The Best Films Of 2017: A Definitive Guide

Hey movie lovers! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the absolute best films that graced our screens back in 2017. It was a fantastic year for cinema, offering a diverse range of genres and storytelling that kept us all on the edge of our seats. From superhero spectacles to indie darlings, 2017 truly had something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's dive into the cinematic gems that made 2017 such a memorable year for film.

Blockbuster Bonanza: Action and Adventure

2017 was an amazing year for blockbuster movies, delivering both critical and commercial successes that continue to be talked about today. Superhero films dominated the box office, pushing the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling. One of the standout titles was "Wonder Woman," directed by Patty Jenkins. Finally, a female-led superhero movie that not only resonated with audiences but also delivered a powerful message of hope and empowerment. Gal Gadot's portrayal of Diana Prince was pitch-perfect, and the film's blend of action, heart, and humor made it a massive hit. The film's impact extended beyond the box office, inspiring countless young girls and proving that superhero movies could be both entertaining and meaningful.

Another major player in the blockbuster scene was "Thor: Ragnarok." Directed by Taika Waititi, this film injected a fresh dose of humor and energy into the Thor franchise. Chris Hemsworth's comedic timing shone through, and the addition of characters like Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Hela (Cate Blanchett) brought a new dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "Thor: Ragnarok" was a visual feast, packed with vibrant colors, over-the-top action sequences, and a killer soundtrack. It proved that superhero movies could be both funny and epic, setting a new standard for the genre. Beyond superheroes, films like "Dunkirk," directed by Christopher Nolan, offered a different kind of blockbuster experience. A visceral and immersive war film, "Dunkirk" told the story of the Dunkirk evacuation with breathtaking realism and tension. Nolan's masterful direction, combined with stunning cinematography and a haunting score by Hans Zimmer, made "Dunkirk" a cinematic triumph. The film's minimalist dialogue and focus on visual storytelling created a uniquely powerful and emotional experience for viewers.

Indie Gems: Thought-Provoking and Heartfelt

While blockbusters often steal the spotlight, 2017 also saw the release of numerous indie films that captivated audiences with their original stories and compelling characters. These films often tackle complex themes and offer a more intimate and personal viewing experience. "Lady Bird," directed by Greta Gerwig, was one such gem. A coming-of-age story set in Sacramento, California, "Lady Bird" follows the life of Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, family, and identity. Gerwig's insightful direction and Ronan's outstanding performance made "Lady Bird" a critical darling and a commercial success. The film's honest and relatable portrayal of teenage life resonated with audiences of all ages, making it a truly special and memorable film. Another indie standout was "Call Me by Your Name," directed by Luca Guadagnino. Set in the Italian countryside in the summer of 1983, the film tells the story of a budding romance between Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer). "Call Me by Your Name" is a beautiful and sensual film that explores themes of love, desire, and identity with sensitivity and grace. Chalamet's performance was particularly praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film's stunning cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and heartfelt performances made it a critical and commercial success, solidifying its place as a modern classic. Rounding out the indie highlights was "The Shape of Water," directed by Guillermo del Toro. A fantasy romance set in 1962, the film tells the story of a mute cleaning lady (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with an amphibious creature being held in a secret government laboratory. "The Shape of Water" is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, acceptance, and otherness. Del Toro's masterful direction, combined with Hawkins' captivating performance, made "The Shape of Water" a critical darling, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Horror Highlights: Thrills and Chills

For horror fans, 2017 was a particularly strong year, with several films delivering both scares and substance. These movies proved that horror could be more than just jump scares and gore; they could be thought-provoking, character-driven, and even socially relevant. "Get Out," directed by Jordan Peele, was a groundbreaking horror film that tackled issues of race and social commentary with chilling effectiveness. The film tells the story of Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young black man who visits his white girlfriend's family for the weekend and uncovers a dark and sinister secret. "Get Out" was a critical and commercial success, praised for its originality, wit, and sharp social commentary. Peele's masterful direction and Kaluuya's compelling performance made "Get Out" a must-see for horror fans and anyone interested in exploring issues of race in America. Another horror highlight was "It," directed by Andy Muschietti. Based on Stephen King's iconic novel, "It" tells the story of a group of kids in Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by a shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). "It" was a box office smash, breaking records for the horror genre. Skarsgård's terrifying portrayal of Pennywise, combined with the film's strong performances from its young cast, made "It" a memorable and scary cinematic experience. The film's themes of childhood, fear, and friendship resonated with audiences, making it a critical and commercial success. Also notable was "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. A psychological horror film with a unique and unsettling tone, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" tells the story of a successful surgeon (Colin Farrell) who befriends a teenage boy (Barry Keoghan) with sinister intentions. Lanthimos's distinctive directorial style, combined with strong performances from Farrell and Keoghan, made "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" a thought-provoking and disturbing film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Animated Adventures: Fun for All Ages

Animation continued to thrive in 2017, offering a diverse range of films that appealed to both children and adults. These animated adventures showcased stunning visuals, heartwarming stories, and memorable characters. "Coco," from Pixar Animation Studios, was a standout title that celebrated Mexican culture and traditions. The film tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician but is forbidden by his family due to a generations-old ban on music. "Coco" is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of family, memory, and pursuing one's dreams. The film's vibrant colors, catchy songs, and heartwarming story made it a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Another animated highlight was "Loving Vincent," a unique and visually stunning film that tells the story of Vincent van Gogh's life and death through hand-painted animation. Each frame of the film was painted in the style of van Gogh, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience. "Loving Vincent" was a labor of love that took years to complete, and the result is a triumph of artistic vision and storytelling. The film's innovative animation style and compelling narrative made it a critical darling and a testament to the power of animation. Rounding out the animated highlights was "The Boss Baby," a comedy from DreamWorks Animation. While not as critically acclaimed as "Coco" or "Loving Vincent," "The Boss Baby" was a box office success that entertained audiences with its silly humor and imaginative premise. The film tells the story of a baby who is secretly a business executive on a mission to stop puppies from stealing all the love in the world. "The Boss Baby" may not be a masterpiece, but it's a fun and entertaining film that's sure to keep kids and adults laughing.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! A look back at some of the best films of 2017. It was a year filled with amazing blockbusters, thought-provoking indies, thrilling horror flicks, and heartwarming animated adventures. Whether you're a fan of superheroes, dramas, or something in between, 2017 had something for everyone. Which films from 2017 are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below! And here's to hoping that the years to come continue to bring us such fantastic and diverse cinematic experiences.