THE 20 BEST MOVIES OF 2017

I know exactly what you're thinking. We're nearly halfway through 2018 and people are about to start writing lists of the best films they've seen so far this year. Well, I'm here to buck that trend and present to you my personal top 20 from 2017 because, you know, there's no time like the present for you to read through this list. 2017 was another stellar year for film so without further ado, here's the 20 best movies released in the UK across 2017.

20) John Wick: Chapter 2

He may have had a new dog in this sequel but John Wick returned with the same attitude and glorious fight choreography that made the first such a major hit. If the closing moments of this film don't have you pumped for John Wick: Chapter 3, due next year, are you even human?

19) Lion

This film destroyed me emotionally in its final moments, turning me into a blubbering wreck as the end credits rolled. It's a beautiful film that symbolises the power of love through the story of one man's determination to find his family after 25 years away from them.

18) A Monster Calls

Another beautiful film, A Monster Calls showcased wonderful depths of imagination and a cast on top of their game, most notably newcomer Lewis MacDougall. This one is another real tearjerker too so make sure you have the tissues at the ready.

17) Paddington 2

I'll be damned if Paddington 2 isn't one of the most earnest films you could ever wish to see. It's sweet, charming and a lot funnier than I could have imagined, making it one of the greatest family films of all time. Period.

16) The Killing of a Sacred Deer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer had me in a trance-like state from start to finish. The story, the cinematography and performances, Barry Keoghan in particular, making for unnerving yet essential viewing.

15) The Disaster Artist

No film made me laugh as much as The Disaster Artist last year, James Franco's ode to Tommy Wiseau and the making of The Room, widely considered the best worst film of all time. If you watch this without seeing The Room you're doing it wrong because seeing that first makes this such a better experience.

14) Call Me By Your Name

A better love story than Twilight? You bet your ass it is. Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer really make Call Me By Your Name work so well because the chemistry they share in this film is unbelievably real. You may never want to eat a peach again after watching this however, there's no denying the beauty in Luca Guadagnino's work. 

13) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

James Gunn delivered in spades with this sequel to the smash-hit that introduced the world to this bunch of a-holes. There's plenty of stunning action, surprising amounts of emotion, tons of awesome songs and enough humour to split your sides. All of the cast are on top form and did I mention that Baby Groot is just the cutest?

12) Hacksaw Ridge

Mel Gibson made a triumphant return to the director's chair with Hacksaw Ridge, a film that focuses on the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honour. Its stunningly brutal depiction of war is enough to make you wince at times but the inspirational story of bravery makes this essential viewing.

11) Thor: Ragnarok

Thor had lost his way in the MCU a little with a lacklustre sequel and venturing off at the end of Age of Ultron. Thanks to Taika Waititi, Thor got his groove back with a rip-roaring and hilarious adventure that saw his popularity with audiences rise once again, which has since risen more with his role in Infinity War this year. Thor: Ragnarok made me feel like I was watching a Saturday morning cartoon, which is one of the biggest compliments I can give a comic-book movie.

10) Get Out

Who'd have thought that a horror would ever get such major awards recognition? Jordan Peele decided to break the mould with Get Out, a quite superb film that deserves every bit of praise received. To do it all on your directorial debut as well is quite an achievement.

9) Moonlight

The jubilation after that Oscars mix-up and when the world realised Moonlight was indeed the Best Picture winner should be enough to tell you how good this film is. Barry Jenkins' delicate screenplay mirrored the journey of Chiron to deliver a coming-of-age drama like no other.

8) Manchester by the Sea

If you want a masterclass in acting, look no further than Manchester by the Sea. This film silently blew me away with raw emotion, Casey Affleck's moment to shine being the pictured scene above where he breaks down in a police station. The film has a surprising amount of humour considering its subject matter however, Kenneth Lonergan expertly ensures it doesn't get in the way of the story being told.

7) Baby Driver

From the slick action through to the insanely talented cast and that killer soundtrack, there wasn't a cooler film than Baby Driver in 2017. Make sure you have your seatbelt on for this one.

6) Wind River

Taylor Sheridan's Wind River is one of those films that silently creeps up on you and lands a knockout blow without warning. Beautifully shot, wonderfully written and incredibly acted, Wind River is a future classic for sure.

5) La La Land

Damien Chazelle's ode to the glory years of Hollywood musicals and classic romances is so wonderfully crafted that it belongs in a museum. La La Land may not be everyone's cup of tea but there's no denying that this is sheer cinematic delight, the musical numbers and the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone making this so special.

4) Logan

They pulled it off massively with Logan. Hugh Jackman's last outing as everybody's favourite member of the X-Men was one hell of an emotional ride. It was just so different to what we've seen been done with the character before, Jackman saving his best performance in the role for this film. The final shot is one that will remain in the memory for a long time.

3) Blade Runner 2049

More than just a cynical cash-in sequel to one of the most beloved sci-fi films of all time, Blade Runner 2049 is a stunning example of how to make a worthwhile sequel to such a film. Denis Villeneuve's vision combined with Roger Deakins' masterful cinematography are an amazing sight to behold and dare I say, it might be better than the first.

2) War for the Planet of the Apes

Never in a million years would I have thought a film like this would totally blow me away like it did. Thanks to an incredible lead performance from Andy Serkis and some special effects wizardry, War for the Planet of the Apes is an emotional rollercoaster of a film that closes one of the great trilogies of our time in such a fitting manner. Long live Caesar.

1) Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan delivered yet again with Dunkirk, a film that will forever remain as one of the most intense cinematic visits I will ever experience. Just about every aspect of the film is perfect, Nolan's method of storytelling being a true masterstroke of genius to ensure the audience realise just how frantic this historical event would have been.