20 Most Anticipated Films of 2017 (Part 2)

In case you’ve missed Part 1 of our list chronicling the most anticipated films of 2017, make sure to catch up on #s 20–11 by clicking on this link!

We hope you enjoy the list; if you feel we’ve forgotten or overlooked any titles, please let us know in the comment section below!

#10 — Baby Driver

When it comes to original content, few are more innovative and ingenious than Edgar Wright. The director has yet to produce a blemish in his repertoire, helming four comedies imbued with stellar craftsmanship. His complications with Marvel studios over his affiliation with Ant-Man has delayed any future projects. However, 2017 sees the return of Wright with his most ambitious project to date in Baby Driver.

Not much is known about the project but for some small plot details. The film has been described as an action crime film driven dramatically by its soundtrack. With the focus being on a talented but troubled getaway driver known only as Baby. As his consociations with bank robbers naturally ensues in trouble for him and those he cares about most. Ansel Elgort of The Fault In Our Stars fame portrays Baby. He is joined by the impeccable talented Lily Collins, Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey, Jon Bernthal and Jamie Foxx.

Wright appears to be pushing himself creatively with the film being described in a variety of tones and genres. Uncertainty is present in what the definitive genre will be but shades of action, comedy and even musical has been thrown around.

This can also be signified as a new landmark in Wright’s filmography, straying away from regular collaborators and regular locations. Wright’s attempt of a wild story with an expansive cast brings much enticement. Baby Driver looks destined to showcase a new side to Edgar Wright’s filmic talents.

Release Date: August 11th

#09 — Mary Magdalene

Biblical films are a cautionary commodity. This is obviously excluding the God’s Not Dead series which makes even the worst Adam Sandler comedy look like Shawshank, comparatively. But even when studio stature is giving to a Biblical tale; it is often difficult to not cite a polarising result. Rather too preachy, too insensitive or just too abstract, it is a slippery slope finding a healthy critical consensus when the plot basis is derived from religion. Thus, that is what makes the proposition of Mary Magdalene so alluring.

One of 2016’s breakout directors after crafting the emotionally resonate and life-affirming Lion, Garth Davis attempts to go beyond with this style of source material. The story, in essence, is of a biopic nature through the perspective of Mary Magdalene, the mother of Jesus Christ. Rooney Mara has been tapped to play the titular character, re-teaming with her Lion director in Davis.

While, Joaquin Phoenix is set to portray Jesus and Chiwetel Ejiofor will be Peter, Jesus’s most prolific disciple; summating the hefty amount of talent assigned to an equally hefty source material.

The film could be more in the vein of a film like Noah depending on the film’s creative choices and the interpretation that is to be taken. As the approach being instilled gives hope this could be the rare film revolving around Christianity that honours both faith and a filmmaker’s artistic merits.

Release Date: Nothing has been announced. Expect an end of year award season release date.

#08 — Logan

The manner in which Fox has utilised their X-Men properties has been nothing short of a mixed variety. It has always been one end of the spectrum or the other, rather transcendentally innovating or an absolute disaster. 2016 was no different with the highly creative Deadpool making it hard to believe it shares the same timeline with the bombastic, Roland Emmerich-esque X-Men: Apocalypse. Fortunately, the upcoming and final Wolverine film, Logan, looks to emit the better aspects of the former. With an R rating and a western tone correlating fantastically, Logan looks nothing like what we have seen from the superhero genre.

Based on Mark Millar’s celebrated graphic novel Old Man Logan, while also debuting arguably the most impressive trailer of the year, Logan had our curiosity but now has our attention. It promises something refreshing, violent and emotionally rich; emphasising itself as a character study rather than a large in scale example of corporate filmmaking, as the tenacity on display feels absolutely devastating. Aforementioned prior, the film’s use of western tone is tantalizing, it feels gritty, nuanced and yet still highly disparate.

Hugh Jackman, himself, looks beaten as does Patrick Stewart; a far cry from the prior depictions of near invincibility. The whole aspect of tone is so far apart from anything we have seen before in the X-Men universe, cinematically. With a story centered in a near future where mutants are nearly non-existent, Wolverine has to protect a young girl with similar powers to himself. A thematically simple story and a heavy change in direction, the ideal of Logan grows increasingly stirring.

It is the final entry in a sub-franchise that has progressively gotten better; Logan appears to be an incredibly divergent and impressive film. Serving as a fitting end to a celebrated performance as Hugh Jackman concludes a seventeen year career as the X-Men’s most prolific mutant.

Release Date: March 3rd

#07 — Annihilation

Alex Garland made the best possible start to his directorial career with the incredible science-fiction thriller Ex-Machina. A film many would proclaim as one of the most inventive and expertly crafted features of 2015. He has also lent his writing abilities to many fantastic films including 28 Weeks Later, Sunshine and Never Let Me Go. Garland tends to go from strength to strength with each new project that comes his way. Thus, with his sophomore feature, Annihilation is attracting a bigger budget, an A-list cast and a sci-fi story perfect for Garland’s sensibilities; many need to keep their eyes peeled for this one.

The film is an adaptation of the novel Annihilation written by Jeff VanderMeer, with a story based on the disappearance of a biologist’s husband in an environmental disaster zone. The biologist enlists a crew to lead an expedition to uncover the whereabouts of her partner. A project like this nets nicely with the growing ambition that Garland instills into each passing project, bringing together a sublime ensemble cast of Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez and Oscar Isaac.

The magnitude of this project will be something to marvel, with a brilliant seminal text providing fantastic atmospheric material. This new broad and fantastically cast sci-fi aims to be another original entry into Alex Garland’s growing and impressive career.

Release Date: N/A. Expect a TIFF premier and a release between September-October.

#06 — Wonder Woman

Similar to its DC counterpart in Justice League, the first live action telling of Wonder Woman is undoubtedly overdue. Although bearing the added pressure of DC’s past failures to perform, Wonder Woman thus far has looked the most capable to succeed. With the iconic character well utilised in Batman v Superman, anticipation is high for the pinnacle of female superheroes finally getting the solo treatment. Imbued by a fantastic director, an impressive cast and a fitting period setting, Wonder Woman looks especial and not requiring the caution accustomed usually to DC properties.

Helmed by the excellent Patty Jenkins, well known for directing Charlize Theron to an Oscar in the superb Monster, she is a director of true calibre and brings a different identity to DC’s cohort of directors besides Snyder and Ayer. The appointment of Jenkins is one of the most anticipated points of Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot returns as the titular hero and is amidst a plethora of talent in the acting department with Chris Pine, Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen headlining a superb ensemble cast; while the World War One setting adds a different set of stylistic concerns that adheres beautifully to the ideologies and sensibilities of the hero.

With the superhero market as saturated as it is, the longevity of the genre will be based on the points of difference it will be able to add. Wonder Woman through the format of two excellent trailers appears to conduct this. While to see such an iconic character finally make her entrance to the filmic scene, it will be both progressive and a joy., hopefully, breathing new life into the DC cinematic universe.

Release Date: June 2nd

#05 — Okja

For anybody who has seen the films to make up Bong Joon-Ho’s CV, it would be simplistic to understand why you should be excited for Okja. Joon-Ho’s first foray into English-language films with the extremely undervalued Snowpiercer serves as a testament to this. Furthermore, with his latest Okja, it brings together Joon-Ho’s distinctive style, a story reminiscent of 70s sci-fi/action and some of the classiest actors a film can enlist in.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton, two of the finest performers working today headline the film as Okja sparks new levels of excitement. The story revolves around a young girl doing all in her power to prevent a multi-national company from taking a massive creature known simply as Okja away from each other. Not many details have been released but with the talent attached and a story that sounds radically enticing, Joon-Ho’s latest has all the ingredients to be wonderfully bizarre and sprawling.

It will herald a new era in Netflix’s original films as Okja looks ambitious, colourful and full of life. The more details we can garner the better.

Release Date: N/A. Netflix is yet to announce a release date.

#04 — Logan Lucky

It is incredibly pleasing news to hear that Steven Soderbergh’s retirement was a short-lived affair. As his return to the filmic scene, the crime comedy Logan Lucky sounds zany beyond compare and could potentially be one of the brightest pictures of the year. With a plot surrounded by one of the strangest ensemble casts you’ll manage to hear of, Logan Lucky emits a special vibe. One that seems destined to bring life to a great film.

The cast is what jumps out with a list that includes Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Katherine Waterston, Seth MacFarlane, Riley Keough and Katherine Heigl among others. The story: two brothers (Craig and Driver) aim to pull off a heist at a NASCAR tournament. From the set photos to even characterization, Logan Lucky looks nothing short of bonkers.

Soderbergh’s return sounds like something he has never done before while quintessentially sticking with his offbeat tone. Expect this one to be an unconventional favourite.

Release Date: N/A

#03 — War For The Planet of the Apes

It is crazy to believe that the Planet of the Apes franchise is one of the most thematic and stable series in modernistic cinema. Expectations were so low and yet both installments of this new series have blown us all out of the water. The characters are rich, the use of motion capture is extraordinary and the stakes of these stories are both powerful and tenacious. War For The Planet of the Apes aims to tie up what has been one of the most surprisingly poignant trilogies in mainstream fare.

War For The Planet of the Apes debuted one of the most scintillating trailers of 2016 with a heavy focus on the action with all the simmering tension of the previous films leading up to these events. The series has gotten progressively darker in tone and this one feels on par with the likes of The Empire Strikes Back in regards to the evocative nature and grim direction of its story. It looks visually incredible, yet again. Woody Harrelson plays against type providing a menacing figure as the film’s central antagonist. It looks nothing short of breathtaking and with this being potentially the conclusion to such a stellar franchise, it looks fitting.

Out of all the big-scale franchise pieces to arrive over 2017, War For The Planet of the Apes seems certain to pack in the most substance, comparatively. A perfectly constructed franchise will go bigger and bolder and that should make all of us very intrigued.

Release Date: July 14th

#02 — Star Wars: Episode VIII

You all knew this was going to make an appearance on this list. The Star Wars franchise was elevated to shining new heights with the brilliantly crafted The Force Awakens in 2015 and the follow-up could not come sooner. The success of the predecessor has instilled audiences with new characters and storylines that have brought an enrichment and fascination to an already beloved mythology. Furthermore, with the next progression into this new trilogy, the currently untitled Star Wars: Episode VIII may have increased expectation, but seems destined to deliver.

Rian Johnson of Looper and Brick fame replaces J.J. Abrams in the director’s chair and the choice could not be more perfect. Looper was one of the best science fiction films of the last decade and Johnson’s voice in the Star Wars realm will be without question, distinctive. Given the Star Wars archetype, the expectation remains that the second film will be somewhat darker, thematically. Johnson’s style as a filmmaker will lend itself well if the story diverts in that manner.

What Disney has done with the Star Wars brand has been monumental to a franchise that so many hold dear and close to their heart. Episode VIII will hope to deliver on that front while also serving as a testament to the brilliant Carrie Fisher, alternatively, serving as a testament to the life and career of such an influential and kind-hearted princess.

Release Date: December 15th

#01 — Blade Runner 2049

One should always be trepidatious when it comes to overly belated sequels, especially when said sequel is the continuation of the greatest science fiction noir of all time. However, Blade Runner 2049 could not look any better. Blade Runner is one of the finest films ever made, disregarding the multiple cuts and editions you can choose from. So in building this long-gestating sequel, the decisions made to make Blade Runner 2049 as faithful and yet original already appear masterful.

Denis Villenueve, who many contend as the best working director today, period, is the one that is helming the film. Villeneuve is on a hot streak beyond compare, Prisoners was haunting, Sicario was sublime and Arrival brought a complexity and depth to the alien invasion genre that has never been seen before. The man’s grace behind the camera is something difficult to replicate in film and his unique flavour seems a perfect match to the world of Blade Runner.

The cinematography looks superb with Roger Deakins, potentially (and finally) in line for his maiden Oscar win. Ryan Gosling, who is on a high after a slew of successful films being the unknown protagonist looking for Deckard. With Harrison Ford returning and original director Ridley Scott returning in a producer capacity. Overall, Blade Runner 2049 looks to be developed with a lot of care by bringing in an immense array of talent.

It looks captivating and if it delivers Blade Runner 2049 could be a high for many of those involved, rightfully placing it as the most anticipated film of 2017.

Release Date: October 6th

Just Missed The Cut.

Of course there is a plethora of other titles that peaked our interest but were just unable to crack into the top twenty five. Among them includes Split, the film heralded as the definitive return to form from the once great M.Night Shyamalan. Sean Baker’s much anticipated follow up to Tangerine, The Florida Project, starring Willem Dafoe. The serial killer drama The Snowman with a sublime ensemble cast consisting of Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, Chlöe Sevigny, J.K Simmons and Val Kilmer. Duncan Jones returns to original science fiction with Mute. Todd Haynes could be back in the awards circuit with his latest Wonderstruck. Tom Cruise returns to films where he doesn’t have to constantly run in the Barry Seal biopic American Made.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan headline the directorial debut from Paul Dano in Wildlife. 2017 shapes up to be a big year for Elle Fanning, she leads the Mary Shelly biopic A Storm In The Stars while joining Nicole Kidman in the adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s How To Talk To Girls At Parties. Ben Wheatley’s midnight movie Free Fire has generated good buzz out of various film festivals. And based off directorial reputations currently untitled projects from Kathryn Bigelow, Paul Thomas Anderson and Darren Aronofsky have us hooked. While we’ll also be looking forward to Alexander Payne’s latest Downsizing, the directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin in Molly’s Game and I hope optimism pays off with the Scarlet Johansson fronted Ghost in the Shell. Joaquin Phoenix and Lynne Ramsay make for a startling combination in You Were Never Really There. Sofia Coppola’s latest The Beguiled sounds interesting. While Luca Guadagnino brings us double with the Armie Hammer led Call Me By Your Name and his remake of Suspiria.

It’d be impossible to not be interested in a film starring both Mel Gibson and Sean Penn in which one of them is an insane man who also creates the dictionary in The Professor and the Madman. A24 have already secured the rights to the pizza delivery boy horror film Slice starring Chance The Rapper. The Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds sci-fi epic Life looks like a modernistic version of the original Alien. While it is disappointing that True Detective helmer Cary Joji Fukanaga has exited the reboot of Stephen King’s It, the results could still be interesting. Sicario and Hell Or High Water scribe David Mackenzie directs Wind River with Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara have re-teamed with their Ain’t Them Bodies Saints director David Lowery for A Ghost Story. Every man and his dog knows that Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 will be a mega success. And those who have had the chance to see the second collaboration between Kristen Stewart and Olivier Assayas with Personal Shopper have been positive to a degree. Andrew Garfield stars in an L.A noir from David Robert Mitchell, director of It Follows. While the criminally underrated James Gray brings a new level of ambition to his latest The Lost City of Z. Furthermore out of morbid curiosity it is enticing to see just how dark Cars 3 is willing to go.

While, finally Nicolas Cage has a scheduled six films coming in the new year and out of pure hope perhaps one of them won’t be ineptly made but I don’t like my chances. Nonetheless, 2017 in cinema looks poignantly bright with a lot of great titles ready to grace our screens over the next 365 days.