Welcome to my annual “best-of” celebration! Like last year, I’m separating the categories of my yearly best-of lists over a few days. It’s going to take me a few days to talk about all the stories I loved in 2019!
I’m also linking up with Top Ten Tuesday today, the topic being Favorites of 2019 ~~ my twist being fav movies & shows!
- Best of 2019: Novellas & Audiobooks
- Best of 2019: Contemporary Fiction
- Best of 2019: (General) Historical Fiction
- Best of 2019: (Inspirational) Historical Fiction
- Best of 2019: Film & TV + Top Ten Tuesday!
- Best of 2019: Happy New Year #OnTheBlog
So far, I have talked all about the books I loved. Today I shift focus slightly and talk about story in a different form: TV & movies! From this list it’s obvious how my taste is eclectic 😉
Best of 2019: Film & TV
FILM FAVORITES
Avengers: Endgame (Disney) | Yes, I admit it. I’m a big fan of the MCU, moreso in recent years, as I’ve seen Disney take these characters on unforgettable story arcs all wonderfully (if not always perfectly) intertwined. I’m excited to see what 2020 brings with new additions to the next “phase” of films!
The Boys are Back (Miramax) | I discovered this 2009 film re-airing on television. It is a humorous and poignant look at family and grief, and one father’s journey to learning how to do “life” in a different way.
Harriet (Focus Features) | This real-life story of a BRAVE woman was both encouraging and tragic. I wonder if the real Harriet ever considered how her story could still be impacting the world 150 years later?
Overcomer (Affirm Films) | A film for anyone in the family to enjoy, this story touched my heart with its surprises and depth.
Ad Astra (Fox) | Stunning visuals combine in this “to the stars” movie, but it’s not all about exploration and the cosmos. Its message about life, family, and people needing PEOPLE is subtle and beautifully expressed.
Midway (Lionsgate) | If it’s a WWII story, count me in! This well-told story incorporates a cast based on real-life heroes.
Little Women (Sony) | In theaters now, this re-imagining of Alcott’s classic shows the March sisters in a fresh way. I really liked the way the non-linear timeline of the film was presented! Saoirse plays Jo SO WELL.
Downton Abbey (Focus Features) | Avid fans of the series rejoiced when the movie-length story released! It is a continuation with beloved characters! Though I didn’t love *every* aspect of this presentation, I did love the way they hint at a happily-ever-after for Tom. And I loved ALL the scenes and one-liners of Lady Violet’s.
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (Disney) | Yes, I’m a fan. Every scene was fascinating! I did not expect THAT ENDING. I love it when a story surprises me.
TV FAVORITES
I have loved my PBS channel this year! The final season of Poldark left me happy because it ended hopefully. Also, George Warleggan was a surprise this round!
New seasons of Victoria and Grantchester were great, too! I’m still working my way through the PBS Country Music documentary series.
My recommended Hallmark channel Christmas movie list this year includes A Godwink Christmas: Meant For Love, Picture a Perfect Christmas, and A Christmas Love Story, the latter being my favorite! Also, I enjoyed Christmas On My Mind, adapted from a Denise Hunter novel (woohoo)!
What did you watch this year? Do you have favorite movies to recommend? Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday with a favorites list?
The Green Mockingbird 
I love the way you separate out your “Best of” posts, Courtney! Overcomer was great, and we’re planning to go see the new Star Wars movie today; can’t wait! 😀 Happy to hear it surprised you and was engaging!
Hope you have a wonderful New Year’s!
~Amber
Thanks, Amber! What did you think of Star Wars?
Happy New Year! 🙂
I enjoyed it overall! There were parts that felt a bit much or unbelievable (granted, it’s fantasy!), and I might have liked for the ending to be a bit different, but I liked the story and was quite happy with a certain character. (*Potential spoiler for anyone reading the comments: Namely, Kylo Ren’s character and his choices. 🙂 That’s what I was hoping for!*)
Happy you enjoyed the movie too!
~Amber
I’m glad you liked Little Women so much!
My TTT.
🙂 Thanks!
Several of my favorite tv series were on the Acorn streaming channel. Mum and The Indian Doctor, The Good Karma Hospital and more.
Also, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this Little Women. Yesterday is my favorite film I saw in the theater this year though. But I also really enjoyed Instant Family on Prime and the French rom-com Blind Date on Netflix. Ooh and the quiet but underrated Australian film Ladies in Black.
I’m not familiar with what’s on Acorn! I’ll have to check those out!
Glad to hear you liked Little Women, too. Yesterday was cute, and Instant Family was hilarious. I have heard great things about Ladies in Black, too!
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Poldark, Victoria, and Grantchester were all excellent this year! Country Music was excellent as well. Happy watching!
Check out my TTT
YAY for PBS series! Something for everyone 😉 Happy New Year!
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I’m hoping to see Little Women this weekend!!!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I hope you enjoy it!
I’d like to see Little Women! Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Yay! Maybe you’ll get to see it! 🙂 Happy reading!
I haven’t watched “Victoria” since S1, and still need to watch the last-to-air season of “Grantchester.” (So sad to see Sidney leave.) LOVED ‘Downton,’ of course, and am hopeful another movie will eventually go to production. 🙂