10. IT
Look at that creepy mother-f*cker! Let's get something clear here: I HATE Horror movies! That's why you can imagine how shocked I was at how much I enjoyed this movie. On the surface, you think that "IT" is just a creepy clown movie, but it is so much more than that! It's a coming of age film that deals with the concept of facing your fears in a world that does not care about you! The young cast that headlines this movie showcases so much talent to oppose the legit terrifying performance of Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise the Dancing Clown. IT is scary, creepy, funny and ultimately a fun ride!
9. Okja
Basically a big metaphor for the meat industry, "Okja" is the only Netflix original movie on this list. Following the classic story of a girl and her super-pig. "Okja" exhibits heart similarly seen in movies like "E.T." or "The Iron Giant." Although sometimes cute and heartwarming, the story of "Okja" can make you down right sick to your stomach. I can't say it is an easy watch, especially if you have pets. All and all, it is a film worth watching once, and I have not eaten a hot dog since...
8. Dunkirk
War. War never changes. But director Christopher Nolan puts a new spin on how time factors into war in his latest film, "Dunkirk." Telling the daring story of 400,000 men trapped on a beach in enemy territory, "Dunkirk" follows three different story-lines converging on the land, sea, and air. Full of tension and drama, Nolan directs this war epic with nothing but the utmost respect and confidence.
7. Spider-Man: Homecoming
6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Ooooooooohhhhh!!! CONTROVERSY!!! Out of the fans this movie has split in half, I was on the side that actually liked the movie. I personally consider "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" to be one of the best written Star Wars films ever released. And while also the riskiest, this Star Wars movie is jam-packed with unforgettable character moments and set pieces never seen before in the franchise. And as dark as this film can get, it also aims to tell an inspiring story of not letting the past define your future, and I believe that is a message everyone can get behind.
5. War for the Planet of the Apes
Unexpectedly moving. That is how I choose to describe "War for the Planet of the Apes." The grand finale of a rebooted trilogy offers more than just apes with guns. It's a depressing tale complimented with incredible CGI and mo-cap performances. Rather than being built on action, "War" offers a plethora of character moments that ironically makes the apes more human than actual humans.
4. Blade Runner 2049
So a long time ago in a galaxy far away, I watched the first Blade Runner film from 1982, and despite people calling it a "cinematic masterpiece," I hated it. So when I learned that a sequel had been announced, I truly did not care. Then one random Friday night occurred, and I was invited by a couple of friends to go see it at an art house theater I never heard of. By the time the credits started rolling, I was left in a daze of shock and awe. "Blade Runner 2049" is as beautiful to watch as it is compelling. Although long and slow, "Blade Runner 2049" earns my attention with its immersive performances from the cast, damn-near phenomenal cinematography and stunning visual effects. "Blade Runner 2049" asks questions you will be stuck trying to answer for hours beyond.
3. Thor: Ragnarok
One of the funniest movies of the year, "Thor: Ragnarok" proves to be more of a slap-stick comedy that happens to have weird creatures, space gods and a friendly walking, talking pile of rocks. Directed by the hilariously eccentric Taika Waititi, "Ragnarok" follows Thor trying to stop the Goddess of Death, Hela, from destroying his home of Asgard. All while imprisoned on the gladiator fighting planet of Sakaar. This movie is just a flat out fun fast-paced thrill ride that will keep you smiling from beginning to end. Full of colorful and mesmerizing visuals to compliment the action and adventure, "Thor: Ragnarok" leaves you with the urge to go back and visit Sakaar!
2. Logan
And from the funniest film of the year, comes the saddest. "Logan" gives actor Hugh Jackman his final performance as the legendary character we know as "the Wolverine." And my God, he does not disappoint! After discovering he has a daughter, Logan takes the new young mutant, Laura, and the last remaining factor of the X-Men, Charles Xavier across the country in an effort the escape the enemies hunting them and what's left of Mutant-kind down. The action is raw and brutal, but the acting is as powerful as it is compelling. "Logan" brings to the table a film that even rivals "The Dark Knight." As the most emotionally driven Superhero Film to date, it is safe to say that it is best to watch this with a box of tissues at hand.
1. Get Out
STAY WOKE! Literally coming out of nowhere, Director Jordan Peele (yep. from "Key and Peele") creates a horror film that is intense as it is insightful. When Chris decides to go with his girlfriend, Rose, to visit her white family in a house located in the middle of nowhere, what follows is an unpredictable series of unfortunate events that calls into question the content of everyone's character. Smart, funny, and sometimes uncomfortable, "Get Out" crawls under your skin and stays there after you have finished watching...
