2019 gave moviegoers amazing movies such as Avengers Endgame, Us, and Toy Story 4. With so many hits it is easy to forget that Oscar Season is upon us, and the best that Hollywood has to offer is still to come. With long-awaited sequels, and performances that are going to peek peoples interested, here are the most anticipated movies of the fall.
10. Zombieland Double Tap
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Release Date: October 18, 2018
Zombieland has a strange history, while it was praised during its time in theaters it wasn’t until it was available on TV, and later streaming where the film really gained its cults status. The idea of a sequel seemed further and further away especially with the careers of Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone kicking off with movies such as The Help and Social Network making them big stars. One terrible Amazon reboot later and we finally get Zombieland Double Tap. With the entire cast returning the chemistry seems to still be there, while not the most anticipated movie on this list, the wait itself might be worth it.
9. Gemini Man
Director: Ang Lee
Release Date: October 11, 2019
2019 has been a great year for Will Smith, with Aladin breaking a billion dollars, Will Smith seems to be going through a career resurgence. Ang Lee is known for the way he is willing to take risks with ideas that others might find ridiculous and Gemini Man is no different. This time Will Smith is one of the best US agents and his next task is to hunt down the most wanted man in the world, himself. Will Smith plays duel roles and it will be fascinating to see Will Smith play a young fighter, and a grizzled veteran at the same time. While I am not the biggest Ang Lee fan, his choreography and amazing use of the camera will always keep me coming back and Gemini Man seems like a can’t miss action thriller.
8. Queen & Slim
Director: Melina Matsoukas
Release Date: November 27, 2019
Queen & Slim is the perfect Oscar-bait film, a film that grabs the worst of society and is not afraid to put it front and center. Queen and Slim each played by Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith respectively are a couple out on there first date. However, after getting pulled over by an officer in an act of self-defense Queen and Sim find themselves on the run after shooting the officer. The movie shows the social tension between officers of the law and the people they are sworn to protect as Queen and Slim both raise in infamy. The reason why this film is so low on the list is that the trailer feels like it showed you the whole movie, however, I still recommend you give this movie a go if not for the story than for the amazing performances.
7. Knives Out
Director: Rian Johnson
Release Date: November 27, 2019
There is nothing better than a good whodunit murder mystery, the complex story threads coming together for one final payoff. However, what makes these types of movies amazing is the cast. You have to love or hate every one of the characters hoping that any of them could be the killer. With that said Knives Out has one of the most star-studded casts for a murder mystery in a while as the murder of the patriarch of the family places the blame on everyone from son, daughter, and even the mom. Chris Evans playing an annoying self-centered man is bound to delight fans after watching Endgame. Daniel Graig proving that is one of the best Bonds, along with Micheal Shannon, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Lakeith Standfield playing a detective trying to control the insanity, but for me, the real star to watch out for is the often underrated Toni Collette who is in a role after last year Hereditary.
6. Dark Water
Director: Todd Haynes
Release Date: November 22, 2019
There is something about Oscar season that brings the best out of Mark Ruffalo. With Dark Water Mark Ruffalo is bound to deliver another great performance that is bound to put him in the Oscar conversation. Along with a great Co-star with Anna Hathaway providing her usual amazing talent. As a lawyer for chemical factories, Robert Bilott changes sides in order to help a small town who seems to have been poison by radioactive waste by a local factory tossing their waste into the water. If you enjoyed HBO’s Chernobyl earlier this year, this movie aims to tackle the same themes that unfortunately hit closer to home.
5. Lighthouse
Director: Robert Eggers
Release Date: October 18, 2019
There are many interesting things to be on the lookout for this movie. One, Robert Eggers who has impress moviegoers with his outstanding horror movie The Witch, a film that I placed as one of the best horror films of the last 10 years. His excellent way of making the world feel secluded is front and center by having only two actors trapped in an island. However, the biggest performance to be on the lookout for is Robert Patterson. With Robert Patterson becoming the next Batman, his performance will give viewers a good idea of how much the former Twilight star has grown as an actor.
4. Jojo Rabit
Director: Taika Waititi
Release Date: November 18, 2019
When I say that a movie about a Nazi youth boy and his imaginary best friend Hitler is bound to be one of the most feel-good movies of the year says a lot about just how amazing a director Taika Waititi has proven to be. Without being tied to the rules of the MCU, it is interesting to see directors such as Waititi really get a chance to stretch their artistic muscle. With the help of a strong cast that includes Scarlet Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Waititi himself playing Hitler this movie is bound to bring joy to moviegoers. The story revolves around Jojo a boy who meets a young Jewish girl hiding in his house who is bound to change his views of the world.
3. The Irishman
Director: Martin Scorsese
Release Date: November 1, 2019
The Irishman reunites the always exciting team of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro as the power duo aims to bring old school crime drama back in the spotlight. There is no questioning Martin Scorsese filmography and The Irishman while staying in his comfort zone proves that when Martin knows what he is tackling it is when he is at his best. This is also on the biggest releases this year to arrive on Netflix. Robert De Niro plays a mob hitman as he recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa. This is prime Scorsese and if you haven’t seen any of his films in a while, or if it is your first time watching this is bound to be a great movie to start from.
2. Frozen II
Directors: Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Frozen was a game-changer for Disney and animation as a whole despite the failed execution towards the end of the film the story of Elsa and Anna has become a part of pop culture. With its success, a sequel was bound to arrive at some point. However, it always felt that Disney needed to make sure that a sequel does not hurt the legacy of the first film. Frozen II sets the sisters on an adventure to a mystical land in order to fight colossal monsters. The movie also will take the chance for Elsa to grow as a character and learn about her powers. Every time Disney takes its time to deliver a sequel it is sure to delight everyone, and Frozen II is no different.
1. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Director: J.J Abrams
Release Date: December 20, 2019
Now until the end of time Star Wars films will always be some of the most anticipated events of the year. With the Last Jedi splitting the fanbase and Star Wars A Solo Story disappointing everyone, J.J Abrams once again takes the wheel to direct episode 9. Set to be the conclusion of the Rey saga, as the young Jedi goes head to head with Kylo Renn. The trailers hint at a fight that will stretch throughout the whole movie. At the same time, the rebels continue to fight the First Order. Can The Rise of Skywalker redeem the series and deliver a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy.