When it comes to movies released in 2019, the best among them vary in topic and genre. Whether they are Academy Award contenders or not, these films have entertained audiences since their releases, and they have served as examples of the excellence that the medium can achieve.
From stories about beloved television personalities to outlandish tales of people getting trapped in the world of a video game, 2019 had plenty to offer eager audiences. Users of the site Ranker have voted on their picks for the best movies of 2019, ranging from sequels to completely original works. Using these rankings, fans of cinema can get an idea of the most beloved and best films of the year.
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood explores the beloved figure of Fred Rogers, known for his television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, through the eyes of an investigative journalist tasked with writing a piece on him. Though the journalist initially plans to show Rogers' kindness as an act, he discovers the genuine compassion and desire to make a positive difference the man has.
Heartfelt and emotional, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood offers an insightful look at the figure behind the television program, tugging at the heartstrings of audiences everywhere through its portrait of the man who inspired so many. Tom Hanks gives an excellent performance as Fred Rogers, making him one of Tom Hanks' most likable characters.
Knives Out
Knives Out is an exciting whodunnit that centers on Marta Cabrera and the family of Harlan Thrombey, all of whom are investigated in their possible connection to Harlan's death. In an age of predictable plots, Knives Out offers a new take on classic murder mystery scenarios, providing some genuine surprises.
The film excellently explores each character's personality, giving audiences reasons to suspect each one of them and come to conclusions on their own. With funny moments sprinkled throughout, Knives Out is a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
Little Women
A rendition of the story that has been adapted numerous times for film, television, and theatre, Greta Gerwig's Little Women is an excellent adaptation of the classic work. The film follows the March sisters in the mid-nineteenth century as they navigate their lives.
The main protagonist is Jo March, an aspiring writer and teacher who seeks to adapt her family's story into a novel. With fantastic and thoughtful performances and excellent direction by Greta Gerwig, the 2019 version of Little Women stands among the best renditions of the novel.
1917
Sometimes considered among the best World War I movies, 1917 features excellently executed action sequences, tense and emotional story beats, and fantastic acting, all set in a film with gorgeous cinematography. It revolves around two soldiers who are to bring a message to a commander in enemy territory, ordering the soldiers to halt an upcoming assault that will result in terrible casualties.
The filmmakers made the movie with techniques to make it appear as if it is mostly only one continuous shot, adding to the sense of realism and creating some excellent visual moments.
Parasite
The winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Parasite centers on the relationship between the Park family and the Kim family. The Parks hire Kim Ki-woo to tutor their daughter, and as time goes on, the rest of the Kim family is able to get hired by the Parks, though the latter family is unaware that the people they hired are all related.
The story takes several unexpected turns and has a thrilling conclusion. The film explores economic inequality, classism, and several other important themes, and featuring some exceptional performances, Parasite is worthy of its accolades and reputation.
The Peanut Butter Falcon
The Peanut Butter Falcon is about a young man named Zak, who has Down syndrome and escapes from the care facility in which he lived to pursue a career as a wrestler and train under a professional he adores. Along the way, he meets a man who is on the run, who assists Zak on his journey. A caretaker from the facility also tries to track him down to bring him back safely.
The Peanut Butter Falcon has been praised for the incredible performances of the cast, as well as for the beautiful scenery present throughout much of the movie. The drama and comedy film also features a heartfelt message about the importance of friendship, and it is well worth a watch.
Shazam!
The silly and extremely fun Shazam! is about the character Billy Batson, a teenager who receives the ability to transform into a superhero with the form of an adult by saying the titular exclamation. He must fight the evil Dr. Sivana, who seeks Billy's powers for himself. The performances of all involved are incredible, especially those of Asher Angel and Zachary Levi as both versions of Billy Batson.
The film is a welcome addition to the DCEU, including many comedic elements and exciting action sequences. These features help to make it one of the DCEU movies with the highest rewatch value.
Jumanji: The Next Level
The initial sequel to the iconic 1995 Jumanji, titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was a surprising success, garnering support from many fans of the original story. The next installment in the series, Jumanji: The Next Level, was also a great addition. The teenage characters from the first film return, but they enter the game as different avatars, and new characters also enter the fray.
The actors playing the avatars deserve special recognition, largely because they end up effectively playing several different characters. With plenty of hilarious moments and action-packed scenes, Jumanji: The Next Level is a fun ride that fully embraces its absurd premise.
Toy Story 4
Among the best Disney and Pixar movies of the 2010s, Toy Story 4 delivers on the emotional and comedic elements for which its series is known. The film features the well-known characters as they go on a road trip with Bonnie, with whom they have been since the ending of the third film.
They eventually come back in contact with some old friends, leading to some heartfelt reunions but also questions about loyalty. With plenty of memorable moments and the vocal talents of a multitude of performers, Toy Story 4 is a worthy entry in the beloved franchise.
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
In John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, the iconic character played by Keanu Reeves must remain on the run from members of the criminal underworld after he kills a crime lord. As a bounty is placed on his head, he has to fight his way through various groups as he tries to survive.
Featuring much of the intense action that fans expect from the John Wick series, Parabellum continues the trend of amazing fight choreography and cinematography that help the audience to truly appreciate the action taking place.