The Best Drama Movies of 2019
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1Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie BeetzIn Joker, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a struggling comedian in Gotham City, spirals into madness and emerges as the notorious Joker. This character-driven drama, directed by Todd Phillips, delves into the transformative journey of a vulnerable man disregarded by society. Set against the backdrop of a city steeped in crime and corruption, Fleck's descent is both haunting and compelling. Winner of two Academy Awards including Best Actor for Phoenix, Joker offers a gritty reinterpretation of the iconic Batman villain, challenging traditional comic book narratives while resonating with contemporary socio-political themes.More Joker
2Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot RobbieIn the cinematic tapestry of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, director Quentin Tarantino weaves together the lives of fading TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Set in 1969 Los Angeles, this drama-comedy captures a bygone era against the backdrop of the Manson Family murders. Dalton and Booth navigate an industry they hardly recognize anymore. This film, blending fact with fiction, won Brad Pitt an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It's a love letter to Hollywood's golden age, filled with Tarantino's signature style and unexpected twists.
3Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon BernthalIn the high-octane drama Ford v. Ferrari, American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) challenge corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary vehicle for Ford Motor Co. Their aim? To defeat the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. This action-packed biographical sports film, directed by James Mangold, is a thrilling ride through an underdog story fuelled by determination, friendship, and grit. Garnering four nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, it's a testament to groundbreaking automotive innovation and raw racing spirit.More Ford v. Ferrari- #106 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
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4Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia FoxIn Uncut Gems, Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler, is constantly on the lookout for the next big score. He thrives in the adrenaline-charged world of high-stakes gambles and precarious deals. When he acquires a rare Ethiopian gemstone, he's certain it's his ticket to riches. But with debts piling up and angry collectors closing in, Howard embarks on a risky bid to sell the stone, all while trying to balance business, family, and adversaries on every side. This fast-paced thriller directed by the Safdie Brothers won multiple awards for its gritty realism and Sandler's riveting performance.
5Little Women
Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence PughA poignant rendition of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Little Women is an enchanting drama set in the backdrop of Civil War-era Massachusetts. The narrative revolves around the March sisters - spirited Jo (Saoirse Ronan), nurturing Meg (Emma Watson), shy Beth (Eliza Scanlen), and charming Amy (Florence Pugh) - as they navigate life's joys and sorrows. Helmed by Greta Gerwig, this 2019 adaptation won an Oscar for Best Costume Design. It skillfully portrays the sisters' individual pursuits of love, art, and purpose while highlighting their unyielding bond amidst societal expectations.
6Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe PesciIn the epic crime saga The Irishman, Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a labor union leader and hitman, recounts his life's journey through the murky waters of organized crime. Alongside him are notable characters such as the manipulative mobster Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and charismatic union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film weaves a complex narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and regret. It's a masterful exploration of power dynamics in post-war America. The 2019 release garnered multiple award nominations for its stellar ensemble cast and intricate storytelling.
7Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi WatsonLloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger's empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel's jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past.
8Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie FoxxJust Mercy is a 2019 American biographical drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, based on the memoir by Bryan Stevenson. A distinguished civil rights attorney, Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) fights to free a condemned prisoner on death row.More Just Mercy- #35 of 89 onThe Greatest African American Biopics
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9Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Azhy RobertsonMarriage Story is a poignant drama where matrimony unravels into chaos. The film centers on Charlie Barber (Adam Driver), a successful theater director, and his wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), a former teen film actress transitioning towards television. Their marriage, once filled with shared dreams and mutual respect, crumbles under the weight of personal ambitions, leading them to a heart-wrenching divorce. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the movie garnered six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. A tale of love surviving its own demise, Marriage Story presents an intimate exploration of a family staying together amidst falling apart.More Marriage Story- #34 of 56 onThe Best Single Dad Movies Ever Made
- #2 of 37 on25+ Great Movies About Depressing Couples
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10Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana LinIn The Farewell, Billi (Awkwafina), a Chinese-American woman, grapples with her family's decision to keep their matriarch Nai Nai's (Zhao Shuzhen) terminal illness a secret. This poignant comedy-drama, directed by Lulu Wang, explores cultural complexities through the lens of a wedding facade. An unconventional family reunion unfolds in China, where Billi wrestles with the ethical dilemma at hand. As she navigates through familial bonds and traditions, the film delicately dissects the East-West cultural divide. The Farewell received multiple awards and nominations for its unique narrative and outstanding performances.More The Farewell- #65 of 77 onThe Greatest Female-Led Comedy Movies
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11Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle DockeryThe beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the king and queen of England soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue -- leaving the future of Downton hanging in the balance.
12Jonathan Pryce, Anthony Hopkins, Juan Gervasio MinujínBehind the Vatican walls, Pope Benedict and the future Pope Francis must find common ground to forge a new path for the Catholic Church.More The Two Popes- #76 of 82 onThe 80+ Best Christian Movies Of All Time
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13Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy BatesFormer Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault join forces to try and capture notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.More The Highwaymen- Dig Deeper...The Real Story Behind Netflix’s ‘The Highwaymen’
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14Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, Zack GottsagenAfter running away from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, a man who has Down syndrome befriends an outlaw who becomes his coach and ally.
15Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim RobbinsDark Waters is a 2019 American drama film directed by Todd Haynes, based on a true story. An attorney (Mark Ruffalo) discovers a connection between a string of mysterious deaths and chemical company DuPont and fights to reveal the truth to the public.
16Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna BajramiIn 1770 the young daughter of a French countess develops a mutual attraction to the female artist commissioned to paint her wedding portrait.- #6 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
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17Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard MaddenRocketman, a vibrant biographical musical, tracks the meteoric rise of pop-culture icon Elton John (Taron Egerton). The film, directed by Dexter Fletcher, begins with John's humble beginnings as Reginald Dwight in England. It then hurtles through his prodigious piano playing talent, his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and his subsequent transformation into the flamboyant superstar known globally as Elton John. With its toe-tapping soundtrack and dazzling costumes, Rocketman won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. An unflinching look at fame's highs and lows, it's a tale of survival amidst success and excess.More Rocketman- Dig Deeper...All Of The Inaccuracies In 'Rocketman'
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18Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Haley Joel OsmentIn Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, the sinister world of Ted Bundy (Zac Efron) unfolds. A charm-laden law student turned notorious serial killer, Bundy's life is examined through the lens of his long-time girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer (Lily Collins). As she struggles to reconcile the man she loves with his horrific crimes, viewers are drawn into a chilling narrative of manipulation and deceit. The film thrives in its true-crime genre, masterfully balancing suspense with dramatic storytelling. This gripping portrayal even earned Efron critical acclaim for his performance as the infamous Bundy.
19Taraji P. Henson, Sam Rockwell, Babou CeesayThe Best of Enemies is a 2019 American drama film directed and written by Robin Bissell, based on the book The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South by Osha Gray Davidson. A civil rights activist in Durham, North Carolina, Ann Atwater (Taraji P. Henson) battles, C.P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell), the leader of the Ku Klux Klan for a decade until 1971 when they agree to co-chair a two-week community meeting to deal with a court-ordered school desegregation decree.
20Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole KidmanPhillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom as Dell and Phillip rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest.More The Upside
21Aaron Paul, Matt L. Jones, Charles BakerJesse Pinkman flees from the police and tries to escape his inner turmoil.
22Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Tom CourtenayKing of Thieves is a 2019 British crime film directed by James Marsh, based on the Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary of 2015. 77 year old widower Brian Reader (Michael Caine) pulls together a band of misfit criminals, mostly in their 60s and 70s, to plot an unprecedented burglary at the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit over the Easter holiday weekend and allegedly get away with over £200 million worth of stolen jewels and money.
23Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio BanderasThe Laundromat is a 2019 American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh, based on the book Secrecy World: Inside the Panama Papers Investigation of Illicit Money Networks and the Global Elite by Jake Bernstein. After a dream vacation goes wrong, Ellen Martin (Meryl Streep) uncovers an off-shore tax scheme that involves the world's richest and most powerful political leaders.
24Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Kristen WiigFormer architect Bernadette Fox seems to have it all -- a beautiful home in Seattle, a successful and loving husband, and a brilliant teenage daughter who's about to attend boarding school. When Bernadette suddenly disappears without a trace, her concerned family sets off on an exciting adventure to solve the mystery of where she might have gone.- #15 of 27 onThe Best Movies About a Midlife Crisis in Women
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25The Professor
Johnny Depp, Zoey Deutch, Rosemarie DeWittThe Professor is a 2019 American dark comedy film directed by Wayne Roberts. A buttoned-down college professor (Johnny Depp) decides to lead a crusade against authority and hypocrisy after he is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
26Matthias Schoenaerts, Gideon Adlon, Bruce DernA violent convict is given the chance to participate in a rehabilitation therapy program centered around the training of wild mustangs.
27Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia StilesIn the heart of New York City's Wall Street, a group of savvy strippers, led by Destiny (Constance Wu) and Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), have their livelihoods upended by the 2008 financial crisis. Their response? A daring scheme to swindle their wealthy clientele. Hustlers, a gripping crime drama based on true events, showcases high-stakes hustles and intricate power dynamics. The film earned Jennifer Lopez a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying its status as a standout in the genre. An exploration of friendship and survival amidst greed and glamour, Hustlers offers an unflinching look at the American dream gone awry.More Hustlers- #135 of 156 onThe Best Ensemble Movies Of All Time
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28Glass
Bruce Willis, James McAvoy, Samuel L. JacksonIn Glass, a gritty, suspense-filled thriller, David Dunn (Bruce Willis) emerges as a vigilante superhero, The Overseer. His path crosses with the cunning and disturbed Elijah Price, known as Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson), and Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man with 24 distinct personalities. As these characters from M. Night Shyamalan's earlier films - Unbreakable and Split - converge in an explosive showdown, their realities blur into one another. Each character's story unravels, revealing haunting secrets and challenging our notions of heroism and villainy. Amidst the chaos, an insidious plot orchestrated by Mr. Glass threatens to change their world forever.More Glass- #9 of 32 onThe Scariest Superhero Movies, Ranked
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29Keira Knightley, Alexander Skarsgård, Jason ClarkeIn 1946 Rachael Morgan arrives in the ruins of Hamburg to be reunited with her husband, Lewis, who is a British colonel charged with rebuilding the shattered city. As they set off for their new home, Rachael is stunned to discover that Lewis has made an unexpected decision: They will be sharing the grand house with its previous owners, a German widower and his troubled daughter. In this charged atmosphere, enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal.
30The Public
Emilio Estevez, Alec Baldwin, Jena MaloneThe Public is a 2018 American drama film directed by Emilio Estevez. When a large group of homeless people led by Jackson (Michael Kenneth Williams) take shelter at the local library, the head librarian (Estevez) finds himself in a standoff between the group and the police.
