Well, the summer movie season came to an end after the long weekend, and what a disappointing summer it was. The blockbuster machine stalled to a half-hearted halt this year, and most of the big summer movies were entirely unworthy of our time and money.
While the summer of 2016 didn’t meet anyone’s movie expectations, there were still some gems that deserve appreciation — especially in the indie world — if you’re looking to escape the last waves of heat. Here are the 10 best movies that came out between the first weekend of May and Labor Day Weekend! They’re ranked from 10th best to best, and with a little description of each film if you’re looking for a specific end-of-summer vibe:
10) The Endearingly Weird Trip- Swiss Army Man
This story of brotherly love and a farting corpse manages to tug at both your heartstrings and your funny bone. If you’re looking for an original movie, ride Daniel Radcliffe’s flatulence to this bizarre indie.
9) The Stylistic Buddy Comedy- The Nice Guys
Do you like private detectives and intrigue? What about Ryan Gosling bumbling around like a drunken idiot? Shane Black’s newest buddy adventure has you covered on both fronts.
8) The Best Summer Superheroes- Captain America: Civil War
Marvel continues to prove it’s capable of telling thematically mature stories with an adaption of one of its most revered comic stories. Believable stakes and developed characters heighten the genre.
7) The One That’s Based On A Great Novel- Indignation
During a loud summer, sometimes your best choice is a quiet character-driven drama. This film has plenty of well-written dialogue to chew on and a bittersweet love story for the hopeless romantics out there.
6) The Essential Documentary- Tickled
For documentary fans, this unbelievable little movie has a lot to offer. An exploration of the power of money and greed, told through the true story of uncovering a countrywide tickling fetish ring? Sign yourself up!
5) The Scariest Horror Movie- The Conjuring 2
James Wan’s fantastic “The Conjuring” combined old-school demonic dread with new-school filmmaking prowess to terrifying success, and the sequel carries on that grand tradition. Don’t miss this one by covering your eyes.
4) The Talking Food Extravaganza- Sausage Party
Seth Rogen’s outrageous style of comedy creates not only one of the funniest movies of the summer, but a surprisingly thoughtful indictment of religion as well. If you love movies that break the rules, you’ll love this.
3) The Quirky Indie Comedy- Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Taika Waititi, fresh off of 2014’s “What We Do in the Shadows,” delivers another uniquely hilarious and heartfelt indie. It’s a must-see for those who appreciate layered comedy and New Zealand accents.
2) The Western For The New World- Hell or High Water
This film takes the Western film genre, flips the whole thing on its head, and gives us a brand new experience fashioned from the bones of a beloved template. Chris Pine and Ben Foster shine as outlaws we can identify with.
1) The Dark, Dark, Dark Comedy- The Lobster
Not only is The Lobster the best movie of the summer, it’s easily the best film of 2016 so far. It’s simultaneously a black indie comedy for those with the most macabre of tastes, and an affecting love story. Something for everyone, right?
