Let’s face the facts: 2017 was a fantastic year for films. Whether it is gorgeous fantasies, heartbreaking dramas or gripping thrillers, the year offered a wide range of films for movie-goers to savor. Given the sheer number of films I saw this year, it was difficult to pick ten that stood out above the rest.
Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of the year. These are films that resonated with me on a personal level and that I will remember in the years to come. If you are an avid movie-goer or interested in the art of filmmaking, I highly recommend checking these films out as soon as possible.
1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Dark, funny and deeply moving, Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is without a doubt the best film of the year. Writer/director Martin McDonagh has crafted a mesmerizing masterpiece that features brilliant performances, sharp dialogue and a powerful message. An outcry against injustice, the film explores topical themes such as racism, police brutality and sexual abuse. As a vengeful mother seeking justice for her daughter’s murder, Frances McDormand is phenomenal in the lead role. To be honest, I can’t remember the last time that a movie made me laugh, cry and cheer for a lead character this much. As powerful as the billboards Mildred creates to protest against violence in Missouri, it’s a movie that has become permanently etched in my memory.
2. The Shape of Water
Who would’ve thought that a movie about a mute woman that falls in love with a fish monster would be this good? Certainly not me. When I first saw the trailer for The Shape of Water, I thought the concept sounded rather strange and bizarre. However, Guillermo Del Toro’s film proved to be a welcome surprise. A visually stunning love story, it is one of the most original movies to come out of Hollywood in a long time. With the help of a strong cast, Guillermo Del Toro has crafted a beautiful love letter to Cinema. Although this may sound like an exaggeration, its simply unlike anything you will ever see this year.
3. Wind River
One of the most overlooked movies of the year was Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River. A gripping murder mystery, it sheds light on the horrific crimes committed against Native Americans. Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen deliver terrific performances as a pair of mismatched detectives solving a murder. Due to its disturbing subject matter, the film is at times hard to watch and certainly not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, Wind River is a spellbinding film that deserves to be seen. It delivers a powerful message that sticks with you and haunts your memories for days.
4. Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is one of the most intense war films I’ve ever seen. A breathtaking World War II epic, it wastes no time in putting the viewer into the battlefield. On a technical level, it is a groundbreaking achievement. The combination of sound and visuals put the viewer into the hellfire of the war. Although Dunkirk is not Christopher Nolan’s finest film to date, it may be his most accomplished. It serves as a worthy reminder as if we needed one of how good a director he truly is.
5. The Big Sick
Although I’m not a fan of romantic comedies, The Big Sick is an exception. A hilarious rom-com about a real-life romance, it renewed my faith in the genre. Kumail Nanjiani, whose life the movie is based on, delivers a star-making performance in the lead role and garners plenty of laughs. Its a tender, funny and heartwarming film about a romance between two people from different cultures. See it with someone you love, even if they don’t happen to like romantic comedies.
6. Maudie
It is not easy to bring a true story to the big-screen, but Maudie is one of those rare films that succeeds. A heartfelt biopic, it depicts the life of Nova Scotian artist Maud Lewis. Sally Hawkins delivers one of the best performances of her career as the famed artist. Its a simple yet powerful film that portrays the difficult life of a disabled artist. Although the film was overlooked during awards season, it is still worth seeing for Sally Hawkins’ extraordinary performance.
7. War for the Planet of the Apes
Dark, thrilling and emotionally powerful, War for the Planet of the Apes brought the apes trilogy to a stunning conclusion. This third installment is easily the best of the apes franchise. As Caesar, Andy Serkis proved once again why he is one of the finest motion capture actors working today. Few actors are able to capture the essence of a motion-capture character this well. With Caesar, Andy Serkis has crafted an iconic character that will not be forgotten in the years to come.
8. Baby Driver
In a Summer that offered its fair share of superhero movies, blockbusters and remakes, Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver stood out like a bright light bulb. A fast-paced action movie, it was the most unique film of the year. With its infectious mix of music and action, the film proved that action movies don’t have to be dumb. Instead, they can be both smart and entertaining at the same time.
9. Wonder Woman
As of late, comic-book films have begun to decline in quality. However, Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman proved to be a wonderful surprise and renewed my faith in the genre. Thrilling, entertaining and surprisingly emotional, it marked a return to form for the DC Cinematic Universe. The unexpected success of the film proves that there is still room for female-led films in the male-dominated superhero genre.
10. The Post
Perhaps, the timeliest film of the year was Steven Spielberg’s The Post. A captivating film about the power of the press, it shed light on an important time in American history. Although not many people know of the history of the Washington Post, the film educated viewers about it. In the end, Steven Spielberg’s film proved to be the perfect way to cap off an amazing year for movies.
The Film Buff 
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