It’s time again for another list of the best movies! One of my favorite things to do at this time of the year is look at everyone’s opinions on this topic because there’s no such thing as a “wrong” list. There are so many good films that come out each year that it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to a list that’s based on preference. Sure there will be similarities, but what makes something number one? To everyone that means something different.
As I failed to do last year, I tried to come up with a Top 10 for 2019, but I ended up writing down a total of 31 movies…. Just like last year, I couldn’t narrow that list down to a Top 10, so the list will have to be a little longer this year! I think we’ll make it a Top 15 going forward.
As usual, it was hard distinguishing how many of these films were “better” than the other, so you can call most of this list up for grabs — one thing’s for sure, my top five are what I consider to be the ‘best of the best films’ that came out this year.
Lastly, here are some honorable mentions I’d like to mention: Bombshell, The Two Popes, Queen and Slim, Waves, Midsommar, Fighting with my Family, Alita: Battle Angel, US, The Lighthouse, John Wick 3, Ad Astra, The Mustang, Trail By Fire, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Rocketman & Arctic. Definitely some great films to check out if you haven’t seen them yet. Highly recommended.
“And here we go!”
15. The Art of Self-Defense
After getting attacked on the street, Casey enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei. He soon uncovers a sinister fraternity of violence and masculinity while learning how to defend himself from future attacks. Casey must now embark on a dark and frightening journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.
14. Knives Out
When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey dies just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc arrives at his estate to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Thrombey’s untimely demise.
13. The Peanut Butter Falcon
After running away from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, a man who has Down syndrome befriends an outlaw who becomes his coach and ally.
12. The Farewell
A Chinese family discovers their grandmother has only a short while left to live and decide to keep her in the dark, scheduling a wedding to gather before she dies.
11. Jojo Rabbit
Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend — Adolf Hitler — Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.
10. Booksmart
On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.
9. Little Women
Following the lives of four sisters, Amy, Jo, Beth and Meg, as they come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War. Though all very different from each other, the March sisters stand by each other through difficult and changing times.
8. The Irishman
In the 1950s, truck driver Frank Sheeran gets involved with Russell Bufalino and his Pennsylvania crime family. As Sheeran climbs the ranks to become a top hit man, he also goes to work for Jimmy Hoffa — a powerful Teamster tied to organized crime.
7. Uncut Gems
A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score, makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
6. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.
5. Marriage Story
A stage director and his actor wife struggle through a grueling, coast-to-coast divorce that pushes them to their personal and creative extremes.(Noah Baumbach’s incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.)
4. Avengers: Endgame
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe.
3. Parasite
All unemployed, Ki-taek and his family take peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks, as they ingratiate themselves into their lives and get entangled in an unexpected incident.
2. Ford v Ferrari
American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
1. Joker
In Gotham City, mentally troubled comedian Arthur Fleck is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: the Joker.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments. For now, here’s to 2020!
Cheers,
Matt.
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As a side note, I’ve yet to see 1917, so I will update this post and let you know if it deserves a spot on this list when I do next weekend!
