Certain movie years just feel different, and 2016 is no exception. That year was filled with numerous hits, a collection of films that dominate conversations even in 2026. But before getting hyped for the upcoming releases of 2026, it’s worth revisiting the films that made 2016 so powerful in the first place.
2016 managed to balance massive franchises with bold, original storytelling. Audiences got superhero showdowns like “Captain America: Civil War,” heartfelt dramas like “Moonlight” and genre-defining hits like “Deadpool.” At the same time, animation thrived with films like “Zootopia,” and musicals found a new generation of fans thanks to “La La Land.”
Each of these films captured its audience, helping turn 2016 into a year that felt both ambitious and unforgettable.
Moonlight
Don’t cancel me, but I’ve never actually seen this movie. Of course, everybody remembers the famous Academy Awards mix-up, where “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as best picture. But outside of that viral moment, I’ll admit that I wasn’t even aware of what this movie was about. However, upon reading lots of reviews and getting lots of feedback, I’ve learned that I’ve made an enormous mistake skipping this one. This movie truly earned its Oscar, praised as a tender and intimate film that won the hearts of every audience member in the theater.
What’s especially interesting about “Moonlight” is that it’s not like other films on this list. It doesn’t have the explosive spectacle that “Captain America: Civil War” has. Yet, it still succeeded. A low-budget film, this movie defied expectations and industry assumptions, eventually becoming a household name. Through its quiet yet powerful storytelling, the movie explores themes of Black masculinity, identity and sexuality in a way that stood out from its competitors. “Moonlight” proved that even small, deeply personal films could still dominate our screens and the conversation, reminding audiences that 2016 wasn’t just about the big blockbusters. “Moonlight” is available to watch on HBO Max.
La La Land
I absolutely adore musicals and have watched many movie musicals. While some of them probably deserve to never see the light of day again (“Cats”), “La La Land” brought movie musicals back into the cultural conversation, bringing them back into mainstream popularity. The film is iconic for its instantly recognizable imagery, its catchy songs and its drama. And we can’t forget about the Academy Awards mix-up I mentioned earlier.
The film is full of romance, heartbreak, whimsy and of course, songs. What makes “La La Land” so memorable is how emotionally honest the film is. It reflects the excitement of reaching your goals and the disappointment that the journey may bring. Its colorful cinematography captures the feel of a classic Hollywood musical, but the story underneath is grounded and real. Even if you despise musicals (how could you?), this movie is a must-watch. The romance and heartbreak of the film will draw even the most stubborn musical haters in.
Nearly a decade later, “La La Land” still stands as one of the most iconic films of 2016. It reminded audiences that movie musicals can still thrive in modern cinema, bringing us movie musicals like “Wicked” today. Catch me singing along to “La La Land” on Amazon Prime.
Captain America: Civil War
I think everyone remembers the anticipation they felt before stepping into the movie theater to watch this one. This was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and it met all the expectations. Often seen as a turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the film delivered not just action but real emotional conflict between its heroes.
“Captain America: Civil War” revolves around an ideological clash between power and accountability, splitting the Avengers into opposing sides. It was a battle between friends, making it all the more personal and heartbreaking. Zemo (Daniel Brühl) was such a good villain, relying on his wits and mind rather than just superpowers. The film also quietly sets up Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) growing powers and her own turmoil for future storylines. On top of all the conflict, our favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man (Tom Holland) was finally introduced into the MCU.
With its emotional stakes and massive scale, “Captain America: Civil War” showed that superhero movies will always dominate. Catch this film on Disney+.
Train to Busan
I had to watch this film for a class, and maybe that’s why I wasn’t really a fan. Don’t get me wrong, the main themes are incredibly relevant and interesting, and the storytelling was fast-paced and well-written, but this movie just didn’t hit for me. However, this movie is still widely respected and considered one of the best modern zombie movies.
It combines the horror genre with social commentary, delivering insanely grotesque visuals while also commenting on the role of class and selfishness in our society. It’s very emotionally intense, and honestly, the ending did get me to shed a tear or two.
The film also helped bring Korean cinema further onto the international stage, proving that Korean storytelling could deliver thrilling narratives that resonate with audiences all around the world. On top of that, the film’s setting is incredibly unique. Taking place almost entirely on a speeding train, the story creates an intense sense of claustrophobia that traps both the characters and the audience in the chaos. The tight spaces and constant movement make every moment feel urgent, with tension through the roof. You can watch this thriller on Pluto TV or Netflix.
Deadpool
Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but imagine my surprise when I found out that this movie came out in 2016. Nearly a decade later, the jokes still land, the action is still perfect and the titular character is iconic.
Unlike the traditional superhero movies, “Deadpool” subverts every expectation. It leans into its R rating with crude humor, outrageous violence (like holy cow, there is a lot of blood), and constant fourth wall-breaking, with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) always having some funny quip to tell the audience.
But what really makes the film effective is the blend of genres. It’s a perfect mix of comedy, action, a smidge of horror and even a surprisingly sincere romance. Reynolds truly embodied the character, and it’s clear to see that he enjoyed his role, which makes the movie so much better. The result is a film that feels completely different from most superhero movies released at the time. Through the chaos, “Deadpool” proved that audiences were ready for some craved chaos and laughter. If you somehow missed this one, you can stream “Deadpool” on Disney+.
Zootopia
I love “Zootopia” so much. On the surface, the film is just another colorful kids’ adventure through a land full of animals. But if you look deeper, the film actually tackles some pretty heavy themes. What starts as the best slow-burn buddy cop story quickly becomes something deeper, exploring themes of prejudice, racism, stereotypes and the way bias can shape the way people see the world.
Of course, “Zootopia” isn’t perfect. Some critics point out that the way “Zootopia” tackles its complex social themes through animal metaphors can be a little messy at times. Still, I applaud the fact that a major animated film aimed at kids even tried to explore some of those mature themes, which makes it stand out from other animated films and even live-action movies.
Beyond the themes, the film is just really fun. Nick and Judy (Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin) make an amazing team and have a lot of natural chemistry. The jokes land for both kids and adults, and scenes like the DMV sloth sequence have become comedy classics. The second film was also great for anyone who adored this one. In a year filled with superhero battles and dramatic Oscar contenders, “Zootopia” proved that animated films could still be just as sharp, thoughtful and culturally impactful. Watch this masterpiece on Disney+.
2026 — The New 2016?
Looking ahead, is 2026 really the new 2016 when it comes to movies? The release calendar this year is definitely packed with massive franchises, ambitious storytelling and plenty of projects that could dominate the box office and our hearts.
One of the biggest upcoming films is definitely “Avengers: Doomsday,” the next major event in the MCU. With its massive ensemble cast and high stakes, the film has the potential to become the superhero movie of the year. Like “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Doomsday” could be the kind of cinematic event that gets everybody talking about the MCU. Lord knows they need it after a series of flop movies.
Meanwhile, dramatic adaptations are making their way through theaters right now. The recently released “Wuthering Heights” has all the drama and romance of movies in 2016. Now, whether the drama and romance are actually good is up to the viewer, as I myself am not too impressed.
Animation also looks promising this year with the upcoming animated movie from Pixar, “Hoppers,” coming to theaters on March 6. Pixar has a long history of releasing animated films that define the childhoods of the generation, and “Hoppers” could very well be the studio’s next major hit. However, after a series of flops like “Elio,” I’m not holding out much hope.
Of course, we won’t know for sure if 2026 will truly live up to 2016 until the credits start rolling. But if these upcoming films deliver on their promise, we may once again find ourselves looking back at this year as one of those moments when everything in theaters seemed just right.
