Best Films of 2019

2019 was a wonderful year for the art of cinema. Profound voices were discovered and beautiful pictures blossomed before your very eyes. We had history made at the Academy with Parasite winning Best Picture. More female filmmakers and narratively diverse films were heard from around the world. This was a monumental year for world cinema and the distinctive voice it tells our culture.

Noble Mentions: Atlantics, Ad Astra, Jojo Rabbit, Bombshell, Waves, Monos, The Two Popes, One Child Nation, American Factory, Luce, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Frozen II, Judy, Always Be My Maybe, Avengers: Endgame, Doctor Sleep, Leaving Neverland, The Souvenir, and Ash Is Purest White.

An Arnold Recommendation (Great Film):

Hustlers is an empowering and exhilarating heist drama filmed from the perspective of a female director (Lorene Scafaria). Hustlers also marks a career best for J. Lo, with an uplifting performance by Constance Wu. Together, these leading ladies infuse the screen with heart, passion, and style.

#24 Honey Boy

Honey Boy serves as cinematic therapy for actor Shia LaBeouf with his screenwriting debut. Powerfully written, we follow parallels of LaBeouf's own childhood and the relationship with his abusive father. Honey Boy also serves as a narrative feature directorial debut for director Alma Har'el. This is a fascinating psychological dive that will capture your soul.

#23 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a good and wholesome movie. Tom Hanks transforms into the role of Mr. Fred Rogers. A Beautiful Day shares a powerful message about acceptance and understanding. "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people."

#22 Midsommar

Midsommar is an unsettling, fiercely crafted horror show conducted by writer-director Ari Aster. This is a film that will get under your skin and won't let go. Midsommar is a vicious movie that has stayed in my subconscious long after the credits ended. Powerfully acted by actor Florence Pugh, Aster's newest creation is one for the ages.

#21 Knives Out

Knives Out is an exciting murder-mystery blended with a contemporary theme. Writer-director Rian Johnson's whodunit thriller delivers a handful of stabs filled with cheerful cynicism. It’s blockbuster entertainment that’s smart, witty, and stylish. Plus, actor Daniel Craig shows off his Southern accent.

#20 The Nightingale

The Nightingale bruises the soul, as we travel with our protagonist on a brutal journey full of rage and revenge. Writer-director Jennifer Kent's startling craft will haunt you from the first until the final frame. The Nightingale deals with heavy material that includes rape, murder, and racism.

#19 Rocketman

This is a biopic done right. Rocketman is a jukebox musical blending both reality and fantasy before your very eyes. Through highs and lows, the film grapples with addiction, depression, and self-acceptance. Actor Taron Egerton sings his heart out as the beloved Sir Elton John.

#18 I Lost My Body (J'ai perdu mon corps)

I Lost My Body is a beautifully animated and utterly unique story told from the perspective of, well, a severed hand. On a journey to reconnect with its body, we witness a rigorously humane story that connects this urban fairy-tale to our own everyday lives. This is a mature piece of animation at its finest.

#17 Pain and Glory (Dolor y gloria)

Pain and Glory finds actor Antonio Banderas giving us one of his best performances in years. Writer-director Pedro Almodóvar wonderfully crafts this beautiful picture as a portrait of love and prosperity. A self-examination and one of Almodóvar's purest works of art he's ever made.

#16 The Last Black Man in San Francisco

The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a great film and should be seen by everyone. Poetic and beautifully shot, it tells the story of a young black man living in a changing city and feeling left behind. The Last Black Man is one of the best films of the year.

#15 Us

Jordan Peele’s Us is ambitious, nerve-wrenching, and completely original. Peele didn’t miss a beat from his follow up to 2017’s smash hit, Get Out. While actor Lupita Nyong’o’s jaw-dropping performance made the film all the more terrifying. It’s a modern horror classic that’s one for the ages and is a real triumph for 2019.

#14 Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4 is a fitting finale we didn’t know we needed. As Forky grapples with self-worth, Woody grapples with letting go of the past and looking toward the future. In the end, TS4 is a fitting finale to a near-perfect animated saga. For now, so long partner.

#13 Varda by Agnès

Varda by Agnès is an autobiography/documentary on the late legendary filmmaker Agnès Varda. This is a must-see film for cinephiles everywhere. She is a cinematic pioneer and her work should always be preserved for generations to come. I hope that somewhere out there, Varda is relaxing peacefully at a beach. Rest in Peace to the 'Grandmother of the New Wave'.

#12 Honeyland (Медена земја)

Honeyland is a gorgeous cinematic experience that only comes once in a blue moon. A tender story, Honeyland is an observational documentary that sheds light on the hardships and rhythms of rural life. Halfway around the world, we experience a stirring tale that feels both organic and sad. Honeyland also became the first film to be nominated for both Best International Feature Film (North Macedonia) and Best Documentary Feature by the Academy.

#11 Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems is a thrilling movie that fuels your blood with adrenaline. Actor Adam Sandler gives us his role of a lifetime, making this is his best performance to date. Sandler’s poignant performance was funny, dramatic, chaotic and, above all, exhilarating. The Academy’s failure to recognize him leaves me bitter. The Safdie Brother’s second picture is a wild ride of anxiety from start to finish.

#10 Booksmart

“Getting Straight A's. Giving Zero F's.” I haven’t laughed that hard at a movie in a long time. Booksmart is the funniest movie of the year, it’s also one of the best. Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is fast-paced and completely original. Actor's Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are knockouts. I highly recommend seeing this female-Superbad, coming-of-age movie.

#09 Marriage Story

Writer-director Noah Baumbach's Marriage Story emotionally wrecked me. Through thick and thin, we look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together. Hold your loved ones close tonight, because when you watch Baumbach's latest picture, you won't want to let go.

#08 1917

1917 is a tremendous technical achievement for movies everywhere. This epic war film is immersive and hard-hitting from the first to the final frame. In the end, this is a powerful movie, both on a technical scale and a human scale. Experiencing this grandeur in theaters, 1917 was a visual masterclass in the highest order.

#07 Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood

Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood is director Quentin Tarantino's love letter to cinema. If you know anything about the ‘60s or Old Hollywood, I urge you to go see this movie. Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood is a throwback to Old Hollywood and it’s also Tarantino’s love for the art of cinema. An intoxicating fable of a struggling actor in a changing city with a spin on the Manson cult. It's everything you want in a Tarantino movie and more.

#06 The Irishman

Netflix's The Irishman is a landmark achievement in special effects and patient storytelling. Director Martin Scorsese’s masterstroke of perfection lives and breathes throughout this picture. The Irishman is compelling through its directing, acting, and writing. Actors Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino are a revelation together. The actors of this Holy Trinity are reunited for one last ride. This epic gangster film is one of the best of the year, a new American classic.

#05 The Farewell

The Farewell takes its time until an overwhelming feeling of emotion overtakes you. Director Lulu Wang exquisitely crafts the picture, exposing life’s simplest moments. This is her very American movie. At the heart of this film is family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and in the end, you’ll be left with a bittersweet feeling that will bubble up inside of you. Awkwafina shines throughout the entire picture. Wang's special film deserved better from the Academy.

#04 Little Women

Little Women is a marvelous film, written and directed by Greta Gerwig. The acting, writing, and costume designs were all perfection. This accomplishment comes from Gerwig’s vivid direction on the retelling of its classic source material. Gerwig also deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Director, sigh. Little Women is a enduring tale and Gerwig extends that timeliness we've all fell in love with over the years. What a marvelous movie — vivid, passionate, and powerfully acted. Little Women is here to stay, in our hearts and on film.

#03 Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Portrait de la jeune fille en feu)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is an exquisite film, that’s both beautifully crafted and emotionally cunning. It's also one of the best films of the year. This rich period piece of 18th century France is a moving portrait of the human connection. Director Céline Sciamma captures the very essence of love and heartbreak. Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel's performances are intoxicating as is this movie. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a deeply stirring romance full of feminism and spiritual awakening. Portrait deserves to be fully recognized.

#02 The Lighthouse

𝑊ℎ𝑦’𝑑 𝑦’𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠?

The Lighthouse is a hypnotic film that dives deep into the depths of madness. I can easily say The Lighthouse is a Gothic masterpiece. Actors Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson give us mesmerizing performances in one of the best films of 2019. This black-and-white gem was shot on 35mm film and presented in a 1.19:1 aspect ratio. Director Robert Eggers’ haunting movie will send chills down your spine. The Lighthouse will leave an impression on your very soul.

#01 Parasite (기생충)

Parasite is the best movie of the year. A haunting masterpiece that’s one for the ages. South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's incredible film is an urgent and timely film contrasting the inward struggles between the wealthy and the poor. A character study on our society, Director Bong’s film is a master-craft in writing and directing. Parasite is darkly funny, twisted, and will get under your skin. This social commentary is fully gripping from beginning to end. A modern day Hitchcockian tale that lingers in your soul. It's some of the best writing I've seen in years. You won’t know what hit you — it’s dazzling and aesthetically energizing. Parasite also made history by becoming the first non-English film ever to win the Oscar for Best Picture. This is not only an achievement for non-English films everywhere but an achievement for the art of cinema. Bong Joon Ho and his entire cast and crew can take a bow. Job well done.

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