Yes, 2019 is worth revisiting beyond the blockbusters. The biggest hit crowded theaters, while prizes and critics spread attention across Parasite, The Irishman, Joker, 1917 and more. Here blockbuster means a high-budget release built for a huge opening weekend. The contrast matters because 2019 paired extreme concentration at the top with real range below it.
Table of Contents
- What did the blockbuster pole look like?
- Why did Parasite lead the arthouse side?
- Did critics agree on the best film?
- How can you revisit 2019 in one weekend?
What did the blockbuster pole look like?
Avengers: Endgame, released April 26, 2019, grossed about $2.789 billion worldwide to pass Avatar as the highest-grossing film at that time, as reported by Just Jared in its July box-office report. That scale set the tone for the year.
The opening was even more concentrated. The Ringer reported that Endgame captured about 90% of moviegoers on its opening weekend, with $350 million domestic and $1.2 billion worldwide, in its opening-weekend analysis. Exhibitors and viewers had little room for anything else that weekend.
Why did Parasite lead the arthouse side?
Bong Joon-ho's Parasite won Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards honoring 2019 films, plus Director, Original Screenplay and International Feature. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences records it as the first non-English-language winner of the top prize in the 2020 ceremony results. Its run started earlier. RogerEbert.com reported that Parasite won the Palme d'Or, the top prize at Cannes, at the 72nd festival in May 2019.
It was the first Korean win, by unanimous jury vote led by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. That path gives viewers a clear entry point. Start with Parasite for plot drive, then branch to slower character work.
Did critics agree on the best film?
No single winner emerged. The National Board of Review named Martin Scorsese's The Irishman Best Film of 2019 on Dec. 3, 2019, plus Adapted Screenplay, in its 2019 award announcement.
Its Top 10 also included 1917, Knives Out, Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit and Uncut Gems. Other critics went elsewhere. The USA Today Network reported that Southeastern critics ranked Parasite best of 2019 with The Irishman as runner-up, followed by Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Marriage Story, 1917, Jojo Rabbit and Little Women. Polygon's nominations tally also showed Joker with 11 Oscar nominations, the most for any 2019 film, ahead of 1917 and The Irishman with 10 each.
How can you revisit 2019 in one weekend?
Pick one title from each lane instead of rewatching the same hit. That mix shows why the year stayed in debate after the opening weekends faded. Check library or streaming availability first, then save one evening slot for the longer Irishman cut.
- Watch Endgame for scale, effects and crowd momentum.
- Watch Parasite for structure, tone shifts and visual planning.
- Watch The Irishman for long-form acting and crime-history patience.
- Add Joker, 1917, Marriage Story or Knives Out based on taste for character study, war craft, divorce drama or mystery fun.