It’s that time of the year. With 2019 coming to an end, it’s time to take a look back at the films that have hit screens big and small this year. Now that you’ve seen my picks for the best films of the year, check out some of our writers’ picks for the top 10 movies of 2019.
Honorable Mentions: Greener Grass, Us, Blinded by the Light, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Good Boys, Western Stars.
10. Sword of Trust
Lynn Shelton has shown herself to be a director to watch for quite a while. Sword of Trust, a hilarious improvised comedy is her best work to date, not to mention hysterical. It’s equally as much thanks to the fantastic cast here, who takes the outrageous story in a way that balances laugh out loud humor and true emotion.
9. The Art of Self-Defense
A bitingly deadpan and equally enthralling social commentary about toxic masculinity, The Art of Self-Defense could be the most hilarious theatre experience this year. It’s definitely not for everyone, and it’s shockingly dark when it needs to be, but this is an important film that will leave audiences in stitches – featuring a personal favorite supporting performance of the year from the brilliant Alessandro Nivola.
8. The Beach Bum
It’s been 7 years since Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers premiered at TIFF, and if The Beach Bum was the reason for such a long wait for his follow up film – it was well worth it. The film was a beautifully atmospheric, visually stunning yet criminally overlooked character study. It’s one of the funniest films to come out this year, featuring a career-defining performance from Matthew McConaughey and a life-changing cameo from Martin Lawrence.
7. Joker
It may be the obvious film bro pick on the list, but Joker is quite the achievement that deserves the praise. It’s so nice to see a comic-book film with such artistry behind it, with Todd Phillips taking creative liberty that not only stands out for this brand, but for the year in film in general. Along with a brilliant performance from Joaquin Phoenix this was one of the most bone chilling theatre experiences of the year.
6. Knives Out
It’s so refreshing to see a murder mystery like Knives Out get released in a time where original properties that are apart of this genre are rare. As much as this is a bitingly hysterical political satire, it is also an enthralling tale of mystery, director Rian Johnson leaves the audience craving for more – and craving for donuts, too.
5. The Irishman
In what has to be Martin Scorsese’s most mature film in years, The Irishman plays out as a fascinating tribute to the entirety of his filmography, covering themes of crime, family, loyalty, but most importantly, coming of age. This poetic commentary about the passing of time provides what has to be Scorsese’s best film of the 21st century. Every passing minute of this 3.5 hour epic is deserved, intense and emotional – featuring a trio of leading performances that all encapsulate the careers of these men beautifully.
4. Booksmart
A teen classic in the making, Booksmart can’t help but feel like Gen X’s essential high school film. A film that perfectly sums up the era we’re living in, that’s as inclusive as it is niche, this is without a doubt the funniest film of the year, and perhaps even the last few. Olivia Wilde is a true talent behind the camera, and it’s going to be quite exciting to see how her directorial filmography shapes after this hyper-relevant and entertaining film.
3. Queen & Slim
In what is definitely the most politically important film of the year, Queen & Slim is powerful in a way that feels more like poetry than a film. From the stunning visuals, highly intelligent writing and fantastic performances, the film beautifully treads the fine line between the morals of the choices and the likability of the characters. This is absolutely the most underrated film of the year, and whose impact remains now over a month later. Can’t wait for this one to be discovered further.
2. Uncut Gems
The Safdie brother’s most accessible film to date in the best way possible, Uncut Gems is definitely the most intense theater experience of the year. It leaves audiences’ heart pounding with every passing frame, but also laughing hysterically with the same passing frames. Adam Sandler gives the performance of a lifetime in what is sure to be a future cult classic, and a film that will leave many questioning how to feel about its events.
1. Marriage Story
In what is without a doubt Noah Baumbach’s masterpiece, Marriage Story is utterly heartbreaking from start to finish. With some of the smartest dialogue and some of the most heartbreaking performances, audiences can’t help but resonate with every single character – which speaks to how brilliant of a film it really is. No words can justify how good this is, but there’s no question that it’s the best that 2019 had to offer.
Honorable Mentions: Little Women, Apollo 11, 1917, HBO’s Watchmen (if it was a movie).
10. Knives Out
Rian Johnson’s modern-day murder mystery, Knives Out, is one of the funniest and most gleefully entertaining movies of the year, but also has an unexpected and elevating politically charge. It’s brimming with knockout performances – notably from Ana De Armas, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Toni Collette and Christopher Plummer – and Johnson’s excellent script knows exactly how to use every one of them. The result is a film that can easily be thoroughly enjoyed for its great gags, sharp dialogue and Craig’s soothing southern drawl, but that’s also open to a little deeper thought.
9. Midsommar
Midsommar kinda resists being classified as a horror film, since there aren’t many parts of it that are conventionally very scary…it’s more like two and a half hours of extreme unease and deeply unsettling imagery. It’s extremely well-written, very realistically capturing the hurtful impact of a very toxic relationship. Then there’s the central cult stuff, so beautifully shot and peacefully presented that audiences will almost forget how shocking and horrifying it is. Florence Pugh also proves she’s one of the best actors working today.
8. Uncut Gems
Pure mania for two hours. Uncut Gems is an endurance test, starring Adam Sandler as one of the most contemptable but strangely likable protagonists in recent memory. It’s hard to watch, but also kind of addictive. The script and sound mix are unbelievably well done given all the cross-talk. The whole film is like the Safdie Brothers have audiences in a vice – every loosening or tightening is done with careful control. One can only really take a safe breath after they’re completely free from it.
7. Ad Astra
Another worthy reminder that space can be sad, James Gray’s Ad Astra is heavy and contemplative at the same time as it’s a thrilling adventure across a richly detailed and scarily realistic future solar system that treats space less with reverence and more like a workplace. Past its interesting world-building, the core themes of emotional repression and a troubled father-son relationship are explored excellently. Brad Pitt’s performance as Roy McBride deserves far more appreciation than it’s been getting, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
6. Parasite
Everything in Parasite has multiple layers to it. It’s quite overtly a commentary on issues of class and wealth, but it also surprised me how terrific it is outside of its metaphorical meaning. Knowing essentially nothing going into it, its non-stop twisting and turning story featuring some of the most intense scenes of the year can snuck up on me. It keep throwing new elements at audiences that at first seem ridiculous but are treated as normal and excusable, building to a shocking and very satisfying conclusion that ground the film back in bleak reality.
5. The Irishman
Martin Scorsese’s presumably-final gangster epic was one of the best of the year (and also of what of his career I’ve watched). It’s filled with exceptional performances and a particularly standout script, sporting great dialogue and weaving an extremely complicated story effortlessly and with great energy over its 3+ hour running time. What differentiates The Irishman from Scorsese’s back catalog of gangster stories is how it concludes, ingeniously putting everything that came before in a depressing but cathartic new light.
4. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Completely captivating and beautiful both through its visuals and storytelling, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is like a dream. Quietly and pretty much exclusively exploring the characters and their relationships to each other, it’s very involving and affecting. While it can be hard to nail down how any given film was directed, director Céline Sciamma’s presence can be felt within every shot and movement. The cinematography is also stunning, with some of the most striking uses of color of the year. It’s not out in theatres until early 2020, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood is wonderful. Every minute of it radiates with warmth and entertainment like no other film this year, while also telling a deeply layered, multi-pronged and extremely meta story that reveals more and more nuance upon each rewatch (I’ve seen it four times now). It’s atypical for a Quentin Tarantino film, but it also feels like a mark of maturity. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are all beyond-words good, and also Al Pacino as patron saint of cinema Marvin Schwarz. The only disappointing thing about it is how I can’t now go and watch a career’s worth of Rick Dalton films.
2. Marriage Story
Marriage Story feels like the culmination of Noah Baumbach’s prolific career. It isn’t flashy in its technique, instead putting focus mostly on Baumbach’s fantastic script and the naturalistic lead performances by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. They can more than bear the weight; they’re all by far some of the best of the year. Their characters are painfully real, and watching their slow and grueling separation is heartbreaking, but also somehow almost equally comedic.
1. The Lighthouse
If Portrait of a Lady on Fire is like a dream, Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse is like a nightmare. Fueled by Robert Pattinson and Willem DaFoes’ incredibly physical performances, a tense score, absorbing sound design and captured with some of the most stunning cinematography in recent memory, the film immerses the audience in the characters’ paranoia and shock as they descend into madness. The blurred disconnect between the disorientation of the characters and that of the viewer creates a visceral and deeply atmospheric film that stands out even among such a great year.
Honorable Mentions: Avengers: Endgame, Us, Joker
10. Arctic
Arctic is a superb survival drama that embraces the man versus nature battle. Mads Mikkelsen is phenomenal while single-handedly carrying this film, but it’s in the direction of Joe Penna (AKA MysteryGuitarMan) that this production crafts the perfect atmosphere and tone for its harrowing themes. He is the embodiment of following your dreams going from YouTube videos to a theatrical Hollywood film and he manages to do it damn well.
9. Ready or Not
This may look like a surprising addition to this top ten list, but hear me out. I was thoroughly entertained by this story. It was a simple concept for a horror film, but it’s within the dark comedic tone and stylistic choices that it leaves a lasting impression. Ready or Not feels like The Purge meets Clue and I’m perfectly fine with that.
8. Booksmart
It seems that actors are great at directing modern coming of age stories. While Eighth Grade takes a look at those grueling middle school years, Booksmart looks at high school through the same light. This film shows the Gen X version of high school making it an eventual classic of its genre. While there are some bumps along the way, the acting and direction make this film an entertaining ride.
7. Toy Story 4
I was very skeptical about this film given how Toy Story 3 wrapped up one of the greatest animated trilogies of all-time. However, Toy Story 4 not only helps to elevate its predecessor’s message, but create an even stronger and fitting ending for these characters. Feeling lost in the world as we grow up is such a universally relevant theme that makes this film not only appeal to children, but those who grew up with the other three films. And Keanu Reeves is absolutely hilarious as Duke Caboom.
6. Ad Astra
I’m a sucker for science fiction movies, especially ones that try to be more realistic than other high concept stories in the genre. With Ad Astra, James Gray delivers a compelling and harrowing look at the future through a thrilling adventure. Its picturesque and dreamlike atmosphere is elevated by some amazing performances by its cast with Brad Pitt’s performance being an easy dark horse come awards season.
5. Marriage Story
Not much more can be said about Marriage Story that hasn’t already been said. Noah Baumbach’s crowning jewel is a poignant and hyper-realistic look at the hardships of relationships and the strain of it on our own health. These characters feel like they could be a family member, a friend, and that is what makes this story so painful to watch. A fantastic story with award worthy performances.
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood may very well be the least and most Tarantino film of his illustrious career. It is an intricately built and entertaining world that manages to pull on heartstrings, build its eerie tension and deliver some strong action sequences. While it isn’t as hyper-violent as Tarantino’s films of the past, it feels more mature as it dives into the culture of the world he has been revolving around for the past few decades.
3. Knives Out
Knives Out is Rian Johnson’s response to Disney and Lucasfilm and I love it. After they kicked him off of the Star Wars franchise, he quickly changed lanes and delivered one of the best original murder mysteries of the decade. It’s a refreshing take on a genre that has been lacking that pairs an invigorating mystery with hilarious political satire. It’s no wonder that Johnson wants to make a sequel because this world could easily rival that of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot.
2. Jojo Rabbit
Definitely one of the more controversial films of the year, Jojo Rabbit was a film you either absolutely loved or despised by the credits. For a coming of age film, it’s extremely touching. For a political satire, it’s hilarious. It manages to blend both of these genres together seamlessly in a fun, entertaining and well-acted historical narrative about if Hitler was the imaginary friend of a fanatic German boy. This is Taika Waititi in his element.
1. 1917
I may be a little biased here given my love for war films and my appreciation of Roger Deakins’ cinematography, but 1917 blew me away. Lauded for its one-take approach to storytelling, this film delivers with a captivating and extremely immersive cinema experience. The stylistic choices make the audience feel like they are on this journey making for the most tension-filled story I’ve seen this year. Here’s to hoping 1917 helps bring back the interest in war films so this genre can shine once again.
Honorable Mentions: Knives Out, Booksmart, Dolemite is My Name.
10. Toy Story 4
Coming in nine years after the third installment, Toy Story 4 is a testament to Pixar’s creative minds and their ability to never miss a beat when it comes to this masterful franchise. Much more laid-back and fun than the previous installment while still possessing the same emotional capacity, this film serves as a glorious testament to one of the best franchises in cinema.
9. Doctor Sleep
Director Mike Flanagan channels his inner Stanley Kubrick and Steven King to deliver an engaging and intense sequel to one of the best horror films of all time. With so many shocking moments interspersed with dark themes on reflection and abuse, Doctor Sleep is a worthy sequel to The Shining. Keep an eye out for the 3 hour Director’s Cut coming soon on Blu-Ray.
8. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
Keanu Reeves as John Wick some of my favorite action and stunt moments of the entire decade. The bare bones plot attached to each John Wick film is just filler for the insane choreography and stunt coordination on-show in these films. John Wick 3 may be the craziest of them all, and the House of Knives scene may be the funniest and best directed action scene of the year.
7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Since seeing director Celine Sciamma’s haunting and pensive Portrait of a Lady on Fire, it has been lingering ever since. Incorporating a throbbing score, breathtaking cinematography, and beautiful magic realism, Sciamma is able to grab our hearts and rip it out through our chests and this writer is so happy she did.
6. Under the Silver Lake
This gonzo neo-noir follow up to David Robert Mitchell’s breezy sex-ed horror It Follows, is a bleak and twisted look at the underbelly of Los Angeles. One of the most divisive films in recent memory, Under the Silver Lake has so much going on in the realm of plot and scope that viewers need to see it at least three times to grasp everything that happens. The film has also given birth to some bizarre fan theories in one of the best subreddits of the year.
5. Marriage Story
Noah Baumbach is a personal favorite director, and while Marriage Story may not be his best (that would go to Mistress America of course) it is definitely his most human , and that’s saying something for him. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver already have the Oscars locked up, and not even the abundance of memes of that one scene will never take anything away from their powerhouse performances. If I was a divorce lawyer, I would show this film to every couple who walks into my office as the themes here are universal and everybody will be able to take away something.
4. Ad Astra
This writer is a sucker for father-son movies. Ad Astra combines this great subgenre with a sci-fi endeavor backdrop to deliver one of the most thought-provoking and dreamlike films of the year. Brad Pitt was on an absolute roll in 2019, and his restrained performance as a man looking to find himself and reconcile his trauma throughout the vast openness of the cosmos is one for the books.
3. The Irishman
The most reflective film of Martin Scorsese’s oeuvre, The Irishman is a mob epic that deserves to be placed among the Pantheon of gangster films. Featuring knockout performances from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino alongside a subdued and surprisingly reflexive Joe Pesci, Scorsese is operating at peak cinematic creativity here, delivering a cathartic experience like no other.
2. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
One of the most endlessly fun and re-watchable movies of the year, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the most fun time at the cinema this year. Brad Pitt steals the show, delivering the best performance of the year as Cliff Booth, a stunt driver with no real purpose other than to hang with his best friend. That’s what this movie is about, friendship. Crack open a six-pack and, turn it on with your best friend, and be transported to 1960’s Hollywood where everything feels fresh and easy.
1. Parasite
Bong Joon Ho’s scathing take down on capitalism and class warfare is not only the best films of 2019, but one of the best of the whole decade. The twist and turns within this bleak masterpiece takes are so unexpected and jaw-dropping that it takes audiences through a wheelhouse of emotions on a dime. Parasite is another showcase for the many great films that have come out of South Korea in the past decade, and Bong Joon Ho has cemented himself as one of the best filmmakers working today.
10. Ad Astra
Ad Astra is Brad Pitt in space, what more do I really have to say? An epic score and an Oscar level worthy performance from our leading man. Visually stunning, the color scheme to this one was something that really stuck with me in all of 2019.
9. Marriage Story
Somewhat based on his own personal experiences, Marriage Story sees writer/director Noah Baumbach capture the raw intensity that comes with divorce and heartbreak. Adam Driver delivers one of the best performances this year and Scarlet Johansson gives her best performance since Her.
8. Little Women
Greta Gerwig fresh off her success with Lady Bird gives us another epic tale of women being well women. Even though Little Women is a period piece, it still feels very modern and everyone involved was so good. Just a female powerhouse that reminds me why we need more movies like this.
7. Knives Out
Rian Johnson is winning in life. He shaped Star Wars in a way never seen before, then gives us one of the best whodunit movies with Knives Out. Pitch perfect casting along with a fantastic script will keep audiences guessing until the end. This writer can’t wait to see what he does next.
6. Jojo Rabbit
Who knew a movie about Hitler and Natzi, would have so much heart? Taika Waititi is magnificent behind and in front of the camera in this satire. Heartwarming child performances with a valuable lesson at hand. Jojo Rabbit is one of the funniest films of the year.
5. Uncut Gems
Uncut Gems is a chaotic and unsettling anxiety ride. Adam Sandler is a tour de force for 2 straight hours, giving us a performance to remember. I have never felt this uneasy and this on edge while watching a movie. Showing the lengths a degenerate is truly willing to go, viewers can’t help by loath and love this man at the same time.
4. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Quentin Tarrantino was back and he wasn’t messing around. Finally giving us Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio on screen together. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood was the highlight of 2019 cinema and it helped that Pitt and DiCaprio both give us their finest work this decade. An all around super star slug fest with one of the all time endings.
3. Waves
No movie hit me harder than Waves. An emotional ride that in certain moments leaves audiences grasping for air. The film also features perhaps the most intense 20 minute stretch of any movie this year.
2. 1917
Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins crafted something so beautiful and rich and full of life. 1917 is, from start to finish a panic attack. The most beautiful looking movie of the year with the last 10 minutes nothing short of cinematic perfection.
1. Parasite
A movie audiences truly have to see to believe. Parasite is a jaw on the floor kind of experience that leaves audiences holding their collective breaths for moments on end. This film deserves so much praise and love and let’s hope it gets it.
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The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.
