Best Movies of 2016

A ranking of the year's most rewarding complete films across languages, genres and production scales. The order favours expressive direction, performances and ideas that remain interesting beyond a first encounter. Start with Arrival for ambitious science fiction, Hunt for the Wilderpeople for an inviting adventure or Paterson for a quieter rhythm. Years follow first public screenings, including festivals: Raw and The Lost City of Z belong through their 2016 premieres despite wider 2017 releases. The selection ranges from gentle observation to severe violence, with those differences made clear in the notes.