Our Top Picks for the Best Movies of 2017

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It’s no secret that 2017 was a rough year for so many of us around the world, but it was not too shabby a year for film. From superheroes to legends, to original favorites, this year delivered a ton of stand-out films that will have so many of us charmed for years to come.

As we head into the new year and awards season, we take a look at some of the best films of 2017. Did your favorites make the cut?

Logan

Alex Keobke: With the emergence of Deadpool in 2016, Hollywood started to feel more confident in portraying the grittier side of superheroes. But as entertaining as Deadpool was, Logan – which released in March and also earned an R Rating — was perhaps a more enjoyable film. Fans already knew to expect something special, for as it stands it marked the last chance to see Hugh Jackman in the role of Wolverine and Patrick Stewart portraying Charles Xavier. Thankfully, they didn’t disappoint. Combining some of the most visceral combat in cinematic history with some heartfelt moments, helped in part by newcomer Dafne Keen, and you have what was my favorite movie of the year. With a critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes of 93 percent and a box office total of close to $700 million, you can also rest easy that I’m not alone in that opinion.

Wonder Woman

Elizabeth The: 2017 was the year of the woman, and one of the wonderful women leading the female-empowered movement was Wonder Womanherself. When it seems like the world is waging a war on women, the determined, strong, graceful, and loving Diana Prince emerged as the superhero we need. In Wonder Woman’s feature film debut, the Amazonian warrior changed the game for female representation in entertainment. Through the long-awaited box office-smashing and critical hit-making Wonder Woman standalone film, DC’s saving grace broke the perception that there isn’t a market for female-driven movies by proving that audiences want to watch female action heroes again and again. As a result of the film’s success, director Patty Jenkins scored a huge win for aspiring female directors everywhere and actress Gal Gadot ascended in Hollywood as the breakout actress of the year.

Justice League

Tania Hussain: Justice League follows on the heels of Wonder Woman, DC Entertainment’s most successful and positively reviewed film yet. But while the reviews for this film were critiqued most negatively, it remained again another favorite by fans for a franchise long anticipated on the big screen. Any superhero fan could see that the film is a solid outing, full of potential for their own independent character chapters with a fun family vibe. Not only are Wonder Woman and Batman emerging as leaders of a great team, but the dynamics played between everyone proved to be exciting as we see their relationships unfold. Moreover, The Flash is a character who steals the show and gives fans a glimpse of what to expect of Barry Allen on the big screen should he get his own movie. No matter what side of the DC-Marvel debate you are on, it’s not hard to see that this film was made for the fans and that Justice League is in a class of its own when it comes to tone and direction. It’s not “Disney” by any means, and definitely doesn’t need to appease anyone else but the hardcore DC fans.

Thor: Ragnarok

Katherine Hernandez: Lots of great superhero movies came out this year, but the absolute best, and my favorite overall of 2017, is Thor: Ragnarok. As someone who wasn’t a fan of past Thor films, this one had everything that makes Marvel movies great. It was full of humor and heart, the chemistry between Thor and Hulk was brilliant, and the new additions like Valkyrie, the Grandmaster, and Korg were highlights of the movie. Plus, this is the only movie so far where Loki has been tolerable, if not even a little bit charming.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Desi Rottman: To be honest, this is the only new movie I saw this year, but I think it still would have been a favorite. I’m not a huge Star Wars fan and had actually not even seen them until last year, but I went on opening night to check out the new installment. It was really cool to see how into it people were (I’ve never been in a theater where people are cheering and clapping during the whole movie) and the expert storytelling kept me engaged throughout the long, long movie.

Nicole Drum: This movie blew me away. I’ve loved the Star Wars movies since I was a child and the franchise holds a huge, sentimental and special place in my heart for reasons that would take me pages to get into. But even for the love (and that includes digging deep into the expanded universe and books) I’ve never really felt like Star Wars had a place for me. As a girl, I never saw myself reflected outside of Carrie Fisher’s incredible Princess Leia. But in The Last Jedi, I finally felt like not only was there a place for me in Star Wars, but that the whole universe had been blown wide open. I know there are those who disagree, but this film was better than The Empire Strikes Back. Truly, it’s the dawn of a new chapter and I can’t love this movie more.

Beauty and the Beast

Jessica Fritz: Three words: Emma Watson singing. She killed the vocals in the movie, which takes place in a dreamy (albeit narrow-minded) Parisian village, and finds love in a hopeless place! It’s got everything from catchy dance numbers to heartbreaking moments, and it’s a live-action Disney classic to boot!

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What were your favorite movies from the past year? Share with us in the comments below.