of the year. The shots in this movie are absolutely jawdropping. If you couldn’t follow the timeline of this movie you’re either colorblind or dumb. Serves as a modern adaptation as well as a clever metacommentary about filmmaking in general. I’ve never read the book or really knew anything about the source material, but I was thoroughly entertained. I’m Looking forward to what Greta Gerwig decides to do next.
5. Peanut Butter Falcon
Directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz
The most wholesome movie of the year. I’m all in on the Shia Lebouf comeback. Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down’s Syndrome, is an absolute tour de force. The pair's chemistry is absolutely dynamic; watching their characters grow and care for each other throughout the film is an absolute treat. Cast Zack in more things, please. I never really rated Dakota Johnson as an actress, but she surprised me here. What’s rule number one? Party!
4. The Farewell
Directed by Lulu Wang
Awkwafina was my pick for Best Actress. We see her in an absolutely new light here and she knocks it out of the park. The plot of a fake wedding in order for Billi’s family to say goodbye to Nai Nai is just as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. If this one flew under your radar, check it out.
3. Jojo Rabbit
Directed by Taita Waititi
Now a household name for his work on Thor Ragnarok and The Mandalorian, Taita Waititi is somehow hilarious as Hitler. Roman Griffin Davis plays a young wannabe Nazi and his journey of realizing the ramifications of his hateful ideology is one of the best character arcs of the year. Although a polarizing figure, Scarlett Johansson deserves the double nomination. Sam Rockwell, who is good in basically everything, is great here too. The hilarious Nazi banter, stellar cast, and great German pop tunes help to make this a sneaky dark horse for the big award Sunday.
2. Parasite
Directed by Bong Joon-Ho
Seemingly against all odds, a Korean movie with full subtitles has taken over the Oscars. Believe the hype. Man, this movie is so good. A clever takedown of trickle-down economics, Parasite is so well thought out. You’ll be impressed by the strategic vision of the beginning then floored by the twist in the middle. It’s hard to say anything about this movie that hasn’t been said except go see it.
1. The Lighthouse
Directed by Robert Eggers
To be honest, there’s a decent chance you’re gonna have no clue what the hell is going on in this movie, but that’s ok. This throwback to the 1940s has Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe just losing their minds for two hours. Dafoe straight up gives the performance of the year, bringing all the Green Goblin insanity mixed with a Napoleon complex and a fear of God. After seeing this I’m all in on Robert Pattinson as The Batman.
