Out of all the crazy happenings in 2016, one was more controversial than any other—and no, we’re not talking about the election. With 2017 just beginning, now is a perfect time to look back on the best movies that you might have missed from the last year. So, without further ado, let’s get going!
10) La La Land
An aspiring actress tries to make her way in the big city- we’ve all heard that plot before, but La La Land takes this generic overused concept and give it a unique twist. Not your average, run-of-the-mill musical romance story, La La Land is sure to wow any type of movie goer. The film starts out seeming like a generic musical, but as the movie progresses it becomes more and more unique. With great dance numbers, acting, and cinematography, La La Land is truly unique.
9) 10 Cloverfield Lane
Described as a “spiritual successor” to Cloverfield, the hit 2008 monster movie, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a psychological thriller that is about a woman named Michelle who escapes an apocalyptic event by hunkering down in an underground bunker with doomsday planner Howard and his helper Emmet. While initially distrustful of Howard and his intentions, Michelle begins to accept her new life- that is until she notices some strange behavior…
8) Sing Street
Definitely the movie for all the musicians out there, Sing Street revolves around Conor Lawlor. In order to impress the beautiful model Raphina, Conor recruits several schoolmates to form the aptly named band Sing Street. This musical comedy is full of enough humor to keep you smiling, while simultaneously full of enough drama to keep you engaged.
7) Moana
Moana made its appearance into the world of cinema as one of 2016’s most popular movies, and for good reason. Once again, Disney rolls out its cold, hard method of printing money out of younger and older viewers alike in this fantasy adventure. Moana sets out on a journey to save her island from the evil consuming it, recruiting the help of demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson. What emerges is the adventure of a lifetime, taking Moana across the ocean and even doing battle with gods. Moana is a must-see for all Disney fans.
6) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Do you remember the beginning of Episode IV when Princess Leia had the plans to the Death Star, gave them to R2D2, and sent him off to Ben Kenobi for safekeeping shortly before getting captured by Darth Vader? Most of you probably don’t, and even less of you wondered how Leia got those plans in the first place. Well, since George Lucas and Disney just can’t seem to resist that sweet money train that is Star Wars, they made a movie out of that very topic. Seeing as the movie took place between Episodes III and IV, it was technically a prequel, and since Star Wars fans know that prequels are never a good idea, this movie was expected to either be amazing or flop terribly. Luckily, it was the former. Interesting characters, quippy dialogue, and a spectacular ending will be more than enough to sate the hunger of fanboys until the next installment.
5) Manchester by the Sea
After the fiasco that was Batman v Superman, it was though the Affleck name could never again appear in a well made movie. Luckily for Ben, his brother Casey is picking up the slack with Manchester by the Sea. Although not a major blockbuster like some entries on this list with a budget of only $8.5 million, Manchester by the Sea more than makes up for its lack of flashy effects with spectacular storytelling. Affleck stars as Lee Chandler, a janitor who is forced to care for his nephew when his brother is hospitalized. Anyone who needs a healthy dose of emotion should definitely watch this movie.
4) Dr. Strange
Taking most by surprise when it was announced, Dr. Strange quickly became one of the most anticipated movies of 2016. Being the first real introduction of magic in the Marvel cinematic universe, there was much concern as to whether Dr. Strange would be a complete disaster, similar to the situation Rogue One was in. Just like Rogue One, we were not disappointed. Dr. Strange was a strange psychedelic journey that told the tale of a surgeon turned sorcerer. The special effects alone would make this movie a must-see, but there’s much more than that in this flick that should be at the top of any superhero fan’s watchlist.
3) Moonlight
A somewhat different film on this list, Moonlight is widely considered by many to be the best movie of 2016 and for good reason. In this drama film you follow the story of Chiron, a young man who journeys through life while discovering his own sexuality. Although not an action-packed adventure like other films this year, Moonlight has a well earned spot at the top of the list for 2016’s best movies.
2) Captain America: Civil War
Easily one of the best superhero movies of 2016, Captain America: Civil War is a must-see film. Do not let the name fool you, because this movie has way more superheros than just Captain America in it. With Captain America saying that superheroes should be able to defend humanity without government restrictions and Iron Man disagreeing with him, the Avengers are forced to choose sides. Throughout the course of the movie friendships are broken and people get hurt. This movie also introduces some new faces into the Marvel cinematic universe. With good plot and interesting characters, Captain America: Civil War is a highlight for Marvel and will echo into many movies to come.
1) Deadpool
Our pick for top movie of 2016 is none other than the merc with a mouth himself, Deadpool. Easily one of the most popular movies of 2016, Deadpool is enjoyable to not just the hardcore comic book fan, but to the average movie goer as well. If somehow you have not seen this movie already, then it is about a mercenary who gets the power of invincibility due to the treatment he received for his terminal cancer, however this treatment also made him extremely deformed. Throughout the course of the film Deadpool must save his girlfriend from the man who gave him his powers, while meeting a few interesting characters along the way. Laced with non stop humor, action, and fourth wall breaks, this movie is great for anyone who can handle a lot, and we mean a lot, of profanity.
