Best Movies Of 2017: Top Film Recommendations
Hey guys! Ready to dive into some cinematic gold? Let’s take a trip back to 2017 and explore some of the best movies that year had to offer. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for something awesome to watch, I’ve got you covered with a list that spans genres and guarantees a great time. So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and let's get started!
Why 2017 Was a Stellar Year for Movies
2017 was seriously an amazing year for cinema. We saw a fantastic blend of blockbusters, indie darlings, and everything in between. The creativity was off the charts, with filmmakers pushing boundaries and delivering stories that resonated with audiences worldwide. From superhero flicks that redefined the genre to poignant dramas that tugged at our heartstrings, 2017 had something for everyone. It was a year of memorable characters, stunning visuals, and narratives that stuck with you long after the credits rolled. The diversity in storytelling also stood out, with films exploring themes of identity, social justice, and personal growth. This made 2017 a year where going to the movies felt like a real adventure, and discovering new favorites was almost a weekly occurrence. The buzz around these films was palpable, creating a shared experience for moviegoers who couldn't wait to discuss and dissect every scene. So, let's honor this remarkable year by highlighting some of its finest cinematic achievements. The sheer variety of genres that thrived in 2017 is also worth noting. We saw action-packed adventures, thought-provoking science fiction, gripping thrillers, and heartwarming comedies, each leaving its unique mark on the cinematic landscape. This diversity ensured that there was always something fresh and exciting to look forward to, making 2017 a year that kept movie lovers constantly engaged and entertained. Moreover, the performances from actors and actresses were exceptional across the board, with many delivering career-defining roles that solidified their place in Hollywood history. Directors also showcased their visionary talents, crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant films that captivated audiences and critics alike. This confluence of factors made 2017 a truly unforgettable year for cinema, one that continues to be celebrated and revisited by film enthusiasts around the world. So, let's jump right in and explore some of the standout movies that made 2017 a year to remember.
Top Movie Recommendations from 2017
Alright, let’s get into the meat and potatoes! Here’s my curated list of must-watch films from 2017. These aren't just good movies; they're experiences. They’ll make you laugh, cry, think, and maybe even question reality. Trust me, you don't want to miss these!
1. Get Out
Get Out isn't just a horror film; it's a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Jordan Peele, this movie brilliantly combines horror with social commentary, creating a truly unsettling and thought-provoking experience. The story follows Chris Washington, a young African American man who visits his white girlfriend's family estate. What starts as an awkward yet seemingly harmless visit quickly turns into a nightmare as Chris uncovers a dark and sinister secret. The film's brilliance lies in its ability to blend suspenseful horror with sharp, incisive commentary on race and class in America. Peele masterfully uses horror tropes to explore deeper societal issues, making Get Out not only terrifying but also incredibly relevant and impactful. The film's success is also due to its stellar performances, particularly Daniel Kaluuya's portrayal of Chris, which earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. The supporting cast also shines, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the already gripping narrative. Get Out resonated with audiences and critics alike, sparking important conversations about race, privilege, and the insidious nature of prejudice. The film's clever use of symbolism and metaphors adds depth and richness to the story, inviting viewers to analyze and interpret its themes long after the credits have rolled. This has solidified Get Out's place as a modern horror classic and a landmark achievement in cinematic storytelling. Beyond its critical acclaim, Get Out also achieved significant commercial success, proving that socially conscious horror can be both entertaining and profitable. The film's impact extends beyond the realm of cinema, influencing discussions and debates about race and identity in various fields, including academia, politics, and popular culture. Get Out is a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to reflect on your own biases and assumptions about the world. It's a testament to the power of film to entertain, educate, and inspire social change, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the intersection of horror and social commentary.
2. Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049 is a visual masterpiece and a worthy successor to the original Blade Runner. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this sci-fi epic expands upon the dystopian world created by Ridley Scott, delivering a stunning and immersive cinematic experience. The story follows K, a blade runner working for the Los Angeles Police Department, who uncovers a secret that threatens to destabilize the delicate balance between humans and replicants. As K investigates, he encounters Rick Deckard, the former blade runner who disappeared years ago. The film's breathtaking visuals, combined with its philosophical themes and complex characters, make it a must-see for any sci-fi fan. Villeneuve's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create a palpable sense of atmosphere elevate Blade Runner 2049 to a level of cinematic artistry. The performances are equally impressive, with Ryan Gosling delivering a nuanced and compelling portrayal of K, and Harrison Ford reprising his role as Deckard with a mixture of world-weariness and quiet intensity. The supporting cast also adds depth and richness to the story, contributing to the film's overall sense of realism and authenticity. Blade Runner 2049 explores themes of identity, memory, and what it means to be human in a world increasingly dominated by technology. The film's thought-provoking narrative and its stunning visuals create a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film's success is also due to its innovative use of sound design and music, which contribute to its overall sense of atmosphere and tension. Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch's score is both haunting and exhilarating, perfectly complementing the film's visuals and enhancing its emotional impact. Blade Runner 2049 is a film that rewards multiple viewings, with each viewing revealing new layers of meaning and complexity. It's a testament to the power of science fiction to explore profound philosophical questions and to create worlds that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. Beyond its critical acclaim, Blade Runner 2049 has also been recognized for its technical achievements, winning Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects. The film's impact extends beyond the realm of cinema, influencing discussions and debates about the future of technology and its potential impact on society. Blade Runner 2049 is a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to reflect on your own relationship with technology and your understanding of what it means to be human.
3. Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is a visceral and immersive war film that puts you right in the heart of the action. The film tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation, a pivotal moment in World War II, from three different perspectives: land, sea, and air. Nolan's masterful direction, combined with his innovative use of sound and visuals, creates a truly harrowing and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film's lack of traditional narrative structure and its emphasis on sensory experience make it a unique and powerful war film. Dunkirk is not just a historical drama; it's a visceral and emotional journey that captures the fear, desperation, and heroism of the soldiers involved in the evacuation. The film's ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, conveying the raw emotions and the physical toll of war with remarkable authenticity. Nolan's decision to cast relatively unknown actors in many of the key roles adds to the film's sense of realism, making the characters feel like ordinary soldiers caught in extraordinary circumstances. The film's use of practical effects and its minimal reliance on CGI contribute to its overall sense of authenticity and immediacy. Dunkirk is a film that demands to be seen on the big screen, where its immersive sound design and its stunning visuals can be fully appreciated. The film's success is also due to its tight pacing and its relentless sense of tension, which keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Nolan's decision to focus on the human element of the story, rather than on the grand strategy of the war, makes Dunkirk a deeply personal and emotionally resonant film. Beyond its critical acclaim, Dunkirk has also been recognized for its technical achievements, winning Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. The film's impact extends beyond the realm of cinema, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in World War II. Dunkirk is a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of courage in the face of adversity.
4. Lady Bird
Lady Bird, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a coming-of-age story that feels incredibly real and relatable. The film follows Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a high school senior in Sacramento, California, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, family relationships, and self-discovery. Gerwig's sharp writing and her authentic portrayal of teenage life make Lady Bird a truly special and heartwarming film. The film's strength lies in its nuanced characters, its witty dialogue, and its honest exploration of universal themes such as identity, independence, and the complexities of family. Lady Bird is not just a coming-of-age story; it's a celebration of the awkwardness, the triumphs, and the heartaches of growing up. Saoirse Ronan delivers a brilliant performance as Lady Bird, capturing the character's vulnerability, her rebelliousness, and her yearning for something more. The supporting cast, including Laurie Metcalf as Lady Bird's mother, Tracy Letts as her father, and Lucas Hedges as her boyfriend, adds depth and richness to the story, creating a believable and relatable family dynamic. Gerwig's attention to detail and her ability to capture the nuances of teenage life make Lady Bird a film that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film's soundtrack, featuring songs from the early 2000s, adds to its overall sense of nostalgia and authenticity. Lady Bird is a film that reminds us of the importance of embracing our individuality and of finding our own path in life. Beyond its critical acclaim, Lady Bird has also been praised for its representation of female characters and its exploration of female relationships. The film's impact extends beyond the realm of cinema, inspiring conversations about female empowerment and the challenges faced by young women in today's society. Lady Bird is a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to reflect on your own experiences of growing up and of finding your place in the world.
5. The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water is a beautiful and enchanting fairy tale for adults. The film tells the story of Elisa Esposito, a mute cleaning lady who works at a high-security government laboratory in 1962. Elisa's life changes forever when she discovers a captured amphibian creature and forms a deep and unexpected connection with it. Del Toro's imaginative direction, combined with his stunning visuals and his heartfelt storytelling, makes The Shape of Water a truly magical and unforgettable film. The film's themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of difference resonate deeply, making it a timeless and universal story. The Shape of Water is not just a love story; it's a celebration of the outsider, the marginalized, and the misunderstood. Sally Hawkins delivers a mesmerizing performance as Elisa, conveying the character's emotions and her connection with the creature through her expressive eyes and her graceful movements. The supporting cast, including Michael Shannon as the villainous Strickland, Octavia Spencer as Elisa's friend Zelda, and Richard Jenkins as her neighbor Giles, adds depth and complexity to the story, creating a world that feels both fantastical and real. Del Toro's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for storytelling make The Shape of Water a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The film's score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, is both haunting and beautiful, perfectly complementing the film's visuals and enhancing its emotional impact. The Shape of Water is a film that reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and of seeing the beauty in the unexpected. Beyond its critical acclaim, The Shape of Water has also been recognized for its technical achievements, winning Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. The film's impact extends beyond the realm of cinema, inspiring conversations about love, acceptance, and the importance of embracing diversity. The Shape of Water is a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to reflect on your own biases and assumptions about the world and the people in it.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, 2017 had so many great movies that it’s tough to narrow it down to just a few. Here are some honorable mentions that are definitely worth checking out:
- Baby Driver
- Logan
- Thor: Ragnarok
- War for the Planet of the Apes
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, guys! My top movie recommendations from 2017. It was truly a fantastic year for film, and these movies are just the tip of the iceberg. I hope you find something new to love or rediscover an old favorite. Happy watching!
