fbpx vie magazine subscribe button

Nineteen Popular Films of 2019 and Where to Watch Them

By Jordan Staggs

Each year I look forward to creating this roundup, but it seems that last year I didn’t make it to the cinema as much as I usually do. Did you know that 786 films were released in the US and Canada in 2019? There’s just no way to see them all, unless it truly is your job. So, instead of choosing my personal favorites, I’ve gathered a list of nineteen feature films that are rated as some of IMDb’s most popular movies of the year—and I’m letting you know how you can watch each of them right now. So, grab the microwave popcorn and your favorite candy, because it’s time for a movie night!

Remaking History

Ford v Ferrari

Strap in for a high-speed historical drama as the race for performance-vehicle dominance is on between American muscle and Italian precision in the 1960s. Matt Damon and Christian Bale team up as automotive designer Carroll Shelby and race car driver Ken Miles, respectively. Their intense mission and quick tempers make for great dynamics as their characters vow to design and drive a car that will defeat Ferrari’s in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

VIE Magazine, 1917, Universal Pictures
1917 © 2019 Universal Pictures

1917

With three Academy Awards under its belt, 1917 was the year’s biggest historical drama. It is a fictional retelling of events during World War I as British soldiers struggle to deliver a message calling off a doomed attack on German forces. Stunning battle sequences and heartbreaking performances mesh to create a memorable story that will join the ranks of some of the best war movies ever made.

Purchase on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Won’t you be my neighbor? We could all use a little positivity in our lives, and few people have ever delivered the metaphorical sunshine as well as Mr. Fred Rogers. Tom Hanks portrays the legendary children’s television host and advocate as he changes the outlook of cynical Esquire journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who has been assigned to profile him.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Heroes & Villains

VIE Magazine, Star Wars, Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker, Walt Disney Studios
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker © 2019 Walt Disney Studios

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

The end of the Skywalker saga has come. While Episode IX in one of the world’s biggest film franchises has mixed reviews from viewers and critics, there’s no doubt that it’s an epic conclusion to a story that began over forty years ago with A New Hope. Fans of all ages flocked to the theaters to see how it would all play out in this Oscar-nominated space opera.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Avengers: Endgame

Twenty-three films later, and the Marvel superheroes known as the Avengers, along with some friends, arrived in the endgame of a battle that began eleven years prior with the release of Iron Man. What’s known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become the most complex crossover universe in film history, tying together the stories of about twenty major superheroes, including newcomer Captain Marvel. Although it’s the end of the line for some favorite characters in the series, don’t worry—there are plenty more adventures to come as Marvel Studios rolls out its Phase Four film and television lineup, beginning with Black Widow this year.

Watch on Disney+ (free with subscription).

VIE Magazine, Captain Marvel, Walt Disney Studios
Captain Marvel © 2019 Walt Disney Studios

Captain Marvel

Brie Larson literally blasted onto the scene of the Marvel universe in March of 2019, just a month before Avengers: Endgame would bring her together with the rest of the team on the big screen. Set in the 1990s, the film’s sound track and styling are a blast from the not-so-distant past, and hero Carol Danvers, a.k.a. Captain Marvel, has the attitude to match the grungy yet kick-ass girl groups of the era.

Watch on Disney+ (free with subscription).

Crimedies (Crime + Comedy)

VIE Magazine, Top Films of 2019, Knives Out, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Knives Out photo by Claire Folger © 2019 Lionsgate Motion Picture Group

Knives Out

Ranked at the top of IMDb’s list of most popular movies of 2019, Knives Out is a welcome departure from so many huge franchise installments and adaptations. Writer and director Rian Johnson hit a home run with this whodunit-style mystery that features an all-star cast, including Christopher Plummer, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and more. The laughs are as bountiful as the twists as a rich family tries to solve the murder of its patriarch (Plummer)—and battle over inheritance in its wake.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

This film is about as Tarantino as they get. Buckle up for a fast-paced ride through 1969 Los Angeles starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and more. It’s described as “multiple storylines in a modern fairy-tale tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.” The movie runs the gamut from rewriting history to playing up the style, lingo, architecture, and intrigue of the era. The sets alone are worth watching for, but the plot is sure to leave heads reeling.

Watch on Starz (free with subscription).

Toy Story 4

Okay, it’s not exactly a “crime” movie, but the hunt is on in Toy Story 4 as Forky, the newest toy in the gang, escapes and Woody takes it upon himself to rescue him. They encounter a gang of toys in an antique shop who definitely fit the mob profile, and they also encounter an old friend. The series installment won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and it’s sure to bring a nostalgic tear to the eye of fans of all ages, with plenty of laughs and thrills as well.

Watch on Disney+ (free with subscription).

Music We Love

Rocketman

On the heels of the wildly successful Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) comes another classic-rock biopic, but the story of Elton John stands out with its own style, fantastic energy, stellar performances, and heartfelt storytelling. The music legend himself weighed in heavily on the musical, which stars Taron Egerton in what might be his best performance yet. Unlike in the aforementioned Queen film, which dubbed Freddie Mercury’s singing over actor Rami Malek’s fabulous portrayal, Egerton performed all his numbers as he brought John’s true backstory to life.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Yesterday

What would the world be like if the Beatles never existed? This is the interesting question posed in Yesterday, starring Himesh Patel as struggling musician Jack Malik. During a global blackout event, Malik is hit by a bus and when he wakes, he discovers (through a series of hilariously frustrating moments) that he appears to be the only one who remembers the Beatles. Malik takes it upon himself to share their music with the world (claiming it as his own) and, of course, becomes a sensation. But what other consequences does the Fab Four’s absence have on the globe? Find out in this heartwarming musical rom-com.

Watch on HBO (free with subscription).

VIE Magazine, The Lion King, Walt Disney Studios
The Lion King © 2019 Walt Disney Studios

The Lion King

Disney’s new CGI rendition of the 1994 classic brings back the beloved music from the best-selling animated film sound track of all time and the long-running Broadway adaptation, but with a fresh new cast. The Lion King stars Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa. The animation is stunningly realistic as Disney once again struts its prowess in the field. Although nothing could replace the original, it’s worth a watch!

Watch on Disney+ (free with subscription).

Family Must-Sees

VIE Magazine, Top Films of 2019, Frozen
Frozen II

Frozen II

As many parents around the world have no doubt already discovered (and perhaps regret), Disney released Frozen II on its streaming service early to bring some extra joy during the COVID-19 outbreak as many are confined to their homes. The hit sequel is perhaps one of the most dynamic storytelling arcs we’ve seen in an animated film series, as it delves into the pasts of Queen Elsa, her mysterious powers, the kingdom of Arendelle, and more. The characters experience deep feelings and themes not often explored in children’s films, though the lessons they learn along the way are excellent reminders for all ages.

Watch on Disney+ (free with subscription).

Jumanji: The Next Level

The mismatched heroes from 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle are back and are once again playing for their lives in a game of wild adventure. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Jack Black reprise their roles, albeit with some twists befitting the unpredictable nature of the Jumanji game.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

VIE Magazine, Top Films of 2019, Troop Zero, Amazon Studios
Troop Zero photo by Curtis Bonds Baker © 2019 Amazon Studios

Troop Zero

Get ready to laugh, cry, and cheer on the underdogs of Troop Zero, Amazon Prime’s coming-of-age tale set in rural Georgia during the famous Space Race era. A lonely misfit kid (Mckenna Grace) who is obsessed with outer space decides to form her own troop of Birdie Scouts when she learns the jamboree grand prize is a chance to have your voice on a golden record that will be shot into space.

Watch on Amazon Prime (free with subscription).

Oh, the Drama

VIE Magazine, Top Films of 2019, Little Women, CTMG
Little Women photo by Wilson Webb © 2019 CTMG, Inc.

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel has a new adaptation, and it’s received rave reviews from viewers and critics, not to mention an Oscar win for Best Costume Design. A dynamic cast brings to life the multifaceted March sisters and their love interests as they navigate family, friendship, love, death, betrayal, and more in a classic coming-of-age tale. It’s incredible how a story written in 1868 can still resonate so deeply and remain relevant to audiences today, as great literature ought to do.

Purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

VIE Magazine, Top Films of 2019, Joker, Warner Bros, Warner Brothers
Joker © 2019 Warner Bros.

Joker

Joaquin Phoenix took home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his chilling performance as one of the comic book industry’s most renowned villains. (The film also won Best Original Score for the work of Hildur Guðnadóttir.) But this isn’t your usual Batman hero versus villain romp. Instead, it took a look into the background and psychology behind the Joker, and fans were on edge continually throughout the film as they wondered what moment might be the one to make the man snap.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Irishman

Netflix released Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama bringing together some of the greatest actors in the biz—Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci—in this adaptation of I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. It follows the memories of World War II veteran and trained killer Frank Sheeran as he recounts his time as a hitman for a Philadelphia crime syndicate in the 1960s.

Watch on Netflix (free with subscription).

The Best Picture

VIE Magazine, Top Films of 2019, Parasite, Neon + CJ Entertainment
Parasite © 2019 NEON + CJ Entertainment

Parasite

The big Oscar winner of 2019 might have come as a surprise to many. Parasite, a dark comedy-thriller from South Korea, tells the intriguing story of two families—one wealthy and one struggling to survive. Written by Han Jin-won with Bong Joon-ho, who also directed the film, it swept up four Academy Awards and subsequently led to viewers worldwide clinging to the edge of their seats.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

— V —



Read Responsibly

December 2023, Holiday Issue, Christmas, VIE Magazine, Lisa Burwell, Cover, Gift Guide, Holidays
Marisol Gullo, Not Too Shabby, Home, Decor, Interior Design, Santa Rosa Beach, Churchill Oaks
VIE Magazine September 2023 Jay Mercado
VIE Magazine - The Art & Design Issue November 2021
VIE Magazine January 2021 Special Commemorative Edition
VIE Magazine September 2020 Wanderlust Issue, Fancy Camps, The Idea Boutique
VIE Magazine August 2020 Art & Culture Issue, Nathan Alan Yoakum Art
VIE Magazine - Architecture & Design Issue - July 2020
VIE Magazine - Decor and Home Issue - June 2020
VIE Magazine May 2020 Entertainment Issue, Leslie Odom Jr
VIE Magazine - April 2020 Culinary Issue
VIE Magazine March 2020 The Fashion Edit, VONDOM, Alys Beach Fl, Digital Graffiti, Tres Chic, isidro dunbar Modern Interiors, Digital Graffiti Festival
VIE Magazine February 2020 Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine - Travel Issue - January 2020 - Tanzania Safari Cover
VIE Magazine - Women's Issue - December 2019 - Tina Brown Cover
VIE NOV19 Goodness Issue
VIE Magazine, September 2019 Art & Culture Issue, Paul Hanninen
VIE Magazine - August 2019 - The Architecture and Design Issue
VIE Magazine - July 2019 - The Artist Issue
VIE Magazine - June 2019 - Fashion Edit
VIE Magazine - May 2019 - Culinary Issue
VIE Magazine - April 2019 - The Health & Wellness Issue
VIE Magazine - Special Entertainment Edition - March 2019
VIE Magazine February 2019 Luxury Homes & Technology Issue with Robbie Antonio of Revolution Precrafted
VIE Magazine - January 2019 - Southern Sophisticate Issue Cover
VIE Magazine - Special Anniversary Travel Edition - December 2018
VIE Magazine - The Goodness Issue - November 2018
VIE Magazine - The Art & Culture Issue - October 2018
VIE Magazine - Home & Garden Issue - September 2018
VIE Magazine - August 2018 Animal Issue
VIE Magazine - July 2018 Architecture & Design Issue - Subscribe to the magazine!
VIE Magazine - June 2018 Travel & Tech Issue
VIE Magazine - May 2018 Couture Issue
VIE Magazine - The Culinary Issue - April 2018 Cover - Chef James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst
VIE Magazine - The Entertainers Issue - March 2018
VIE Magazine - February 2018 Destination Travel Issue
VIE Magazine - January 2018 Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine, The Sophisticate Issue, December 2017
VIE Magazine - November 2017 Art & Culture Issue
VIE Magazine - October 2017 Home & Garden Issue
VIE Magazine | September 2017 | The Stories and Storytellers Issue
VIE Magazine - The Adventure Issue - August 2017
VIE Magazine - July 2017 - Art & Artist Issue
VIE Magazine - The Voyager Issue - June 2017
VIE magazine 2017 March-April Cover South Walton Fashion Week
VIE Magazine - January/February 2017 - The Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine - Nov/Dec 2016 The Sophisticate Issue
christian siriano vie magazine september october 2016 vie magazine
the modern minimalist issue
Summertime!
the culinary and couture issue march april 2016 vie magazine
the voyager issue alys beach vie magazine january february 2016
cultural issue vie magazine november december 2015
home and garden issue vie magazine september october 2015
the art and style issue vie magazine july august 2015
the wedding issue 2015 May June vie magazine
the food and fashion issue vie magazine march april 2015
the travel issue vie magazine january february 2015
the music issue vie magazine 2014 november december
The Animal Issue vie magazine september october 2014
the home and garden issue vie magazine july august 2014
the wedding issue vie magazine may june 2014
emeril lagasse food and fashion vie magazine
the men's issue january february 2014
the music issue november december 2013 vie magazine
the home and garden issue 2013 october september
the wedding issue vie magazine july august 2013
the artist issue may june 2013 vie magazine
the food and fashion issue march april 2013
the men's issue january february 2013 vie magazine
The Holiday Issue
the love issue july august 2012
the all american summer may june 2012
the entertainment issue march april 2012
the fashion issue vie magazine winter 2011
the home and garden issue vie magazine fall 2011
the anniversary edition vie magazine summer 2011
the wedding issue vie magazine spring 2011
vie magazine the holiday issue 2010 Dec
vintage swimsuits vie magazine 2010 Fall
judith march designer vie magazine summer 2010
wedding giveaway vie magazine spring 2010
holiday gift guide vie magazine winter 2009
emarketing explosion vie magazine fall 2009
tribute to mother's day vie magazine summer 2009
james and robert redford vie magazine spring 2009
zz top vie magazine fall winter 2008
project dreams vie magazine new york fashion week
Sign-up for VIEmail

Sign up for VIEmail


X

A LIFESTYLE