Top Film Releases Of 2017: A Comprehensive List
Hey movie buffs! Let's dive into a cinematic journey and revisit the top film releases of 2017. This year was jam-packed with blockbusters, indie darlings, and everything in between. Whether you're a superhero fanatic, a drama devotee, or a comedy connoisseur, 2017 had something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's explore the movies that made 2017 a memorable year for film.
Blockbuster Bonanza
2017 was a year of massive blockbusters that shattered box office records and captivated audiences worldwide. Superhero movies continued their reign, while other franchises delivered thrilling installments. One of the biggest highlights was "Wonder Woman," a film that not only broke barriers but also delivered a powerful and inspiring story. Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film starred Gal Gadot as the iconic Amazonian princess, Diana Prince. "Wonder Woman" was praised for its strong female lead, compelling narrative, and stunning action sequences. It grossed over $821 million worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a critical darling. The film's success proved that superhero movies with female leads could be both commercially successful and artistically significant, paving the way for more diverse representation in the genre.
Another standout blockbuster was "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." Director James Gunn returned with his signature blend of humor, heart, and cosmic adventure. The sequel reunited the beloved team of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, as they embarked on a new mission to uncover the mysteries of Peter Quill's parentage. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" was a visual spectacle, filled with vibrant colors, imaginative alien worlds, and catchy tunes. The film's emotional depth, coupled with its hilarious banter, made it a hit with audiences of all ages. It grossed over $863 million worldwide, cementing the Guardians' place as one of Marvel's most popular and endearing superhero teams.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming" also swung into theaters, marking Tom Holland's first solo outing as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film offered a fresh and youthful take on the character, focusing on Peter Parker's struggles to balance his high school life with his responsibilities as a superhero. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" was praised for its energetic performances, witty script, and its seamless integration into the larger MCU. Michael Keaton's portrayal of the villainous Vulture added depth and complexity to the film, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in the Spider-Man franchise. The film's success further solidified Spider-Man's status as one of Marvel's most beloved characters, grossing over $880 million worldwide.
Indie Gems and Critical Darlings
Beyond the big-budget blockbusters, 2017 also saw the release of several indie gems and critically acclaimed films that resonated with audiences on a deeper level. These movies often explored complex themes, featured nuanced performances, and offered a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. One such film was "Moonlight," which actually had a limited release in 2016 but gained widespread recognition and won Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.
"Moonlight" is a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of Chiron, a young African-American man, as he grapples with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film is divided into three chapters, each depicting a different stage of Chiron's life. "Moonlight" was praised for its poetic visuals, its sensitive portrayal of marginalized communities, and its exploration of universal themes of love, identity, and belonging. The film's victory at the Oscars was a watershed moment for independent cinema, highlighting the importance of diverse voices and stories in Hollywood.
Another indie darling that made waves in 2017 was "Lady Bird," Greta Gerwig's directorial debut. The film is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in Sacramento, California, in 2002. Saoirse Ronan stars as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a rebellious and independent-minded teenager who dreams of escaping her suburban life and attending college on the East Coast. "Lady Bird" was praised for its authentic portrayal of adolescence, its witty and heartfelt script, and its exceptional performances. The film resonated with audiences of all ages, capturing the universal experience of growing up and finding one's place in the world. It received numerous accolades, including five Academy Award nominations, solidifying Gerwig's status as one of the most exciting new voices in American cinema.
"Call Me by Your Name" was another standout indie film of 2017, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film is a romantic drama set in northern Italy in the summer of 1983. Timothée Chalamet stars as Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old boy who falls in love with Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old graduate student who is staying at Elio's family villa. "Call Me by Your Name" was praised for its sensual atmosphere, its nuanced performances, and its exploration of first love and self-discovery. The film's evocative cinematography and its use of music created a dreamlike world that captivated audiences. It received widespread critical acclaim, earning four Academy Award nominations and winning Best Adapted Screenplay.
Genre-Bending Adventures
2017 wasn't just about blockbusters and indie dramas; it also delivered some truly unique and genre-bending films that pushed the boundaries of storytelling. These movies defied easy categorization, blending elements of different genres to create something fresh and original. One such film was "Get Out," a horror-thriller directed by Jordan Peele in his directorial debut.
"Get Out" tells the story of Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend's family estate for the weekend. As Chris spends more time with the family, he uncovers a dark and sinister secret that lies beneath their seemingly progressive facade. "Get Out" was praised for its sharp social commentary, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its clever use of horror tropes to explore themes of race, identity, and privilege. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $255 million worldwide on a budget of just $4.5 million. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won Best Original Screenplay, cementing Peele's status as one of the most exciting new voices in horror cinema.
Another genre-bending film that captivated audiences in 2017 was "Baby Driver," directed by Edgar Wright. The film is an action-comedy that tells the story of Baby (Ansel Elgort), a young getaway driver who suffers from tinnitus and uses music to drown out the ringing in his ears. Baby's life takes a turn when he falls in love with a waitress named Debora (Lily James) and tries to escape his life of crime. "Baby Driver" was praised for its innovative filmmaking, its energetic soundtrack, and its stylish action sequences. The film's unique blend of music, action, and comedy made it a hit with audiences, grossing over $226 million worldwide.
"The Shape of Water," directed by Guillermo del Toro, was another genre-bending masterpiece that blended elements of fantasy, romance, and Cold War thriller. The film tells the story of Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaning lady who works at a high-security government laboratory in 1962. Elisa's life changes when she discovers a captured amphibian creature and forms a deep connection with it. "The Shape of Water" was praised for its stunning visuals, its heartwarming story, and its exploration of themes of love, acceptance, and otherness. The film received widespread critical acclaim, earning 13 Academy Award nominations and winning four, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Animated Adventures
2017 was also a great year for animated films, with several standouts that charmed audiences of all ages. These movies offered stunning visuals, heartwarming stories, and memorable characters. One of the biggest animated hits of the year was "Coco," produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures.
"Coco" tells the story of Miguel Rivera, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician but is forbidden to do so by his family, who have a long-standing ban on music. On DÃa de Muertos, Miguel accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, where he embarks on a journey to seek the blessing of his deceased great-great-grandfather, a legendary musician. "Coco" was praised for its vibrant animation, its heartwarming story, and its respectful portrayal of Mexican culture. The film's music, composed by Michael Giacchino, Germaine Franco, and Adrian Molina, was also a highlight, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. "Coco" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $807 million worldwide and becoming one of Pixar's most beloved films.
Another standout animated film of 2017 was "Despicable Me 3," the third installment in the popular "Despicable Me" franchise. The film reunites Gru, Lucy, and their adorable adopted daughters, as they face off against a new villain, Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who is obsessed with the 1980s. "Despicable Me 3" was praised for its humor, its colorful animation, and its lovable characters. The film was a box office hit, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and becoming the second highest-grossing animated film of the year, behind "Coco."
"The Boss Baby" was another animated film that made a splash in 2017. The film tells the story of Tim Templeton, a 7-year-old boy whose life is turned upside down when his parents bring home a new baby brother who wears a suit and carries a briefcase. Tim soon discovers that his baby brother is actually a secret agent on a mission to stop a nefarious plot by Puppy Co. "The Boss Baby" was praised for its imaginative premise, its humorous writing, and its energetic voice performances. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $527 million worldwide.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, guys! A trip down memory lane revisiting the top film releases of 2017. From superhero spectacles to indie gems and genre-bending adventures, 2017 offered a diverse range of cinematic experiences that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're looking to revisit an old favorite or discover something new, these films are sure to provide hours of entertainment and inspiration. What were your favorite films of 2017? Let us know in the comments below!
