As the year of 2017 came to a close, many prestigious independent films received their wide releases throughout the early months of 2018. After seeing all that I was keen on viewing (57 titles to be exact) I composed a definitive list of my favorite films of 2017. While the films listed are indeed my favorites of the year, note that the order in which they are presented in is not by quality but, by personal thoughts and feelings about said film. Without further ado, I present my personal favorite films released in the year, 2017.

18- American Made

An endlessly entertaining film with a compelling performance given by action star, Tom Cruise – 9/10.

17- Logan

One of the finest superhero films in years. Simply put; Marvel’s, “The Dark Knight” – 9/10.

16- Good Time

Robert Pattinson and Benny Safdie deliver some of the finest performances of the year. An exhilarating balls-to-the-wall thriller that never lets up – 9/10.

15- The Big Sick

A genuinely hilarious and truly heartfelt love story with some powerful performances and writing – 9/10.

13- John Wick: Chapter 2

A brutal, pumping, adrenaline-fueled action thriller that holds back no punches. Endlessly entertaining with some exceptional world building – 9/10.

12- It Come at Night

An intelligent exploration of fear and deception – 9/10.

11- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Frances McDormand gives the performance of a career. Wondrous writing and strong acting all around (mostly) – 9/10.

10- A Ghost Story

A poignant, thought provoking look at the perception of time and space around us. Truly moving and wholly original – 9/10.

9- The Florida Project

An acting tour de force from the entire ensemble. A truly moving and authentic picture – 9/10.

8- I, Tonya

Surprisingly heartfelt with some of the finest performances of the year. An emotionally riveting roller coaster with some well earned laughs throughout – 9/10.

7- Hostiles

A powerful lead performance from the legendary Christian Bale, along with some astounding visuals, an enticing score, and brutal, visceral action sequences – 9/10.

6- The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

The best screenplay of the year with some of the best, most genuine, performances to come out of traditionally non-dramatic actors – 9/10.

5- The Disaster Artist

A hysterical, yet surprisingly inspirational, biopic for the dreamers and go-getters – 10/10.

4- Brawl in Cell Block 99

Vince Vaughn gives the performance of a career as well as one of the year’s very best. Raw, unrelenting, and emotionally thrilling – 10/10.

3- Blade Runner 2049

Astounding visuals accompanied by a thought provoking screenplay with some of the finest action sequences of the year riddled throughout – 10/10.

2- The Shape of Water

A beautiful and poignant masterpiece not to be missed – 10/10.

1- Call Me by Your Name

The best, most sincere, and authentic romance put to film – 10/10.