Zen's Top 5 Movies of 2016

With the year closing out I’d like to give my top 5 movies of 2016. Now at the time of writing this there are still movies on my list from 2016 that I still need to see – Hidden Figures, Fences, and Moonlight, just to name a few notable mentions that snuck up on me at the end of the year, and the Only reason why Sing is taken care of was due to me being able to get in on the event to view it two months early.


That being said, I have my list – it’s my list – and I like MY list. You’re probably not going to agree with it, or agree with everything on it and that’s fine because it’s “my” list, not “everybody else’s list”.

You can watch the video version here:

Number 5: Moana

The animated Disney movie featuring south pacific natives and their mythos! The movie follows Moana, a young daughter of the chieftain  who goes on an adventure to return balance to the lands that her people inhabit. Along the said way she teams up with Maui – the demi god of the lands.


The movie isn’t perfect, but the amount of love and detail attached to it makes it one of the best (in my opinion) from disney since Toy Story.

Also, having the same voice actor for Fart from Rick and Morty play the Crab who sings the song “Shiny” was absolutely amazing. I kinda hope for a sequel for Moana, if not just to flesh out more of the Polynesian mythos.


And before moving on, a reminder: There have been PoC princesses in they Disney Princess-verse before. 

Number 4: Batman v Superman U.E.

Perhaps the one that’ll really upset most people, I’m one of the minority that actually enjoyed BvS. While I didn’t feel it perfect, the elements of philosophy with the treasure trove of references and imagery that Zack Snyder put in really had me impressed. I even liked Lex! 


Due to writing actually giving him reasoning for his god complex, ego, hatred and yes insanity. The overall writing for the movie was lacking – but it’s a Superhero movie, to me 90% of the MCU movies also have lack luster writing, and even a movie like Deadpool falls victim to this — however this, in my opinion and I absolutely loved BvS and still recommend it.


I’m looking forward to seeing Wonder Woman’s movie, as well as Superman returning in Justice League while I’m also pretty sure we’re going to likely get a cameo of Billy Batson and Hal Jordan, but that’s just my prediction. 

Number 3: Zootopia

It may come to no surprise that I love me some animated movies! However Zootopia is much more than just a movie that fits the animation bill. While a bit overhanded at times with its racial reflection to that of society in real life, and even at time muddles that reflection – it still plays to a level of heart and feel good moments with genuine dark moments. 


It’s also needs a point to note that the original story was very dark, centering around Nick’s perspective and having all predator animals wearing a shock collar… Needless to say easily one of my favorites of 2016.


And while I’m at it, I’m sure most people are going to want the relationship between Nick and Judy to stay that of friendship, but ALL ABOARD THE SHIP! I think it was to foreshadowed and hinted that their relationship is budding more than just friends – not to mention the joke from the writers about “Boxes or Funnies”, just my extra three cents.

Number 2: The Magnificent Seven

Coming in the near top of my list is the flat-out badass movie Magnificent 7! With an enjoyable cast, love to diversity of the Hollywood version of the “wild” west, and sticking hardcore to the western movie theme, it’s just a blast. 


Extra points to the team for the imagery and symbolism of Denzel Washington’s character being clad in all black with a black horse – really pushes that “death comes for you” artsy aspect and fits with the “twist” at the end. A pure and simple movie through and through but nails everything just right.


An extra kudos to the diverse cast as well, the addition of Mexican, Asian, and Native Americans were just an extra icing on top of the cake.

Number 1: The Accountant

This. Movie. Surprised. Me. I did not think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did and it weaseled its way up to my most enjoyed movie of the year! Ben Affleck’s acting as a socially awkward person really carries the movie and creates some of the most humorous moments during some very dark scenes. 


The mix between character and environmental story just plays well, albeit at times a touch too cliche. I also was not the biggest fan of the subplot romance, but I think they handled it well without leaning heavily on it to the point of frustration.


Overall I have to say that Ben Affleck has grown to become one of my favorite actors. I first started liked Ben after Gone Girl, and have easily enjoyed his role as Batman and The Accountant. I’m looking forward to watching him play in the Mob Movie, Live by Night.

Now, again there are honorary mentions for the movies that I was not able to catch this year like I’d planned:

I have without a doubt that some of these movies listed probably would take the place of some of the movies on my top 5 list, however I’ve yet to see them so I do not include them officially.