The 10 Best Movies of 2019
5. Toy Story 4
Pixar started with a delightful movie (Toy Story) about toys come to life and their exploits when humans aren’t around. Well, they came full circle this year with the release of Toy Story 4. Buzz, Woody, and the gang join up for one last adventure as they hit the road. All our favorite familiar faces are there, as well as a few new ones that join up to help out heroes save the day once more. It’s a bittersweet goodbye to characters that many of us grew up loving, but it still ends on a happy note. I have little doubt that this fantastic film will be nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars and, if history is any indication of what’s to come, Pixar will probably win once again. It might be a little heartbreaking at times, but Toy Story 4 is still one of the best movies of 2019.
4. Knives Out
Director Rainn Johnson needed a win after Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Luckily, he found it with Knives Out. I absolutely adored Knives Out and loved that it brought back the classic “who done it” genre that used to be a cornerstone of Hollywood. It’s a perfectly balanced film, and reminds me of what I loved about Rain Johnson’s films pre The Last Jedi. It features an incredible cast of characters at the top of their game that manages to create an intricate web in which all of them are suspects right up until the very end. Not only is it one of the best movies of 2019, but it is also probably the best thriller of the year as well. I can say with full certainty that Rain Johnson has returned to form, and I cannot wait to see what he brings us next.
3. Booksmart
When I first started thinking about what films I would pick to be on my list of the best movies of 2019, there was no doubt in my mind that Booksmart would be near the top. It was easily one of the most brilliant comedies I have ever seen. It manages to perfectly capture the zeitgeist of millennial culture and translates it flawlessly into one of the most compelling movies I’ve seen in years. There were points in this film where I was almost concerned for my own well-being because I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t breathe. Honestly, I think Booksmart is one of the best coming of age films I’ve ever seen and of all the movies that came out this year, this is one that I’ve been recommending to everyone. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should drop everything and do that now.
2. Parasite
Another late addition to Stars & Popcorn’s list of the best movies of 2019, Parasite might actually be one of the best films of the decade. I was blown away by Parasite. It’s not just a piece of art and cinema at it’s finest, but a lot of fun to take in. The film is a wonderful balance of moments that will make you laugh, push you to the edge of your seat, and force you to gasp in disbelief. Parasite is a film that pushes the audience to the edge of their comfort zone, and will force them to grapple with their own ideas of right and wrong. It’s a tale that is on par with the great works of Shakespeare and one that will, for better and for worse, haunt you long after the credits have finished.
1. Avengers: Endgame
Looking back on the year, there’s one movie that stands out above all the rest. I’m talking about the highest-grossing film of all time, Avengers: Endgame. Marvel has been playing the long game ever since Iron Man premiered in 2008. Ten years and dozens of movies later, it all led up to Endgame. Finally, everyone in the MCU appeared together to do battle with the biggest threat they’ve ever faced, and it was absolutely beautiful. Not all the heroes made it out alive, and the torch was passed from the OG’s to the new guard that will continue to carry the MCU in the future. Endgame is one of the most cathartic experiences I’ve ever had at the movies, and I’m not above admitting that I ugly cried a few times during it. In my eyes, when I look back on 2019, I’ll remember it as the year of Endgame.
As I mentioned, this isn’t going to be like a lot of the other top 10 lists you probably read. Still, I think that every one of the films that earned a spot are one of the best movies of 2019. They might not be as “artistic” as a lot of the films so many other critics chose, but they’re movies that everyone can enjoy. Plus, a lot of them also had some great messages behind them. Per usual, I’ll be reviewing movies all through 2020. So, make sure you check back and read all my new reviews before heading off to theaters. Until then, leave me a comment with your favorite movie of the year. I’d love to know what my fans enjoyed the most in 2019.