Table of Contents

Introduction

In 2016 and 2017, there were several highly acclaimed movies that captivated audiences and critics alike. These films showcased exceptional storytelling, acting, and direction, earning them numerous awards and accolades. From thought-provoking dramas to thrilling blockbusters, the best acclaimed movies of these years left a lasting impact on the film industry and continue to be celebrated by audiences around the world.

Top 10 Must-Watch Movies of 2016

2016 was a great year for movies, with a wide range of genres and styles hitting the big screen. From action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, there was something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for some recommendations on what to watch, here are the top 10 must-watch movies of 2016.

First up on the list is “La La Land,” a musical romantic comedy-drama that took the world by storm. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, this film follows the love story of a jazz musician and an aspiring actress in Los Angeles. With its catchy songs and stunning visuals, “La La Land” is a must-see for any movie lover.

Next, we have “Moonlight,” a coming-of-age drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This film tells the story of a young African American man growing up in Miami, grappling with his identity and sexuality. With its powerful performances and emotional depth, “Moonlight” is a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

If you’re in the mood for some action, look no further than “Deadpool.” This R-rated superhero film stars Ryan Reynolds as the foul-mouthed and irreverent antihero, Deadpool. With its sharp wit and over-the-top action sequences, “Deadpool” is a refreshing take on the superhero genre that will leave you laughing out loud.

For fans of science fiction, “Arrival” is a must-watch. Starring Amy Adams as a linguist tasked with communicating with extraterrestrial visitors, this film explores themes of communication, empathy, and the nature of time. With its thought-provoking story and stunning visuals, “Arrival” is a standout in the sci-fi genre.

If you’re looking for a good scare, check out “The Witch.” This horror film follows a Puritan family in 17th-century New England as they are terrorized by supernatural forces. With its eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension, “The Witch” is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

On a lighter note, “Zootopia” is a delightful animated film that is fun for the whole family. Set in a world where anthropomorphic animals live together in harmony, this film follows a bunny police officer and a con artist fox as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their city. With its clever humor and heartwarming message, “Zootopia” is a must-watch for all ages.

If you’re a fan of historical dramas, “Hacksaw Ridge” is a film you won’t want to miss. Directed by Mel Gibson, this film tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II and saved dozens of lives without firing a single shot. With its intense battle scenes and powerful performances, “Hacksaw Ridge” is a gripping and inspiring war film.

For fans of comedy, “The Nice Guys” is a hilarious buddy cop film that is sure to make you laugh. Starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as mismatched private investigators, this film follows their misadventures as they try to solve a missing persons case in 1970s Los Angeles. With its sharp dialogue and offbeat humor, “The Nice Guys” is a comedy that is not to be missed.

Rounding out the list is “Manchester by the Sea,” a heartbreaking drama that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Starring Casey Affleck as a man who returns to his hometown to take care of his nephew after his brother’s death, this film explores themes of grief, loss, and redemption. With its raw emotion and powerful performances, “Manchester by the Sea” is a truly unforgettable film that will leave you in tears.

In conclusion, 2016 was a fantastic year for movies, with a diverse range of genres and styles to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a musical, a drama, an action film, or a comedy, there is something for everyone on this list of the top 10 must-watch movies of 2016. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these cinematic gems that are sure to entertain and inspire.

Oscar-Winning Films of 2017

The Oscars are one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry, and winning one is a huge honor for any filmmaker. In 2017, there were several standout films that took home the coveted golden statue. Let’s take a look at some of the best acclaimed movies from that year.

One of the most talked-about films of 2017 was “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins. This coming-of-age drama follows the life of a young black man named Chiron as he navigates his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film was praised for its raw and emotional storytelling, as well as its stunning cinematography. “Moonlight” took home the Oscar for Best Picture, making it a standout film of the year.

Another standout film from 2017 was “La La Land,” directed by Damien Chazelle. This musical romantic comedy-drama follows the love story between a jazz musician and an aspiring actress in Los Angeles. “La La Land” was praised for its catchy musical numbers, beautiful cinematography, and heartfelt performances from its leads, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. The film won several Oscars, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone.

“Manchester by the Sea,” directed by Kenneth Lonergan, was another critically acclaimed film from 2017. This drama follows a man named Lee Chandler as he returns to his hometown to take care of his nephew after his brother’s death. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of grief and loss, as well as its powerful performances from its cast, including Casey Affleck, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the film.

“Arrival,” directed by Denis Villeneuve, was a standout sci-fi film from 2016 that continued to receive acclaim in 2017. The film follows a linguist who is tasked with communicating with extraterrestrial beings who have landed on Earth. “Arrival” was praised for its thought-provoking story, stunning visuals, and Amy Adams’ powerful performance as the lead character. The film won the Oscar for Best Sound Editing, further solidifying its place as one of the best films of the year.

Overall, 2017 was a great year for film, with several standout movies that received critical acclaim and recognition at the Oscars. From the emotional drama of “Moonlight” to the musical magic of “La La Land,” there was something for everyone to enjoy. These films will be remembered for years to come as some of the best of their time, showcasing the talent and creativity of the filmmakers behind them.

Hidden Gems: Underrated Movies of 2016

When it comes to movies, we often hear about the big blockbusters that dominate the box office and receive all the attention. But what about the hidden gems, the underrated movies that may not have received as much recognition but are still worth watching? In 2016, there were several films that flew under the radar but garnered critical acclaim and left a lasting impact on audiences.

One such movie is “Moonlight,” a coming-of-age drama that follows the life of a young black man as he navigates his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, received widespread praise for its powerful storytelling, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances from its cast. Despite its modest budget, “Moonlight” went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, solidifying its place as one of the best films of 2016.

Another underrated gem from 2016 is “Hell or High Water,” a modern-day western heist film starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster as brothers who embark on a series of bank robberies to save their family farm. The film, directed by David Mackenzie, received critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, strong performances, and social commentary on the economic struggles faced by many Americans. “Hell or High Water” was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Bridges.

In 2017, there were also a number of hidden gems that may have gone unnoticed by mainstream audiences but were highly praised by critics. One such film is “The Florida Project,” a drama that follows the lives of a group of children living in a budget motel near Disney World. Directed by Sean Baker, the film received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of childhood innocence and poverty, as well as the breakout performance of young actress Brooklynn Prince. Despite its limited release, “The Florida Project” was named one of the best films of 2017 by numerous critics and received several award nominations.

Another underrated movie from 2017 is “The Big Sick,” a romantic comedy based on the real-life relationship between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, Emily V. Gordon. The film, directed by Michael Showalter, received praise for its heartfelt storytelling, sharp wit, and standout performances from Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan. “The Big Sick” was a surprise hit at the box office and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

These are just a few examples of the hidden gems that graced the screens in 2016 and 2017. While they may not have received the same level of attention as the big blockbusters, these films are definitely worth checking out for their compelling stories, exceptional performances, and unique perspectives. So next time you’re looking for a movie to watch, consider giving one of these underrated gems a chance – you may just discover a new favorite.

Blockbuster Hits: Highest-Grossing Movies of 2017

2016 and 2017 were both incredible years for movies, with a slew of critically acclaimed films hitting the big screen. While there were many great movies released during this time, some stood out above the rest in terms of box office success. Let’s take a look at some of the highest-grossing movies of 2017 that wowed audiences and critics alike.

One of the biggest hits of 2017 was “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” the eighth installment in the iconic Star Wars franchise. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film continued the saga of Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren as they battled the First Order. With stunning visual effects, a gripping storyline, and beloved characters, “The Last Jedi” was a massive success at the box office, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide.

Another standout film from 2017 was “Beauty and the Beast,” a live-action adaptation of the classic Disney animated film. Starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast, the movie enchanted audiences with its dazzling visuals, memorable songs, and heartwarming story. “Beauty and the Beast” was a massive hit, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

Marvel also had a big year in 2017 with the release of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Directed by James Gunn, the film followed the ragtag group of intergalactic misfits as they battled a new threat to the galaxy. With its quirky humor, colorful visuals, and memorable characters, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” was a hit with audiences and critics alike, grossing over $860 million worldwide.

One of the surprise hits of 2017 was “Wonder Woman,” the first female-led superhero film in the DC Extended Universe. Directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot as the titular hero, the film followed Diana Prince as she discovered her powers and fought to end World War I. “Wonder Woman” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $820 million worldwide and becoming a cultural phenomenon.

2017 also saw the release of “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” the first solo Spider-Man film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker, the film followed the young hero as he navigated high school and battled the villainous Vulture. With its fresh take on the character, charming performances, and thrilling action sequences, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” was a hit with audiences, grossing over $880 million worldwide.

Overall, 2017 was a fantastic year for movies, with a diverse range of films captivating audiences and breaking box office records. From epic blockbusters like “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Beauty and the Beast” to superhero hits like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and “Wonder Woman,” there was something for everyone to enjoy at the movies. As we look back on the highest-grossing films of 2017, it’s clear that this was a year to remember for cinema lovers everywhere.

Critically Acclaimed Films That Flew Under the Radar in 2016

When it comes to movies, there are always those hidden gems that don’t get as much attention as they deserve. In 2016, there were several critically acclaimed films that flew under the radar, but still managed to capture the hearts of those who did see them.

One such film was “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins. This coming-of-age drama follows the life of a young black man named Chiron as he navigates his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful performances and poignant storytelling, ultimately winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Another standout film from 2016 was “Manchester by the Sea,” directed by Kenneth Lonergan. This drama follows a man named Lee Chandler, played by Casey Affleck, as he returns to his hometown to take care of his nephew after his brother’s death. The film was praised for its raw and emotional performances, particularly Affleck’s portrayal of a man grappling with grief and guilt.

In addition to these two films, “Hell or High Water” also made waves in 2016. Directed by David Mackenzie, this modern-day western follows two brothers, played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster, as they rob banks to save their family ranch. The film was lauded for its gripping story and strong performances, particularly from Jeff Bridges as the Texas Ranger hot on their trail.

Moving on to 2017, there were even more critically acclaimed films that may have slipped under the radar for some viewers. One such film was “The Florida Project,” directed by Sean Baker. This drama follows a young girl named Moonee as she navigates life in a budget motel near Disney World. The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of childhood and poverty, as well as the breakout performance of young actress Brooklynn Prince.

Another standout film from 2017 was “Call Me by Your Name,” directed by Luca Guadagnino. This romantic drama follows the blossoming relationship between a 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man in 1980s Italy. The film was lauded for its lush cinematography, evocative score, and the chemistry between its two leads, Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer.

In addition to these films, “The Shape of Water” also made a splash in 2017. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this fantasy romance follows a mute janitor who forms a bond with a mysterious amphibious creature being held captive in a government lab. The film was praised for its stunning visuals, imaginative storytelling, and Sally Hawkins’ captivating performance in the lead role.

Overall, 2016 and 2017 were filled with critically acclaimed films that may have flown under the radar for some viewers. From powerful dramas to enchanting romances, these movies showcased the best of what cinema has to offer. If you missed out on any of these hidden gems, be sure to add them to your must-watch list.

Conclusion

Conclusion: The best acclaimed movies in 2016 and 2017 showcased a diverse range of genres and storytelling techniques, captivating audiences and critics alike. From thought-provoking dramas to thrilling action films, these movies left a lasting impact on the film industry and continue to be celebrated for their excellence in filmmaking.

Table of Contents