It’s safe to say 2016 won’t go down in the history of film as one of the better collection of movies a trip around the sun has ever brought. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t without it’s occasional bright spot. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I enjoy making these lists, because in many ways they are an ode to optimism. Purposefully focusing on the silver linings from the silver screen, our ability to find the beauties among the beasts, to celebrate the wins even when there are so many losses…

…or perhaps I just like ranking things.

Either way it’s that time of year again for my Fave 41! The following 41 are my favorites chosen from the 152 new films I took in over the course of 2016. This year I produced four videos going into a little more detail why these movies stood above the rest. A little more insight in case you want more than a simple list of 41 films. The video above should get you started on your way if you prefer video to print.

Before we get started, though, just a reminder. This list is the definition of subjective, meaning it is completely dependent on the subject presenting it. Pssssst…. That’s me. This is my list. Everything on this list is there because I enjoyed it, not because I fed the movies into some sort of film calculation formula and came out with the definitive list of quality film making. And I love that your list would look different! In fact, I sometimes think I make these lists just to start wonderful conversations with others who disagree. To give an example in a world that needs it of how to dialogue with respect, disagree without hate, to find a desperate beauty in the process of reconciliation…

…or perhaps I just like ranking things.

Here’s the list, in order, from 41 to 1! Let me know what you think!