David Farnor | On 02, Dec 2016

As the nightmarish year that has been 2016 draws to a close, it’s time for people to bring out their top 10 lists of the year. But what were the most popular films of the year online? One good barometer is Google’s rankings of the most-watched movies on Google Play.

Unsurprisingly, the list is dominated by superhero blockbusters, with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice the fifth most-dowloaded, behind fourth place Captain America: Civil War. Zootopia was the third most popular film of the year, demonstrating just how universal its humour and themes were among audiences. Also suitable for the whole family, Star Wars: The Force Awakens came in second, as George Lucas’ universe enjoys a new lease of life, thanks to Episode VII.

The most popular movie, though, was something far more adult, as superhero fans flocked in even greater numbers not to buy Marvel’s early summer hit, but the racy, rude adventures of Deadpool.

Superheroes also fared well on the small screen, with The Flash racing in at number on Google Play’s TV chart for 2016, just behind the zeitgeist-tapping series Mr. Robot – an indicator, perhaps, of how many people don’t have Amazon Prime Video, which holds the exclusive UK rights. The ever-popular Big Bang Theory was the third most-downloaded.

The top two, though, are inevitably the most talked-about programmes of recent years: The Walking Dead in number two, just behind Game of Thrones.

On a more localised level, Google Play’s other most popular shows in the UK include Suits, Peppa Pig, Family Guy, The Big Band Theory, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Supernatural, Paw Patrol, Friends, South Park and Parks and Recreation.

To catch up with The Walking Dead, see our Season 7 reviews here.

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