Top 10 Best Movies of 2017

#10: “Blade Runner 2049” (2017)

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The long awaited sequel to “Blade Runner”, Ridley Scott’s seminal 1982 neo-noir sci-fi masterpiece, didn’t disappoint. The film is a visual delight made that much easier on the eyes thanks to its brilliant directing and numerous great performances, including those from stars Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling. “Blade Runner 2049” never makes you feel like it’s standing on the shoulders of its predecessor. Instead director Denis Villeneuve crafted more of a companion piece than a sequel, which enhances the mythos of the original while retaining its own identity. Suffice it to say, “Blade Runner 2049” was the best science fiction film of the year.

#9: “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)

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We dare say that “Thor: Ragnarok” is the most fun movie from 2017. It features a slew of new character additions, including big names like Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum ( two actors who, let’s be honest, never disappoint). Taika Waititi, whose previous work includes “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”, a couple of indie classics, directs this with serious verve. And it’s jam-packed with hilarious banter, incredible action sequences and enough Marvel Cinematic Universe references and cameos to keep hardcore fans enthralled from scene to scene. Between this film and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” we think it’s safe to say Marvel had a pretty good year.

#8: “Wonder Woman” (2017)

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Finally! A DC Extended Universe film that not only made a bazillion dollars at the box office but was actually well worth the price of admission! “Wonder Woman” is the female superhero flick the world had been waiting far, far too long for. It was a massive critical success, with much praise for Gal Gadot, who manages to humanize one of the most iconic characters in comic book history (while kicking ass). The film also stars Chris Pine and Danny Huston, and features amazing production design inspired by Greek mythology, as well some of the best directing of the year, courtesy of Patty Jenkins. “Wonder Woman” has set the benchmark pretty damn high.

#7: “Baby Driver” (2017)

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From the cast to the director to the writing to the soundtrack, cool heist flick “Baby Driver” has quality in spades. Ansel Elgort shines as Baby, an Atlanta-based getaway driver whose ear buds are practically glued inside his listening orifices. Sharing screen space with tinseltown heavyweights like Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx, Elgort more than holds his own, making it clear he deserves a spot at the table with the rest of the hottest Hollywood up-and-comers. Directed by Edgar Wright, the British auteur with a penchant for quick cuts, faster dialogue and tightly-woven, adrenaline-packed action sequences, “Baby Driver” is the film that had the best word of mouth in 2017.

#6: “It” (2017)

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This was certainly the “It” film of 2017. Based on the iconic 1986 Stephen King novel, this lively horror flick is without a doubt one of the scariest films of the year; but also one of the best. The acting is stellar, featuring a cast of incredible child actors – seriously, where do they keep finding these kids? – not to mention Bill Skarsgård, whose take on creepy murder-clown Pennywise is truly terrifying, “It” is one of those rare films that broke free of genre restrictions to become both a massive critical and commercial success. If you finished watching, and crave more adventures with The Losers Club, don’t worry: “It: Chapter Two” is scheduled for release in the fall of 2019.

#5: “Logan” (2017)

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If this is the future of superhero movies, we’re 100% down for it. “Logan” picks up with an aging Wolverine, who, along with a disease-riddled Professor X, works to overcome his rapidly declining powers in order to protect a young mutant named Laura. The film is unlike any superhero movie you’ve ever seen, featuring incredible performances from Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart, as well as newcomer Dafne Keen, who will make you laugh, cry and cheer before the credits roll. Second only to “It” as the highest grossing R-rated film of the year, “Logan” is full of down-and dirty action sequences other “X-Men” films simply can’t compete with. This is Wolverine like you’ve never seen him before.

#4: “The Big Sick” (2017)

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Perhaps the most surprising film to make our list, “The Big Sick” is a heartwarming comedy with some serious dramatic bite, thanks to the performances of lead actors Kumail Nanjiani (of “Silicon Valley” fame) and Zoe Kazan. The plot focuses on the relationship between a couple with different cultural origins, forced to endure each other’s crazy families after one of them falls ill. It’s loosely based on Nanjiani’s real-life relationship with “The Big Sick” co-writer Emily V. Gordon. A critical, and somewhat unexpected commercial, success, “The Big Sick” is a delightfully engaging movie, with an awesome supporting cast, that mixes in a few tears with the laughs.

#3: “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” (2017)

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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” cracked our list of the year’s best films in 2015 and 2016 respectively, so it should come as no surprise that “The Last Jedi” has managed to keep the streak alive! The film stands out from recent “Star Wars” flicks in that it features both the return of Luke Skywalker and the final appearance of Carrie Fisher in the role of General Leia Organa, (though she’ll always be Princess Leia to us!) Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the film is a roller coaster ride of intergalactic space battles and unforeseen twists guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

#2: “Dunkirk” (2017)

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A surefire Oscar nominee, “Dunkirk” is a World War II epic which tells the story of the famous evacuation of 1940, which saw more than 300,000 Allied troops rescued from the beaches of the northern French town after they were trapped by the German army. Proving once again that most everything he touches turns to cinematic gold, director Christopher Nolan is in fine form, weaving together a pulse-pounding narrative, light on dialogue, that never attempts to glamorize the historical event it’s depicting. Critics were quick to call it one of the greatest war movies of all time, but for now we’ll simply call it the greatest war movie of the year! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “The Disaster Artist” (2017) “Lady Bird” (2017) “John Wick: Chapter 2” (2017) “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) “The Shape of Water” (2017)

#1: “Get Out” (2017)

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The most talked-about and widely-celebrated horror film of the year, “Get Out” easily nabs the top spot on our list thanks to its visual style, unique narrative and biting social commentary on race relations in America. Comedian Jordan Peele’s feature debut tells the story of interracial couple Chris and Rose, who travel to Rose’s parents’ house for a get-together; but as with all horror movies, something is amiss, and Chris suspects Rose’s family has something quite sinister planned for him. A tense (and often very funny) thriller with 2017’s best shock-and-awe value per scene, “Get Out” is the horror flick people will be talking about for years to come.