Intriguing, enchanting, and entertaining, these are the movies that made this year awesome, in terms of cinema. Welcome to MMM and today I’m counting down the best of 2017 films based on my own enjoyment of them.
Before I begin, this is part of a list of film countdowns spanning over a 5 year radius from 1967 to 2017, ending today with today’s countdown. If you don’t see a film that you think should have made the list, please comment.
Also keep in mind, I have not seen other popular or brilliant 2017 films that perhaps would have made the list.
On a fun note, I wish you all a joyous New Year’s Eve and happy New Year!
#10: Spider-Man: Homecoming (Superhero)
This being the 16th film in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), after having his adventure in “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), Peter Parker/Spider-Man (BAFTA winner Tom Holland) must deal with his double life as both high school student and crime fighter, while also must thwart the plans of the villain Vulture (Oscar nominee Michael Keaton).
Highlights: Cast, performances, humor, sound and visual effects, and charm.
#9: Dunkirk (War)
Already praised as Oscar nominee Christopher Nolan’s best work, as well as one of the greatest war movies ever made, the film follows the portrayal of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II which involved Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British and the French surrounded by the German Army, and the evacuation consists of transportation by land, sea, and air.
Highlights: Cast including Oscar nominees Kenneth Branagh and a frequent Nolan collaborator Tom Hardy, and Oscar winner Mark Rylance, performances, direction, thrills, music score by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, sound and visual effects.
#8: Wonder Woman (Superhero)
Considered by many to be the best entry of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe), as well as this being Wonder Woman’s solo and backstory outing, after learning that the world is in danger due to World War I, Amazonian Diana (Gal Gadot) decides to leave her home, prevent the chaos, and bring harmony to humanity, while also transforms from naïve warrior to inspiring heroine.
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, direction, costume and production design, music score by Primetime Emmy nominee Rupert Gregson-Williams, sound and visual effects, and charm.
#7: Thor: Ragnarok (Superhero)
Regarded to be the best film of the Thor trilogy, and this being the 17th film in the MCU, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) must participate in a gladiatorial contest against his former ally; the Hulk/Bruce Banner (Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo), as well as stop the powerful Goddess of Death; Hela (Oscar winner Cate Blanchett) from destroying his home.
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, humor, action sequences, charm, sound and visual effects.
#6: The Big Sick (Biographical romantic dramedy)
Based on the non-fictional romance between the 2 lead characters, the film follows Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and graduate student Emily (Primtime Emmy nominee Zoe Kazan) who fall in love despite their cultural differences. When Emily ends up in hospital, Kumail has to deal with her parents (Oscar winner Holly Hunter and Golden Globe nominee Ray Romano), and his family’s traditions.
Highlights: Story, cast, performances, and humor.
#5: The Lego Batman Movie (Animated superhero comedy adventure)
When the Joker (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Zach Galifianakis) disrupts Gotham City once again, it is up to Batman (voiced by Primetime Emmy nominee Will Arnett) and his newly recruited Robin (voiced by Michael Cera) to save the day. Along the way, the protagonist learns about teamwork.
Highlights: Animation, story, cast, vocal performances, humor, soundtrack, and fresh take on the iconic comic book character.
#4: Kingsman: The Golden Circle (Action comedy adventure)
After their Kingsman Headquarters is destroyed by the dangerously charming Poppy (Oscar winner Julianne Moore), Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and Merlin (Mark Strong) travel to the USA where they encounter their American counterparts; the Statesmen, and need their help in defeating the villain.
Highlights: Action sequences, cast, performances, humor, and charm.
#3: Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (Action drama sci-fi adventure)
Easily one of the blockbusters of the year, this 8th outing focuses on Rey (Daisy Ridley) being trained by retired Jedi knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) while the rest of the Resistance gang fight against the First Order.
Highlights: Story, action sequences, cast, performances, occasional moments of humor, charm, music score by Oscar winner John Williams, sound and visual effects, and thrills.
#2: Beauty and the Beast (Romantic family fantasy musical adventure)
Serving as a faithful remake to the 1991 version, the film centers on the beautiful bookworm Belle (Emma Watson) who saves her father (Oscar winner Kevin Kline) from a hideous beast (Dan Stevens). During her imprisonment, she sees more than just his exterior appearance.
Highlights: Timeless story, cast, performances; live-action and CGI, musical numbers, costume and production design, and charm.
Before I reveal my top pick, here are some honourable mentions:
War for the Planet of the Apes
Okja
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
Despicable Me 3
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
#1: Coco (Animated fantasy musical adventure dramedy)
What could easily be the best animated film of the year, the story focuses on 12-year-old Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) who aspires to be a musician despite his family’s generations-old ban of music. He is then magically transported to the Land of the Dead and sets out to find out more about his family’s history with the help of the charismatic con artist skeleton named Héctor (voiced by Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal).
Highlights: Animation, story, themes, cast, vocal performances, humor, songs, and charm.
