20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2016

10. Oscar Isaac - Apocalypse (X-Men: Apocalypse)

Doctor Strange Benedict Cumberbatch
20th Century Fox

Release Date: May 27

The Role: En Sabah Nur aka Apocalypse, the world's first mutant and by far the most powerful, who threatens to destroy Earth and faces off against the X-Men.

Why It'll Define 2016: Oscar Isaac is so hot right now, coming off the heels of his stellar work last year in both minimalist art-house fare (Ex Machina) and one of the biggest movies of all time (Star Wars: The Force Awakens).

Though there's lots of controversy over the diminutive look of Apocalypse compared to the comics, it's a foregone conclusion that Isaac will commit himself as fully to the role as possible.

Even though the latest X-Men movie has struggled to get the hype train running at full speed with little time left until release, it'd be a huge surprise if Isaac wasn't one of the key stand-outs among the stacked cast. Even if he somehow sucks, it'll be enough of a shock that it will also in fact define 2016.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.