2016 has come to its official close, and while many saw it as 365 days of inescapable horror, there were still some redeeming qualities—10, actually. I loved every movie on this list, and if you weren't able to catch one (or many) of them, I highly recommend it. So, without further ado, here are my favorite films of 2016:

10. Zootopia

There's always that ONE animated film that really just sticks out to me, or perhaps I'm just forcing diversity in my lists, but it's the former, because this movie is irresistibly awesome. 2016 NEEDED "Zootopia." It's the story of a young bunny rabbit, Judy Hopps, chasing her dreams. It's inspiring in this beautifully-created animated world. Among other great animated achievements ("Sausage Party," "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Moana," etc.) "Zootopia" brought depth to its subject matter, genuinely, while still remaining undeniably cute.

9. Green Room

"Green Room," the gritty, nail-biting thriller, follows a punk-rock band being held hostage at a Neo-Nazi bar after witnessing a murder. Compared to most of the other movies on this list, "Green Room" does lack substance in thematic elements and plot, but these simply aren't the reasons I loved this film in the first place. It's brutal, unforgiving, and scary at times, in a believable way—something I consider hard to find in films nowadays. If you didn't catch this one, do it now! Be wary, though; it is extremely violent.

8. Loving

Simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking, "Loving" tells the true story of an interracial couple battling their state of Virginia to become married in 1958. And while that era seems light-years away, the love on screen is timeless and heartfelt. Their fight over the legality of interracial wedding breathes passion and excellence, paired with incredible performances, making it one of the year's best.

7. The Nice Guys

Ryan Gosling and Russel Crowe team up in "The Nice Guys" for an old-fashioned, slapstick, mystery-murder case. They're actually really funny, and that doesn't take away from the unwinding story, which is both clever and interesting. Its iconic '70s backdrop adds to its glory, a rare kind of film for 2016.

6. Captain America: Civil War

I know, I know, a Marvel movie on my year's best list... But this one is amazing. Developing itself for almost a decade now, the Marvel cinematic universe has been leading to some arbitrary, giant climax and, well, this is it. "Civil War," with definite parallels to 2016's other duel for power, pits our heroes against each other—a dynamic which added so much depth to the characters and had my nerdy butt on the edge of my seat. It's well-written, gorgeous, and just so much fun.

5. The Edge of Seventeen

Funny and smart, Hailee Steinfeld in "The Edge of Seventeen" delivers that awkward and quirky teenager performance that can warm the hearts of all ages. Dealing with the betrayal of her best friend, her over-bearing mother, and her dueling love interests, there's a little bit of all of us within her character. Never cheesy or even remotely eye-roll inducing, it is a rarity for the genre, and a gem for the year.

4. Nocturnal Animals

Stylish and intriguing, Tom Ford (of all people) delivers his slice of artistic, non-traditional storytelling—one that lingers with you after the film ends. "Nocturnal Animals" is three different points of view which end up weaving together to tell one, tragic story of revenge, betrayal and love. Its ensemble cast, beautiful cinematography, and direction all make this film one of the year's best.

3. Deadpool

TWO superhero movies made the cut?! Yikes... This guy really has no taste. But really, though, you didn't love this movie as much as I did? Look, I'm not even a fan of the "Deadpool" comics, nor do I consider myself Ryan Reynolds' number one fan, but this film just really clicked with me. It is really funny and violent, like really (thanks to its "R" rating), and it wonderfully tells Deadpool's origin to preface its (hopefully) great sequels to come.

2. Manchester By The Sea

Devastating and real, "Manchester By The Sea" follows the irritable handyman, Lee, after gaining custody of his nephew, following the death of his brother. There are moments in this film that are so raw and life-like; they are truly breathtaking. This film tackles the "slice-of-life" narrative, putting you inside a life more tragic than anything imaginable (depressing, I know). The film's beauty is in its characters, and they will leave you with a knot inside your throat when it's over. Oh, and Casey Affleck deserves that Oscar.

1. Moonlight

"Moonlight," among other things, is a powerful and subtle document with rich, controversial social context. Encompassing themes of identity, race and sexuality, "Moonlight" explores what few movies do, and its execution is even more impressive. The film is casted perfectly. All renditions of Chiron, the black, gay boy growing up in Miami, are equally compelling. Chiron's fight against cruel bullies, his drugged-up mother, and the harshness of the world around him can remind us of the callous nature of our world, but he also shows us how to react to that world, and it's beautiful.

Cheers to 2016 in film, and here's to what 2017 has in store!