Limelight Magazine viewed 77 films theatrically in 2019.  Of these films, 67 were first run, while the rest were retro screenings of horror classics such as Jaws and Halloween 2. While this decade contained some of the best films in cinematic history, 2019 had the most films that were consistently solid.  As with any list, we have not screened every film released in 2019, including Stars Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Pain and Glory and 1917. We plan to see those films at the start of the new year.

In reflecting back on the highlights of 2019, these were our top 10 favorites followed by an honorable mention list. Rather than go into detail about each film, we’re only going to list them so you can discover these movies for yourself. (Disclaimer: This list is based on films I’ve seen as of Dec. 31, 2019. It could be adjusted in the future as I view other films from 2019 in early 2020).

1. The Joker

2. Parasite

3. The Nightingale

4. Us

5. Doctor Sleep

6. The Nighshifter

7. Midsommar

8. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

9. Uncut Gems

10. Happy Death Day 2U

Honorable Mentions (11-20)

11. Freaks
12. Glass
13. Richard Jewell
14. Little Women
15. Yesterday
16. Luce
17. Climax
18. Rust Creek
19. Knives Out
20. Bombshell