We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
2017 featured a bevy of superb cinema. From blockbusters to indie flicks, the year presented excellent offerings for cinema fans. Check out the best 10 movies of 2017!
Tackling racial and social issues in such a way as to make the viewer feel uncomfortable, laugh, and feel sorrow, “Get Out” is easily the best film of 2017. It’s a tense, frightening, poignant, and humorous movie which effectively challenges viewers with its thoughtful societal critique.
The Void
An indie film which channels “The Thing” and “Hellraiser,” “The Void” (our review) arrives as an under the radar flick. Every element from its masterful practical effects to convincing performances and chilling score make this a total gem. Ultimately, “The Void” is a fresh genre entry.
Lady Bird
Hailing from writer-director Gerta Gerwig, “Lady Bird” fantastically delivers on the tumultuous period of adolescence. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as the titular Christina “Lady Bird” McPherson. Though it’s not entirely devoid of predictable moments, “Lady Bird” is chock full of organic dialogue and raw, quirky moments which play on a multitude of emotions.
It Comes at Night
Watching “It Comes at Night” is a jarring, depressing, experience which forces the viewer to debate how they would handle the complex situation of the characters onscreen. The premise is that of an unseen, and unexplained, apocalypse. Rather than focus on what happened, “It Comes at Night” instead places the onus on humanity and how it handles crisis. Fair warning: after watching “It Comes at Night,” you may feel as though part of your soul has withered, died, and is never coming back.
M.F.A.
From director Natalia Leite, and writer/supporting star Leah McKendrick, “M.F.A.” isn’t merely one of the top films from 2017. Like “Get Out,” it’s one of the most important movies from the year. “M.F.A.” follows M.F.A. Noelle (Francesca Eastwood) as she takes revenge on her own rapist, as well as others walking free. As writer/co-star McKendrick reveals, “M.F.A.” is inspired by sexual assaults on college campuses and how these are far too often swept under the rug. Incredibly well written, acted, and with an important message, “M.F.A.” demands a viewing.
Blade Runner 2049
While it might not surpass its predecessor in “Blade Runner,” the 2017 follow up “Blade Runner 2049” employs similar elements to the 1982 original. “2049” remains a pretty film to view, with a detailed dystopian landscape, brooding tone, and rippling score which channels the Vangelis soundtrack from the first film. Plus, “Blade Runner 2049” succeeds in wowing from the onset, notably because it lacks an impressively awful voice over.
It
Stephen King is a master of horror, but largely the haunting aspects from King’s works derive less from the supernatural than from relatable aspects. That’s exactly where “It” (our review) is so successful. The movie concentrates on a cast of kids in Derry, Maine. Sure, Bill Skarsgard is terrifying as Pennywise the clown. But it’s the abuse in many forms which affects the Derry children that makes “It” an utterly frightening experience. 2017’s “It” ranks with “The Shining” among best Stephen King adaptations.
Logan
Whereas most superhero movies offer some struggle for their headlining heroes, “Logan” takes a completely different approach. Logan, aka Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is no longer the near-invincible superhero as depicted in many X-Man adaptations. Instead, he’s sick and drinking heavily. The once-powerful Professor X (Sir Patrick Stewart) is similarly suffering. “Logan” paints a harrowing portrait of aging heroes, and there’s no other superhero film like it.
Murder on the Orient Express
Directed by and starring the renowned Kenneth Branagh, “Murder on the Orient Express” brings classic Agatha Christie character Inspector Poirot (Branagh) to life. It’s marvelously acted with an ensemble cast featuring Daisy Ridley, Leslie Odom Jr., Willem Dafoe, and Penelope Cruz. Moreover, “Murder on the Orient Express” boasts some of the year’s best cinematography.
Darkest Hour
Proving once again that he never looks the same in any film, Gary Oldman breathes life into Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour.” The biographical war drama sees Oldman as Churchill in the days leading up to and during, his stint as Prime Minister of Britain during World War II. Lily James and Ben Mendelsohn also star in this gripping bio-drama.
Best movies of 2017: Final thoughts
In some regards, 2017 was a tough year. But for film lovers, 2017 was exceptionally strong. “Alien: Covenant” was a top movie from the year which, despite some drawbacks, channeled many elements from the original 1979 “Alien” as well as spin-off flick “Prometheus.” For superhero fans, “Spider-Man Homecoming” is a fun film that’s a decent runner up, with “Thor: Ragnarok” as the best superhero film behind “Logan.”
Which films from 2017 are your favorites?
This post may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in affiliate programs such as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, all products are thoroughly tested and reviews are honest and unbiased.