20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2016
The MCU is about to get...stranger.
As some of the year's biggest blockbusters gear up for release and we can just about see Oscar season in the near distance, we've got to consider not only the movies that might make the biggest impact, but the performances that will rise above all others.
Now, this isn't strictly limited to awards-worthy acting (though that's certainly in here), but also the performances destined to become iconic, crowd-pleasing favourites over the next few years, and simply those that will linger in our memory longer than any other.
From contemporary takes on classic characters to the first screen interpretations of beloved comic book icons, important historical figures and everything in-between, this year's potentially defining performances could give us plenty of interesting to talk about come the end of the year, both in terms of awards and pure blockbuster entertainment.
Here are 20 essential performances that will define 2016...
20. Tom Holland - Spider-Man (Captain America: Civil War)
Release Date: May 6
The Role: The third cinematic reincarnation of high school student Peter Parker aka iconic web-slinging superhero Spider-Man, as he joins Tony Stark's side in the Civil War between superhero factions.
Why It'll Define 2016: Because Spider-Man was one of the first superheroes to truly connect with a huge audience way back in 2002, and after the Andrew Garfield movies span their wheels with the character, there's hope that Marvel Studios can once again make him likable and entertaining.
Early reviews suggest that British actor Tom Holland has done the role supreme justice, his work being praised as "show-stealing" by many outlets. It's also great to just finally see an age-appropriate Spidey, and with his new solo movie Spider-Man: Homecoming due out next year, it's clear that they're wasting little time getting the character back to his former glory.