While 2017 hasn’t been the most stellar of movie years thus far, some standouts have made going to the theater still essential. From blockbuster to arthouse, from horror to romcom, here are the best movies of 2017 so far:
Alien: Covenant
Now this is franchise blockbuster done right. Ridley Scott goes full tilt into the Alien franchise origin story with a movie all about scope and grandeur.
Baby Driver
The best film of the year. Edgar Wright breaks away from leaning on genre or satire instead blending his influences into something truly unique. A masterclass in cinematic possibility as Wright pushes every aspect of film from sound editing and action stunts to their absolute maximum.
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Get Out
What praise has this subversive, sardonic film not received? Regardless all of it’s deserved as director Jordan Peele announces himself as our most surprising hot new auteur. Come for the memes, stay for the history lesson.
It Comes At Night
Apparently the trailer ruined the movie for many so, um, don’t do that. Going in blind this film becomes a suspenseful, disarming experience where the monster moves from exterior to interior without your noticing.
Logan
Hugh Jackman’s decades-long run playing Wolverine ended correctly. The first superhero movie where the characters just happened to be superheroes, Logan is equal parts western, road trip movie, and family drama. Oh and it’s the bloodiest movie in years.
Personal Shopper
Admittedly a languid, moody art film that will deny and challenge your expectations. Yet thanks to the combination of Kristen Stewart’s performance and director Olivier Assayas’ camera, this film will haunt you long after viewing.
The Lovers
A simple movie that pushes its premise to its whimsical breaking point. The cast is brilliant in exploring these manic-depressive egotists.
Your Name.
One of the most popular Japanese films ever made its American debut this year. The lighthearted high school teen drama beginning sucks you in, but soon you’re crying over this meditation on historical trauma and love’s timelessness.
