Continuing from the previous section, we will now highlight some of the most outstanding movies of 2016 that you might not have seen yet. This time, you will notice some more familiar titles, including those from major studios, and some contributions from renowned directors and talented actors. The public’s perception constantly evolves, and the journey of these films to the box office has also been quite unpredictable. However, it is certain that the films listed below still hold significant value in your movie collection.
9. Captain Fantastic
This film is not a superhero movie but a drama about family relationships. After playing Aragorn in the classic trilogy “The Lord of the Rings,” Viggo Mortensen shifted his focus to more intimate works like “Captain Fantastic.” In the film, Mortensen portrays a father of six who raises his children in isolation from society after rejecting conventional living. This film carries deep humanistic meanings and was well-received at the Sundance Film Festival.
8. The Witch
The story revolves around a Puritan family facing terrifying supernatural events after their baby mysteriously vanishes. Unlike typical horror films that often rely on jump scares, “The Witch” delves into psychological horror, creating a haunting atmosphere for viewers. The film’s slow pacing, however, always manages to build a gripping tension, especially in the film’s climax, which is sure to leave you shocked and terrified.
7. Mustang
“Mustang” follows the journey of five sisters navigating adolescence in a conservative society. Although it premiered at the end of 2015, the film was released in 57 theaters in January 2016 and was a contender for the Oscar for “Best Foreign Language Film,” although it lost to “Son of Saul.” Despite this, it did not receive the attention it deserved, as it had limited screenings and no major stars.
6. The Nice Guys
This is the third film by writer-director Shane Black, but “The Nice Guys” did not perform as well as his previous work “Iron Man 3,” particularly in box office revenue. Starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, the film features a detective and a hired muscle teaming up to solve a complicated case set against the backdrop of 1970s Los Angeles and the film industry. It was supposed to be a “bomb,” but it only earned $36 million domestically due to its limited distribution.
5. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The film centers around Ricky (Julian Dennison), a rebellious boy who finds himself in the care of his uncle Hec. When Ricky runs away, Hec must go into the wilderness of New Zealand to find him, leading to a hilarious and touching adventure. The film offers plenty of laughs and heartfelt lessons about friendship and human connections. This work is a brilliant showcase of director Taika Waititi’s talent, who is set to release the blockbuster “Thor: Ragnarok” soon.
4. Kubo and the Two Strings
One of the most recognized films in our list, “Kubo and the Two Strings” grossed $47 million at the domestic box office. While not exceptionally high, its quality certainly deserves more. The story follows a young boy on a quest to find a magical armor while being aided by his supernatural friends. Despite its familiar premise, the film’s stunning animation and outstanding storytelling helped it earn an Oscar nomination this year. Audiences should definitely check out “Kubo,” as Laika Animation consistently creates meaningful animated films.
3. Hell or High Water
Not just a typical Western film with guns and violence, “Hell or High Water” captivates audiences with its deep character exploration and excellent storytelling that draws viewers in. The film also features an impressive cast including Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, and Ben Foster. Despite its modest budget of $12 million, it brought in a remarkable revenue.
2. Green Room
“Green Room” is the final film featuring actor Anton Yelchin before his untimely death. In the film, Yelchin plays a member of a punk band who must fight for survival after witnessing a murder at a remote venue. The film left a strong impression on audiences due to its unexpected twists and intense atmosphere. However, it was only screened in limited theaters and earned around $3.2 million.
1. Sing Street
Following the success of “Once” and “Begin Again,” director John Carney continues to explore musical themes with his latest film “Sing Street.” Set in the 1980s, the story revolves around a teenager named Conor who forms a band to impress a girl. From there, he discovers his identity while navigating the challenges of young love. “Sing Street” serves as a nostalgic tribute to the 80s music scene, leaving viewers with a mix of emotions through its engaging storyline and outstanding soundtrack.
Source: Business Insider
