Unlike last year, my top 10 films of 2016 list was influx until the final cutoff, mainly due to me trying to cram in like 20 films in the past two weeks. Having finally finished and capped the year, I have to say this 10 is up there with the more interesting lineups I have made. There’s a mix of comedy and drama, but no foreign language film, a first since 2013. However, I’d take the top 6 films and battle them against any year. So without further ado, here are my top 10 films of 2016!
Top 10 Films of 2016
10. Jackie
Reason: nonlinear structure mirroring the mental stability of the character, brilliant performance from Portman
9. Hello, My Name is Doris
Reason: depth in specificity of characters, funny as hell, Sally Field can do no wrong
8. Take Me to the River
Reason: a tense clash of city v country folk + Josh Hamilton’s creepiness + Logan Miller’s nuanced performance
7. Hidden Figures
Reason: untold story that deserved to be on the big screen + STEM rocks! + Taraji, Janelle, and Octavia star wattage
6. The Witch
Reason: Black Phillip is creepy as fuck + moments that made me stop breathing + incredible performances dipped in hurt and religious zealotry
5. Hell or High Water
Reason: Modern western that feels both cinematic and real + Pine, Foster, and Bridges + the final scene!
4. Captain America: Civil War
Reason: the blockbuster of the year + Steve Rogers continues to be the MVP of the MCU + the set pieces + Black Panther!
3. Everybody Wants Some
Reason: juxtaposition of the 80s with college life + Glenn Powell + Linklater’s gift for fleshed out worlds
2. Midnight Special
Reason: trusts the audience to get on board and doesn’t insult us + Shannon’s world weary love + wonderful ending
1. Moonlight
Reason: Specificity of vision + incomparable acting and directing + humanity and sexuality in stark focus
I want to hug you for not including La La Land.
And also, yay for Captain America! It’s on my list, too.
I liked La La Land, but it had some problems that kept me from really being able to embrace it fully.