Our Top 10 Films Of 2019 So Far

By Matt Neglia 

​As heard on yesterday's podcast episode, the Next Best Picture team all revealed their Top 10 films of 2019 so far (only films which have received a proper theatrical release in the States this year qualified). We have taken everyon'e individual lists and put them all together to formulate this collective Top 10 which represents the whole team. Films which scored highly with the team but did not make the cut include "Long Shot, " "How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World," "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum," "Yesterday" and more!

​Click below to read the list and bring on the rest of 2019.

10. High Life

Coming in at number 10 is Claire Denis' sci-fi film "High Life," starring Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, and Mia Goth. prompting walkouts at its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and piquing our own interest, this film has proven to be quite divisive. However, those who really love it truly love it which is why it eventually made our list. Filled with haunting and unique imagery, the likes of which you probably won't see in any other film this year and with thought-provoking questions, there's no doubt that no matter where you landed with "High Life," the pseudo-sexy, sci-fi horror film is certainly a memorable one.

9. Captain Marvel

​DC may have had "Wonder Woman," but this year, Marvel fans were treated to "Captain Marvel," starring Academy Award Winner Brie Larson ("Room") in the titular role of an alien/god-like being discovering her identity while trying to contend with the galaxy on the brink of war. Empowering imagery, a-rockin' soundtrack, 90's nostalgia, and a de-aged Samuel L. Jackson (with some truly remarkable CGI), it's easy to see why and how "Captain Marvel" not only worked for audiences worldwide but its message of female empowerment probably inspired a whole new generation. Also, how can anyone forget that cat? Did anyone else steal the show in 2019 so far more than Goose?

8. Apollo 11

​By far and away the highest rated documentary of the year by the team here at Next Best Picture, "Apollo 11" is truly a wonder. With footage shot over 50 years ago, stunningly remastered in high definition and projected onto IMAX screens with a booming soundscape, a thrilling score and some of the most complex editing of the year, its a true stunner on a technical level that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Following the events of the Apollo 11 moon landing with nothing more than the archival video and audio footage, this ran the risk of being a boring history documentary. However, through the magic of cinema, "Apollo 11" actually manages to make us feel like we are in the control room at NASA and eventually yes, even on the moon. It also perfectly compliments last year's "First Man" as a potential double feature presentation.

7. Rocketman

Succeeding where "Bohemian Rhapsody" could not for us, "Rocketman" entertained us and took us on a fantastical journey through the life of singer/performer Elton John with gusto and bravery. Pulling no punches back in showing the man for all of his flaws, Elton was given life by Taron Egerton in what is undoubtedly the young actor's best performance to date. Packed with dazzling musical numbers, extravagant costumes and the songs we all know and love from the British performer, "Rocketman" was a hard, insightful and ultimately empowering look at the price of fame and not only learning to be yourself but to also love yourself. 

​6. The Last Black Man In San Francisco

​One of the most gorgeous films of 2019 and certainly one of the best debuts, comes from the Sundance award-winning film "The Last Black Man In San Francisco." Backed by some vibrant cinematography, poetic editing, and a beautiful score, director Joe Talbot officially announces himself as a new filmmaking voice to watch and listen to in 2019. He is backed by star Jimmie Fails, who also helped write the story based on his own life. Along with Jonathan Majors, the two actors convey a lovely relationship of friendship on-screen about home, family, and trying to overcome one's own pre-determined place in life in hopes for a better one.

5. Late Night

​Topical, funny, light and backed by some charming performances, "Late Night" ticked off all the right boxes for us. Mindy Kaling's screenplay feels vital in a #MeToo world, while her empathetic performance as the first female writer on an all-male writing staff won over our hearts. Emma Thompson steals the show as the late-night host whose career is coming to an end due to poor ratings and she hires her new writer as a diversity hire at first but quickly realizes she might be essential to saving her career. A film you can pretty much sit anyone in front of, this comedy not only brought the laughs but it also brought up many essential thoughts and comments on women in the workplace that not many other films are tackling.

4. Toy Story 4

​Woody and the gang are back, with some new and exciting toys too, in a sequel we did not necessarily need but once the credits came up, we all agreed that wasn't the case. With "Toy Story 4," the geniuses over at Pixar surprised us once again by completing one of the best character arcs in the history of film with Woody (voiced once again by the ever fabulous and spirited Tom Hanks) and provided us with one last (?) adventure that measured up to the other flawless films in the franchise. Funny, smart and of course, immensely powerful, many will remember this film for its emotional ending but who can forget Forky (Tony Hale) trying to continuously throw himself in the trash over and over again?

​3. Avengers: Endgame

​A three-hour epic that wraps up major plot points in the MCU and brings an end to the Infinity Saga, "Avengers: Endgame" is working on the same grand level as films such as "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" and "Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Part 2." An incredible juggling act by the Russo brothers, "Avengers: Endgame" feels perfectly balanced as all things should be and it provides everything we've come to expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe: the memorable characters, the humor, and the awesome action set pieces. Even if superhero films are not entirely your thing, it's evident that "Avengers: Endgame" was trying to be something more while still giving fans the closure they needed after over 10 years of emotional investment. We love it 3000.

2. Booksmart

​Olivia Wilde's directorial debut premiered at the South by Southwest film festival and instantly became a critical darling due to its raunchy but smart humor, winning performances and slick direction. A coming of age, teen sex comedy for 2019 that hits all the right notes, it's backed by a resonating friendship from actresses Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein as they try to enjoy their last evening as high schoolers with many interesting surprises thrown in. Also, throw in a scene-stealing performance from Billie Lourde along with a well-rounded supporting cast, each of whom receives a scene or two to effectively make their mark, and "Booksmart" might just be the most perfect movie most of us have seen so far this year. It placed the highest on almost all of the Next Best Picture team's ballots and would've ranked number one if only the next and final film here did not place on more ballots...

1. Us

Jordan Peele's followup film to "Get Out" finds the Academy Award-winning filmmaker increasing his technical prowess and ambition, paying homage to the genre he clearly adores so much while making an intense commentary of society as a whole with his bone-chilling and highly original film "Us." Although, it may not be as tight as "Get Out," Jordan Peele did not give us a lot to chew on with this one, packed with many subtle hints, subliminal imagery and many levels of interpretation which people are still debating till this day, months after its theatrical release. Featuring one of the year's best performances from Lupita Nyong'o, having to play two completely different characters, "Us" proved that Jordan Peele's debut was no fluke accident and he overwhelmingly has the filmmaking and storytelling chops to establish quite a legacy for himself in the future.​

So what do you think of our list? What are some of your favorite films of 2019 so far? Be sure to let us know in the comments below or on our Twitter account.

You can follow Matt and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @NextBestPicture