1. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s nü-classic was the most beloved movie of the year, and Team Uproxx was no exception. Saoirse Ronan as “Lady Bird,” a senior in high school heading toward college, turned in an exceptional performance, as did fellow standout castmates like Laurie Metcalf, Beanie Feldstein and Stephen Henderson, who stole the film with just a few minutes on screen.
Where to watch: In theaters now, but you can pre-order on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
2. The Florida Project
A story of poverty and homelessness set in the shadow of Disney World’s glitter and joy, The Florida Project featured stellar performances from Willem Dafoe and seven-year-old newcomer Brooklynn Prince.
Where to watch: In theaters now, but you can pre-order on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
3. Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri was possibly the most divisive film of the year until another film also on this list came along. But Frances McDormand’s performance as a grieving mother who takes matters into her own hands has been near-universally lauded.
Where to watch: In theaters now, but you can pre-order on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
4. Get Out
Jordan Peele’s directorial breakthrough transcended comedy, drama, and horror. With excellent performances throughout, particularly star Daniel Kaluuya and stunning scene-stealer Betty Gabriel, Get Out is a modern classic.
Where to watch: HBO Go, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
5. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The Last Jedi may be the most contentious film of the year, but those who loved it loved it. Rian Johnson’s vision was an often laugh-out-loud and cry-out-loud delight, and a fitting farewell to our princess and general, Carrie Fisher.
Where to watch: In theaters now, but you can pre-order on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
6. Baby Driver
Edgar Wright’s musical heist fest was one of 2017’s most enjoyable films thanks to a killer soundtrack and fun performances from Ansel Elgort and Lily James, as well as partners-in-crime Jon Bernthal, Eiza González, Jon Hamm, and Jamie Foxx.
Where to watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
7. Brigbsy Bear
A wonderful combination of weird, dark, charming and hopeful, Brigsby Bear was a perfect starring venture from co-writer Kyle Mooney and gave us one of two knockout performances from Mark Hamill this year.
Where to watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
8. Raw
This French-Belgian horror flick takes on the very, very dark side of abandoning a vegetarian diet when a veterinary student develops a taste for flesh.
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
9. Mudbound
The success of Dee Rees’ beautiful film about racism and PTSD circa World War II was hindered by its very very limited release, but it’s streaming now and that means everyone can see how great this film is.
Where to watch: Netflix.
10. The Disaster Artist
For a film about the making of the worst movie ever made, The Disaster Artist scores on every level, from a phenomenal performance by James Franco as Tommy Wiseau to its heart and pathos. And the scenes that recreate The Room are sheer note-by-note perfection.
Where to watch: In theaters now, but you can pre-order on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
11. The Phantom Thread
The latest from Paul Thomas Anderson is set against the backdrop of the 1950s London fashion scene and the film features what is reportedly Daniel Day Lewis’s final performance before retiring from movies.
Where to watch: In limited release now; wide release rollout begins December 25.
12. Casting JonBenet
Casting JonBenet is a spectacularly unusual documentary in that it’s not so much about its subject — JonBenet and the Ramsey family — but people’s perceptions of the crime. It’s a fascinating look at the macabre nature of gossip and opinion.
Where to watch: Netflix
13. The Big Sick
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon wrote their love’s origin story and gave us the year’s best romantic comedy.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
14. Bodied
Music video director Joseph Kahn directed this Eminem-produced rap battle dramedy about the world of competitive rap battles.
Where to watch: Presently the film has only been shown at festivals like TIFF and Fantastic Fest, but according to director Joseph Kahn a release is planned for 2018.
15. Ingrid Goes West
This dark comedy about social media and authenticity was both a love letter to and much-needed clapback to Instagram culture and featured an outstanding performance from Aubrey Plaza and a cast that includes Elizabeth Olsen, Wyatt Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Billy Magnussen.
Where to watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
16. Coco
Near-universally considered the best animated film of the year as well as one of the year’s best films, period, Coco was not only a lovely portrayal of family and Mexican culture, but the film was one of the biggest productions to ever feature an almost entirely Latino cast.
Where to watch: In theaters now, but you can pre-order on iTunes.
17. Call Me By Your Name
The love and acclaim of Call Me By Your Name has proven that if a film is good enough, it can outlive its meme. Peaches all around.
Where to watch: Currently in theaters in limited release.
18. Brad’s Status
Between this and Lady Bird, two of the year’s best films tackled the seemingly unsexy topic of applying to colleges. In the case of Brad’s Status, the focus is on the father, played by Ben Stiller, as he questions if he lived his life as he should have.
Where to watch: Amazon. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
19. Wonder Woman
By far the best DC movie since Christopher Nolan hung up the Batman cowl, Wonder Woman gave us the badass woman-fronted (and woman-helmed, thanks to excellent direction from Patty Jenkins) superhero movie we’ve always wanted.
Where to watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
20. The Shape Of Water
No one else in the world is capable of making a beautiful love story between a woman and a fish quite like Guillermo del Toro. We kind of hope no one else tries.
Where to watch: In theaters now.
