My Favorite Movies of 2017

Of the 42 movies I watched this year, 8 of them received a 4.5 or a 5 rating (out of 5). More than ever before, I seem to watch popcorn flicks on the big screen and more intimate movies on DVD/Netflix, and this list seems indicative of that trend.

Here are my top 8 movies I watched for the first time in 2017:

8. The Big Sick: This is such an odd movie, yet it works so well. It starts out as a typical dating movie, but then it delves into topics of religion before taking a huge turn when the girl goes into a coma. From then on, the movie is more about the boy and the the girl’s parents, which is a weird premise for a movie, yet it works.

7. War of the Planet of the Apes: This is another odd one, because it’s essentially a gritty war movie about POWs, except it’s mostly about apes, not humans. While I typically don’t enjoy war movies, this film makes it impossible for you not to care about root for the apes.

6. Kong: Skull Island: Have you ever gotten a good vibe from the first few minutes of a movie? I had a moment early on in this film where I thought, “Yes, I am IN!” Every frame of this movie is soaking in style and confidence.

5. Get Out: I almost didn’t watch this film, as I generally stay away from scary movies, but I’m glad I gave this a chance. I hope to see more “social thrillers” like this in the future.

4. Spider-Man: Homecoming: This is the Spider-Man movie I’ve always wanted…and that’s saying a lot, because I generally enjoy Spider-Man movies. I loved the humor, the action, the acting, and the place it occupies in the Marvel universe.

3. Wonder Woman: Of all the movies on this list, I think this is perhaps the one I’m most looking forward to watching again. Gal Gadot is a delight in every way, and I simply love how the movie looks at classic good vs. evil tropes.

2. Logan: I’ve never seen a superhero movie like this, and I don’t know if we’ll ever see one like it again. I’m literally without words in awe that this movie exists in the superhero genre.

1. Thor: Ragnarok: As good as Wonder Woman and Logan are, I flat out had the most fun watching Thor: Ragnarok. It’s beautifully shot, it’s entertaining and thrilling, and it’s laugh-out-loud funny throughout. I love this movie and can’t wait to watch it again.

As I finished this list, I realized that Star Wars: The Last Jedi didn’t make the list. I gave it a 4 out of 5. This isn’t a knock on the movie–it’s a solid movie, and I enjoyed most of it. I’m probably more likely to rewatch it than many movies on this list. So I want to give it credit, but it just didn’t reach the 4.5/5.0 threshold I used for this list.

Are any of these movies on your list? What are some of your favorites that I’m missing out on?

Here is last year’s list.

6 thoughts on “My Favorite Movies of 2017”

  1. Get Out really surprised me (in a good way). I think Wonder Woman was good, but a bit overrated. I was hoping to see Thor at the movies over the holiday break but it’s only playing once each day after 10pm. Maybe on the weekend it will have more options but I may have missed the window for that one. Movies I liked that werent on your list… Baby Driver & It. My biggest disappointment (Movie) for 2017 was Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

    Reply
    • As much as horror movies get under my skin, I’m looking forward to watching It on a small screen during the day with the volume control in my hand. 🙂

      Reply
    • I enjoyed Blade Runner 2049, especially the dynamic between the main character and the hologram lady, but it only got a 4 for me.

      Reply
  2. A bit late but I watched The Shape of Water this afternoon and wanted to make I had seen it before I talked about my favorite movies of the year. I don’t watch many movies at the theater so I have not seen a lot and I do tend to seek movies that challenge me rather than just for pure escapism. From the ones you have mentioned, I have only seen The Big Sick, Logan, and Get Out; all very good movies. Two have really stood out for me so far:

    Wind River: I have really enjoyed screenwriter Taylor Sheridan’s work (Sicario and Hell or High Water were my personal favorites of 2015 and 2016, respectively) so it’s no surprise I really enjoyed his directorial debut too. It’s a bleak murder-mystery and a bit of slow burn but man does it effectively build up tension until it just bursts in an unforgettable scene. Highly recommended.

    Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: My favorite of the year! It’s got 3 award-worthy performances in Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, and Woody Harrelson. Loved how each character had a well-thought out arc and the script had you laughing and then feeling devastated within seconds of each other. I hope people can get past the horribly boring title and see it. I’ll definitely be rooting for it come Oscar night.

    Have you seen them, Jamey?

    Reply
    • Thanks for sharing these, Charles! For me, The Shape of Water and Three Billboards were both very enjoyable movies, though they were 4s for me, not 4.5 or 5s. I need to check out Wind River.

      Reply

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