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The Ten Best Movies of 2016

"Fences," "I Am Not Your Negro," "Moonlight" and more.

After suffering through #OscarsSoWhite (again) in 2015, Hollywood and independent filmmakers came back swinging this year. 2016 has been an excellent year for films, both in terms of inclusivity and quality.
The year brought the iconic words of James Baldwin back to life and delivered a breakout performance by Trevante Rhodes in Moonlight. In the coming months, we expect Viola Davis to collect her first Oscar for her moving role in Fences. After watching more films than I can count over the past twelve months, here are my picks for the best films of 2016. Narrowing it down was no easy task!

  1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

    (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

    Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

    (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

    Star Wars is American culture, one of the first action films to mesh fantasy, politics, war and entertainment. While there is no comparison to the original trilogy, the franchise’s first stand-alone film delivers — and, as we rebels prepare to fight the empire of Trump, it’s more pertinent than ever. 

  2. Miss Sharon Jones!

    (Photo: Starz Inc.)

    Photo: Starz Inc.

    (Photo: Starz Inc.)

    A powerful story of a survivor from a fearless soul singer, Sharon Jones's journey is unforgettable and thankfully it was captured on film in the form of an emotional documentary. Sadly, Sharon Jones passed away from cancer on November 18, 2016, but this doc immortalizes her legacy.

  3. Weiner

    (Photo: FC Films)

    FC Films

    (Photo: FC Films)

    In these creepy political times, Weiner was a surprisingly balanced documentary. The excellent film goes behind-the-scenes of shamed politician Anthony Weiner's attempted comeback and political campaign for mayor of New York City. The film is a meditation on the ego of celebrity and the cutthroat nature of politics and is a must-watch for anyone with aspirations in public service.

  4. Moonlight

    (Photo: A24)

    Photo: A24

    (Photo: A24)
  5. OJ: Made in America

    (Photo: ESPN Films)

    ESPN Films

    (Photo: ESPN Films)

    Who knew another doc on O.J. Simpson could be so fascinating. This doc captures O.J.'s life with the background of race in America. This case was the trial of the century for a reason, but this doc goes beyond the iconic NFL player.

  6. 13th

    (Photo: Netflix)

    Photo: Netflix

    (Photo: Netflix)

    Ava DuVernay returns to documentaries in this Netflix original, which stunningly unravels the history of racism in this country and connects to our current political climate. One of the most talked about docs of the year, Ava never fails to entertain and educate.

  7. Fences

    (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

    Paramount Pictures

    (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

    Viola Davis and Denzel Washington are otherworldly in their performances as a husband and wife in 1950s America. They are so authentic, you almost feel like you are sitting in their living room. Fences is a human story about family, love, death and salvation.

  8. Loving

    (Photo: Focus Features)

    Focus Features

    (Photo: Focus Features)

    Loving is seriously relevant, proving the labels change, but the tools to oppress the disenfranchised remain the same: fear, hate and the justice system. Equally entertaining and educational, Loving is a story that needed to be told. 

  9. Hidden Figures

    (Photo: Fox Films 2000)

    Photo: Fox Films 2000

    (Photo: Fox Films 2000)

    Hidden Figures isn't about math, it's about the power of fighting for your right to freely exist. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, this is the movie America needs right now.

  10. I Am Not Your Negro

    (Photo: Magnolia Pictures)

    Magnolia Pictures

    (Photo: Magnolia Pictures)

    Based on an unfinished manuscript by James Baldwin, each frame is so relevant, it's terrifying. It's as if James Baldwin rose from the grave warning us of the horrors we've ignored and the horror that might be ahead. With Raoul Peck's direction, I Am Not Your Negro forces the audience to acknowledge the twisted gruesomeness of racism. But the film is not as simple as Black versus white. There is a nuance and complexity you must see to fully understand. The movie is advocacy on screen, warning us of social dangers and a "kingdom decline." No matter your background, you will be moved by I Am Not Your Negro
    This is the best movie of 2016.

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