Best Movies of 2017

A considered ranking across the year's horror, comedy, animation, intimate drama and large-scale filmmaking. The order favours distinctive direction, performances and a complete film's staying power over awards or box office. Get Out is an inviting starting point for satirical suspense, Paddington 2 for generous comedy and The Rider for patient observation. Years follow first public screenings, including festivals, so First Reformed, The Rider and Mukkabaaz qualify through their 2017 premieres despite wider releases the following year. The notes explain the differences in pace and intensity without revealing major turns.