2017 was a landmark year for cinema, delivering a mix of groundbreaking blockbusters, emotionally charged dramas, and visually stunning masterpieces. Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers, thought-provoking indie films, or Oscar-winning performances, this list of the 13 must-watch movies of 2017 has something for every cinephile.
From Christopher Nolan’s war epic Dunkirk to Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy romance The Shape of Water, these films not only dominated the box office but also left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Let’s dive into the best cinematic experiences of 2017—ranked not just by popularity, but by their ability to move, inspire, and entertain.
1. Dunkirk (Dir. Christopher Nolan)
Genre: War/Thriller | IMDb: 7.8/10 | Oscar Wins: 3 (Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing)
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is a masterclass in tension and immersive storytelling. Unlike traditional war films, Nolan avoids excessive gore and instead focuses on the psychological horror of survival. The film follows three intertwining timelines—land, sea, and air—as Allied soldiers attempt a desperate evacuation from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Unmatched Realism: Nolan used real ships and planes, minimal CGI, and practical effects to create an authentic wartime experience.
- Hans Zimmer’s Score: The ticking clock-like soundtrack amplifies the tension, making every second feel like a race against time.
- Non-Linear Storytelling: The three timelines (one week, one day, one hour) converge in a brilliant climax that redefines war cinema.
Best For: Fans of intense, dialogue-light films that rely on visual storytelling and sound design.
2. The Shape of Water (Dir. Guillermo del Toro)
Genre: Fantasy/Romance | IMDb: 7.3/10 | Oscar Wins: 4 (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, Best Original Score)
Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is a visually stunning fairy tale for adults, blending romance, horror, and political commentary. Set in 1962 during the Cold War, the film follows Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor who forms a deep bond with an amphibious creature (Doug Jones) held captive in a government lab.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- A Unique Love Story: The film challenges conventional romance with its unconventional yet deeply emotional relationship.
- Breathtaking Visuals: Del Toro’s signature gothic aesthetic shines, with lush colors and intricate creature design.
- Social Commentary: Themes of oppression, otherness, and love transcend the fantasy elements, making it relevant and poignant.
Best For: Viewers who appreciate poetic, visually rich films with deep emotional and political undertones.
3. Get Out (Dir. Jordan Peele)
Genre: Horror/Thriller | IMDb: 7.7/10 | Oscar Wins: 1 (Best Original Screenplay)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, redefined the horror genre by blending social commentary with psychological terror. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to uncover a sinister conspiracy.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Social Horror: A sharp critique of racism and liberal hypocrisy, disguised as a thriller.
- Twist Ending: The third act delivers one of the most satisfying and unexpected conclusions in modern horror.
- Cultural Impact: Sparked nationwide discussions on race, privilege, and the horror genre’s potential for commentary.
Best For: Fans of smart horror that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.
4. Blade Runner 2049 (Dir. Denis Villeneuve)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Noir | IMDb: 8.0/10 | Oscar Wins: 2 (Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects)
Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 is a rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor in visual grandeur and philosophical depth. Set 30 years after the original, the film follows Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a replicant who uncovers a world-altering secret that could plunge society into chaos.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Stunning Cinematography: Roger Deakins’ work is a masterpiece, with every frame looking like a painting.
- Deep Themes: Explores humanity, memory, and identity in a way few sci-fi films dare.
- Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch’s Score: A haunting, synth-heavy soundtrack that enhances the film’s dystopian atmosphere.
Best For: Sci-fi enthusiasts who love slow-burn narratives with deep philosophical questions.
5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Dir. Martin McDonagh)
Genre: Dark Comedy/Drama | IMDb: 8.1/10 | Oscar Wins: 2 (Best Actress - Frances McDormand, Best Supporting Actor - Sam Rockwell)
Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a darkly comedic yet deeply tragic exploration of grief, justice, and redemption. Frances McDormand stars as Mildred Hayes, a mother who rents three billboards to call out the local police for their failure to solve her daughter’s murder.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Powerhouse Performances: McDormand, Rockwell, and Woody Harrelson deliver some of the best acting of their careers.
- Sharp Dialogue: McDonagh’s signature wit makes even the darkest moments engaging.
- Moral Complexity: No character is purely good or evil, making the story feel painfully real.
Best For: Those who enjoy character-driven dramas with a mix of humor and heartbreak.
6. Lady Bird (Dir. Greta Gerwig)
Genre: Coming-of-Age/Drama | IMDb: 7.4/10 | Oscar Nominations: 5 (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay)
Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird is a semi-autobiographical love letter to adolescence, capturing the tumultuous relationship between a headstrong teen (Saoirse Ronan) and her mother (Laurie Metcalf) in 2002 Sacramento. The film is equal parts funny, heartbreaking, and nostalgic.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Relatable Storytelling: A universal tale of growing up, rebellion, and self-discovery.
- Saoirse Ronan’s Performance: One of the best portrayals of teenage angst ever committed to film.
- Authentic Dialogue: Feels like eavesdropping on real conversations, not scripted lines.
Best For: Anyone who’s ever been a teenager—or parented one.
7. Call Me by Your Name (Dir. Luca Guadagnino)
Genre: Romance/Drama | IMDb: 7.9/10 | Oscar Wins: 1 (Best Adapted Screenplay)
Call Me by Your Name is a sun-drenched, sensual coming-of-age story set in 1983 Italy. It follows 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) as he falls in love with Oliver (Armie Hammer), an American graduate student staying with his family for the summer.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Timothée Chalamet’s Breakout Role: His performance is raw, tender, and unforgettable.
- Stunning Aesthetics: The Italian countryside, lush orchards, and warm lighting make the film feel like a dream.
- Emotional Depth: A bittersweet exploration of first love, desire, and heartbreak.
Best For: Romantics who appreciate slow, intimate character studies.
8. War for the Planet of the Apes (Dir. Matt Reeves)
Genre: Action/Sci-Fi | IMDb: 7.4/10 | Oscar Nominations: 1 (Best Visual Effects)
The final installment in the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy, War for the Planet of the Apes, is a gripping, emotionally charged epic. Andy Serkis delivers a career-best performance as Caesar, the ape leader forced into a brutal conflict with a ruthless human colonel (Woody Harrelson).
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Andy Serkis’ Masterclass: His motion-capture performance is nothing short of revolutionary.
- Epic Scale: The battle sequences and snowy landscapes are visually breathtaking.
- Thematic Weight: Explores war, morality, and what it means to be human—or ape.
Best For: Fans of high-stakes action with deep emotional and philosophical layers.
9. The Florida Project (Dir. Sean Baker)
Genre: Drama | IMDb: 7.6/10 | Oscar Nominations: 1 (Best Supporting Actor - Willem Dafoe)
The Florida Project is a heartbreaking yet vibrant portrait of childhood poverty, seen through the eyes of six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her struggling mother (Bria Vinaite). Set in a budget motel near Disney World, the film contrasts the magic of childhood imagination with the harsh realities of life on the margins.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Brooklynn Prince’s Performance: One of the most natural child performances in cinema history.
- Social Realism: A raw, unflinching look at America’s hidden poverty crisis.
- Willem Dafoe’s Nuanced Role: His portrayal of the motel manager is both tough and deeply compassionate.
Best For: Viewers who appreciate neorealist films that shine a light on societal issues.
10. Baby Driver (Dir. Edgar Wright)
Genre: Action/Crime | IMDb: 7.6/10 | Oscar Wins: 1 (Best Film Editing)
Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver is a high-octane, music-fueled heist film unlike any other. Ansel Elgort stars as Baby, a young getaway driver who relies on his iPod playlist to drown out his tinnitus—and to time his escapes with precision. The film’s action sequences are choreographed to its killer soundtrack, making every car chase and shootout feel like a musical number.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Innovative Editing: The action syncs perfectly with the music, creating a rhythmic, almost dance-like experience.
- Killer Soundtrack: Features everything from The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion to Queen.
- Stylish Action: Wright’s signature fast cuts and vibrant colors make every scene pop.
Best For: Music lovers and adrenaline junkies who want a fresh take on the heist genre.
11. Phantom Thread (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
Genre: Drama/Romance | IMDb: 7.5/10 | Oscar Wins: 1 (Best Costume Design)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread is a sumptuous, psychological drama set in 1950s London. Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Reynolds Woodcock, a renowned dressmaker whose meticulously controlled life is disrupted by his relationship with a strong-willed waitress (Vicky Krieps).
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Daniel Day-Lewis’ Final Role: A mesmerizing performance from one of the greatest actors of all time.
- Exquisite Craftsmanship: The costumes, set design, and cinematography are all flawless.
- Unconventional Romance: A love story that’s as unsettling as it is beautiful.
Best For: Fans of slow-burn character studies with immaculate production values.
12. Logan (Dir. James Mangold)
Genre: Action/Drama | IMDb: 8.1/10 | Oscar Nominations: 1 (Best Adapted Screenplay)
Logan is not just a superhero movie—it’s a brutal, emotional Western about mortality and redemption. Hugh Jackman reprised his role as Wolverine for the final time, delivering a performance that’s raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable. The film follows an aging Logan as he protects a young mutant (Dafne Keen) from a sinister corporation.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- Hugh Jackman’s Swan Song: A perfect send-off for one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
- Gritty, R-Rated Action: The violence is visceral, and the stakes feel real.
- Emotional Depth: Explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the cost of immortality.
Best For: Comic book fans who want a superhero film with real heart and darkness.
13. Coco (Dir. Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina)
Genre: Animation/Family
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