2016 was a year dominated by blockbusters like Captain America: Civil War and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. While those tentpole titles gobbled up most of the box‑office, a handful of quieter releases slipped under the radar. Though they didn’t rake in the same cash, each of these ten titles stands out as some of the best films of the year.
Why These Stand Out Among the Best Films of 2016
10 Swiss Army Man
Independent cinema loves to turn a bizarre premise into something oddly moving, and Swiss Army Man does exactly that with a blend of absurdity and heart. When Hank, stranded at sea, discovers a dead body that somehow becomes his only companion, the film launches into a wildly inventive survival tale.
The corpse doubles as a fart‑powered jet ski, an endless water source, and even a compass courtesy of a very peculiar erection. Premiering at Sundance, the movie earned strong praise from critics, though a few audience members walked out when the flatulent humor took center stage. Despite the unconventional jokes, it remains a surprisingly uplifting comedy.
9 Cafe Society
Woody Allen’s 2016 offering, Cafe Society, gathers a star‑studded cast that includes Steve Carell, Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Blake Lively. The film earned critical kudos but saw only a limited release, meaning many cinephiles likely missed it.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York nightlife, the story follows a young man who heads west to work for his uncle, a Hollywood talent agent. He falls for the uncle’s assistant, only to have the romance fizzle. Disillusioned, he returns to New York, opens the eponymous nightclub, and creates a haven for high‑society guests and gangsters alike. It debuted on Amazon, marking a first for Allen.
8 Hello, My Name Is Doris
Sally Field leads this romantic dramedy as a woman in her sixties who decides to pursue a younger coworker, played by Max Greenfield. After losing her mother, the reclusive, hoarding Doris finds herself infatuated with John, who is half her age.
The film weaves Doris’s fantasies with the reality of her attempts to win John’s affection, all while navigating his own love life. Field delivers a sympathetic performance, reminding us that even seasoned hearts still crave connection.
7 Midnight Special
Jeff Nichols’s fourth feature, Midnight Special, stars Adam Driver and Kirsten Dunst in a sci‑fi adventure about a family on the run. After a cult and the government discover that young Alton (Jaedon Lieberher) possesses extraordinary powers, the family must flee for safety.The story balances a classic escape‑and‑survival arc with Alton’s growing abilities, offering viewers a glimpse into a larger, mysterious universe. Critics have likened its tone to the works of Spielberg, noting echoes of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., while still carving out its own sense of wonder.
6 The Lobster
Yann Arthus‑Bertrand’s dystopian romance, The Lobster, earned the Jury Prize at Cannes in 2015 before receiving a limited 2016 release. The film follows David, freshly dumped, who must find a new partner within 45 days or be transformed into an animal of his choosing.
In this bleak world, society forces love under threat of literal metamorphosis. After a series of awkward courtships, David joins a rebel faction called the Loners, who have abandoned romantic norms. There, he meets a compelling female loner, setting the stage for the film’s inevitable climax.
5 The Witch
Robert Eggers’s atmospheric horror, The Witch, debuted at a 2015 festival before reaching audiences in 2016. Set in mid‑17th‑century New England, the story follows William and his family after they settle on the edge of a foreboding forest.
Soon, strange occurrences—talking goats, missing objects, and ominous whispers—plague the household, spiraling into a terrifying exploration of Puritan faith, witchcraft, and the devil’s influence. The film is praised both as a masterful horror piece and a deep dive into religious anxiety.
4 Krisha
Despite a modest box‑office tally of under $155,000, Krisha garnered massive critical acclaim. Originating from a short film and funded through a modest $10,000 Kickstarter campaign, the feature tells the story of a woman in her sixties battling lifelong addiction.
Krisha reaches out to her estranged family, claiming sobriety and offering to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. While some family members hope she’s reformed, others remain skeptical, leading to intense, compassionate drama that captures the complexities of redemption and family dynamics.
3 Kubo And The Two Strings
In a year dominated by Disney hits like Moana, Finding Dory, and Zootopia, the stop‑motion masterpiece Kubo and the Two Strings stands out as a must‑see. The film follows young Kubo, a magical storyteller who has lost his left eye, on a quest through ancient Japan.
Accompanied by a mischievous monkey and a steadfast beetle, Kubo’s adventure blends breathtaking animation with heartfelt storytelling, earning high marks from critics and delighting audiences of all ages.
2 Sing Street
Irish director John Carney delivers a musical comedy gem with Sing Street. Set in 1980s Dublin, a teenage boy forms a band to impress a girl, navigating school, family troubles, and the ups and downs of teenage romance.
The film’s blend of original songs, humor, and heartfelt moments earned widespread critical praise. Its soundtrack, a standout on its own, even secured a Critics Choice nomination for Best Song, cementing its place as a feel‑good favorite.
1 Manchester By The Sea
Released in mid‑December 2016, Manchester by the Sea arrived alongside the blockbuster Rogue One, yet it still captured audiences’ attention. Starring Casey Affleck and Gretchen Mol, the drama follows a man forced to return to his hometown after his brother’s death.
Prepare a box of tissues, as the film delves deep into grief and personal loss. Despite its somber tone, the movie received universal acclaim, racking up nominations and wins across major awards, and is often cited as a contender for the year’s best picture.