2017 was an incredible year for movies, with a treasure trove of different genres to choose from. We were blessed with side-splitting comedies, heart-pounding superhero flicks, spine-chilling horror masterpieces, and captivating dramas. These films not only received rave reviews but also made a fortune at the box office, securing their place among the pantheon of cinematic greatness. So, which movie reigned supreme in 2017?
Superhero movies like Wonder Woman and Spider-Man: Homecoming truly soared above the rest this year. And let’s not overlook the pulse-pounding sequels like John Wick: Chapter 2 and The Fate of the Furious, which kept audiences on the edge of their seats for hours. Our collection of the top movies from 2017 also includes hidden gems like Get Out and Split, as well as highly anticipated releases like Dunkirk and Alien: Covenant.
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on the films you believe deserve the crown as the finest movies of 2017. If we overlooked any hidden treasures from that year, don’t hesitate to add them to the mix. And remember, if you’re hungering for more movie recommendations, take a peek at The Best Movies of 2020 list.
Note: One film that ignited spirited discussions among viewers was The Shape of Water.
1. Thor: Ragnarok
In the action-packed Marvel movie, Thor: Ragnarok, things get intense for Thor (Chris Hemsworth) as he ends up in a deadly gladiatorial contest against his former ally, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). Stranded on the alien planet Sakaar and without his trusty hammer, he’s got to beat the clock and make it back to Asgard in time to stop Ragnarok – the total annihilation of his home world by the merciless Hela (Cate Blanchett). This high-stakes adventure is directed by Taika Waititi, and it’s a thrilling ride as Thor fights for survival and rallies against the impending doom. Along the way, he encounters some surprising allies, a good dose of classic Marvel humor, and mind-blowing visual effects that even earned the movie an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
2. Wonder Woman
The 2017 film Wonder Woman introduces us to Diana Prince, played by Gal Gadot, who is an Amazonian princess residing on the secluded island of Themyscira. She was raised by her mother, Queen Hippolyta, portrayed by Connie Nielsen. However, Diana’s life takes an unexpected turn when an American pilot named Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine, crashes on their shores. Trevor brings devastating news of a massive war wreaking havoc on the outside world, which compels Diana to take action.
Diana makes the decision to leave her home behind and embrace her alter ego as Wonder Woman. She joins forces with men on a mission to put an end to the war that threatens to destroy everything. Directed by Patty Jenkins, this action-packed superhero adventure not only entertains but also delves into themes of courage and sacrifice. Wonder Woman offers a fresh narrative within the DC Extended Universe, captivating audiences with its compelling story.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Actors: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
In 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, we’re reunited with the lovable group of misfits from space. Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord and played by Chris Pratt, finds himself grappling with some surprising news about his parentage. Meanwhile, he’s leading his team through a series of exciting cosmic adventures. As they face off against familiar foes and encounter some strange new allies, the bond between the members of the group grows stronger. Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, Drax, played by Dave Bautista, Rocket Raccoon, voiced by Bradley Cooper, and the adorable Baby Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, all return to reprise their roles. The movie, directed by James Gunn, is a thrilling sequel to the first installment, blending adventure, comedy, and drama to create a captivating story that expands the Guardians’ universe.
Released: 2017
Directed by: James Gunn
Actors: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper
4. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
In “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” four high school students stumble upon an old video game console and discover a game called Jumanji. They’ve never heard of it before, but curiosity gets the better of them. Little did they know, this game would change their lives.
As soon as they start playing, something extraordinary happens. They are instantly transported into the game’s jungle environment and are transformed into the characters they had chosen. It’s like they’ve entered a whole new world.
Spencer, the nerdy one, becomes a fearless explorer named Dr. Smolder Bravestone, played by Dwayne Johnson. Fridge, the football jock, turns into a small zoologist named Moose Finbar, played by Kevin Hart. Bethany, the popular girl, transforms into a middle-aged professor named Sheldon Oberon, portrayed by Jack Black. Lastly, Martha, the quiet one, becomes a fierce warrior known as Ruby Roundhouse, played by Karen Gillan.
To survive and escape this virtual reality, they have to navigate through dangerous terrains and face off against treacherous creatures. But here’s the twist – it’s not just a game they’re playing. Jumanji has a mind of its own and it starts playing them.
In order to return to the real world, they have to complete the game. It turns out to be more than just a thrilling adventure; it becomes a journey of self-discovery for each of them. They learn more about themselves and their strengths as they progress through the game.
So, buckle up for an exciting ride as these four high school students embark on a quest of a lifetime in the unpredictable world of Jumanji.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
Actors: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black
5. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Spider-Man: Homecoming introduces us to Peter Parker, played by Tom Holland, as he grapples with his new role as a superhero. With the guidance of his mentor, Tony Stark, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., Peter must find a balance between his high school life and his crime-fighting duties in Queens, New York. However, he soon faces an unexpected threat from Adrian Toomes, played by Michael Keaton, who transforms from a disgruntled contractor to the villainous Vulture.
This installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is packed with action, humor, and the classic coming-of-age dilemmas that we love. It offers a fresh perspective on the beloved web-slinger’s story. Notably, Spider-Man: Homecoming was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 90th Academy Awards, highlighting its cinematic excellence.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Jon Watts
Actors: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey
6. Get Out
In Get Out, we follow the story of Chris Washington, a talented African-American photographer played by Daniel Kaluuya. He’s about to meet his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, who happen to be Caucasian. Rose Armitage, played by Allison Williams, assures Chris that her parents won’t have any issues with his race. However, as the story unfolds, their overly accommodating behavior starts to raise some concerns.
Directed by the talented Jordan Peele, this film skillfully combines elements of horror and dark comedy. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as the plot takes a chilling turn when Chris stumbles upon the unsettling secret hidden within the family. It’s no wonder that Get Out has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
What sets this movie apart is its unique spin on the traditional suspense thriller. Jordan Peele brings a fresh perspective to the genre, creating a thought-provoking and gripping experience for the audience. Get Out is a must-see for anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating film that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
7. Coco
In the heart of Mexico, there’s this kid named Miguel (played by Anthony Gonzalez) who has big dreams of becoming a famous musician, just like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (played by Benjamin Bratt). Only problem is, Miguel’s family has this long-standing ban on music that goes back for generations. Tough break, right?
But then, on Dia de los Muertos, something strange happens and Miguel finds himself transported to this incredible place called the Land of the Dead. It’s like nothing he’s ever seen before – vibrant and full of life, even though it’s, well, the land of the dead.
Luckily, Miguel isn’t alone in this crazy adventure. He teams up with a mischievous guy named Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) and together they go on this mind-blowing journey to uncover the truth about Miguel’s family history. It’s like a mystery that needs solving.
You know what’s even cooler? This movie called “Coco” is not your typical animated flick. It’s from the genius minds at Pixar and it actually won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2018. Impressive, right? The film seamlessly weaves together music, folklore, and the importance of family, giving us a fresh and fascinating take on Mexican culture.
So, if you’re up for a captivating adventure that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even dance a little, Coco is definitely worth checking out. It’s a unique and heartfelt animation that’ll leave you with a greater appreciation for the power of music and the importance of family ties.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Actors: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
8. Logan
In the gritty drama Logan, we see Hugh Jackman back in action as the tired and aging Wolverine. The story takes place in a dystopian future, where our main character is given the important task of protecting a young mutant girl named Laura, played by Dafne Keen, from evil forces. Patrick Stewart also returns to the screen as Charles Xavier, struggling with his failing health but still offering guidance to Logan.
Directed by James Mangold, this film takes a different approach compared to your typical superhero flick. It delves deep into themes of mortality and legacy, making it a departure from the usual narratives we’re used to. In fact, Logan made history by being the first superhero movie ever to be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards.
Released: 2017
Directed by: James Mangold
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
9. Baby Driver
Baby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright, is a thrilling heist film bursting with energy. The story revolves around Baby, played by Ansel Elgort, who is an exceptionally talented getaway driver. What sets Baby apart is his unique ability to synchronize his daring escapes with his own personal soundtrack, a coping mechanism developed from a childhood trauma-induced tinnitus. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he falls head over heels for Debora, portrayed by Lily James, a kind-hearted waitress. As things heat up, Baby finds himself caught up in a treacherous heist orchestrated by his boss, Doc, played by Kevin Spacey. This movie is renowned for its perfect blend of heart-pumping action and an incredible musical score. In fact, it even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing in 2018.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Actors: Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Jamie Foxx
10. Blade Runner 2049
In the dystopian sequel Blade Runner 2049, Officer K (Ryan Gosling) takes on the role of a new blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department. He stumbles upon a mind-blowing secret that has the potential to throw society into disarray. This shocking revelation sets him on a mission to locate Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who vanished thirty years ago. With Denis Villeneuve at the helm, this neo-noir science fiction flick bagged two Academy Awards and stands out for its breathtaking visual effects and thought-provoking exploration of themes like memory, humanity, and identity.
Released: 2017
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas
11. Split
In the psychological thriller Split, we meet Kevin Wendell Crumb, brilliantly portrayed by James McAvoy, who is grappling with 23 distinct personalities. In a chilling turn of events, Kevin kidnaps three teenage girls, setting the stage for a suspenseful battle of wits. The captives find themselves facing not only Kevin but also his more dangerous alter egos, including the fearsome Beast. With each passing moment, the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly blurred within Kevin’s fragmented psyche.
Directed by the talented M. Night Shyamalan, Split delves deep into the realm of Dissociative Identity Disorder and its profound implications. As the second installment in Shyamalan’s Unbreakable trilogy, this film offers a captivating exploration of the disorder’s intricacies. Furthermore, it is renowned for its ability to create a tangible atmosphere of tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. James McAvoy’s performance is nothing short of riveting, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already gripping storyline.
Released: 2016
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Actors: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley