You’re probably going to disagree with us and that’s OK. With half of the films on this list being deliberately divisive, critics have been unable to reach an agreement on the leading films of 2019. This is our list.
Joker
Todd Phillips’ Joker broke a major blockbuster record this year when it was named the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. The film explores a new version of the Joker’s origin story. Joaquin Phoenix gave an Oscar-worthy performance as the troubled Arthur Fleck and Phillips’ direction is flawless from start to finish. Joker may not just be one of the best films of the year, but one of the greatest films of the decade.
Us
Jordan Peele’s second screenplay Us tells a terrifying tale of class and its arbitrary nature. The film has multiple layers and can be re-watched again and again for new chilling details. The film plays with the Freudian idea of the double and is inherently uncanny and unsettling. As per usual, Lupita Nyong’o gives a stunning performance as the lead.
Avengers: Endgame
Love it or hate it, the final installment of the Avengers was one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. The feature brought together just about every superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to face off against Thanos in an epic final battle. At nearly three hours long, the finale is action-packed, emotional, and visually spectacular. It’s hands down got to be one of the best films of the year. Sorry Martin Scorsese.
The Favourite
This Oscar-winning masterpiece reinvents the period drama genre. Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Queen Anne is devastatingly wonderful and Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz are equally riveting as the Queen’s love interests. As always with Yorgos Lanthimos films, the ending is subtly tragic and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. 5/5 from us.
Rocketman
Finally, the Elton John biopic Rocketman makes it onto the list of the best of the best. Dexter Fletcher directs this extravagant picture, which succeeds in being heartbreaking and a whole lot of fun all at once. After Rami Malek’s Oscar win, Taron Egerton is certainly in the running for a 2020 big win. And he will deserve it if he does.
