What a year 2016 was. Sometimes inspiring, other times defeating, it was nonetheless unforgettable. On one hand, we lost countless beloved public figures — far more than we should ever have to mourn in a single year. On the other, my Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series for the first time in over a century. On one hand, Donald Trump became president and promptly began running the country into the ground. On the other, I got engaged to the most wonderful woman I’ve ever known. A mixed bag, to say the least — but one that I’ll surely never forget.
Because of everything happening in the world and in my life, many films from this year will always be tied to the moment. Even before the chaos fully arrived, the slate of releases felt like a preview of the turbulence to come. The overarching mood of 2016’s best films was deeply somber. Not without joy, of course, but often grounded in loss, struggle, and the heavier corners of the human condition — which, in hindsight, felt like the perfect reflection of the year itself.
At first, I worried that 2016 might mirror the previous year: plenty of “good” movies but not nearly enough “great” ones. The early months were slow and uninspired. But once I’d caught up on the full slate, I was happy to rewrite this paragraph with a far more positive tone. There was plenty to celebrate, and plenty to talk about. Not every film below is a masterpiece, but together they form a snapshot of a fascinating, emotionally charged year in cinema.
P.S. My total viewings were lower this year, so I want to call out one title that surely would have been on this list had I seen it: Moonlight. Its absence is due only to circumstance — if and when I see it, I may revisit this ranking.
15. The Founder
It was tough deciding what film would close out this list — this spot could have gone to a dozen titles — but my love for mid-century American history tipped the scales. While not always the best-constructed film, The Founder fascinated me with its story of Ray Kroc’s partnership (and eventual power grab) with the McDonald brothers. The kitchen choreography scene is a particular highlight, and the contrast between Kroc’s ruthless ambition and the brothers’ “American Dream” idealism was compelling. The film slows down too much in places, but its portrait of an industry-changing moment is well worth watching.
14. Don’t Think Twice
“I feel like your 20s are all about hope, and then your 30s are all about realizing how dumb it was to hope.” That single line hit harder than almost any other I heard in 2016. This story of a Chicago improv troupe struggling to break through is both entertaining and painfully honest — a portrait of how dreams can fade even when talent and passion are present. The ensemble’s chemistry is electric, and the film resonated deeply with me as someone who once pursued creative ambitions with a group of friends. Relatable, bittersweet, and absolutely worth your time.
13. The Monster
If you’re a fan of classic creature features, this one delivers — but what makes The Monster memorable is its emotional core. Beneath the surface horror, it’s a raw exploration of a fractured mother-daughter relationship. Director Bryan Bertino (The Strangers) once again excels at building atmosphere through sound, design, and pacing. I wish the film had revealed less of its creature — the unknown is always scarier — but the practical effects are refreshing, and the nods to monster-movie mythology (like its fear of bright light) are clever. It’s a modern horror story with an old-school heart.
12. Midnight Special
I wanted to love Midnight Special more than I did. With Michael Shannon (always reliable) reuniting with director Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter), the potential was sky-high. The premise — a father on the run to protect his supernaturally gifted son from government and religious forces — is compelling, and the film explores fascinating questions about how power is manipulated. Still, it never quite fully connected for me. It’s unique, thoughtful, and well-acted, but it lacks the resonance of Nichols’ best work. Even so, it’s a worthy and intriguing entry in the modern sci-fi canon.
11. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Taika Waititi followed What We Do in the Shadows with a completely different kind of film — a warm, quirky coming-of-age story about a rebellious boy and his reluctant guardian trekking through the New Zealand wilderness. The mismatched duo dynamic is endlessly fun to watch, and the film’s blend of humor, heart, and stunning landscapes keeps it consistently engaging. The eccentric supporting cast, sharp writing, and growing bond between the leads make this one of the year’s most charming entries. Familiar in premise, perhaps, but overflowing with personality and emotional sincerity.
10. Captain America: Civil War
Marvel keeps pulling me back in, and Civil War is a prime example of why. Essentially another Avengers movie, it somehow balances its huge roster while telling a grounded, character-driven story. The ideological split at its core feels believable — neither side is clearly right or wrong — and the introduction of Spider-Man and Black Panther (the latter a standout) injected new energy into the franchise. The airport battle sequence remains one of the MCU’s most exciting set pieces, and the story’s political undercurrents give it surprising weight. It’s blockbuster entertainment done right.
9. Hacksaw Ridge
Whether or not you can separate Mel Gibson from his work, there’s no denying Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful, well-crafted war film. Andrew Garfield shines as a pacifist medic determined to serve without a weapon, and the story’s tension — between conviction and practicality — is compelling. The extended battle sequence is brutal but riveting, and the film captures both the horror of combat and the resilience of human spirit. I’m not usually drawn to war movies, but this one felt important and deeply human. It’s a story of courage worth watching, regardless of your stance on the genre.
8. Captain Fantastic
A timely and thought-provoking film, Captain Fantastic explores the extremes of raising a family outside societal norms. Viggo Mortensen delivers a strong performance as a father navigating the clash between idealism and reality. The film’s greatest strength lies in its nuanced perspective: neither mainstream society nor total isolation is portrayed as ideal, and both offer valuable lessons. At times, the film overplays its philosophical hand, but its core message — about balance, adaptation, and doing the best we can within imperfect systems — resonates deeply. It’s a bold, intelligent piece of storytelling.
7. Miss Sloane
Jessica Chastain commands the screen as a ruthless, calculating lobbyist in Miss Sloane, a film that offers a sharp, unsettling look behind the political curtain. The procedural elements — watching how votes are courted, deals are struck, and power is wielded — are fascinating, if infuriating. Chastain’s performance is magnetic, and her character’s relentless ambition is thrilling to watch, even when it’s repellent. The script occasionally feels like “Aaron Sorkin Lite,” but even so, it’s smart and snappy. It’s an unflinching portrayal of power and manipulation — and a reminder of how politics really works.
6. Manchester by the Sea
This was one of the most difficult films of the year to rank because it straddles the line between “best” and “favorite.” It’s not something I’ll casually rewatch on a Sunday afternoon, but it’s a film I’ll never forget — and one I’ll continue recommending to people who haven’t seen it. Casey Affleck’s performance is devastating, capturing a man broken by grief and unable to outrun his past. The film is heartbreakingly sad but profoundly human, exploring how people cope with unimaginable pain in vastly different ways. It’s genuine, raw, and one of the most emotionally honest movies in years.
5. Hell or High Water
I’ve become a huge fan of the neo-Western genre, and Hell or High Water is one of its finest examples. This story of two brothers robbing banks to reclaim their foreclosed family land is a sharp, modern tale of desperation, justice, and rebellion. The economic backdrop — rural communities still reeling from the housing crash — is woven beautifully into the narrative, giving the action weight and context. Chris Pine and Ben Foster deliver career-best performances, and Jeff Bridges, as always, is excellent. It’s a story where you find yourself rooting for the “bad guys,” and it’s executed with style, depth, and empathy.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Critics often harp on the film’s final act, but I actually liked the way it concluded — even if the “Cloverfield” branding made it less surprising. The real brilliance of this movie lies in its tension, pacing, and claustrophobic atmosphere. Nearly the entire story unfolds in a single confined location, but it never feels static. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a fantastic protagonist — resourceful, intelligent, and refreshingly far from the usual horror archetype — while John Goodman is magnetic, shifting between calm, kindness, and terrifying volatility in a way that keeps you guessing. It’s an underrated thriller with performances that deserved far more recognition.
3. Everybody Wants Some!!
Richard Linklater’s spiritual successor to Dazed and Confused is everything I hoped it would be: relaxed, conversational, funny, and deeply human. Set over a few days with a college baseball team in the 1980s, it’s a film that’s technically “about nothing” — and that’s exactly what makes it so good. The dialogue is sharp and lived-in, the characters are distinct and memorable, and the period details fully immerse you in the era. It’s the kind of film where you feel like you’re hanging out with the characters rather than watching them, and Linklater’s gift for capturing everyday life is on full display here.
2. La La Land
I went into La La Land with little enthusiasm — I had to practically force myself to see it — and came out completely enchanted. Damien Chazelle crafts a vibrant, joyful tribute to classic Hollywood musicals while infusing it with modern energy and emotion. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is undeniable, the choreography and music are spectacular, and the film’s color palette and visual style are dazzling. Even the bittersweet epilogue feels perfectly judged. In a year dominated by heavy, somber stories, this was a burst of cinematic joy — a love letter to art, passion, and dreaming big.
1. Arrival
It took some time for me to settle on Arrival as my #1, but ultimately it was an easy choice. Intelligent, character-driven science fiction is my sweet spot, and Denis Villeneuve delivered one of the best examples in years. The premise — humanity racing to decode an alien language and avert global disaster — is gripping, but it’s the execution that elevates it. The film’s depiction of international tensions feels frighteningly plausible, and the alien design and linguistic concepts are imaginative and thought-provoking. Amy Adams is phenomenal (where was her Oscar nomination?), grounding the story with emotional weight that lingers long after the credits roll.
Beneath the surface, Arrival is a film about communication, perspective, and the human experience. The deeply personal subplot running parallel to the larger narrative gives the story heart and resonance beyond its sci-fi framework. It’s a film that challenges how we think, how we connect, and how we make meaning out of our lives — and it left me stunned. If you care about smart, beautifully crafted science fiction, this is essential viewing.
Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled with how this list came together. While some years feel top-heavy, 2016 was strong from start to finish — there isn’t a single weak link in the group. I also appreciate the diversity of styles, genres, and perspectives represented here, from blockbuster spectacle to intimate indie dramas. This year’s films might have leaned darker in tone, but they also felt honest, human, and deeply relevant to the world we were living in.
As always, I hope this list introduces you to something new — or inspires you to revisit a title you might have overlooked. Each of these films left a mark on me in some way, and together they reflect the complicated, unforgettable year that was 2016.