Top Movies from 2015-2019: The Ultimate Watchlist
The years between 2015 and 2019 were a wild ride for movie lovers. Hollywood gave us everything—from mind-blowing action flicks to emotional rollercoasters that left us in tears.
Top 12 Movies from 2015-2019 You Absolutely Need to Watch
Whether you’re the type to get lost in a dystopian future, vibe with a jazzy musical, or sit on the edge of your seat during a tense thriller, this list has got you covered. These aren’t just movies; they’re experiences.
So, grab your favorite snacks, kick back, and let’s dive into the top 12 movies from 2015 to 2019 that you absolutely need to watch.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Directed by: George Miller
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
When “Mad Max: Fury Road” roared into theaters, it was like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. Seriously, this film redefined what an action movie could be.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where survival is all about who has the fastest car and the most fuel, the film follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) as he teams up with the fierce Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). Together, they attempt to outrun a warlord and his gang of psychotic followers in an epic desert chase.
What makes “Fury Road” so freaking cool is that it’s basically one long, insane car chase—but it’s so much more than that. The world-building is next level, the characters are unforgettable, and the stunts are mind-blowingly real.
Every frame is bursting with color, chaos, and creativity. And let’s not forget Charlize Theron, who absolutely kills it as Furiosa, proving that action heroes don’t need to be dudes. This is the kind of movie that makes you want to rev your engine and hit the open road.
2. La La Land (2016)
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Genre: Musical, Romance, Drama
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a star or just love a good musical, “La La Land” is your jam. Directed by Damien Chazelle, this movie is a beautiful homage to old Hollywood musicals but with a modern twist.
It’s all about Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz musician, as they navigate their careers and a blossoming romance in Los Angeles.
What’s great about “La La Land” is how it balances dreamy musical numbers with the harsh realities of chasing your dreams. The chemistry between Stone and Gosling is pure magic—they’re charming, relatable, and you can’t help but root for them.
The film’s vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and nostalgic feel will sweep you off your feet. But be warned: the ending will hit you right in the feels. “La La Land” is a love letter to anyone who’s ever had a dream, and it reminds us that sometimes, achieving those dreams comes with a price.
3. The Revenant (2015)
Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
“The Revenant” is not just a movie; it’s an experience—one that leaves you cold, exhausted, and in awe. Based on true events, the film follows Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), a frontiersman who is left for dead after being mauled by a bear.
What follows is an intense survival story as Glass fights his way through the wilderness to get revenge on those who betrayed him.
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, “The Revenant” is a masterclass in filmmaking. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the raw, unforgiving beauty of the American frontier.
The scenes with the bear are so realistic that you’ll find yourself holding your breath. And let’s not forget Leo—this is the role that finally won him that elusive Oscar. His performance is raw, primal, and unforgettable. Watching him endure freezing temperatures, treacherous landscapes, and unimaginable pain, you’ll find yourself both exhausted and exhilarated by the end.
4. Get Out (2017)
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Genre: Horror, Thriller
“Get Out” isn’t your typical horror movie. Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a genius blend of social commentary and psychological horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young African American man, who goes to meet his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. What starts off as a seemingly awkward family visit quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
Peele masterfully uses horror to explore issues of race and identity, making “Get Out” not just terrifying but also incredibly thought-provoking. The tension is palpable throughout, building up to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying.
Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is outstanding, capturing Chris’s growing unease as he realizes something is very, very wrong. “Get Out” is the kind of movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll, making you question what you just saw and what it says about society.
5. Moonlight (2016)
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Genre: Drama
“Moonlight” is a cinematic poem—beautiful, heart-wrenching, and deeply personal. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film tells the story of Chiron, a young black man growing up in a tough Miami neighborhood.
The film is divided into three acts, each focusing on a different stage of Chiron’s life as he struggles with his identity, sexuality, and the harsh realities of his environment.
What makes “Moonlight” so special is its quiet, intimate storytelling. Jenkins doesn’t rely on big dramatic moments to convey emotion; instead, he lets the small, everyday experiences of Chiron speak volumes.
The film’s use of color and light is stunning, and the performances—particularly from Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and the three actors who play Chiron—are absolutely captivating. “Moonlight” is a powerful exploration of identity and belonging, and it’s a film that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it.
6. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
“Blade Runner 2049” is one of those sequels that not only lives up to the original but in some ways, surpasses it. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film is a visual and philosophical feast that expands on the themes of the 1982 classic.
The story follows K (Ryan Gosling), a replicant who works as a blade runner, hunting down rogue replicants. When K uncovers a long-buried secret, it leads him on a journey that could change the course of history.
This film is a visual masterpiece, with every frame looking like it could hang in a modern art museum. Roger Deakins’ cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, creating a dystopian future that’s both beautiful and terrifying. The story is complex and thought-provoking, diving deep into questions of identity, humanity, and what it means to be alive.
Ryan Gosling’s performance is wonderfully subtle, and Harrison Ford’s return as Rick Deckard adds a layer of nostalgia and gravitas. “Blade Runner 2049” isn’t just a sequel; it’s a work of art.
7. Parasite (2019)
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Genre: Drama, Thriller
If there’s one movie from this list that you need to see, it’s “Parasite.” Bong Joon-ho’s genre-defying masterpiece took the world by storm, winning numerous awards, including the Oscar for Best Picture. The film is a darkly comedic thriller that explores the vast divide between rich and poor.
The story follows the Kim family, who con their way into the lives of the wealthy Park family. But what starts as a clever scheme quickly spirals into chaos, with unexpected and chilling consequences.
“Parasite” is a film that’s impossible to categorize—it’s part comedy, part thriller, part social commentary, and 100% brilliant. Bong Joon-ho’s direction is razor-sharp, and the film’s pacing is perfect, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The performances are outstanding, with each actor delivering a memorable and nuanced portrayal.
The film’s twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end, and the final act is nothing short of jaw-dropping. “Parasite” is a film that challenges, entertains, and leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.
8. The Shape of Water (2017)
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
“The Shape of Water” is one of those films that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, it’s a unique love story set during the Cold War, between a mute woman named Elisa (Sally Hawkins) and a mysterious aquatic creature being held in a secret government lab. As Elisa forms a bond with the creature, the two find themselves on the run from those who would do them harm.
Del Toro is known for his ability to blend the fantastical with the real, and “The Shape of Water” is a perfect example of this talent.
The film is visually stunning, with a dreamy, otherworldly quality that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Sally Hawkins’ performance is incredibly moving, conveying Elisa’s emotions and desires without saying a word.
The story is unconventional, but it’s also deeply human, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and the fear of the unknown. “The Shape of Water” is a film that celebrates the beauty of the unexpected and the power of love in all its forms.
9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Just when you thought you’d seen everything Spider-Man has to offer, along comes “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” to blow your mind. This animated gem is unlike any other superhero movie out there.
It follows Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn, who becomes Spider-Man after gaining superpowers from a radioactive spider. But Miles soon discovers that he’s not the only Spider-Man out there—he’s just one of many across different dimensions, and they must all work together to save the multiverse.
The animation in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is groundbreaking, combining comic book aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to create a visual feast that’s both unique and captivating.
The story is just as innovative, blending humor, heart, and action into a narrative that’s both epic and deeply personal.
The voice acting is top-notch, with standout performances from Shameik Moore as Miles and Jake Johnson as an older, jaded Peter Parker.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the enduring appeal of the Spider-Man mythos. It’s a fresh, exciting take on a beloved character that’s sure to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Genre: Drama, Crime
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is one of those films that sticks with you long after you’ve watched it. It’s a darkly comedic drama that tackles some heavy themes, like grief, justice, and redemption.
The story centers on Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), a grieving mother who rents three billboards to call out the local police for failing to solve her daughter’s murder. This bold act sets off a chain of events that affects everyone in the small town of Ebbing, Missouri.
Martin McDonagh’s direction is sharp and unflinching, blending dark humor with raw emotion to create a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Frances McDormand delivers a powerhouse performance, portraying Mildred with fierce determination and vulnerability—no wonder she won an Oscar for it.
The supporting cast, including Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell, are equally compelling, adding depth and complexity to the story. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a film that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about justice, forgiveness, and the human condition.
11. The Irishman (2019)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Martin Scorsese is back in his element with “The Irishman,” a sprawling crime epic that’s as much about the passage of time as it is about the mob.
The film follows Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a hitman who reflects on his life of crime and his involvement with the powerful Bufalino crime family. As he looks back, the film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitability of aging.
Scorsese’s direction is, as always, masterful, blending the energy and style of his earlier work with a more reflective, melancholic tone. The de-aging technology used to show the characters at different stages of their lives is impressive and allows the actors to fully embody their roles.
Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci deliver outstanding performances, each bringing depth and nuance to their characters. “The Irishman” feels like the culmination of Scorsese’s career, offering a somber and meditative look at the consequences of a life lived in the shadows.
12. The Big Short (2015)
Directed by: Adam McKay
Genre: Biography, Drama
“The Big Short” is one of those movies that’s both wildly entertaining and deeply infuriating. Directed by Adam McKay, this film takes a deep dive into the 2008 financial crisis and the handful of outsiders who saw it coming.
Based on true events, the film follows a group of savvy investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market and decided to bet against the big banks. As they uncover the layers of greed and corruption that led to the crisis, the film offers a biting critique of the financial system.
McKay’s direction is fast-paced and energetic, using humor and breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. The ensemble cast—Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt—each bring their A-game, delivering performances that are as entertaining as they are informative.
“The Big Short” is a film that entertains while also educating viewers on the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the devastating impact of corporate greed. By the end, you’ll be both smarter and angrier, and you might just want to take your money out of the bank.
Conclusion
From pulse-pounding action to deep, emotional dramas, the movies from 2015 to 2019 gave us some of the most memorable cinematic experiences in recent history.
These films aren’t just stories—they’re journeys that make you think, feel, and see the world in a new light. So, if you haven’t seen these movies yet, what are you waiting for?
Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into some of the best films of the decade.
