While most will treat 2016 the same way they dealt with middle school, by forgetting it ever existed, there is an abundance of films that will be remembered through the darkness of the year. From talking animals (there were quite a lot, actually), to sociopathic bank robbers, to vibrant musicals, the movies of 2016 ranged all across the spectrum of genres, with instant classics stemming from each.
In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite movies of 2016 that I have seen so far:
1. La La Land
As you likely heard, La La Land was a visual masterpiece. Along with an infectious score consisting of beguiling musical numbers and traditional jazz, as well as another breakthrough performance from Emma Stone, La La Land’s story and finale scene will leave you choking back tears.
2. Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds discovers his true identity in one of the most gruesome Valentines Day love story’s of all time. Deadpool boasts what hardly any other superhero-type movie has ever offered: a witty, vulgar, fourth-wall-breaking superhuman that actually kills people, in quite the grisly fashion to boot.
3. Arrival
Officially my new favorite original sci-fi movie, Arrival tests the nerves of the audience through sheer suspense and uncertainty, while approaching the extra-terrestrial genre from a different perspective.
4. Hell or High Water
A neo-western with sharp dialogue and distinctly compelling characters, Hell or High Water earns my vote for the most fundamentally superb film of the year, with a phenomenal performance from both Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges.
5. Kubo and the Two Strings
‘Laika’ does it again with this artistic masterpiece. Comprising of lovable characters, a gripping narrative, and a star cast, Kubo and the Two Strings would cinch the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature if Disney didn't have the industry in a chokehold.
6. Zootopia
Speaking of Disney, I’d be remiss not to include one of their illustrious productions of the year. Zootopia provides hilarious entertainment and insight for children and adults alike. Don't ask me how many times I saw this movie in theaters..
7. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Exhibiting a new, yet bygone era of witches and wizards, Fantastic Beasts reignites the zeal for the Harry Potter universe with a charming combination of characters, a refined depiction of magical spells, and of course, fantastic beasts.
8. Don't Breathe
As a lover of horror films, Don’t Breathe nearly made me reconsider my affinity for the genre... because it was so unnerving of course. Twists galore.
9. Don't Think Twice
A hilariously somber portrayal of an improv troupe from New York, with an impeccable cast and impactful dialogue, Don’t Think Twice gives the comedy/drama category something to be proud of.
10. Florence Foster Jenkins
In my favorite comedy of the year, both exceedingly charming and side-splitting, Meryl Streep delivers a hysterical performance as a woman so blinded by her love for music that she can’t hear her own horrendous voice.
Honorable Mention: Movies that couldn't fit in my Top 10 but deserve recognition and praise.
Nocturnal Animals
The Jungle Book
The Shallows
Finding Dory
Sully
Queen of Katwe
The Birth of a Nation
