Every year is a new time where fans can look forward to new movies, whether they be thrilling blockbusters or complex Oscar-worthy selections. Either way, each year is jam-packed with essential cinema, but 2019 may be the greatest year of modern movies, ranging from the worldwide sensation that was Avengers: Endgame to daring crime dramas such as The Irishman.
2020 marked an infamous shift in the world, but fans at least got one or more excellent movies in 2019, which is why this list will rank the greatest masterpieces from that year. Based on criteria such as writing, story, acting, directing, influence, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these ten movies are the best of a great year, with some magnificent movies not making the cut, such as Jojo Rabbit and John Wick 3: Parabellum.
10
‘Little Women’ (2019)
Based on the legendary coming-of-age novel of the same name, Little Women is a modern adaptation of a classic. The March sisters all enter womanhood and the many ups and downs that come with it, providing a view into another time with similar issues.
Fans know 2019 was a good year for films, when the tenth-ranked entry is an absolute masterclass of non-linear storytelling. Little Women weaves together the childhood and adulthood of the main characters, showing how their choices affect their future. Greta Gerwig reframes this classic in a fresh way, creating a nostalgic and accurate period piece.
9
‘Ford v Ferrari’ (2019)
Everyone loves a good rivalry, but for years, Ferrari dominated the racing scene until Ford decided to step in. Ford v Ferrari follows the company as it tries to create a supercar and driver fast enough to win the race, and while Ken Miles (Christian Bale) may be down on his luck, he is the perfect man for the job.
Ford v Ferrari is one of the more forgotten films of 2019, which is a shame since it is spectacular, but that is only because the year is jam-packed with memorable movies. Still, this film stands out as a riveting, high-octane biopic that captures the era with action, drama, and emotion. Ford v Ferrari deserves more credit, but still earns its place on this list.
8
‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)
Adam Sandler has never been a serious actor, but fans loved him for his comedy. He stepped outside his comfort zone in Uncut Gems. A jeweller makes the bet of a lifetime, and if it pays off, he is sitting big. However, he must juggle business, family, and conflict if he wants to make the ultimate gamble.
Uncut Gems came out of nowhere as an instant classic and defining work for Sandler. Unfortunately, he hasn’t returned to the dramatic world, but this alone is enough for a lifetime. This film is relentless, fast-paced, and full of anxiety and manic energy, trapping viewers in the same feeling that Uncut Gems delivers a masterclass of tension and chaos.
7
‘Knives Out’ (2019)
The Knives Out franchise has quickly become the best modern whodunnit and mystery movies, and 2019 graced fans with the first one. When a maid (Ana de Armas) accidentally kills the wealthy man she was taking care of, he stages it as a suicide and gives her his inheritance. She must now get away with the crime while handling the greedy family.
Fans will endlessly debate which of the three in the franchise is the best, but most will agree that the first one hasn’t been topped. Knives Out is a genius mystery with plenty of twists and turns, but also enough humor, wit, and charm to endear anyone. It may not be an Oscar-worthy film, but Knives Out is still one of the most impressive and entertaining films of 2019.
6
‘The Lighthouse’ (2019)
Roger Eggers has established himself as one of the best modern directors, with several anticipated projects, including Werewulf. The Lighthouse follows a new lighthouse keeper and his elderly supervisor being plagued by haunting visions and feelings in the isolated location.
Many fans say The Lighthouse is Eggers best film, but whether or not that is true, it is a masterpiece. It is technically impressive and uses its style to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson deliver transformative performances that anchor the surreal visuals, creating a tense, horrifying experience.
5
‘Marriage Story’ (2019)
Some people watch movies to escape life, while other films try to emulate the complex daily happenings, and Marriage Story is definitely the latter. A prominent stage director (Adam Driver) and his actress wife (Scarlet Johansson) are in the midst of a messy divorce, which pushes them to the brink of mental and creative collapse.
A lot of good actors starred in a lot of good movies, and Marriage Story was an excellent display of Johansson and Driver’s talent. It is an intimate autonomy of a relationship that finds complexity in the mundane. Through powerful performances, daring themes, and heartbreaking storytelling, Marriage Story is one of the best films of the year, with the best acting.
4
‘1917’ (2019)
War movies will never go out of fashion, and 2019 proved the gene is alive with 1917. When intel comes in that the enemy has set a trap, two soldiers race across the battlefield to deliver new orders to the commanding officer. However, it is a perilous journey and a race against time, not to mention one of the soldier’s brothers is in the attack.
Everyone can appreciate a good war movie, but 1917 stands out even among the best, arguably being the best modern films of the genre. The main highlight is the way it shot the film, making it feel like one continuous shot, which gives viewers a more intimate, compelling, and immersive experience. 1917 is bold, dramatic, and epic in scale, with human moments that showcase the best and worst of war.
3
‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)
Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker, but as fans wait for his tenth and final masterpiece, they can enjoy his ninth film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. An actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stuntman (Brad Pitt) struggle to remain relevant in Hollywood, all the while a murderous cult sets its sights on them.
Tarantino loves to alter history and look at the what-ifs, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is probably the wildest what-if scenario. Every character has influence and weight in the film, whether through their presence, comedy, or demanding talent. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is bizarre, over-the-top, and impossible to look away from, dazzling the viewer with remarkable dialogue and unforgettable moments.
2
‘Midsommar’ (2019)
While 2019 was a good year for movies overall, it also featured a slew of excellent horror films, including Midsommar. When Dani (Florence Pugh) and her boyfriend visit their friends’ commune to mend things, they only find themselves in a much darker, more traumatizing, and bizarre place.
Midsommar might not be the highest-rated or an award-winning film, but it cemented itself as a masterpiece of 2019 because nothing else is like it. It redefines folk horror by bringing into the inescapable sunlight, depicting a visceral breakup through a ritualistic nightmare. Midsommar is meticulous in its set design and beautifully repulsive in its style, story, and theme, creating a strangely cathartic horror masterpiece.
1
‘Parasite’ (2019)
This list mainly consisted of Hollywood productions, but the best of 2019 was a South Korean film, Parasite. A struggling family poses as high-class tutors, drivers, and the like to squat in a rich family’s house without the family knowing, but consequences are soon to follow.
This list wouldn’t be complete without the movie that won Best Picture at the 2019 Oscars. Bong Joon-ho delivers his magnum opus and one of the greatest modern movies of all time, highlighting a genre-bending miracle that transitions seamlessly. The sociopolitical themes and commentary feel urgent and accessible, using every frame meticulously to get the desired feeling. In the end, Parasite is the best movie of 2019, which is saying a lot since the year is perfect from start to finish.
