Catch Up on 2019's Best Films

While you're sitting in quarantine, cycling through Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, the Criterion Channel, or what have you to find something to watch, consider catching up on some of 2019's best offerings. Here are, in my humble opinion, the ten best films from 2019 and where to catch them! Not listed is Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which I highly recommend you all watch when it becomes available on streaming. Please do not go to a theater to see it during the current state of emergency.

1. HIGH LIFE, dir. Claire Denis

A gorgeous, hyper-stylish sci-fi epic by French film master Claire Denis. It's all about the body, sexual desire, and the carnal nature of humanity. At the end, you'll be left feeling the intimate scope of the universe within your bones. Stream now on Amazon Prime.

2. GENESIS, dir. Philippe Lesage

Like someone took a film camera and documented your life when you were seventeen. Nuanced performances, haunting cinematography, and some of the best use of music you'll see in all 2019 film. So true to life, it hurts. Rent now on Amazon Video for $1.99.

3. PAIN & GLORY, dir. Pedro Almodovar

The life of an aged gay film director has never felt so relatable than in Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar's latest Pain & Glory. If you're like me, you'll cry about seven times. And Antonio Banderas was robbed of an Oscar here, too. Rent now on Amazon Video for $3.99.

4. PARASITE, dir. Bong Joon-ho

If you haven't seen Parasite yet, what have you even been doing? But if that's the case, you need to check out this fiercely intelligent and visually layered parable of class, privilege, and status. Rent now on Amazon Video for $4.99.

5. CLIMAX, dir. Gaspar Noe

Bat-shit crazy, I can guarantee you've never had an experience like French provocateur Gaspar Noe's 2019 offering, Climax. Dance, music, hallucinogenics, and sex intertwine themselves in a startling visual poem that aims to shock but maintains a surprising depth and humanity at its core. Stream now on Amazon Prime.

6. LITTLE WOMEN, dir. Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig updates the classic tale of Little Women with smart editing tricks, gorgeous cinematography, a sense of modern fun, and stellar performances. It'll leave you awestruck, and a bit weepy. Buy now on Amazon Video for $14.99.

7. DIAMANTINO, dir. Gabriel Abrantes & Daniel Schmidt

Maybe one of the lesser-known films on this list, Diamantino blends genres with ease and garners huge laughs throughout. Uproariously funny, endlessly inventive, and worth it alone to watch a handsome man play soccer with a hoard of huge dogs. Stream now on the Criterion Channel, or rent on Amazon Video for $3.99.

8. UNCUT GEMS, dir. The Safdie Brothers

The Safdie Brothers' latest film follows the chaotic chronicles of Howie, played by a brilliant Adam Sandler, essentially as he juggles everyone who's mad at him. Watches like trying to stand on a basketball while a monkey throws darts at you. Maybe skip if you're extra stressed lately, but watch if you love great cinema. Rent now on Amazon Video for $5.99.

9. MIDSOMMAR, dir. Ari Aster

Like Parasite, if you managed to miss this one, what is wrong with you? But maybe you did miss it, and if that's the case, get on this one ASAP. Florence Pugh is incredible in this sun-soaked horror film from newly-emerged, scary good auteur Ari Aster.  Stream now on Amazon Prime.

10. THE SOUVENIR, dir. Joanna Hogg

Criminally underseen, one of 2019's best is this British relationship drama about a young filmmaker and her boyfriend, who's struggling with addiction. Features a Venice sex scene to rival that of Don't Look Now. It's all brilliant, though. Stream now on Amazon Prime.