BEST Movies of 2017

So here we are casting our minds back on both the shining sensations and rotten corpses floating around what feels like a pretty vintage year in the cinema. Looking back to 2016 - HMBW's first official year in action - we endured many fantastic flops and some wonderful hidden gems. Fast forward 365 days and whilst 2017 may have disappointed the moguls in terms of box office takings, this year has been a triumphant procession of creative delights, highlighting the talents the all new diverse Hollywood has to offer. It's been, for me, one of the most successful years of recent times - making this final list of 2017's best all the more challenging! 

15. Alien: Covenant 

Once again Ridley Scott delivers a brilliant, terrifying work of cinematic gold that props itself nicely between the shoulders of past Alien films even though it may not be launching the series into new grounds. Covenant's unsettling atmosphere matched with Scott's timeless world building capture the idea of isolation and terror, that which made the original so iconic. Resulting in the finest Alien sequel since the 79 original. 

14. Hidden Figures

The industry's latest space bio-pic aims high with a perfect launch and landing whilst incorporating some exceptional star power throughout. Hidden Figures is a shining example of how bio-pic's should be made, reimagining a story that everyone knows but the women we don't. As the film gets's its message across, showing us the inequality of the racial divide at the time it never becomes forceful or overly preachy.

13. Paddington 2 

Stuck together as firmly as a marmalade sandwich, this is inspiring, uplifting and often dreamlike - driven by magical cinematography. Paddington 2 easily offers this year's most exceptional family outing. 

12. War for the Planet of the Apes

Reaves capture the emotional significance of the apes, and underlines what the series - since 68 - has always really been about. With its brilliant range of non speaking acting and the exhilarating yet thought provoking finale, War for the Planet of the Apes visualises a uncomfortably believable look into a world we hope will never to come. ​

11. The Big Sick   

A bitter sweet story of budding relationships, dynamic individuals and cultural obligations. Combined with exceptional star power and sprinkled with the perfect marriage of heart and humour, The Big Sick applauds the modern generation and their admirably in vogue views on race and racial tradition - winding up in a credible, intelligent and beautifully made modern cinema delight. ​

10. Thor: Ragnarok

Initially Ragnarok was in my opinion the very bottom of the marvel roster however upon second viewing I loved almost everything about it. By no means is it a perfect film; the moronic humour continues to feel incredibly forced and cringeworthy - preventing serious moments to have any of the emotional heft they should. Yet the dazzling, 80's inspired Thor: Ragnarok plays like a Saturday morning cartoon exploding full of colour, character and action. Though Marvel is at its best when it treats its characters more seriously - Ragnarok is easily Marvel's most fun outing yet and quite possibly their best since Civil War. 

9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi 

The Last Jedi is gorgeous, it's complex, it's purposeful and in every way the quintessential Star Wars movie. Admittedly it's challenging, uncovering its many layers -  asking more of you than previous episodes but the result is a reward worth reaping. Compelled by the phenomenal Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is an iconic space sensation, blasting the four decade long series on a new course. ​

8. Dunkirk 

One week, one day, one hour, Nolan returns to the silver screen with his record breaking war thriller Dunkirk. His ingenious element of time dominates ever key aspect;  whether its the heart thumping clock tick or the fusion of land, air and sea. This has to be Nolan's most sophisticated and original work yet.

7. Battle of the Sexes

There's no hiding from this terrific tennis drama's powerful backhand. The inspiring light of the LGBT community shines in this tennis drama portraying one of the sport's most important events. Battle of the Sexes presents a touching and inspiring story of challenges to gender and sexual prejudice in 1970s America.

6. Wonder Woman 

The first ever female led and directed superhero picture, Wonder Woman is - by a stretch - the most poignant, empowering and important Super movie in recent years. Buoyed by Gal Gadot's charismatic performance, Wonder Woman is a rare cinematic phenomenon that sets to shake up the conventional hollywood formula.

5. Jackie  

An unhinged look into the mind of a broken American sweetheart. Natalie Portman blossoms in one of her finest performances and quickly creates one of those famous 'nobody else imagined in the role' situations. Splashed with complex and sumptuous 60's cinematography, intricate costume design and edited with original period footage, Jackie is a modern work of art. 

4. Baby Driver 

An adrenalin kick of high speed action, Baby Driver boasts a sharp, slick and snappy style. Stellar direction, ice cool acting and a devilish story all make for a fantastically fun time. Brought to life by an iconic 'less chat more music' style, Baby Driver is an unmissable, high octane, toe-tapping adventure.

3. Blade Runner 2049

Blade Runner and 2049 are both hugely ambitious films, both celebrations of movie making outside the box, both pushing the envelope visually and conceptually. 2049 carries on the legacy with pride and pomp, joyously opening the lid for the current generation. Transportive, purposeful and richly complex - in the same way of its predecessor - 2049 hints at many possibilities, once again leaving us   to make our own minds up about the possible outcomes.

2. Moonlight 

Moonlight ever so quietly kept its head down, hiding in the crowd until one day making a huge all conquering entrance. This racial coming of age drama is poignant and powerful, cataloguing a young boy's journey into manhood through broken home, street crime and sexual discovery - delicate in its film making and rich in its cinematography. Moonlight is an instant classic, the powerful use of silence and entrancing sound track make this triumph all the more impressive. 

1. La La Land

A love letter to old school Hollywood, La La Land is in every way possible the perfect movie. The design and focus of each single frame, colour or mood are tailored to convey the harsh realities of our hopes and dreams. It's near impossible to not loose yourself in this world of eager eyes and cotton candy clouds, of rich cinematography and vibrant Technicolor. To quote one of the movie's pinnacle moments A little madness is key and certainly gives us new colours to see. La La Land is a modern masterpiece of sheer cinematic perfection.