Despite me being a movie buff, I haven't seen lot of movies in 2016, and to be honest this year has been very stale in terms of movie releases. That’s just my opinion. However, I was lucky enough to see a few hidden gems. I work at my school’s small movie theater, so I’m able to see movies there for free. We show a lot of obscure limited releases. Plus, as a film student, I had the opportunity to see plenty of indie films that either fell under most people’s radar or were inaccessible to most movie goers. Here are some random picks for the best or at least the most interesting.

10. Sickhouse

As the first ever movie filmed on Snapchat, I'm very impressed with how they were able to pull it off. Unfortunately, the movie itself lacks a lot in terms of storytelling. It's just your basic, run-of-the-mill, found footage film with a lot of cheap scares and uninteresting characters. There's really nothing else to it as a story. However, I'm not gonna act like this isn't a big deal. I watched this on my laptop on Fullscreen.com, I couldn't even imagine what it was like watching it in real time on Snapchat. Though I am a huge fan of the old and traditional forms of film, media, and entertainment, I can't deny the fascinating and cool ways people are making stuff nowadays, and this is no exception. Despite Sickhouse being a very below average film for 2016, it's a step in the right direction and opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities for better and creative storytelling and filmmaking. I read an article about how this film changes the game of virality and it's definitely worth checking out. Overall, this may not be one of the best films of 2016, but it’s definitely one of the most innovative. You can watch Sickhouse through a Fullscreen subscription or rent it on Vimeo On Demand.

9. Donald Cried

I saw this movie during a special screening at Keene State College where I study film production. The co-writer, director, and star of the film, Kris Avedisian, was present. I have to say, I was very much impressed. It was a comedy of brilliant awkward moments that made you cringe and laugh at the same time. On a minuscule budget, this was a very well made film with a funny script and an honest story. The film reminds the viewer to be mindful of the past because the universe often likes to play tricks on you in order for you to obtain the most valuable lessons in your life. In this movie’s case, it’s that to never loose sight of the people you have in your life because there are times when we need each other more than ever. The film is still in its festival run and is currently looking for distribution. For more info on the project, visit its website.

8. The Love Witch

Probably one of the weirdest yet tamed artistic thrillers I’ve ever seen. I may be a newcomer to Anne Biller’s style of filmmaking, but I’m very much impressed with her attention to detail, especially for someone who did most of the work for her own film. Being the director, editor, co-producer, and even the art director and costume designer for one film seems like a task that would put you in cardiac arrest. However, for Biller, it probably was a stressful challenge, but it did feel like it came natural to her. It felt like she had a specific vision and knew it well enough to put it together with her own way. The film has a style reminiscent of the cheesy supernatural melodramas and soap operas of the 60s and 70s with modern twists that seem to pop up out of nowhere but doesn’t distract from the main experience. The film is like David Lynch meets Ed Wood; very corny yet artistically eloquent in some way. Overall, this is honestly one of the most unique films I have ever seen, and I hope this lands Biller into the higher ups in the indie scene. The Love Witch is still in it's theatrical run. On the film's website you can find more information how you can see it in a movie theater near you.

7. Hardcore Henry

Ok, I have a lot to say about this one, so buckle up. After 23 years, one genre of film has yet to be done well, and that's video game movies. However, no filmmaker has ever experimented with this genre...until now. Although, Hardcore Henry isn't based on any video game in particular, but it takes all kinds elements from all kinds video game genres to make a magnificently fun and action packed, bloody thrill ride that has to be seen in order to be truly understood.

Taking elements from video games genres like first-person shooters (obviously), run-and-gunners, beat'em ups, stealth action, and more. Add in some homages to quick time events, stealth levels, driving levels, two-player co-op levels, defend missions, track-down missions, and epic bosses and you got yourself a damn good video game....I mean movie. So, how good is the story? Well, to be fair the movie doesn't survive on its story, and aside from Sharlto Copley's awesome performance, not even through its characters does this movie thrive. But that's not a bad thing. The movie isn't meant to be a brilliantly crafted film, the movie is just a fun popcorn movie. It's not that great of a movie. It's stupid as hell, but it's meant to be stupid, it's meant to bad. You can tell the filmmakers were working hard to pleasing us; the audience, and not the critics. My friend and actual movie critic, Matt Bilodeau, put it best,

"Is Hardcore Henry a good film? No, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t one of the most entertaining theater experiences since Mad Max: Fury Road. Nothing makes any sense; things just transpire for no reason because logic is a meaningless term in this universe....It’s like trying to argue with a child: the child is most likely wrong, but what do you gain from telling him? Just let him believe whatever the hell he wants, insanity and all."

Here's his entire review for the film and here's his website. I highly recommend you check them both out!

This movie doesn't perfect the first person movie. Hell, it more or less kickstarts the genre. I like to call it an "experimental action movie." I wouldn't be surprised if this kickstarts a revolution on how we can make cinema through the first person perspective. And I'm anxious to see what makes of it. Hardcore Henry is available to rent on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Video, DirectTV Cinema, Vudu, and Microsoft Store.

6. The Little Prince

Ever since the trailer was released for this animated film back in December of 2014, I've been waiting in extreme anticipation. It finally premiered at the famous Cannes Film Festival many months later. After that, I was hopeful that it would be distributed to theaters all across the country very soon. However, months and months were passing by and zero plans for a US release date have come up in the news. We then got a glimmer of hope. We got the news that the film was to be released in US theaters by March of 2016. Although, in a tragic turn, the movie's distributor dropped it a week before it's release. Not too long after, it was announced that it Netflix will be distributing the film in August.

Four months later, I finally saw the film, and I really enjoyed it. I do feel that I hyped up my expectations a little too much resulting in thinking that it was a tad mediocre. However, in all honesty, the film is a heartfelt and beautiful animated film, with memorable characters, a great ensemble cast, heavy atmosphere, and a well-written script. It's just disappointing that this movie went through a steam roller to get released, and now we won't be able to see in theaters ever. It's a shame because this is one of those perfect movies for theaters with it's superb atmosphere, visuals, and sound. The Little Prince is available exclusively on Netflix.

5. Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World

This is a mind boggling, captivating yet scary documentary by the one and only Werner Herzog. It tells the history and impact of the internet and our evolving technology. It discusses how much we've been affected by these fast growing trends both negatively and positively. We see how people have been extremely harmed by modern technology and how people have gained from our prospects. However, it seems to spend a little too much time focussing on the negative. What makes this film incredibly scary is because at one point in the film (SPOILER ALERT) we basically examine how the internet could potentially destroy us. I can't explain to you how. You're just gonna have to find out for yourself. Lo and Behold is available on Netflix and for rent on iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Video, and Google Play.

4. Hush

I'm gonna make this short and sweet. Hush is a well paced, very smart, and terrifying thrill ride that keeps you glued to the screen. When you spend most of your life not watching horror flicks, there's always that one time when you say to yourself "you know what, I'll give it a shot." I'm glad I did. Hush is exclusively available on Netflix.

3. Captain Fantastic

This is a film that not only excels in it's great performances, but also its heartfelt and hilarious narrative. Captain Fantastic is is a great film about family, forgiveness, being true to yourself, and being passionate about what you believe in. The cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine is breathtaking and the award worthy performances by Mortensen and especially from it's young stars, are "fantastic." The film is available to rent on iTunes, Playstation Video, Google Play, Microsoft Store, Xfinity On Demand, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

2. Nuts!

This was another instance where a filmmaker visited my school and screened their film. What I saw was a very funny and beautifully bonkers animated documentary about a man named John Romulus Brinkley. In 1917, Brinkley realized he could cure any man's impatience by implanting goat testicles into him. What lead was a massive empire that had an impact on todays pop culture that most people never noticed until now. The film is incredibly fascinating, hilarious, and even tragic. It's astounding how many people have yet to see this award winning masterpiece from this year's Sundance Film Festival. Nuts! is currently available to rent on iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Video, and Google Play.

1. Tickled

Many of todays most insane, sick, sadistic creatures do not lurk on the outside. They are hidden deep in the trenches of the internet hunting for their next victim. One of these creatures comes in the form of Jane O'Brien Media who are responsible for many videos online where young men compete in competitive endurance tickling. However, after a journalist in New Zealand discovers one of the videos, this leads him and his friend down a rabbit hole filled with intense threats, lies, deceitfulness, and bullying like no other. He slowly uncovers the secrets of this online tickling "sport" and finally finds out that Jane O'Brien Media has been terrorizing and ruining the lives of the young men that they recruit.

Tickled is one of the most intense documentaries that I have ever seen and one of the most criminally underrated movies of 2016. It is scary, sick, and mind blowing. It's brilliantly shot and expertly told in a thrilling manor. It shows how money and power have the ability to keep a horribly twisted human being's actions alive and flowing with barely any consequences. It's a cautionary tale of what dangers lie deep in the web and the terrible levels online bullying can reach. The film is available iTunes, Microsoft Store, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.