500 Days Of Film Reviews The Top 25 Films Of 2016
2016 has been a fabulous year for film. Yes, there have been disappointments (particularly in the action genre) but there have also been a host of absolutely wonderful movies.
When compiling my list, I chose only the films that were released in the UK this year. As a result, A Monster Calls and Manchester By The Sea are not included. In addition, there are a number of movies that may well have made my top 25 but that I have yet to see - films such as Hunt For The Wilderpeople, The Edge Of Seventeen, Julieta and Paterson.
However, on the basis that no list is perfect, here are my 25 best favourite movies of 2016…
25. High Rise
In Ben Wheatley’s adaptation of JG Ballard’s novel, chaos reigns after a social experiment in a high rise building goes horribly wrong.
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24. Hail, Casear!
There is much fun to be had in the Coen brother's loving homage to Hollywood's Golden Age.
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23. Fire At Sea
An insightful and important documentary, Fire At Sea explores the issue of mass immigration in Europe, focusing on the plight of the people caught up in the crisis.
22. Son Of Saul
A devastating film about one man's struggle for humanity in Auschwitz. Son Of Saul won this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
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21. Sing Street
A poignant, feel good film about a boy, the girl he loves and their band in 1980s Dublin.
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20. Nocturnal Animals
Tom Ford's visually stunning thriller stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal and Micheal Shannon.
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19. Divines
A hugely enjoyable, bittersweet tale of the friendship between two young girls on the streets of Paris.
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18. Our Little Sister
A film that is good for the soul, Our Little Sister tells the story of three sisters who meet their step-sister for the first time at their estranged father's funeral.
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17. 13th
Ava DuVernay's powerful documentary explores the issue of mass incarceration among black men in America.
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16. A United Kingdom
Amma Asante's superb film tells the inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the king of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker that he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments.
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15. Spotlight
Spotlight won this year's Oscar for best film. It tells the story of The Boston Globe's investigation into systemic child abuse within the Catholic Church.
14. The Witch
A deeply atmospheric and chilling horror, The Witch features superb performances from its cast and tells an unsettling story that lingers...
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13. Midnight Special
Jeff Nichols' superb science fiction tale is full of 80s nostalgia and features a stand out performance from Michael Shannon.
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12. Love & Friendship
Kate Beckinsale shines in this hilarious adaptation of Jane Austen's novella.
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11. Kubo And The Two Strings
In a wonderful year for animation, Laika Studio's Kubo And The Two Strings is just sublime.
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10. Victoria
Sebastian Schipper's gripping heist movie romance is made all the more impressive for the fact that it comprises one 138 minute uninterrupted shot.
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9. I, Daniel Blake
8. Little Men
A gorgeous film about the friendship between two boys and the gentrification of New York that threatens to tear them apart.
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7. Hell Or High Water
A hugely entertaining movie featuring a superb performance from Jeff Bridges.
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6. A Bigger Splash
A film about relationships and desire with a dark and twisty heart. Also features the craziest dancing scene in cinematic history.
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5. Arrival
Denis Villeneuve's smart and extremely moving science fiction story features a powerful performance from Amy Adams.
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4. Things To Come
Isabelle Huppert is superb in this poignant and unashamedly intellectual portrait of a woman whose life has not turned out the way she planned.
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3. Room
Lenny Abrahamson's stunning adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s gripping book features an Oscar-winning performance from Brie Larson.
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2. Mustang
Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s superb portrayal of female life experience in conservative, rural Turkey is full of resiliance and exuberance.
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1. Under The Shadow
Under The Shadow is a rare beast. Writer/director, Babak Anvari, has created a chilling, intelligent film with a powerful feminist message. This movie is an absolute gem. Seek it out in whatever way you can.
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What Has Been Your Favourite Movie Of 2016?
What movies have you most enjoyed this year? Do let me know by leaving me a comment in the box below!