After announcing Call Me By Your Name as best film of 2017, we asked you if you agreed with our critics. Many of those who replied suggested the same film but, in no particular order, here are 10 other films you thought worthy of the top spot.
Blade Runner 2049
‘You could take any shot and hang it in a museum’ – Lucas Bertoni, Canada
You could take any shot in this film and hang it in a museum. As a follow-up to one of the most acclaimed science fiction films of all time, 2049 succeeds as a sequel and a film in its own right. Equal parts noir, drama and thriller intermingled with classic sci-fi themes of humanity and wonder, it serves as a roaring achievement, the kind of film Hollywood can produce if it acts a little more bravely.
‘A film of intriguing dystopia’ – Ben Anstruther, Edinburgh
Although it faced tough competition from the equally breathtaking Dunkirk, Blade Runner 2049 is an outstanding visual buffet that allows its viewers to cram in all they can, but expertly lets them digest the rich themes and sumptuous surprises. A superlative cinematic experience where the euphoric sound and stunning, Oscar-requiring cinematography only scratch the very surface of its intriguing dystopia and multi-layered mysteries.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
‘Bold, clear and human’ – Rudi de Groot, Amsterdam
This movie is hands down the best movie achievement this year – bold, clear and human. In fact, it is the freshest movie of the last 10 years.
‘Killer performances’ – Fran
Thoughtful, killer performances, and a commentary on important ideas.
Atomic Blonde
‘An incredibly satisfying action movie’ – Rhiannon, Merseyside
It’s fun, funny, showy, often brutal and infused with a strange mix of melancholy, nihilism and sheer defiance – fitting for the era and city in which it’s set. It also works as an incredibly satisfying action movie, handing the audience a no-nonsense female action hero – and a same-sex love interest.
‘Much-needed bisexual representation’ – Punk Groves, Dublin
It has complex and realistic action sequences – especially the seven-minute staircase fight scene – a beautiful 80s soundtrack and flawless acting from Charlize Theron and Sofia Boutella. Also, it has much-needed bisexual representation.
The Florida Project
‘I will hold the innocence portrayed for years to come’ – Devang Pathak, Mumbai
A credible director meets a sensational cast in a film that makes you laugh throughout only to leave you in tears by the last frame. Brooklynn Prince is the female performance of 2017 for me. A film where you can predict everything and yet it breaks your heart while being filled with exquisite colours. I will hold the innocence portrayed and the innocence lost for years to come. It’s not my story. And yet it somehow is.
‘It broke my heart’ – Bailey, Oklahoma
I have never left a movie so stunned, silent and provoked into sobbing. It conveys the current American condition of inequality in a flurry of emotion and realism. This movie broke my heart and has forever changed it. Storytelling beyond the medium.
Mother!
‘Great performances all around’ – Chris Haxby, Harrogate
I’m an atheist and loved the film because it didn’t compromise. Great performances all around and visually it was a treat. Man has created the mess called “civilisation”; sadly man won’t clear it up and things keep going around in circles – as in the film. In the secular world, things are even worse with the rich getting even richer, and all because of “belief” and silly versions of “identity”. Catastrophic events are, therefore, guaranteed.
‘It stands out because it doesn’t follow convention’ – Rob Catelinet, Burton
It is a film that pushes boundaries, with both the content and the style challenging the viewer. It stands out because it doesn’t follow convention, using 16mm with no musical score and claustrophobic closeup camera work. Yes, the message is given with blunt force trauma, but it seems appropriate to leave the viewer shell shocked. Kudos to the stars involved for being willing to take a risk like this.
Wind River
‘A powerful and moving film’ – Sue Atkins, France
I found this powerful and moving. The photography was excellent, and the film highlighted the plight of Native Americans. Although a sad film, there was humour, too. I also liked the main actors.
Lady Bird
‘I had tears rolling down my cheek’ – Tristan McErlean, Philadelphia
Lady Bird possesses a tender love that warms your heart, but it also has lots of laughs. There is a scene right at the end that told me this is my favorite of the year: Lady Bird visits a Catholic church to remember her family, despite denying religion many times previously. While I am not in any way religious, my mom is. When I leave for college, I see myself doing that same exact thing. It was that connection that allowed tears to roll down my cheek. I have nothing but love and admiration for this film.
Dunkirk
‘Most immersive film of the year’ – Isaac Gianfrancesco, Hitchin
I have loved all other Christopher Nolan films like Inception and Memento but I enjoyed Dunkirk in a different way. It is extremely engaging and I thought it was the best directed and most immersive film of the year. The feeling and sensuality of the film were the stars rather than just the actors.
God’s Own Country
‘Sensational leading performances’ – Carol, Bristol
The film had two sensational leading performances, including an absolutely standout charismatic turn by Alec Secareanu. But for me the most moving part of the film was the gradual revelation of the kindness at the heart of the family relationships, which had seemed so gruff and chilly in the early scenes.
Phantom Thread
‘It both haunts and pleases me’ – Josh Castillo, Los Angeles
It’s a haunting and terrifying mess of a love gone mad. Filled with nuanced performances and a luscious score, this film haunts me while pleasing me every time I think of love, ambition and fear.
• Phantom Thread is due for release in the UK on 2 February and Lady Bird on 16 February. Both are out now in the US.
