Top 10 lists are great. Even when you disagree with the picks, there’s something about a Top 10 list of films that just begs to be debated. But you know what’s better than a thousand words written by someone explaining why these films are the best of the year? A music video!
The Playlist contributor Oktay Ege Kozak has compiled his best of 2019 into a four-minute video that includes some of the best scenes from each film edited together with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as performed by Taron Egerton in “Rocketman.” It’s a well-made video that concisely presents the top 20 of 2019 in a way that shows the artistry and, no matter what you think of the choices themselves, the scenes chosen are worthy of showcasing.
READ MORE: Nicholas Laskin’s Top 10 Films of 2019
Now, it wouldn’t be a Best Films of 2019 list without some surprises. We all know the worst-case scenario is that you publish a top 20 list and everyone says, “Yep, that’s about right.” Well, Oktay does throw some curveballs to keep you on your toes.
And towards the bottom of the list, you’re presented with your first “Huh, didn’t see that coming” pick — “Captive State.” Your first reaction might be “What the hell is ‘Captive State?’” followed by “Wait, that was released in 2019? I totally forgot!” But yes, Rupert Wyatt’s mid-budget sci-fi film about aliens taking control of an American city was released in the first half of 2019, and while it was a pretty big bomb at the box office, has found a place on this top 20.
LISTEN: Loudest Laugh, Favorite Shot & More Alternative 2019 Year-End Awards [Be Reel Podcast]
The second big surprise comes in the beginning of the top 10, at #9, with “The Kid Who Would Be King.” Unlike “Captive State,” Joe Cornish’s film about a kid who, uh…would be King did receive some strong reviews (including our own) when it was released. Sadly, it just flew under the radar when it hit theaters.
Now, the rest of the surprises likely are in the #1, 2, and 3 choices, but you’ll have to watch the video to see what those are.