History's Best Selling Movies of 2019

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2019 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like The Upside and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Neil Burger and Dean DeBlois proved their mettle with Captain Marvel, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. The Upside

   Released in 2019 by Neil Burger, Escape Artists, STXfilms

   On January 11, 2019, American audiences were introduced to the heartwarming and hilarious story of an unlikely friendship in "The Upside." The film, an American remake of the 2011 French blockbuster "The Intouchables," premiered in theaters across the United States on this day. Despite facing a long road to release and mixed critical reviews, its debut was a surprising and resounding commercial success. It opened at number one at the domestic box office, unseating the seemingly unstoppable "Aquaman" and demonstrating the immense star power of its leads, Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, and the audience's appetite for feel-good, character-driven comedy-dramas.

2. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

   Released in 2019 by Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks Animation

   On February 22, 2019, audiences flocked to theaters for the highly anticipated conclusion to one of animation's most beloved modern sagas: "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World." The film's release marked the culmination of a nearly decade-long journey that began in 2010, following the evolving friendship between the young Viking Hiccup and his Night Fury dragon, Toothless. Fans who had grown up alongside the characters were eager to see how their story would end, creating a major cultural event for families and animation enthusiasts. The premiere was not just the release of another sequel, but the emotional farewell to a world and characters that had captured hearts worldwide.

3. Captain Marvel

   Released in 2019 by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

   The release of 'Captain Marvel' on February 27, 2019, marked a pivotal moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ushering in its first standalone female-led superhero film. This date signifies its world premiere in London, setting the stage for its global theatrical run that quickly broke box office records and solidified its place as a commercial and cultural phenomenon. Audiences worldwide eagerly awaited Carol Danvers' origin story, a powerful addition to the MCU lexicon, particularly as it arrived just months before the climactic 'Avengers: Endgame.' The film's debut was not merely another blockbuster premiere; it was a statement on representation and empowerment, launching a new era of superhero storytelling with a groundbreaking lead.

4. Us

   Released in 2019 by Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures

   On March 22, 2019, writer-director Jordan Peele unleashed his second film, "Us," upon an eager public. The film arrived with immense expectations, as it was Peele's follow-up to his 2017 directorial debut, "Get Out," a cultural and critical phenomenon that won him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The release of "Us" was a major cinematic event, with audiences and critics desperate to see if Peele could once again merge thrilling horror with sharp social commentary. The film's premiere cemented Peele's status as a new master of the genre and proved his initial success was no fluke, but the arrival of a major cinematic voice.

5. Avengers: Endgame

   Released in 2019 by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Marvel Studios

   On April 26, 2019, cinematic history was made with the worldwide release of "Avengers: Endgame." More than just a movie premiere, it was the culmination of an unprecedented 22-film narrative arc, the "Infinity Saga," that had been meticulously built by Marvel Studios over eleven years. The film's release was a global cultural event, with fans flocking to theaters in record numbers to witness the final showdown between Earth's mightiest heroes and the nihilistic villain Thanos. The stakes had never been higher, following the devastating cliffhanger of its predecessor, "Avengers: Infinity War," making "Endgame" the most anticipated film of its generation.

6. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

   Released in 2019 by Chad Stahelski, Thunder Road Pictures, 87Eleven Productions, Lionsgate

   On May 17, 2019, audiences were thrust back into the hyper-stylized world of the master assassin as 'John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum' exploded onto screens worldwide. Picking up mere moments after the conclusion of its predecessor, the film's release was a highly anticipated event for action movie fans. The John Wick franchise had already redefined modern action cinema with its intricate 'gun-fu' choreography and deep, fascinating world-building. This third installment promised to expand that world and push its titular character, played by the indefatigable Keanu Reeves, to his absolute physical and emotional limits, cementing the series as a blockbuster phenomenon.

7. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

   Released in 2019 by Quentin Tarantino, Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group, Heyday Films, Visiona Romantica

   On July 26, 2019, Quentin Tarantino's ninth film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," received its wide theatrical release in the United States. The film arrived as one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the year, a sprawling, star-studded love letter to the final moments of Hollywood's golden age. Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the movie's release date was poignant, occurring just weeks before the 50th anniversary of the real-life Tate murders that serve as the story's grim backdrop. The film's premiere wasn't just a movie opening; it was a cultural event, inviting audiences to step into a meticulously recreated past and experience a bittersweet, and ultimately revisionist, fairytale from one of modern cinema's most distinctive voices.

8. It Chapter Two

   Released in 2019 by Andy Muschietti, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On September 6, 2019, audiences returned to the haunted town of Derry, Maine, for the highly anticipated theatrical release of "It Chapter Two." Serving as the epic conclusion to the two-part adaptation of Stephen King's monumental 1986 novel, the film arrived with immense expectations following the record-breaking success of its predecessor in 2017. Directed by Andy Muschietti, this date marked the culmination of a modern horror phenomenon, promising a final, terrifying confrontation between the adult members of the Losers' Club and the ancient, shape-shifting evil known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The release was a major cinematic event, dominating the box office and conversations around the globe.

9. Joker

   Released in 2019 by Todd Phillips, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On October 4, 2019, movie theaters worldwide opened their doors to "Joker," a film that would become one of the most talked-about and divisive releases of the decade. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film arrived amidst a storm of controversy and anticipation, offering a gritty, realistic, and deeply unsettling origin story for Batman's most famous nemesis. Its release was a cultural flashpoint, sparking intense debates about its portrayal of mental illness, violence, and societal neglect. "Joker" was not just another comic book movie; it was a character-driven psychological thriller that challenged audiences and redefined the potential of the genre, proving that superhero-adjacent stories could be vehicles for serious, Oscar-worthy drama.

10. The Irishman

    Released in 2019 by Martin Scorsese, TriBeCa Productions, Sikelia Productions, Winkler Films, Netflix

    On November 1, 2019, Martin Scorsese's monumental crime epic "The Irishman" began its limited theatrical run, heralding the arrival of one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade. This release was the culmination of a project over ten years in the making, notable for reuniting Scorsese with his iconic muses Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, while also marking his first-ever collaboration with Al Pacino. The film's debut was a major cultural moment, celebrated not only for bringing these legends together but also for its ambitious use of digital de-aging technology to tell a story that sprawls across several decades of American history.

11. Jumanji: The Next Level

    Released in 2019 by Jake Kasdan, Sony Pictures Releasing

    December 4, 2019, marked the global theatrical premiere of 'Jumanji: The Next Level,' an eagerly awaited sequel that continued the surprisingly successful revival of the beloved franchise. Launching in key international markets before its wider North American release, this date heralded the arrival of another thrilling adventure into the perilous world of Jumanji. The film swiftly proved its box office might, demonstrating that the blend of humor, action, and star power established in its predecessor was a winning formula. This premiere date was crucial in setting the stage for its impressive run, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of 2019 and a memorable holiday season cinematic event.

12. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

    Released in 2019 by J.J. Abrams, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

    December 20, 2019, marked the highly anticipated North American theatrical release of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," the culmination of the epic Skywalker Saga that had spanned over four decades. As the final chapter in the main storyline, its debut was a global cinematic event, drawing immense crowds eager to witness the conclusion of Rey and Kylo Ren's journey. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film immediately dominated the box office, ultimately crossing the billion-dollar mark worldwide. This release date wasn't just another movie premiere; it represented a significant cultural moment, bidding farewell to an iconic narrative that had shaped generations of fans and defined the very essence of modern blockbuster filmmaking. It was the end of an era, a bittersweet send-off to beloved characters and a galaxy far, far away.