2017 had no shortage of amazing films, but even among the many cinematic heavy hitters, some movies had an outsized impact. Here are four from the year that are considered the best of the best.
Wonder Woman
Originally created in 1941, Wonder Woman finally got the blockbuster film she deserved in the summer of 2017. Starring Gal Gadot in the title role, the movie follows Wonder Woman as she leaves her home on the island of Themyscira to save the day during World War I.
Wonder Woman was the ninth highest-highest grossing film of the year and was the highest-grossing superhero origin film of all time. This high-octane hit killed it at the box office and was one of 2017’s most-discussed films.
Dunkirk
Blockbuster war films have a tendency to be good, but Dunkirk proved just how phenomenal the genre can be. Set in 1940 during the German invasion of France, the film follows the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the city of Dunkirk.
Praised for its unusual structure and minimal dialogue, Dunkirk was a favorite of critics, which explains its numerous award nominations and accolades. However, audiences found themselves drawn to the film as well, which led to it being the highest-grossing World War II movie of all time.
Get Out
Part horror film, part social commentary, Get Out was the stand-out scary movie for 2017. The story follows Chris, a black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. While he encounters some of the normal awkwardness that intolerant family members can create, Chris soon realizes that something much more sinister is going on than just everyday prejudice.
This film marked the solo directorial debut of comedian Jordan Peele and left audiences hungry for more from this up-and-coming director. Get Out was nominated for two Golden Globe awards—Best Motion Picture and Best Actor. While it didn’t win either, audiences and critics had already made their voices heard, and their resounding message was that Get Out was the movie to see in 2017.
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut follows the life of teenager Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson in this charming coming-of-age tale about love, ambition, and mother-daughter relationships. As Lady Bird nears the end of her senior year in high school, her rocky relationship with her mother (portrayed by Laurie Metcalf) becomes even more strained when she reveals her decision to attend college across the country in New York City.
With a coveted 99 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Lady Bird wowed both audiences and critics alike and became one of 2017’s most beloved indie films.