The Best Movies Of 2017

Ranker Film
Updated April 16, 2024 321.3K views
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225.5K votes
19.3K voters
121 reranks
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 2017.
Latest additions: Sniper: Ultimate Kill, Lost in London
Most divisive: The Shape of Water
Over 19.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Movies of 2017

Hilarious comedies, thrilling superhero movies, smart horror films, and engaging dramas comprise the very best movies of 2017. Receiving critical acclaim and earning millions of dollars at the box office, the best 2017 films are also some of the greatest movies of all time. What is the best movie of 2017?

Superhero movies like Wonder Woman and Spider-Man: Homecoming are just a few of the best movies this year. When it comes to 2017 sequels, John Wick: Chapter 2 and The Fate of the Furious both gave audiences hours of entertainment. This list of the best 2017 movies also includes sleeper hits, like Get Out and Split, as well as highly anticipated movies, like Dunkirk and Alien: Covenant

Vote up the films you think are the greatest movies of 2017. Feel free to add any good 2017 movies that are missing. You can also find more movies on The Best Movies of 2020 list.

  • Thor: Ragnarok
    1
    Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
    6,536 votes
    In the action-packed Marvel movie, Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest against his former ally, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). Stranded on the alien planet Sakaar without his mighty hammer, he must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarok - the destruction of his homeworld at the hands of the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). In this high-stakes adventure directed by Taika Waititi, Thor must fight for survival and rally against the impending doom. His journey is fraught with unexpected allies, classic Marvel humor, and stunning visual effects that earned the film an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.
  • Wonder Woman
    2
    Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen
    10,330 votes
    In the 2017 film Wonder Woman, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) is introduced as an Amazonian princess, living on the secluded island of Themyscira. Raised by her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), Diana's life takes a turn when American pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes on their shores. With tales of a massive war ravaging the outside world, Diana feels compelled to intervene. Leaving her home behind, she becomes Wonder Woman, fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars. The movie, an action-packed superhero adventure directed by Patty Jenkins, deftly explores themes of courage and sacrifice while offering a fresh narrative within the DC Extended Universe.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
    3
    Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper
    8,973 votes
    In 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, we see the return of the ragtag band of intergalactic misfits. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), aka Star-Lord, grapples with newfound revelations about his parentage while leading his team through a series of cosmic adventures. The group's camaraderie strengthens as they battle old enemies and encounter strange new allies. Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), and Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) all reprise their roles in this action-packed, humor-infused sci-fi epic. The film, directed by James Gunn, is a thrilling sequel to its predecessor, combining elements of adventure, comedy, and drama into a cohesive narrative that expands the Guardians' universe.
  • Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
    4
    Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black
    2,526 votes
    In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, four high school students (Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Ser'Darius Blain, and Morgan Turner) stumble upon an old video game console with a game they've never heard of - Jumanji. They are immediately thrust into the game's jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. The nerdy Spencer becomes a fearless explorer Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), football jock Fridge is transformed into diminutive zoologist Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart), popular girl Bethany turns into middle-aged professor Sheldon Oberon (Jack Black), and wallflower Martha evolves into deadly warrior Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan). To survive, they'll play as characters from the game, navigating treacherous terrain and battling dangerous creatures. The twist? You don't just play Jumanji - Jumanji plays you. To return to the real world, they must finish the game which turns out to be a quest of self-discovery for each of them.
  • It
    5

    It

    Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard
    5,589 votes
    In the enthralling horror film It, a group of adolescent friends, known as The Losers Club, are pitted against an ancient, shape-shifting entity. This demon primarily takes on the guise of Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård) to prey on their individual fears. Set in the seemingly peaceful town of Derry, Maine, this chilling tale unfolds over a haunting summer. As the kids grapple with their personal demons, they must also confront the deadly terror that lurks beneath their town's veneer. Directed by Andy Muschietti, It is a masterful adaptation of Stephen King's acclaimed novel that won MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming
    6
    Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey
    8,140 votes
    In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) grapples with his newfound superhero identity. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), he strives to balance high school life and crime-fighting in Queens, New York. An unexpected threat emerges from Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), a disgruntled contractor turned villainous Vulture. Filled with action, humor, and coming-of-age dilemmas, this Marvel Cinematic Universe installment provides a fresh take on the iconic web-slinger's narrative. The movie was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 90th Academy Awards, underlining its cinematic excellence.
  • Get Out
    7
    Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
    6,447 votes
    In Get Out, Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) is an African-American photographer, who sets out to meet his Caucasian girlfriend's parents for the first time. Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) assures him that her parents won't mind his race, but their overly accommodating behavior grows unsettling. Directed by Jordan Peele, this film deftly blends elements of horror and dark comedy. The narrative takes a chilling turn when Chris stumbles upon the family's disturbing secret. Garnering accolades like the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Get Out presents a unique spin on the traditional suspense thriller.
  • Coco
    8
    Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
    3,116 votes
    In the heart of Mexico, young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). However, his family has a generations-old ban on music. On Dia de los Muertos, a series of mysterious events leads Miguel to the stunning and vibrant Land of the Dead. Alongside trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), he embarks on an extraordinary journey to unravel the real story behind his family history. Coco is a captivating animation from Pixar that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2018. It beautifully blends music, folklore and family values into its plotline, offering a unique perspective on the Mexican culture.
  • John Wick: Chapter 2
    9

    John Wick: Chapter 2

    Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne
    5,904 votes
    Retired super-assassin John Wick's plans to resume a quiet civilian life are cut short when Italian gangster Santino D'Antonio shows up on his doorstep with a gold marker, compelling him to repay past favors. Ordered by Winston, kingpin of secret assassin society The Continental, to respect the organization's ancient code, Wick reluctantly accepts the assignment to travel to Rome to take out D'Antonio's sister, the ruthless capo atop the Italian Camorra crime syndicate.
  • Logan
    10
    Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
    9,197 votes
    In the gritty drama Logan, Hugh Jackman reprises his role as the weary, aging Wolverine. Set in a dystopian future, our protagonist is tasked with safeguarding Laura (Dafne Keen), a young mutant girl, from dark forces. Patrick Stewart returns as Charles Xavier, struggling with deteriorating health but still offering guidance to Logan. The film, directed by James Mangold, is a departure from traditional superhero narratives, delving into themes of mortality and legacy. It was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards - a first for a superhero movie.
  • Baby Driver
    11
    Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Jamie Foxx
    6,017 votes
    Baby Driver is a high-octane heist film, directed by Edgar Wright. Baby (Ansel Elgort), the protagonist, is a skilled getaway driver with a unique rhythm - he coordinates his daring escapes to his personal soundtrack due to a childhood trauma-induced tinnitus. His life spins out of control when he falls for Debora (Lily James), a sweet-natured waitress, and gets entangled in a dangerous heist plotted by his boss, Doc (Kevin Spacey). The movie, known for its distinctive blend of action and music, won an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing in 2018.
  • Split
    12
    James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley
    5,247 votes
    In the psychological thriller Split, Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man grappling with 23 distinct personalities, kidnaps three teenage girls. The captives must outsmart some of Kevin's more dangerous alter egos, including the fearsome Beast. As they plot their escape, the line between friend and foe blurs within Kevin's fragmented psyche. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, this film showcases an intense exploration of Dissociative Identity Disorder and its implications. It is the second installment in Shyamalan's Unbreakable trilogy, noted for its atmospheric tension and McAvoy's riveting performance.
  • Blade Runner 2049
    13
    Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas
    4,336 votes
    In the dystopian sequel Blade Runner 2049, Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a new blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, unearths an earth-shattering secret that could plunge society into chaos. His discovery propels him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who disappeared three decades ago. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this neo-noir science fiction film won two Academy Awards and is notable for its stunning visual effects and compelling exploration of themes like memory, humanity, and identity.
  • Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
    14

    Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi

    Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver
    4,342 votes
    In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the epic space opera continues. Rey (Daisy Ridley), now a burgeoning Jedi under the tutelage of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), seeks to hone her skills while grappling with her lineage. Concurrently, General Leia Organa's (Carrie Fisher) Resistance is engaged in a relentless battle against the oppressive First Order, led by Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and his volatile apprentice, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). As tensions escalate, alliances shift and destinies intertwine in this riveting installment. Directed by Rian Johnson, this film intricately weaves action, drama, and sci-fi elements into a compelling narrative that won the Saturn Award for Best Writing.
  • Beauty and the Beast
    15

    Beauty and the Beast

    Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans
    5,437 votes
    In the enchanting tale of Beauty and the Beast, Belle (Emma Watson), a bright and spirited young woman, finds herself entrapped in an enchanted castle. The castle's imperious master is a Beast (Dan Stevens), once a handsome prince, cursed by a sorceress for his arrogance. Amidst the opulent yet eerie setting, Belle befriends the castle's magical staff, leading to unexpected friendships. As she peels back layers of the Beast's harsh exterior, Belle discovers a kind heart beneath. This 2017 film beautifully weaves romance and fantasy, winning the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. The story compels viewers to look beyond superficial appearances, unfolding an unforgettable tale of love and transformation.
  • The Lego Batman Movie
    16

    The Lego Batman Movie

    Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson
    4,542 votes
    The Lego Batman Movie is a vibrant adventure in the world of animation, directed by Chris McKay. In this action-comedy, Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) fights to save Gotham City from the Joker's (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, while grappling with his own fear of being part of a family again. Alongside him, Barbara Gordon/Batwoman (Rosario Dawson) and Dick Grayson/Robin (Michael Cera) add charm and humor to the story. It won a BAFTA Kids' Vote award for Feature Film in 2017. The film's unique blend of comedy, action, and Lego aesthetics make it an engaging watch for all ages.
  • Dunkirk
    17

    Dunkirk

    Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy
    7,177 votes
    Dunkirk is a gripping war film directed by visionary Christopher Nolan. The movie unfurls the harrowing saga of the British military's miraculous evacuation from Dunkirk, France during World War II. The narrative is craftily split into three distinct timelines - land, sea, and air. On land, we follow Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), a young soldier desperate to survive. At sea, Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance) courageously sails his boat to rescue the stranded troops. In the air, fighter pilot Farrier (Tom Hardy) battles enemy aircrafts while facing dwindling fuel reserves. Dunkirk bagged three Academy Awards, testifying its technical brilliance and immersive storytelling.
  • The Greatest Showman
    18
    Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams
    1,911 votes
    The Greatest Showman is a vibrant musical drama that brings to life the tale of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), a visionary who rose from nothing to create the world-renowned Barnum & Bailey Circus. The film showcases Barnum's journey, his struggles, and triumphs, as well as the colorful troupe of performers he gathers along the way. Michelle Williams stars as Charity Barnum, his supportive wife, while Zac Efron and Zendaya play key roles as Phillip Carlyle and Anne Wheeler, two members of his extraordinary circus ensemble. Directed by Michael Gracey, this film won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2018.
  • Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
    19
    Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell
    2,589 votes
    After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter's murder case, Mildred Hayes makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby, the town's revered chief of police. When his second-in-command, Officer Dixon -- an immature mother's boy with a penchant for violence -- gets involved, the battle is only exacerbated.
  • Kingsman: The Golden Circle
    20

    Kingsman: The Golden Circle

    Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton
    2,983 votes
    With their headquarters destroyed and the world held hostage, members of Kingsman find new allies when they discover a spy organization in the United States known as Statesman. In an adventure that tests their strength and wits, the elite secret agents from both sides of the pond band together to battle a ruthless enemy and save the day, something that's becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy.
  • War for the Planet of the Apes
    21

    War for the Planet of the Apes

    Andy Serkis, Gabriel Chavarria, Woody Harrelson
    4,970 votes
    Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both of their species and the future of the planet.
  • Kong: Skull Island
    22

    Kong: Skull Island

    Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson
    4,096 votes
    Scientists, soldiers and adventurers unite to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. Cut off from everything they know, they venture into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery soon becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape from a primal world where humanity does not belong.
  • The Hitman's Bodyguard
    23

    The Hitman's Bodyguard

    Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman
    2,499 votes
    The world's top protection agent is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world's most notorious hit men. The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end of the bullet for years and are thrown together for a wildly outrageous 24 hours. During their journey from England to the Hague, they encounter high-speed car chases, outlandish boat escapades and a merciless Eastern European dictator who is out for blood.
  • I, Tonya
    24

    I, Tonya

    Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney
    1,283 votes
    In 1991, talented figure skater Tonya Harding becomes the first American woman to complete a triple axel during a competition. In 1994, her world comes crashing down when her ex-husband conspires to injure Nancy Kerrigan, a fellow Olympic hopeful, in a poorly conceived attack that forces the young woman to withdraw from the national championship. Harding's life and legacy instantly become tarnished as she's forever associated with one of the most infamous scandals in sports history.
  • Wonder
    25
    Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay
    1,731 votes
    Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie Pullman becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to discover their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
  • Paddington 2
    26

    Paddington 2

    Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins
    177 votes
    Settled in with the Brown family, Paddington the bear is a popular member of the community who spreads joy and marmalade wherever he goes. One fine day, he spots a pop-up book in an antique shop -- the perfect present for his beloved aunt's 100th birthday. When a thief steals the prized book, Paddington embarks on an epic quest to unmask the culprit before Aunt Lucy's big celebration.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
    27
    Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem
    3,483 votes
    Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Capt. Jack Sparrow feels the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost sailors led by his old nemesis, the evil Capt. Salazar, escape from the Devil's Triangle. Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it, he must forge an uneasy alliance with a brilliant and beautiful astronomer and a headstrong young man in the British navy.
  • The Shape of Water
    28
    Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins
    2,528 votes
    In the mesmerizing film, The Shape of Water, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor, forms an extraordinary bond with a creature held captive in the high-security lab where she works. The creature, played by Doug Jones, is an aquatic entity discovered in South America. As government agents and scientists, like Strickland (Michael Shannon) and Hoffstetler (Michael Stuhlbarg), seek to exploit the creature for their own interests, Elisa devises a daring plan to help him escape. This 2017 fantasy drama, directed by Guillermo del Toro, won four Academy Awards including Best Picture.
  • Murder on the Orient Express
    29
    Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer
    1,564 votes
    A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, the world's greatest detective -- Hercule Poirot -- arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again.
  • Lady Bird
    30
    Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet
    2,133 votes
    In the indie dramedy film Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan portrays Christine Lady Bird McPherson, a high school senior from Sacramento. She navigates her way through the trials and tribulations of adolescence, clashing with her mother Marion (Laurie Metcalf), who works tirelessly to keep their family afloat after Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. The movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is punctuated by Lady Bird's interactions with her best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein) and her romantic interests (Lucas Hedges and Timothée Chalamet). With five Academy Award nominations, it remains a compelling exploration of coming-of-age in early 2000s America.