Calendar year 2016 has gotten a real bad rap this year. And many of it deservedly so. Too many entertainers passed away this year (including, but not limited to David Bowie, Carrie Fisher, Prince, Garry Marshall and tragically Anton Yelchin). It has certainly been a year for ups and downs in many aspects of life, but as people are lamenting the year’s end, many seem to forget the good things that came out of 2016.

I wouldn’t say that 2016 could be characterized by a great year in cinema, but it definitely gave us some fantastic films. And from the animation front, you’ll have to search long and hard to find a better year with consistent quality content the likes of what we saw this year (“Storks,” “Angry Birds” and “Trolls” notwithstanding).

So in the grand tradition of internet lists, here’s a look at my choices – many of which were surprises to me – for the best films of the year. And when you get to the end, you’ll have to agree that 2016 hasn’t been the all-around punishing year as many have been characterizing it.

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