The 10 Best Movies of 2017 (So Far)
There are good movies, bad movies, and movies that fall somewhere in between. In any given year, there are countless films released that leave viewers either inspired or underwhelmed. Sometimes it’s easy to spot a bad movie from the moment you see its trailer. Other times, it takes some time for a movie to reveal just how unremarkable it is.
It’s safe to say that no one expects every film they see to be great. That being said, there are certain films that stand out as exceptional and well worth watching. Thankfully for us as viewers, independent filmmakers have created some extraordinary films this year that have left audiences talking long after the final credits rolled.
10. The Big Sick
The Big Sick tells the true story of how comedian Kumail Nanjiani met his now-wife, Emily V. Gordon. The two were dating when Gordon fell ill and was placed in a medically induced coma. Nanjiani became her primary caregiver and bonded with her parents, who are Pakistani immigrants.
Nanjiani’s parents initially want to break up the couple due to cultural differences, but Nanjiani and Gordon circumvent this by marrying in secret. The movie’s excellent script is full of laugh-out-loud moments and is a poignant commentary on the nature of modern-day relationships. The story is reminiscent of the romantic comedies of the 1990s and serves as a reminder that the genre still has a lot to offer audiences today.
9. The Lego Batman Movie
By their very nature, animated films are remarkably creative. But every so often, a filmmaker decides to use these films as an opportunity to make a social statement. In The Lego Batman Movie, the filmmakers clearly made it their mission to show young viewers that they are not alone. The Lego Batman Movie resonates with viewers who have ever felt unappreciated or misunderstood.
The film centers on a Batman who is content with being a loner who lives in a state of perpetual solitude. This changes thanks to the arrival of a new Robin who believes Batman is needed in order to save the world from a super villain who seeks to destroy Gotham City. It’s a fun, clever spin on the classic dynamic between a mentor and a mentee.
8. Hello, My Name Is Doris
The movie Hello, My Name Is Doris is not for everyone. It’s a quirky dramedy about an elderly woman who has been alone for some time. One day, Doris meets a man her own age named John who attends her retirement community. John is a charming and handsome playboy who has no intention of settling down.
Doris is immediately infatuated with John, whose antics cause her to question what it would be like to be in a relationship again. The movie is a quirky and often crass comedy that may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth a watch. Hello, My Name Is Doris is a sweet and honest look at the trials and tribulations of dating as a senior citizen.
7. The Edge of Seventeen
The Edge of Seventeen is a teen dramedy about a high school student named Nadia whose world is rocked when her best friend, Krista, begins dating her brother. The film is essentially a modernized version of classic teen films like The Breakfast Club. It’s a realist look at a young woman who feels as though she doesn’t fit in and doesn’t know where she belongs.
The Edge of Seventeen is a film that many viewers can relate to, regardless of their age or gender. It’s a film that stands out from the rest due to its seemingly effortless ability to address issues that viewers may not have known they needed to hear addressed.
6. Kedi
Kedi is an interesting documentary that follows a group of cats that live in Turkey. The documentary reveals that these cats have a rich cultural history and are considered a staple of Turkish society. Kedi is an exceptional documentary. It’s a film that is as charming as it is entertaining. The documentary is a delightful look into the lives of these cats and the relationship they have with their human neighbors.
Kedi is likely to leave viewers feeling renewed and uplifted thanks to its near-perfect blend of humor and charm. The documentary is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest things.
5. Loving
Loving is a biopic that tells the story of an interracial couple named Richard and Mildred Loving who were arrested for their relationship and later sued the state of Virginia. The couple’s lawsuit led to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down all state bans on interracial marriage. While the film may sound like it’s the stuff of history textbooks, it is an extremely intimate and personal account of a couple who loved each other despite their differences.
Loving is an exceptional film that explores a subject in a way that is both engaging and accessible to those who are unfamiliar with its subject matter. This is a film that is both universal and important.
4. Hell or High Water
Hell or High Water is a Western about two brothers who decide to rob banks in a small town in Texas after their family’s farm is foreclosed on. The brothers, who are played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster, rob banks with the intention of getting the money that the banks have wrongfully taken from them. The film explores themes of family and identity, as well as how one bad decision can lead to a chain of unfortunate events.
Hell or High Water is a film that has received great reviews from critics. It’s an excellent example of how Westerns are able to transcend their setting and be as relevant today as they were decades ago.
3. Hidden Figures
Hidden Figure is a biopic about three black mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. The film follows women that many people have likely never heard of. The film is a fascinating and heartwarming look at how these women overcame the prejudice they faced both in their professional and personal lives. Hidden Figure is a film that is both inspiring and relevant.
It serves as a reminder that there are people who work diligently behind the scenes to make our lives better and often go unrecognized for their efforts. It’s a film that is a must see for everyone and one that will leave viewers with a greater appreciation for what many people have contributed to society.
2. A Quiet Place
A Quiet Place follows a family who must live in silence, as their home is surrounded by creatures that can hear as well as smell. The family must stay quiet and avoid making noise in order to survive. The film is a unique and imaginative look at what could happen if humans were to be faced with a new kind of enemy.
A Quiet Place is a suspenseful and terrifying film that is sure to leave audiences breathless. The film explores themes of family, parenthood, and sacrifice in a way that is as engaging as it is frightening. A Quiet Place is a must-see film and one that will likely leave audiences talking long after they leave the theater.
1. Get Out
Get Out is a horror film that follows an African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s parents in their upscale home. The man feels an immediate sense of unease and begins to question why his girlfriend has never spoken of her parents. The film explores themes of racism and the dangers that can lurk behind closed doors. Get Out is a unique film that is as important as it is entertaining.
It’s a film that has received critical acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. Get Out is a film that will leave viewers talking long after it has concluded. It’s a film that demands to be seen.
