25 Best Movies of 2017: A Comprehensive List of the Year’s Cinematic Gems

2017 was a year of great movies across different genres, with many films receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. From the action-packed superhero movies to the emotional dramas, there was something for everyone in 2017.

Some of the best movies of 2017 included “Dunkirk,” a war epic directed by Christopher Nolan, “Get Out,” a satirical horror movie directed by Jordan Peele, and “The Shape of Water,” a fantasy drama directed by Guillermo del Toro.

These movies, along with others such as “Lady Bird,” “Call Me by Your Name,” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” were widely praised for their direction, performances, and storytelling.

2017 also saw the release of several highly anticipated superhero movies, such as “Wonder Woman,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” which were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Best 2017 Movies

Overall, 2017 was a strong year for movies, with a diverse range of films that appealed to different audiences and showcased the talents of some of the industry’s best directors, actors, and writers.

1. Dunkirk (2017)

“Dunkirk” is a war film directed by Christopher Nolan, released in 2017. The film stars Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy in lead roles.

The story of the film is based on the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France during World War II. The film follows the experiences of soldiers on the beach, pilots in the air, and civilians on boats who all participate in the evacuation.

“Dunkirk” was praised for its direction, cinematography, and sound design, as well as its ensemble cast. The film was noted for its innovative use of time and structure, with three separate storylines that intersect and overlap in non-linear ways.

The film received several nominations and awards, including eight nominations at the 90th Academy Awards, where it won Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Film Editing. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $526 million worldwide.

2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Thor: Ragnarok is a superhero film released in 2017, based on the Marvel Comics character Thor and produced by Marvel Studios. The film is the third installment in the Thor series and is directed by Taika Waititi.

The story follows Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, as he tries to save Asgard from his long-lost sister Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, who has returned to claim the throne and unleash Ragnarok, the destruction of Asgard.

Along the way, Thor teams up with his adopted brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, and a new ally, the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo.

Thor: Ragnarok was well received by critics and audiences for its humor, visual effects, and action sequences. The film’s lighthearted tone was a departure from the previous Thor films, which had a more serious and Shakespearean feel.

The film’s soundtrack, which features music from Led Zeppelin and other classic rock bands, was also praised.

Thor: Ragnarok was a box office success, grossing over $850 million worldwide. The film was nominated for numerous awards, including the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Action Movie, which it won.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is a 2017 American superhero film directed by James Gunn. It is the sequel to the 2014 film “Guardians of the Galaxy” and is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film follows the Guardians as they embark on a mission to discover the true parentage of Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, while also fighting off a new threat to the galaxy. The film stars an ensemble cast, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Kurt Russell.

The film received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its humor, action sequences, and character development.

The film’s use of 70s and 80s music was also praised, with the soundtrack becoming a commercial success. The film grossed over $860 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2017.

4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

“Blade Runner 2049” is a 2017 neo-noir science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and serves as a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 film “Blade Runner”.

The film takes place thirty years after the events of the original and follows a new blade runner named K, played by Ryan Gosling, as he uncovers a secret that could plunge society into chaos.

The film also stars Harrison Ford, reprising his role as Rick Deckard, as well as Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, and Robin Wright. It received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and thought-provoking story.

“Blade Runner 2049” was nominated for numerous awards, including five Academy Awards, winning two for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.

Despite its positive reception, the film underperformed at the box office, grossing $260 million worldwide on a budget of $150 million. Nevertheless, it has gained a dedicated fanbase and is widely regarded as one of the best science fiction films of the 21st century.

5. Wonder Woman (2017)

“Wonder Woman” is a 2017 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name.

Directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot in the title role, the film tells the origin story of Diana, a warrior princess of the Amazons who leaves her secluded island to help fight in World War I.

The film explores themes of justice, love, and female empowerment, as Diana learns about the complexities of the human world and becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration. The film’s action sequences and visuals were praised, as well as Gadot’s performance as the titular character.

“Wonder Woman” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $820 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing live-action film directed by a woman. The film’s success paved the way for more female-led superhero films and increased representation in the genre.

6.Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Kong: Skull Island is a 2017 monster film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and serves as a reboot of the King Kong franchise.

The film is set in 1973 and follows a team of scientists, soldiers, and adventurers who journey to an uncharted island in the South Pacific to explore its terrain and discover new species of creatures.

As they venture deeper into the island, they encounter the legendary giant ape known as Kong, who protects the island from other monstrous creatures that inhabit it. The team must fight for survival as they navigate through the dangerous terrain and try to escape the island.

The film features an ensemble cast including Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John C. Reilly, and John Goodman. It received positive reviews for its stunning visuals, thrilling action sequences, and strong performances.

Kong: Skull Island was a box office success, grossing over $566 million worldwide, and has since been followed by a crossover film with the Godzilla franchise titled Godzilla vs. Kong, which was released in 2021.

7. The Shape of Water (2017)

The Shape of Water is a fantasy drama film directed by Guillermo del Toro and released in 2017. The movie stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, and Octavia Spencer.

Set in the early 1960s, the film follows the story of Elisa, a mute janitor who works at a secret government laboratory. She forms a unique bond with a mysterious amphibious creature that is being held captive and experimented on by the military.

As Elisa and the creature’s relationship deepens, she must confront the forces that seek to destroy it and keep it from the outside world.

The Shape of Water received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, performances, cinematography, and themes of love, acceptance, and empathy.

The film won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director for del Toro, and Best Original Score. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $195 million worldwide.

8. Logan (2017)

“Logan” is a superhero film directed by James Mangold, released in 2017. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Dafne Keen in lead roles.

The story of the film is set in the year 2029 and follows an aging Logan (played by Hugh Jackman) who is living in hiding with an ailing Charles Xavier (played by Patrick Stewart).

They encounter a young girl named Laura (played by Dafne Keen), who has similar powers to Logan and is being pursued by a dangerous organization.

Logan and Charles embark on a dangerous journey to help Laura reach a safe haven while being pursued by the organization’s agents.

“Logan” was praised for its direction, performances, and themes, which were more mature and grounded than previous films in the X-Men franchise.

The film was noted for its gritty and realistic portrayal of violence, as well as its exploration of mortality and family.

The film received several nominations and awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $619 million worldwide.

9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

War for the Planet of the Apes is a science fiction film released in 2017, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Andy Serkis as Caesar, the leader of the genetically enhanced apes. It is the third installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot series.

The story takes place after the events of the previous film, as Caesar and his tribe of apes are engaged in a war against a human military faction led by the Colonel, played by Woody Harrelson.

As the conflict escalates, Caesar is forced to confront his own demons and make difficult decisions to protect his people.

War for the Planet of the Apes received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly Serkis’ portrayal of Caesar. The film was praised for its emotional depth and exploration of themes such as survival, morality, and family.

The film was a box office success, grossing over $490 million worldwide. It was nominated for numerous awards, including the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Visual Effects, which it won.

10. Wonder (I) (2017)

“Wonder” is a 2017 American drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky and based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio. The film tells the story of a young boy named August “Auggie” Pullman, who has a facial deformity and struggles to fit in at a new school.

The film stars Jacob Tremblay as Auggie, with Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson playing his parents. The film also features Izabela Vidovic, Noah Jupe, and Daveed Diggs in supporting roles.

The film received positive reviews, with critics praising its heartwarming story and the performances of its cast. The film’s themes of empathy and acceptance were also praised, with many reviewers noting the film’s ability to appeal to both children and adults.

The film grossed over $300 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million, making it a commercial success.

11. Only the Brave (2017)

“Only the Brave” is a 2017 biographical drama film directed by Joseph Kosinski.

The film is based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a group of elite firefighters from Arizona who battled the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013, one of the deadliest wildfires in American history.

The film stars Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, and Jennifer Connelly. It received positive reviews for its emotional performances and powerful storytelling.

“Only the Brave” was a box office disappointment, grossing only $26 million worldwide on a budget of $38 million. However, it has since gained a dedicated following and critical reappraisal.

The film is praised for its respectful portrayal of the real-life firefighters, as well as its depiction of the sacrifices and risks that firefighters face in their line of duty.

12. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” is a 2017 space opera film and the eighth installment in the Star Wars franchise. Directed by Rian Johnson and starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver, the film continues the story of the Resistance’s fight against the First Order.

The film explores themes of legacy, redemption, and the balance between the light and dark sides of the Force. It also delves deeper into the characters of Rey, Kylo Ren, and Luke Skywalker, and introduces new characters like Rose Tico and Vice Admiral Holdo.

“The Last Jedi” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide.

However, it also proved to be a divisive film among fans, with some praising its subversion of expectations and bold storytelling, while others criticized its plot choices and treatment of certain characters.

Despite the mixed reception, “The Last Jedi” remains an important entry in the Star Wars saga and set up the events of the final installment, “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.”

13. Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)

Beauty and the Beast is a 2017 live-action musical romantic fantasy film directed by Bill Condon, based on the 1991 animated Disney film of the same name.

The film follows the story of Belle, a young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle in exchange for her father’s freedom.

As Belle gets to know the Beast and the enchanted objects that live in the castle, she begins to see beyond his appearance and discovers the kind and loving heart hidden beneath.

Together, they must overcome obstacles to break the curse that has transformed the Beast and his household into their current form.

The film features an ensemble cast including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and Josh Gad as LeFou.

It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s faithful adaptation of the original animated film, while others criticized it for lacking originality.

However, the film was a box office success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide, and was nominated for several awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

The film’s soundtrack, which features new recordings of the classic songs from the original film as well as new songs written for the live-action version, was also a commercial success, reaching the top of several music charts.

14. Life (I) (2017)

Life is a science fiction horror film released in 2017, directed by Daniel Espinosa and starring an ensemble cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, and Olga Dihovichnaya.

The movie follows a group of astronauts on the International Space Station who discover a sample of extraterrestrial life brought back from Mars.

As they study and attempt to cultivate the organism, it grows rapidly and proves to be far more intelligent and dangerous than they ever could have anticipated. As the creature begins to threaten the crew and potentially the Earth, the astronauts must race against time to stop it.

Life received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the film’s tense and suspenseful atmosphere but criticized its reliance on familiar sci-fi tropes. The film performed modestly at the box office, grossing over $100 million worldwide.

15. Justice League (2017)

“Justice League” is a superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name. It was directed by Zack Snyder and released in 2017. The film stars Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, and Ray Fisher in lead roles.

The story of the film follows Batman (played by Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) as they assemble a team of superheroes, including The Flash (played by Ezra Miller), Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa).

Cyborg (played by Ray Fisher), to stop an intergalactic threat known as Steppenwolf from destroying the world.

“Justice League” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising the performances and action sequences, while others criticized the film’s plot and pacing.

The film was notable for its troubled production, with director Zack Snyder stepping down midway through the film’s production due to a family tragedy, and Joss Whedon taking over to complete the film.

The film underperformed at the box office, grossing over $657 million worldwide, which was considered disappointing given the high budget and expectations for the film.

16. Alien: Covenant (2017)

Alien: Covenant is a science-fiction horror film released in 2017, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, and Billy Crudup. It is the second installment in the Alien prequel series and the sixth overall film in the Alien franchise.

The story takes place ten years after the events of the previous film, Prometheus, as the crew of the spaceship Covenant discovers a planet that appears to be an uncharted paradise.

However, they soon realize that the planet is inhabited by dangerous creatures and must fight for their survival.

Alien: Covenant received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s visuals and performances, particularly Fassbender’s dual roles as androids David and Walter, while others criticized the film’s writing and lack of originality.

The film was a box office success, grossing over $240 million worldwide. Despite its mixed reviews, a sequel to Alien: Covenant has been discussed, but as of now, no official announcement has been made.

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17. Coco (I) (2017)

“Coco” is a 2017 American 3D computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Lee Unkrich.

The film tells the story of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, but is forbidden by his family to pursue his passion.

When he accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, he embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his family history and unlock the secrets of his musical heritage.

The film features the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt, among others. The film’s music, which features traditional Mexican songs and original compositions, was composed by Michael Giacchino and co-written by Germaine Franco.

“Coco” was a critical and commercial success, receiving universal acclaim for its animation, storytelling, music, and cultural representation.

The film won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Remember Me”).

It grossed over $807 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of all time in Mexico and the highest-grossing original animated film of all time until it was surpassed by “Frozen II” in 2019.

18. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” is a 2017 fantasy action-adventure film directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg.

The film is the fifth installment in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and follows Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, as he searches for the Trident of Poseidon to defeat his old nemesis, Captain Salazar, played by Javier Bardem.

The film also stars Geoffrey Rush, Brenton Thwaites, and Kaya Scodelario. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances and visual effects but criticized the plot and lack of originality.

“Dead Men Tell No Tales” was a box office success, grossing over $794 million worldwide on a budget of $230 million.

However, it is considered by many to be the weakest entry in the franchise, with some fans feeling that the series has become tired and repetitive. Nevertheless, the film remains popular among fans of the franchise and action-adventure movies in general.

19. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is a 2017 superhero film directed by Jon Watts and co-produced by Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures. The film stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and follows his struggles to balance his superhero duties with his normal high school life.

The film takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features appearances from other MCU characters such as Tony Stark/Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.) and Happy Hogan (played by Jon Favreau).

The plot revolves around Spider-Man’s attempts to stop the villainous Vulture (played by Michael Keaton) from selling dangerous alien technology on the black market.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” was praised for its humor, characterization, and action sequences, as well as Holland’s performance as the titular character.

It also marked the first standalone Spider-Man film within the MCU, and served as a fresh take on the character following previous film adaptations.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $880 million worldwide, and paved the way for further Spider-Man films within the MCU.

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20. It (I) (2017)

It is a 2017 supernatural horror film directed by Andy Muschietti and based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen King.

The film is set in the town of Derry, Maine, where a group of children, known as the “Losers Club,” are terrorized by a shape-shifting entity that takes the form of their greatest fears.

As the children face their fears and confront the entity, they realize that it is responsible for the disappearances of many children in the town, and that they must band together to defeat it.

The film features an ensemble cast of young actors, including Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, and Jeremy Ray Taylor, as well as Bill Skarsgård as the titular creature, Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

It received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and use of suspense and horror elements. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $700 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing horror film of all time at the time of its release.

The success of the film led to a sequel, It Chapter Two, which was released in 2019 and followed the Losers Club as adults returning to Derry to face the entity once again.

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21. Split (IX) (2016)

The correct title of the movie is “Split”, not “Split IX”. Split is a psychological horror-thriller film released in 2016, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Betty Buckley.

The movie follows Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with dissociative identity disorder who kidnaps three teenage girls and holds them captive in an undisclosed location.

As the girls try to escape, they begin to realize that their captor has multiple personalities, each with its own unique traits and motivations. Meanwhile, Kevin’s therapist tries to uncover the truth about his condition and the dangerous entity known as “The Beast.”

Split received positive reviews from critics, who praised McAvoy’s performance and Shyamalan’s direction. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $278 million worldwide.

In 2019, a sequel titled “Glass” was released, which served as a continuation of the story from both Split and Shyamalan’s previous film “Unbreakable”.

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22. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

“A Dog’s Purpose” is a comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström, released in 2017. The film stars Josh Gad, Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, and Dennis Quaid in lead roles.

The story of the film follows a dog named Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad) who is reincarnated several times, experiencing different lives and owners, and discovering the purpose of his existence.

“A Dog’s Purpose” was praised for its heartwarming story and the performance of its lead actor, Josh Gad. The film was noted for its exploration of themes such as loyalty, love, and the bond between dogs and their owners.

However, the film also faced controversy after a video surfaced online showing a dog being allegedly mistreated during filming, which led to calls for a boycott of the film.

The American Humane Association later investigated the incident and cleared the filmmakers of any wrongdoing. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $205 million worldwide.

23. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a science fiction film released in 2017, directed by Luc Besson and starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.

The film is based on the French science fiction comics series Valérian and Laureline, created by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières.

The story takes place in the 28th century, as special operatives Valerian and Laureline are tasked with maintaining order throughout the universe.

They are sent to Alpha, a massive metropolis where various alien species live together in peace, to investigate a mysterious threat to the city.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s visuals and imaginative world-building, while others criticized the film’s writing and performances.

The film was a box office disappointment, grossing just over $225 million worldwide against a production budget of over $200 million. Despite the film’s lackluster performance, Besson has expressed interest in making a sequel, although no official plans have been announced.

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24. Get Out (I) (2017)

“Get Out” is a 2017 American horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele in his directorial debut.

The film follows Chris, a young African-American man, who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate and becomes ensnared in a more sinister reason for the invitation than he first thought. As the story unfolds, Chris uncovers a disturbing secret about his girlfriend’s family.

The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, and Catherine Keener in leading roles. The film was praised for its commentary on race relations in the United States, and its unique blend of horror and social commentary.

“Get Out” was a commercial success, grossing over $250 million worldwide on a budget of just $4.5 million. It was also a critical success, receiving widespread critical acclaim and several award nominations, including four Academy Award nominations and a win for Best Original Screenplay for Jordan Peele.

The film is considered a modern classic in the horror genre, with Peele’s direction and screenplay being highly praised.

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25. The Glass Castle (2017)

“The Glass Castle” is a 2017 biographical drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Jeannette Walls and follows her difficult upbringing with her dysfunctional family, including her alcoholic father and unconventional mother.

The film stars Brie Larson as Jeannette Walls, along with Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watts, and Max Greenfield. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances but criticized the film’s disjointed storytelling.

“The Glass Castle” was a box office disappointment, grossing only $22 million worldwide on a budget of $9 million. However, it has since gained a cult following and critical reappraisal.

The film is praised for its honest portrayal of the difficulties faced by those growing up in dysfunctional families, as well as the strength and resilience needed to overcome them.

Best 2017 Movies – Wrap Up

2017 was a great year for movies, with a range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films across genres. Here are some of the best 2017 movies:

“Get Out”: Directed by Jordan Peele, this horror film explores the experiences of a Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family, and is a biting social commentary on race relations in America.

“The Shape of Water”: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this fantasy romance film tells the story of a mute janitor who falls in love with a captured aquatic creature in a government laboratory, and won Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

“Lady Bird”: Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, this coming-of-age film follows a high school senior in Sacramento, California, and features outstanding performances from Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf.

“Dunkirk”: Directed by Christopher Nolan, this war film depicts the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II, and is a cinematic tour-de-force of tension and suspense.

“Call Me by Your Name”: Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this romantic drama is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of first love and self-discovery.

Other notable 2017 movies include “The Big Sick,” “Baby Driver,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Blade Runner 2049.”