2017 was full of excellent movies. There were almost too many good movies to see. Many I did not get to see such as The Big Sick, Lady Bird, and The Disaster Artist. This list is out of the movies I enjoyed the most out of what I got to see. Some movies like the ones listed are going to be missed out, but I will try to catch up on them one of these days (my movie list is big). I missed some potentially great movies I hear amazing things about, but I still managed to see some great movies this year. Some of these on my list is not the best from the most technical standpoint, but I love them. I would love to see your lists which you should comment below.
15. Logan Lucky
This crime-drama-comedy with Channing Tatum and Adam Driver went under a lot of radars. After a brutally hot day, I went to the theater just to be in a room with AC for about 2 hours. That was lucky for me to be able to catch this one because it is genius. Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) needs money, so he steals from a Nascar track with his brother Clyde Logan (Adam Driver). This adventure is hilarious but is able to tell a compelling story about this family at the same time. This is a must see if you are looking for one of the most fun movies of the year.
14. Detroit
Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit is one of the most intense and compelling movies of the year. Her most well-known work is almost always based on true stories such as Zero Dark Thirty and The Hurt Locker. Despite what the trailers and the name may lead, Detroit focuses less on the riots that happened, but more on this particular situation that happened that left several people killed by sadistic, racist cops. I wish it told the story that I was thinking it would tell, but overall still a powerful movie about a problem that is still going on in the United States.
13. Wonder Woman
It has been a long time since DC made a good movie. The last time I enjoyed one of their superhero flicks was Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. After the first trailer came up on YouTube of Wonder Woman I was shocked on how great it looked. Then after people got to see some glimpses of the movie, they said negative things. Everyone then had the mindset that DC is screwing things up yet again. Then the movie came out and blew everyone away. Not only is Wonder Woman one of the best superhero movies in recent years, but arguably the best DC movies. Hopefully, we can get more good movies out of DC. Aquaman is up next, so we will wait and see how that turns out.
12. War for the Planet of the Apes
Each entry in the latest trilogy of Planet of the Apes has been excellent. Arguably that each movie has gotten better as the story gets closer to the final film with all-out war between apes and humans. When the first movie was releasing, it was hard to believe that would lead to an excellent movie. A remake of the franchise seemed like a cash grab that will make money, but be poor quality. Instead, Matt Reeves made three excellent movies that seemed a bit ridiculous of him to make. The lifelike apes are stunning to look at. The story is so compelling from both the humans and the ape’s side. Then there are the awesome action scenes when apes are fighting apes or humans are fighting apes. These movies have it all, especially the last entry, War for the Planet of the Apes. 
11. John Wick: Chapter 2
The first John Wick might be my favorite action movie ever, if not it is in my top three. When I saw the trailer, I was not impressed. Okay, some guy is avenging is dog’s death, that sounds dumb. Instead, the movie has so much more with its story. There is an interesting criminal underworld and the dog all John had that was left from his late wife. On top of that, it has some of the greatest choreographed actions scenes I have ever seen in my life. Keanu Reeves is the ultimate killing machine in that movie. When a sequel was announced, I was excited but worried. Could they capture the same magic as the first? Yes, they did! I like the first movie more, but chapter 2 is still an excellent action movie that reveals more about this criminal underworld. If you have not seen either movie then stop reading this and go watch these movies!
10. Wind River
This could be just me, but I feel that Wind River is one of the most underrated movies of the year. I just did not hear anyone talk about it. Federal agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is investigating a raped and killed Native American girl. She ends up teaming with a hunter named Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) who helps her hunt down the man who did this. Jeremy Renner hunting down a rapist, nothing more than motivation to excitedly wait for him to take the monster down. The story is a slow burn, but it is worth every minute for how beautifully made it is. The tone is dark and so well done with the pacing. Once the climax hits, then everything goes from zero to a hundred. If you can withstand the slow pacing, you might fall in love with this crime mystery.
9. IT
The remake of IT is high on the list for two reasons. One, I love horror movies and needed a good horror movie which is rare. Two, I loved the characters who made this movie perfect. The actors who brought this movie to life did an incredible job. I had plenty of problems with the movie overall, but could not help myself to fall in love. As a horror movie, it is not that scary. More on the creepy side, but the storytelling and characters make it enjoyable no matter what genre it is. I am sold to see the sequel after how much I loved this one. If you need a good horror movie, this one takes the cake for 2017.
8. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
People are divided on whether they love or hate the latest episode of Star Wars, but I love this movie. If you have read my review of this movie then you know how I feel. If you haven’t then go give that a read. Sure, there are some glaring issues both on the small and big side. The strengths are strong enough to not be brought down by the weaknesses. More movies of this caliber need to take risks and not worry about how things will turn out. Studios need to let directors and writers take a movie to their own direction and that is what Disney did for episode eight. 
7. Thor: Ragnarok
Yes, another superhero movie on my list, but this won’t be the last either. I refused to go see this movie when I saw the trailer. It looked like the worst movie in the MCU. If you have read my review, which you should have by now, then you know I am in love with this movie. Thor: Ragnarok is easily one of the best movies in the MCU. Visually stunning, funny throughout, and is a great change for the character since his other two movies are not as beloved. If you are a fan of the MCU and have not seen this then shame on you. Go watch this hilarious and pretty movie.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Like many movies, I saw the trailer for the first Guardians of the Galaxy and thought it looked terrible. As this list goes, I might be a bid judging towards trailers. To be honest, I am not a huge superhero fan, but some movies lately have sold me. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is just as great as the first movie, if not better. These movies might be my favorite movies of the entire MCU catalog at least they are my top favorites. If you liked the first movie then you get more of what you loved with these hilarious group of heroes.
5. Spider-Man: Homecoming
There have been some pretty good movies based on the web-slinging hero, but not like this. Tom Holland is not only the best Spider-Man, he is Spider-Man! He was able to capture the personality of Peter Parker and his other life as the superhero so perfectly. Tom was able to do great action scenes along with being the funny and relatable character that Peter is. The movie is full of heart and is fun every single minute. This is hands down my favorite movie in the MCU.
4. The Shape of Water
Guillermo Del Toro’s latest movie might be the most beautiful movie of the year. This is said from both a visual and narrative perspective. The characters and story of this movie are full of heart. A woman falling in love with an amphibious man sounds so dumb but ended up being one of the best love stories in years. As of writing, this is the only 10/10 review I have given because this movie is a masterpiece. I am hoping that The Shape of Water can receive as many Oscars as possible.
3. Get Out
Jordan Peele’s debut directorial movie Get Out is one of the most brilliant movies I have seen all year. This thriller is funny, satirical, haunting, suspenseful, and will get your heart pumping and your mind thinking. I went in knowing nothing except for the fact that everyone who saw it during the release was in love. I had to see it for myself and I was sold by the word “horror”. This is not a scary movie but has the elements of horror. To me, horror does not need to scare you. Just the tone and themes of horror are good enough. If you want to be scared then you will not get that. If you want the things I listed above such as making you think and your heart pumping then this is for you. As unlikely as it might be, I hope that this wins an Oscar for something because it is too brilliant to not give an award to.
2. Baby Driver
I am a huge Edgar Wright fan. I have loved every movie he is done and the man is brilliant. I was so curious about how he will pull this drama off. Sure, there is a lot of comedy. The first act is quite comedic and light-hearted. As the story moves forward, tension goes up. The mix of comedy, tension, action, and music are blended so perfectly to create one of the most unique movies of the year. Edgar Wright is brilliant and is able to get the team of actors and crew to make it all happen. The action scenes are wonderfully choreographed. The car chases are some of the best I have ever seen. This is arguably Edgar’s best movie yet, and he will only get better.
1. Logan
I am shocked that a superhero movie is my favorite movie of the year. I am more shocked that this superhero is from the X-Men. Most of all, I am surprised that this is not just a superhero movie. When I saw the first trailer, I was wondering what kind of drama is this that stars Hugh Jackman. When a scene is shown to him with his claws. I realize this drama looking movie is the final Wolverine movie with Hugh. As a superhero movie, it is one of the best in the genre. Out of a movie in any genre, it is still one of the best. The story is compelling as Logan forms a relationship with X-23. Their relationship dynamic and growth feels natural. By the end of the movie, you are going to cry or come close to how touching the ending is. The R rating allows from brutal action scenes for people like me who love seeing blood and gore. The perfect mix of gruesome action and compelling storytelling that makes Logan one of the most special movies of its genre.
Images via Shutterstock, Babydriver-movie, Universal studios, Fox Searchlight, Marvel Studios, Disney, Warner Bros. Pictures, JohnWick.movie, Annapurna Pictures, Bleeker Street
Tristan Zelden 
Great list man, rather superhero heavy but nevertheless… nice!
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