Best Movies of 1997

A personal ranking across the films first publicly released in 1997, from carefully built crime drama to Japanese unease, Iranian conversations and large-scale popular cinema. Festival premieres count: The Butcher Boy belongs here through its 1997 Galway world premiere, despite a later UK cinema date. Children of Heaven offers a gentle route into the year; Cure and Lost Highway suit viewers wanting ambiguity. Funny Games and Nil by Mouth are particularly harsh adult choices. The order reflects the complete viewing experience, with practical differences in tone noted so the list can help choose a film.