Movie Talk: Top Ten Favorite Films of 2016

Welcome to another episode of moviemanMDG’s Movie Talk, where I talk about everything film-related.  Yep, it’s that time of year again.  As we make way for another year filled with action, comedy, and some animated hijinks, it is time for me to share my top ten films of 2016.  While 2016 may not be the best year of our lives, we must never forget some of the finest moments that we had this year, mostly the unforgettable films that we watched.  For this episode of Movie Talk, I will be counting down my personal top ten favorite films of 2016.  These are the films that either made me feel giddy as a schoolgirl or had reach their cinematic quality, in my opinion, of course.  There are a lot of films this year that I loved, but only ten of those films are going to make it on my list.  So without further ado, let’s get to it.

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#10
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The Nice Guys

I didn’t expect myself to like this movie that much, but I actually did.  “The Nice Guys” is one of my biggest surprises this year for multiple reasons: The talented cast, the film’s witty screenplay, and its 70s vibe.  Shane Black delivered a very entertaining action comedy that’s been under everyone’s radar during its theatrical run.  If it’s out on Blu-ray or appearing on HBO, try giving this one a shot.

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#9

Moana

Disney is showing no signs of slowing down.  “Moana” continues its tradition of delivering wonder and adventure in their series of animated features with this latest flick that features gorgeous animation, wonderful characters, and some catchy musical numbers.  The reason why it’s higher on the list is that it has some quest-story cliches, but other than that, it’s another winner for Disney.

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#8

Manchester by the Sea

Filled with remarkable performances and realistic direction, “Manchester by the Sea” is a depressing and relatable tale about grief.  It’s not for everybody, however, due to its concept and the pacing, but for those who don’t mind that, it’s definitely worth checking out.

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#7

The Edge of Seventeen

There’s something about “The Edge of Seventeen” that made me realize how tough being a teenager can be.  This film is an absolute delight from start to finish thanks to its amazing performances and its mixture between comedy and drama.

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#6

Hacksaw Ridge

After being away from the camera for so long, Mel Gibson has finally returned to deliver us another grand piece of war cinema.  “Hacksaw Ridge” is an amazing story about a man who served in the war without using a gun featuring a masterful performance by Andrew Garfield and one of the most realistic and violent action sequences ever to be put on the big screen.

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#5

Kubo and the Two Strings

I’m sensing some big things to come for Laika, and it’s all thanks to “Kubo and the Two Strings”, a dazzling, well-told story that paid homage to its Japanese culture.

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#4

Fences

This was the last film I saw right before I started this list, and it was worth it.  “Fences” is the latest film from Denzel Washington about a family who’s torn apart by the husband’s shattered dreams.  Strong, heartbreaking, and compelling, this film adaptation of the 1983 play proves that Denzel Washington is not only a great actor, but also a great director as well.

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#3

Arrival

“Arrival” explores the concept of communication between human and alien with absolute brilliance due to Denis Villeneuve’s direction, strong performances (mostly from Amy Adams), great visuals, and its cinematography.  The film that puts the “wow” in science fiction.

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#2

Zootopia

Not only is “Zootopia” one of the best animated features of the year, but also one of the most important films that kids and adults should watch.  Thanks to its talented voice cast, creative animation, and its well-executed plot, this Disney flick offers more than just a simple buddy comedy.

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Before I get to my number one pick, here are my honorable mentions:


-Deepwater Horizon: A thrilling and well-acted action film from the mind of director Peter Berg.


-Sully: Tom Hanks delivered another great performance in this well-told biopic about a pilot who made a stunning landing on the Hudson River.


-Finding Dory: A beautifully animated Pixar sequel that explores the themes of family and characters with disabilities.


-Captain Fantastic: A heartwarming road trip movie about dealing with loss that is lead by a grand performance by Viggo Mortensen.


-10 Cloverfield Lane: What seems to be an ordinary low-budget sci-fi horror film is actually a pretty terrifying and tense ride thanks to some great performances and its chilling atmosphere.


-The Jungle Book: Another Disney remake that relies on visuals and heart to tell a fresh story.


-Birth of a Nation: A brutal, yet fascinating, look at the life of Nat Turner with an emotional finale to boot.


And now, my number one favorite film of 2016 is...

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#1

Moonlight

This is a beautiful piece of cinema right there.  “Moonlight” offers masterful storytelling, a strong cast, and its remarkable cinematography to explore one man’s journey through life in the African-American community.

Those are the films that I loved in 2016.  Let me know in the comments section what your favorite 2016 films are, and have a safe and happy new year.