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The Best Movies Of 2016 (So Far)

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The Best Movies Of 2016 (So Far)
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Ladies and gentlemen, half of 2016 has gone by. Within the first six months, we have seen plenty of great, mediocre and some just plain bad movies come and go. Today, however, we are going to talk about the top ten best movies of 2016 so far.

Please keep in mind that I am completely biased towards particular genres, such as superheroes and animation, so if you disagree with me, that’s great. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get started.

10. "10 Cloverfield Lane"

There’s something oddly satisfying about having a movie with a “10” in the title in the number 10 spot. "10 Cloverfield Lane" is the sequel/spiritual successor to 2008’s "Cloverfield," and this movie really could have been anything. There was so much secrecy surrounding it, including the fact that the release announcement wasn't made until three months before its release date. Was the ambiguity worth it? I think so. The performances by John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher, Jr. cemented this suspenseful and atmospheric film in my number 10 slot. Normally I would complain about the storyline being too confusing at the end, but trust me, it gets better the more you think about it.

9. "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising"

Usually comedy sequels are never a good sign. They can either fall flat of the original or ruin the entire franchise completely. This is not the case with "Neighbors 2." Is it better than the original one? Not really (side note - I have a deep love for 2014's "Neighbors" because it was the first R-rated movie I saw in theaters). However, what "Neighbors 2" lacks in original story, it makes up for in hilarious antics and smart commentary on the way sororities are treated in the American collegiate system. To some, it may try too hard to drive home this message, but I found it intriguing and a good way to keep the whole thing grounded. I say you can never go wrong with a great comedy -- I love to laugh.

8. "X-Men: Apocalypse"

Of all of the films on this list, "X-Men: Apocalypse" seems to be the most like a “guilty pleasure." Many critics said it was a bloated movie with too many characters and a tired plot. When thinking about this, it is hard to dispute these complaints, as they are very true. However, I believe that all of the "X-Men" movies, the good and bad, are guilty of this, making the criticism for "X-Men: Apocalypse" almost unwarranted. I love all of the characters in this movie and while I will say that the plot is the weakest thing about it, the emotional ties between everyone more than make up for it. I always get a little too invested in the "X-Men" films and "X-Men: Apocalypse" is no exception. Also, there are plenty of Easter Eggs for even the most die-hard comic book fan to enjoy.

7. "The Jungle Book"

Before I talk about this movie, I feel like I have to address my feelings about the 1967 Disney adaptation. I hate it. I have never liked the 1967 version of "The Jungle Book" because of its boring pace and choppy transitions between scenes. The only saving grace for it was its soundtrack, which really only had one good song ("The Bare Necessities"). However, my feelings for the 2016 Disney adaptation are entirely the opposite. I love everything from the perfect cast to the groundbreaking visual effects. This movie is fun, colorful and just plain delightful. My only complaint is that, like the 1967 version, it can be a little choppy from scene to scene. It is safe to say that this is the best version of "The Jungle Book" that we’ve gotten so far.

6. "Finding Dory"

I remember seeing "Finding Nemo" in theaters in 2003. I remember all of the advertisements and merchandise from that time period. In fact, I still have my old plush toys of Dory and Squirt. I think it’s safe to say that I put "Finding Nemo" n a very high pedestal and regard it as one of Pixar’s finest. So how was "Finding Dory?" Upon my first viewing, I found it to be very underwhelming. Apart from its GORGEOUS animation, I thought it was good family fun that wouldn’t make anyone think deeper. When I saw it a second time with my parents, however, I finally saw the emotional struggles of Dory and the whole gang. I saw a family dealing with hardships and the funny, original characters that Pixar is known for. I think I was too much of a "Finding Nemo" purest to see how great "Finding Dory" was. Is it up there with the "Toy Story" sequels? No, but it’s still great fun. Also, the short before the movie is the cutest thing ever and I love it!

5. "Kung Fu Panda 3"

Let me just say that the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise is the most underrated franchise in the history of film. I cannot express how much I love the animation quality, the characters, the humor, the emotions, the martial arts and the majesty that is every film in the franchise. "Fung Fu Panda 3" continues the legacy of great film-making by expanding its world and characters with another compelling story that teaches you that you have to accept yourself as who you are to become great. I may be a little obsessed with "Kung Fu Panda" (especially "Kung Fu Panda 2"), but you cannot deny that "Kung Fu Panda 3" is a great movie. I mean, you could, but I will fight you.

4. "The Nice Guys"

It is a darn shame that no one went to see this gem of a movie. If you want to see an original, hilarious and well-directed/written film, you have reached the right movie. "The Nice Guys" revamps the “buddy-cop” formula and creates the best onscreen chemistry in years with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. It even appeals to our nostalgia for the past by being set in the late 1970s. This film has everything going for it and is quite possibly the most original film on this list. If you ever get a chance to see this film, I dare you to not have fun.

3. "Deadpool"

Ah, yes, the movie that made all of the comic book nerds rejoice and the common man think that he likes comic books. What else can be said about "Deadpool?" It was the return of the R-rated comic book movie, as well as the return of the FUN comic book movie. And what I mean is that "Deadpool" is the epitome of pure joy. It is a movie that is self-contained and doesn’t have to set up any sequels or extended universes. It knew what it was and that’s why everybody loved it. I would even say that "Deadpool" is the best comedy in years. Good job, "Deadpool."

2. "Zootopia"

Disney is back on top when it comes to animated films. We are in a new “Disney Renaissance” and "Zootopia" is the newest member of such an esteemed club. Themes of racism and discrimination are indeed present in this movie (and done extremely well), but I feel that the imaginative world and gripping mystery are what make "Zootopia" so wonderful. It almost has a "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" kind of vibe to it, and I love it for that. The creative world of "Zootopia" is so refreshing and beautiful, and the inspiring characters of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde make me so happy. "Zootopia's" success makes me hopeful for all Disney animated films to come. Can someone say "Moana?"

1. "Captain America: Civil War"

"Captain America: Civil War" is the best movie of 2016 so far. I could go on and on about how the action is exciting and how the characterization is perfect and how it manages to have a good mixture of comedy and drama. I could continue to praise the acting, writing and directing while mentioning minor plotholes that bog the movie down. I could say a lot of things about this movie, but the fact of the matter remains, "Captain America: Civil War" is a great film, period. It is treated with such respect and care that I cannot help but adore this well-crafted film.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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