But how can a year in movies be defined? Some may say through looking at award show winners, in which case 2016 created some stellar entries, namely Damien Chazelle’s jazz-oriented musical La La Land, a love story centred around a shared appreciation for artistic passions and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. There was also Barry Jenkins’ romantic drama Moonlight which was rightfully commended as Best Picture at the Oscars the following year (after an infamous mix-up moment with the aforementioned musical) for its tender and heartfelt exploration of queer black love in a coming-of-age setting.
...films like these feel more precious and important than ever...
Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival was a notable release as an epic sci-fi film about an alien invasion which remained deeply humanist and cerebral, amongst other 2016 releases like Hidden Figures, Lion, Hacksaw Ridge, Manchester By the Sea and Hell or High Water, many of which shine a compelling spotlight on a myriad of complex social, political and emotional themes. These films can be considered iconic for several reasons but mainly due to the fact that many of them remain timeless classics with life-affirming messages that warrant repeat viewings. In a current time that oftentimes feels much more divided and cynical in terms of narratives which openly celebrate creativity and diversity, films like these feel more precious and important than ever, and are part of the reason why 2016 is being reflected on culturally with such fondness and nostalgia.
Beyond the flicks that dominated the award season, 2016 could also be defined as an undeniably big year for superhero movies - and how refreshing it is, to think back to a time prior to superhero movie fatigue! One of the most notable releases was Captain America: Civil War, which saw the introduction of both Black Panther and Spider-Man to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and featured countless iconic action moments as the Russo brothers, in their first time directing for Marvel, began to build towards the renowned Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Whilst not directly in the MCU at the time, 2016 also marked the release of Tim Miller's Deadpool. Whether you love or hate Ryan Reynolds’ sadistic and sweary anti-hero, the film was a fairly groundbreaking entry into the superhero genre, both in terms of its meta comedy and bonkers action, impacting the genre for years to come.
2016 was also a big year for animated films, marking the release of the now-beloved Disney classics, Zootropolis and Moana, both of which received sequels last year in a display of their lasting cinematic legacies, alongside the release of Pixar's Finding Dory. All of the above animated features are Disney staples in terms of their celebration of different cultures and their emphasis on togetherness and community. Back in 2016, the roll out of Disney’s live action remakes was only just beginning, with The Jungle Book being Disney’s first foray into what has now become an annual tradition for the studio and its spectacular technical effects certainly make it a beautiful watch.
Casting our eyes back on 2016 is also an excellent opportunity to spotlight some of the more underrated films released in that year, notably Robert Eggers’ directorial debut, chilling horror The Witch and Taika Waititi’s hilarious and heart-warming Hunt for the Wilderpeople, an indie hit prior to his Marvel directing days.
Likewise, Star Wars had a major year, particularly in terms of the UK box office, with the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a tale of hope and rebellion in a beloved galaxy far, far away which also went on to inspire the fan-favourite TV show, Andor. Across the board, 2016 was a brilliant year for cinema as a whole, with the worldwide box office reaching nearly $40 billion, in comparison to 2025 which came in around $33.5 billion. Operating in a pre-COVID climate with much less streaming service popularity - Netflix was yet to have 100 million global subscribers - 2016 cinema was able to thrive on an international scale. Not to say a love of the cinema has diminished in 2026 but with all the current competition in the entertainment industry, there’s no wonder this year has been hit with a significant dose of nostalgia.
Looking ahead, it is not controversial to regard the future of cinema, and the film industry as a whole, as uncertain or even under threat, whether that be from the rise of streaming giants, widespread use of AI endangering creative spaces or scrolling habits meaning some are less inclined to watch feature length films. As a result, casting our minds back to 2016 - a year which felt to both 12 year old me and present day me like a year of unbridled cinematic joy, entertainment and possibility - is more vital than ever. The nostalgia shouldn't just provide us with a reminder of how good a year for film and cinema 2016 was, but it is a reinforcement of the film industries’ importance, socially and culturally. With that in mind, I hope in 10 years time we can look back on 2026 cinema with the same vigour, nostalgia and enthusiasm whilst also looking ahead towards a promising future.