Most Popular Movies 2016
This chart shows the 2016 movie releases that have attracted the most interest on The Numbers web site over the past 24 hours. A share of 100 corresponds to 1 percent of the total views for all 2016 releases.
See also: Domestic Release Schedule for 2016 - Top 2016 Worldwide
| ← 2015 | Most Popular Overall | 2017 → |
| Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice |
| Director: Zack Snyder |
| Lead Roles: Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 23, 2016 (Wide) (Egypt) |
| Keywords: Franchise Crossover, D.C. Comics, Vigilante, Non-Chronological, Dream Sequence, Prophetic Dreams, Motion Capture Performance, 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $330,360,194 |
|
International BO: $542,034,897 |
Synopsis
Fearing the actions of a god-like super hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with each other, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.
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| Ghostbusters |
| Director: Paul Feig |
| Lead Roles: Melissa McCarthy as Abby Yates, Kristen Wiig as Erin Gilbert, Leslie Jones as Patty Tolan, Kate McKinnon as Jillian Holtzmann, Chris Hemsworth as Kevin |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 13, 2016 (Wide) (Jamaica) |
| Keywords: Set in New York City, Reboot, Haunting, Paranormal Investigation, Entrepreneur, Genderbending Casting, Inventor, Gratuitous Cameos, Development Hell, Supernatural, College Professor, Fired, Horror Comedy, 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR |
| Classification: Remake, Comedy, Animation/Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $128,350,574 |
|
International BO: $100,658,084 |
Synopsis
A paranormal researcher, a physicist, a nuclear engineer and a subway worker try to rid New York of ghosts that can possess humans.
| Zootopia |
| Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore |
| Lead Roles: Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hoops, Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 10, 2016 (Wide) (Belgium) |
| Keywords: Beat Cops, Confidence Men, Talking Animals, Animal Lead, Missing Person, Bigotry, Government Corruption, Prologue, Bullies, Intertitle, 3-D, 3-D - Shot in 3-D, IMAX: DMR, Buddy Cop, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $341,268,248 |
|
International BO: $661,194,330 |
Synopsis
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery.
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| Moonlight |
| Director: Barry Jenkins |
| Lead Roles: Trevante Rhodes as Adult Chiron, Ashton Sanders as Teen Chiron, Alex A. Hibbert as Young Chiron |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 21, 2016 (Limited) by A24 |
| Keywords: Coming of Age, LGBTQ+, African Americans, Set in Miami, Closeted Homosexual, Autobiographical, 2017 Oscars Best Picture Nominee, Oscars Best Picture Winner, Hood Film, Golden Globe Winner Best Picture—Drama, Biographical Drama |
| Classification: Based on Play, Drama, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $27,854,931 |
|
International BO: $37,040,175 |
Synopsis
A story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. The film is both a portrait of contemporary African American life and a personal meditation on identity, family, friendship, and love, portraying the moments, people, and unknowable forces that shape our lives and make us who we are.
| The Great Wall |
| Director: Zhang Yimou |
| Lead Roles: Matt Damon as William Garin, Jian Tian as Commander Lin Mae, Pedro Pascal as Pero Tovar, Willem Dafoe as Ballard, Zhang Hanyu as General Shao, Eddie Peng Yu-Yen as Commander Wu/Tiger, Lu Han as Peng Yong/Cadet Bear Corps, Kenny Lin as Commander Chen/Eagle Corps, Junkai Wang as The Emperor, Zheng Kai as Shen, Cheney Chen as Imperial Guard, Xuan Huang as Commander Deng/Deer Corps, Andy Lau as Strategist Wang |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 15, 2016 (Wide) (China) |
| Keywords: Ancient China, Monster, Song Dynasty, Escape, Visual Effects, 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $45,157,105 |
|
International BO: $289,329,747 |
Synopsis
Between courage and fear. Between monsters and men. A wall stands that must never fall. The story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world's most iconic structure. When a mercenary warrior is imprisoned within The Great Wall, he discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of our world. As wave after wave of marauding beasts, intent on devouring the world, besiege the massive structure, his quest for fortune turns into a journey toward heroism as he joins a huge army of elite warriors to confront this unimaginable and seemingly unstoppable force.
| Zoolander 2 |
| Director: Ben Stiller |
| Lead Roles: Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander, Owen Wilson as Hansel, Will Ferrell as Jacobim Mugatu, Penélope Cruz as Valentina, Kristen Wiig as Alexanya Atoz |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 5, 2016 (Limited) (Australia) |
| Keywords: Directing Yourself, Screenplay Written By the Star, Fashion, Models, Delayed Sequel, Gratuitous Cameos, Prologue, Intertitle, Interpol, Assassination, Pop Music, Non-Chronological, 2000s, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Orphanage, Archival Footage of Previous Installment, Retirement, Out of Retirement, Comeback, Friendly Ghost, False Identity, Surprise Twist, Romance, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $28,848,693 |
|
International BO: $26,500,000 |
Synopsis
Blue Steel. Le Tigre. Magnum… looks powerful enough to halt a Chinese throwing star mid-air and thwart the plans of an evil mastermind’s global takeover. There is only one male model and one male model alone who is capable of conjuring such beauty and power with a pout… Derek Zoolander. When we last saw male models Derek and Hansel, they were enjoying the wonders of the “Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too,” and Mugatu was behind bars. An unforeseen catastrophe strikes the Center and forces the duo into seclusion, living off the grid. Fifteen age-defying years later we find a still shamed Derek and Hansel leading isolated, separate lives, shut-out from the rest of the world. When each receives a special invitation to star in a major world fashion event in the ancient and mysterious city of Rome, they are unable to deny the allure of returning to their former glory and make their way back to civilization. Upon arrival, Derek and Hansel meet the bizarre and eccentric designers that are behind the new fashion empire. The two rapidly realize the fashion world they once knew has drastically changed, thrusting them awkwardly and literally back into the spotlight. While they struggle to find relevance in this strange new world of blogging, vlogging, and anti-fashion fashion, they are recruited to help stop a calculated and deadly plot that if not stopped, would destroy forever the hopes for fashion to return to its revered and glorious status. Only Derek and Hansel have the power to SAVE FASHION.
| The Nice Guys |
| Director: Shane Black |
| Lead Roles: Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy, Ryan Gosling as Holland March, Angourie Rice as Holly, Kim Basinger as Judith Kuttner, Keith David as Older Guy, Margaret Qualley as Amelia Kuttner, Matt Bomer as John Bomer, Beau Knapp as Blueface, Yaya DaCosta as Tally |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 19, 2016 (Wide) (Netherlands) |
| Keywords: Private Investigator, 1970s, Set in Los Angeles, Missing Person, Government Corruption |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Black Comedy, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $36,261,763 |
|
International BO: $23,334,984 |
Synopsis
Down-on-his-luck private eye Holland March and hired enforcer Jackson Healy must work together to solve the case of a missing girl and the seemingly unrelated death of a porn star. During their investigation, they uncover a shocking conspiracy that reaches up to the highest circles of power.
|
Domestic BO: $363,070,709 |
|
International BO: $418,876,982 |
Synopsis
The origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
| The Bronze |
| Director: Bryan Buckley |
| Lead Roles: Melissa Rauch as Hope Annabelle Greggory |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 18, 2016 (Wide) by Sony Pictures Classics |
| Keywords: Gymnastics, Sundance Film Festival 2015 |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Black Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $615,816 |
Synopsis
A decade ago, Hope Ann Greggory was America’s sweetheart. Her inspired performance on a ruptured Achilles at the world’s most prestigious gymnastics tournament clinched an unlikely bronze medal for the U.S. team and brought glory to her hometown of Amherst, Ohio. But in the years since that epic third place victory, Hope hasn’t done a whole lot with her life. Still living in her dad Stan’s basement, still sporting her daily uniform of a Team USA gym suit with teeny-bopper bangs, ponytail and scrunchie, she spends her days at the mall milking her minor celebrity for free food and favors. Hope’s routine is upended when she learns that she must coach Amherst’s newest gymnastics prodigy Maggie in order to receive a sizable financial inheritance. The hard-edged yet insecure Hope is faced with a serious dilemma: does she jeopardize her “hometown hero” status by devotedly training this rising star to achieve the dreams she never could? Or does she attempt to sabotage the impressionable Maggie to ensure that she remains the one and only star in Amherst?
| Moana |
| Director: Ron Clements, John Musker |
| Lead Roles: Auli'i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 27, 2016 (Wide) (Taiwan) |
| Keywords: Pacific Islanders, Gods and Goddesses, On a Boat, Prologue, Scene in End Credits, Friendly Ghost, Returning Stolen Items, Surprise Twist, Voiceover/Narration, Father’s Footsteps, Animal Lead, Human Animal Transformation, 3-D, 3-D - Shot in 3-D, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $248,757,044 |
|
International BO: $438,471,864 |
Synopsis
For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium — and no one knows exactly why. An adventurous teenager is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana convinces the mighty demigod Maui to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
| The Angry Birds Movie |
| Director: Clay Kaytis, Fergal Reilly |
| Lead Roles: Jason Sudeikis as Red, Josh Gad as Speedy Chuck, Danny McBride as Bomb |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 11, 2016 (Wide) (Belgium) |
| Keywords: Animal Lead, Talking Animals, Therapists / Therapy, 3-D, 3-D - Shot in 3-D, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Based on Game, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $107,509,366 |
|
International BO: $244,778,975 |
Synopsis
In an Island paradise, Red, a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck, and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to.
| King Jack |
| Director: Felix Thompson |
| Lead Roles: Charlie Plummer as Jack |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 26, 2016 (Wide) (United Kingdom) |
| Keywords: Coming of Age, Life in a Small Town, Bullies, Summer School |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
International BO: $9,241 |
Synopsis
Jack is a scrappy fifteen year-old kid stuck in a run-down small town. Trapped in a violent feud with a cruel older bully and facing another bout of summer school, Jack’s got all the problems he can handle. So when Jack’s aunt falls ill and his runty younger cousin must stay with him for the weekend the last thing Jack wants to do is look after him. Unfortunately no one really cares what Jack wants.
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| The Birth of a Nation |
| Director: Nate Parker |
| Lead Roles: Nate Parker as Nat Turner |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 7, 2016 (Wide) by Fox Searchlight |
| Keywords: Slavery, Revolution, 1800s, Set in Virginia, African Americans, Religious, Biographical Drama, Biography, Sundance Film Festival 2016 |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $15,861,566 |
|
International BO: $1,029,445 |
Synopsis
Follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities—against himself and his fellow slaves—Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.
| The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! |
| Director: Brian Nissen, Richard Rich |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
| Suicide Squad |
| Director: David Ayer |
| Lead Roles: Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Jay Hernandez as Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Ike Barinholtz as Griggs, Scott Eastwood as Lieutenant GQ Edwards, Cara Delevingne as June Moone/Enchantress, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adam Beach as Slipknot |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 2, 2016 (Wide) (South Korea) |
| Keywords: Ensemble, Villain's Point of View, Mercenaries, D.C. Comics, Prison, Cruel Wardens or Prison Guards, Voiceover/Narration, Non-Chronological, Intertitle, Scene in End Credits, Revenge, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Death of a Sibling, Possessed, Mutants, 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Animation/Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $325,100,054 |
|
International BO: $420,644,926 |
Synopsis
It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?
| Collide |
| Director: Eran Creevy |
| Lead Roles: Nicholas Hoult as Casey, Felicity Jones as Juliette |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 26, 2016 (Wide), released as Аутобан (Bulgaria) |
| Keywords: Heist, Fugitive / On the Run, Organized Crime, Narcotics, Smuggler, Medical and Hospitals, Development Hell, Delayed Release, Crime Thriller |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $2,280,004 |
|
International BO: $3,186,694 |
Synopsis
After a heist goes terribly wrong, Casey Stein finds himself on the run from a ruthless gang headed by mob boss Hagen. Now Casey has precious cargo that belongs to Hagen, who will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Left with no choice, Casey calls his former employer and drug smuggler Geran to protect his long-time girlfriend Juliette before Hagen gets his hands on her. Casey sets out on an adrenaline-fueled car chase on the German highways to save the love of his life before it’s too late.
| Globe on Screen: Richard II - Shakespeare's Globe 2015 (Theatre) |
| Director: Simon Godwin |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 24, 2016 (Limited) (United Kingdom) |
| Classification: Based on Play, Concert/Performance, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
International BO: $24,670 |
| The Rise of the Krays |
| Director: Zackary Adler |
| Video Release Date: February 2, 2016 by Lionsgate Home Entertainment |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
| Paula |
| Director: Christian Schwochow |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 22, 2016 (Wide) (Argentina) |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
International BO: $874,995 |
| Kung Fu Panda 3 |
| Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Alessandro Carloni |
| Lead Roles: Jack Black as Po |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 23, 2016 (Wide) (China) |
| Keywords: Animal Lead, Talking Animals, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Master, Wuxia, 3-D, 3-D - Shot in 3-D, IMAX: DMR, Family Adventure, Mentor |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $143,528,619 |
|
International BO: $362,595,548 |
Synopsis
When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
| The Funhouse Massacre |
| Director: Andy Palmer |
| Video Release Date: June 7, 2016 by Shout Factory |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Black Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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| For a Few Bullets |
| Director: Pan Anzi |
| Lead Roles: Jingchu Zhang as Li Ruo Yun, Gengxin Lin as Xiao Zhuang |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 15, 2016 (Wide), released as For A Few Bullets (China) |
| Keywords: Set in China, Set in Japan, Confidence Men, Secret Agent, IMAX: DMR |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Western, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $30,142 |
|
International BO: $7,841,485 |
Synopsis
When a professional thief sees his lifetime goal of being the best by stealing a rare artifact, he finds himself entangled in a worldwide plot involving the Soviets, the Japanese and a band of outsiders. It’s up to him and a special agent to save the world!
| The BFG |
| Director: Steven Spielberg |
| Lead Roles: Mark Rylance as Big Friendly Giant, Ruby Barnhill as Sophie |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 30, 2016 (Wide) (Turkey) |
| Keywords: Orphan, Orphanage, Giants, Set in London, Set in United Kingdom, Motion Capture Performance, 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR, Family Adventure, Posthumous Release |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $55,483,770 |
|
International BO: $144,162,910 |
Synopsis
Tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG, while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country.
| Take Down |
| Director: Jim Gillespie |
| Lead Roles: Jeremy Sumpter as Kyle Hartmann, Phoebe Tonkin as Amy Tilton, Ashley Walters as Danny Dorsey, Dominic Sherwood as James Herrick, Ed Westwick as Billy Speck |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 19, 2016 (Limited) by Gravitas Ventures, released as Billionaire Ransom |
| Keywords: Hostage, Reform School, Survivalist, Ransom |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
Synopsis
A group of young students born with a silver spoon have been sent by their parents to participate in a boot camp that aims to instill responsibility for their lives, but they've been taken as captives by a group of kidnappers for ransom and they must now work together to fight off the kidnappers.
| The Dog Lover |
| Director: Alex Ranarivelo |
| Lead Roles: Allison Paige as Sara Gold |
| Video Release Date: July 5, 2016 by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment |
| Keywords: Agitprop, Animal Rights |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
Synopsis
Sara Gold is a rising star at the United Animal Protection Agency (UAPA), a major animal rights organization that conducts animal rescues and lobbies for better animal welfare laws. Handpicked for a major assignment, Sara goes undercover as a college intern to infiltrate a suspected “puppy mill” run by the enigmatic Daniel Holloway. Sara soon ingratiates herself with Daniel and his family, and learns all about the world of dog breeding but is hard pressed to find any sign of animal abuse. The UAPA teams up with local law enforcement and raids the farm, accusing Daniel of the inhumane treatment of animals. Sara finds herself torn between doing her job and doing what’s right, and she awakens to the moral contradictions of her work with the UAPA.