5.) Lion

A film that is not getting as much attention from people is Garth Davis’s “Lion.” The film is based on the book “A Long Way Home” by Saroo Brierley and is a true story. “Lion” captures Saroo’s journey from his hometown in India to Australia. After getting on a train and becoming distanced from his brother, mother, and sister, Saroo eventually finds himself being adopted by an Australian family. Although his adoptive parents give Saroo a great life, he cannot forget his past and thus tries to find the whereabouts of his family.  “Lion” contains a great performance from Dev Patel, but it’s also hard to forget the remarkable performance from first-time actor Sunny Pawar, who is eight years old. 

4.) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is the latest Star Wars film to hit cinemas by storm and take over the box office. The events of the film take place directly before “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” and follows Jyn Erso and the rest of her team as they try to get the plans for the Death Star to learn its weakness. “Rogue One” is a very worthy addition to the Star Wars franchise. Action-packed and full of wit, “Rogue One” is sure to satisfy every Star Wars fan. “Rogue One” is the perfect movie to satisfy fans who are eager for Episode VIII.

3.) Fences 

Denzel Washington directs and stars in August Wilson’s screen adaptation of his famous play “Fences.” The film takes place during the 1950s and focuses on Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) and his family as he reflects on life and his decisions. The dialogue is truly a one-of-a-kind, a unique style of Wilson’s. Washington keeps the feel and theatrical elements of “Fences,” but equips them for film. Viola Davis is astonishing and gives one of the most moving performances of this year. “Fences” is a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish.

2.) Manchester by the Sea

There certainly were many depressing movies that came out this year, but “Manchester by the Sea” takes the cake by a mile. When his brother dies, loner Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is forced to return to his hometown to care for his nephew and the affairs of his deceased brother. Casey Affleck is phenomenal, giving one of the best and truest performances of 2016. The film also includes a very strong performance from newcomer Lucas Hedges, who plays Patrick, Lee’s nephew. Kenneth Lonergan’s screenplay is one of this year’s best, a touching and melancholy tale of loss. “Manchester by the Sea” will certainly stay with you after you leave the theater. Although “Manchester by the Sea” is a fantastic film, if you do not enjoy depressing movies, this may not be the one for you.

1.) La La Land

Winning SEVEN Golden Globes was no fluke. “La La Land” is the most magical movie you will see all year (sorry Fantastic Beasts). Director Damien Chazelle’s vision is focused and a major triumph. He takes the Hollywood Musical formula and modernizes it and has “La La Land”take play in Los Angeles, the “City of Dreams.” The film is about two people with big aspirations. Mia (Emma Stone) wants to be a successful actor and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) wants to open his own jazz club. After running into each other several times the two start seeing other and eventually fall in love.

“La La Land” feels like a dream you never want to wake up from, with delightful performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the former giving one of her best performances in years. Fans of classic musicals such as “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), “An American in Paris” (1951), and “The Red Shoes” (1948) will surely enjoy this beautiful film. If you’re going to see any film before the Academy Awards, watch “La La Land.”