Best Films of 2019

As the year and decade came to a close, one of the best years for entertainment in recent memory did as well. Here is my list of the best movies of 2019.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Honey Boy, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Doctor Sleep, Us, Hustlers, The Two Popes, Midsommar

10.
THE LIGHTHOUSE

Robert Egger’s sophomore effort might not be for everyone. Still, for the ones enchanted by this quirky and macabre tale, it’s a visual and narrative treat that keeps on giving on every rewatch.

9.
JOKER

Putting its controversial nature aside, this Todd Philips-directed origin story is a thrillingly executed and timely cautionary tale that mesmerizes you with a fantastic performance by Joaquin Phoenix and a shocking conclusion.

8.
KNIVES OUT

Rian Johnson crafted an entertaining, original, and complex whodunit with an extraordinary ensemble that is incredibly satisfying and rewarding.

7.
ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD

It might not be his best, but it’s Tarantino at his most mature, crafting an often hilarious Hollywood tale that is difficult to not enjoy, at least for the extraordinary filmmaking at display and an incredible third act.

6.
JOJO RABBIT

It’s strange to see such passion and beauty oozing from a film nowadays, but Jojo Rabbit achieves precisely that. Taika Waititi crafts an incredibly timely film that is both hilarious and heartbreaking.

5.
THE FAREWELL

Lulu Wang proves her immense talent with a heartwarming personal tale that features two of the best performances of the year and an incredible screenplay.

4.
THE IRISHMAN

Scorsese has managed to outdo himself in one of the most thought-provoking and beautiful films not only of his filmography but perhaps of the decade.

3.
MARRIAGE STORY

Noah Baumbach delivers a masterpiece with a stunning, gut-wrenching, and hilarious tale of love, heartbreak, and letting go. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson give perhaps the best performances of the year.

2.
LITTLE WOMEN

Not only does it work as a great adaptation and an impeccably crafted film, but also as a natural progression of the thought-provoking and poignant analysis, Gerwig has proven to have regarding women’s role throughout history. A beautiful film.

1.
PARASITE

Nothing comes close to the strength of the message Bong Joon Ho delivers in his masterpiece, Parasite. Not only does it work as a powerfully thematic commentary on society, but also as a perfectly crafted piece of cinema. It just does not get better than this.