2016 Movies

In this comprehensive Plex database, you'll find the best cinematic releases from 2016, organized for your convenience. Offering a streamlined approach to movie exploration, the database affords quick and simple access to your favorite titles, genres, and directors.
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Browse 13,589 titles in our 2016 Movies Database

The Best Movies of 2016

In the realm of cinema, 2016 was a paradoxical year. The year unveiled several gems that will be etched in the history of filmmaking, notwithstanding the few glaring misfires.

Manchester by the Sea

'Manchester by the Sea,' directed by Kenneth Lonergan, is a beautifully depicted tale of grief, loss, and healing. Through the splendid performances of Casey Affleck and Lucas Hedges, the film addresses the long winter of grief with gentle humor and humanity.

The Meddler

'The Meddler' is a charming, heartfelt, and comedic film from director Lorene Scafaria. The plot focuses on an aging widow, played by Susan Sarandon, who finds herself becoming overly involved in her daughter's life after relocating to Los Angeles. It's an often funny, touching, and relatable movie about family ties, coping with loss, and finding a new lease on life. Sarandon's performance is particularly remarkable, as she embodies her character's warm, well-intentioned, but often meddling persona with authenticity and charm. This movie, although under-appreciated upon release, has stood the test of time to be recognized as one of the most unique and emotionally resonant films of the year.

American Honey

In 'American Honey,' Andrea Arnold presents an intoxicating portrayal of youth on the fringe of society, capturing both the exhilarating sense of liberation and the messy aspects of life. It's a sensory road-trip film, capturing the highs and lows of youth with honesty and spontaneity.

The Lobster

Yorgos Lanthimos, a Greek director, ventured into English-language cinema with 'The Lobster.' Featuring Colin Farrell, Olivia Colman, and a cast of others, it revolved around a strange dystopian world where single individuals are sent to a hotel to find a partner within 45 days or face transformation into an animal. Farrell's portrayal of a lonely man resonates with viewers and brings out the mysterious, melancholic nature of human relationships. Lanthimos imbues his film with both a distinct vision and a universally familiar emotional pain, making 'The Lobster' a highlight of the year.

Jackie

Pablo Larraín's 'Jackie' is an engaging and unique take on the events following John F. Kennedy's assassination. Natalie Portman, in her role as Jackie Kennedy, delivers a striking performance that perfectly complements Larraín's narrative style. It is more of an art film than a biopic, expertly crafted to depict a period of profound grief and national shock.

Mountains May Depart

Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke delivered a poignant narrative with 'Mountains May Depart.' The movie centers around the life of Zhao Tao as China transitions from an isolated nation to a globally connected one. This exploration of cultural shifts and personal evolution makes it an emotionally charged, thoughtful commentary on the transforming social fabric.

Moonlight

Barry Jenkins' masterpiece, 'Moonlight,' is an eloquent and stunning portrayal of black and gay experiences, delivering an important sociopolitical narrative. It's a beautiful piece of cinema that breaks the mold, expanding notions of black and gay cinema.

The Edge of Seventeen

'The Edge of Seventeen' is Kelly Fremon Craig's splendid debut feature. In her film, Hailee Steinfeld beautifully brings to life a teenager battling depression. Coupled with the performances of the supporting cast, the film offers a realistic, compassionate, and humorous perspective on the challenges faced by modern youth.

Fire at Sea

'Fire at Sea,' a powerful documentary by Gianfranco Rosi, reflects on the plight of refugees in the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa. Through a nuanced lens, it serves as a compelling reminder of an international crisis, urging viewers to acknowledge and act upon it.

Things to Come

Mia Hansen-Løve's 'Things to Come' showcases a profound exploration of aging, womanhood, and politics. With Isabelle Huppert's stellar performance, this film offers an all-encompassing view of life, aging, and the inevitability of change.

2016 Movies & Industry Highlights

The cinematic year of 2016 was notable in many ways. Exceptional films filled the box office, and impressive records were shattered left, right, and center. The following sections will provide insight into the film industry's highlights of the year 2016, offering a detailed exploration of the most-grossing films, record-breaking events, and the industry's overall performance.

Highest-Grossing Films

The year 2016 was remarkable for the success of various films, with four titles each grossing more than $1 billion. The top four films by worldwide gross were:

  • Captain America: Civil War ($1,153,296,293)
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ($1,056,057,273)
  • Finding Dory ($1,028,570,889)
  • Zootopia ($1,023,784,195)

Each of these films broke the $1 billion mark, making them some of the highest-grossing films of all time. It was the first year that two animated films, Finding Dory and Zootopia, each grossed over $1 billion, marking a significant milestone for the genre.

Breakthroughs and Milestones

Walt Disney Studios' Records

Walt Disney Studios set numerous records in 2016, reaching $1 billion at the domestic box office faster than any other studio. Five of its releases each grossed $300 million domestically, and four films crossed $1 billion worldwide. This feat led Walt Disney Studios to set a new record for the most billion-dollar-grossing films over two years. Disney also became the first studio to gross more than $3 billion domestically and, with the release of Rogue One, surpassed Universal's previous record by grossing over $7 billion globally.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's Achievement

Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe became the first film franchise to have four films gross over $1 billion, with Captain America: Civil War joining the club.

Film-Specific Records

2016 was also a year of significant achievements for individual films:

  • Deadpool became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time worldwide.
  • Zootopia became the highest-grossing original animated film of all time.
  • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had the biggest worldwide opening weekend ever for a superhero film.
  • The Mermaid became the highest-grossing film ever in China.
  • Warcraft became the highest-grossing video game adaptation worldwide.
  • Finding Dory set records for the biggest domestic opening weekend for Pixar and any animated film.
  • Sausage Party became the highest-grossing R-rated animated film of all time.
  • Doctor Strange became the highest-grossing single-character debut of any Marvel Cinematic Universe film worldwide.

2016 also saw the most films earning more than $500 million and $600 million, beating 2014's records.