High-quality horror films released in 2017 represent a specific subset of that year’s cinematic landscape. This category typically includes films critically acclaimed for their storytelling, direction, acting, technical aspects (like cinematography and sound design), and overall impact on the genre. Examples could range from independent, low-budget productions to major studio releases.
Examining noteworthy horror films from a particular year offers valuable insight into the evolution of the genre and broader cultural trends. These films can reflect societal anxieties, push creative boundaries, and introduce innovative techniques in filmmaking. Studying such a selection provides a snapshot of horror’s popularity and influence at a specific moment in time, contributing to a deeper understanding of its historical development and ongoing relevance.
This discussion will explore several key aspects of standout horror cinema in 2017, including critical reception, audience response, and lasting impact.
1. Critical Acclaim
Critical acclaim plays a vital role in establishing a horror film’s status as one of the “best.” Positive reviews from reputable critics and publications contribute to a film’s prestige and influence its reception by wider audiences. Acclaim often hinges on factors such as originality, narrative strength, technical proficiency, and cultural impact. For 2017 horror films, critical reception significantly shaped public perception and contributed to their lasting legacies.
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Reviews from Established Publications
Reviews in influential publications like The New York Times, Variety, and genre-specific outlets like Bloody Disgusting contribute significantly to a film’s perceived quality. Positive reviews in these outlets often lead to increased visibility and generate wider discussion, impacting box office performance and long-term recognition. For instance, Get Out‘s near-universal acclaim across major publications solidified its status as a significant cultural phenomenon.
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Awards and Nominations
Awards and nominations from prestigious bodies, such as film festivals and academies, further validate a film’s artistic merit. Recognition from organizations like the Academy Awards, Cannes Film Festival, and genre-specific awards like the Saturn Awards can elevate a horror film beyond genre classifications, establishing it as a significant cinematic achievement. Get Out‘s Academy Award nominations, for example, solidified its position within the broader film landscape.
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Critical Consensus and Aggregate Scores
Websites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic compile reviews from numerous critics, providing aggregate scores and a general critical consensus. These platforms offer a readily accessible overview of a film’s critical reception, influencing audience perceptions and contributing to a film’s overall reputation. High scores on these platforms often correlate with a film’s recognition as being among the “best.” For 2017 films, these aggregate scores helped establish which films resonated most strongly with critics.
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Scholarly Analysis and Academic Discussion
Beyond immediate reviews, scholarly analysis and academic discussion contribute to a film’s long-term critical evaluation. Scholarly articles and academic papers explore a film’s themes, techniques, and cultural significance, adding depth to its critical appraisal and shaping its enduring legacy within film history. While this type of analysis often occurs after a film’s initial release, it cements its place within broader cinematic discourse, as seen with the ongoing discussions surrounding Get Out‘s social commentary.
These elements of critical acclaim contribute significantly to how films are perceived, both within the horror genre and the broader cinematic landscape. For 2017 horror films, critical reception shaped their immediate impact and continues to influence their enduring legacies. The convergence of positive reviews, awards recognition, high aggregate scores, and scholarly analysis solidifies a film’s position among the “best,” contributing to its lasting influence and historical significance.
2. Genre Innovation
Genre innovation significantly contributes to a horror film’s recognition as one of the “best.” By pushing boundaries and defying established conventions, innovative films revitalize the genre and leave a lasting impact. Within the context of 2017’s horror cinema, innovation played a crucial role in elevating certain films above their contemporaries.
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Subversion of Traditional Tropes
Successful horror films often subvert or reimagine familiar tropes to create fresh and unexpected experiences. Rather than relying on predictable jump scares or clichd narratives, innovative films challenge audience expectations. Get Out, for example, cleverly subverted the traditional “home invasion” trope by injecting it with social commentary on race and privilege. This innovative approach resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike, contributing to the film’s widespread acclaim.
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Blending Genres
Combining horror with elements from other genres can create unique and compelling narratives. Blending horror with comedy, science fiction, or drama expands the genre’s potential and appeals to a broader audience. The Shape of Water exemplifies this approach, seamlessly integrating elements of romance, fantasy, and Cold War thriller into its core horror narrative. This genre fusion contributed to its critical success and widespread appeal.
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Exploration of Unconventional Themes
Films that tackle complex and unconventional themes often resonate more deeply with audiences and generate critical discussion. By exploring themes beyond the typical horror fare, innovative films offer fresh perspectives and provoke thought. A Ghost Story, with its meditative exploration of grief and loss, exemplifies this approach. Its unconventional narrative and focus on emotional resonance elevated it beyond typical genre conventions.
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Formal Experimentation
Innovation in filmmaking techniques, such as cinematography, sound design, and editing, can significantly enhance a horror film’s impact. Films that experiment with form and style create unique cinematic experiences that captivate audiences and generate critical acclaim. It Comes at Night utilized innovative sound design and cinematography to create a palpable sense of dread and paranoia. This formal experimentation contributed to its unsettling atmosphere and memorable viewing experience.
These facets of genre innovation contributed significantly to the success of several 2017 horror films. By challenging conventions and pushing creative boundaries, these films elevated the genre and left a lasting impact on audiences and critics. The willingness to subvert tropes, blend genres, explore unconventional themes, and experiment with form distinguishes innovative horror films and solidifies their place among the “best.” These innovative approaches not only resulted in critical acclaim but also shaped the direction of subsequent horror cinema, demonstrating the importance of genre innovation in the evolution of horror.
3. Cultural Impact
Cultural impact significantly contributes to a horror film’s recognition as one of the “best.” A film’s ability to resonate with societal anxieties, spark conversations, and influence popular culture elevates it beyond mere entertainment. In 2017, several horror films achieved this level of cultural impact, solidifying their status as significant cinematic achievements.
Get Out serves as a prime example. Its exploration of racial tensions within a seemingly liberal environment sparked widespread dialogue about race and privilege. The film’s themes resonated deeply with audiences, generating discussions in academic circles, social media, and mainstream news outlets. This cultural penetration solidified Get Out‘s position as more than just a successful horror film; it became a cultural touchstone, reflecting and shaping societal conversations. Similarly, It capitalized on pre-existing cultural anxieties surrounding childhood fears and the power of nostalgia. Its box office success and widespread media coverage demonstrated its ability to tap into collective anxieties and generate cultural relevance.
Analyzing a horror film’s cultural impact requires examining its influence on various spheres. The generation of memes, catchphrases, and iconic imagery indicates a film’s penetration into popular culture. Similarly, the film’s ability to influence subsequent creative works, like music, literature, or other films, further demonstrates its cultural significance. Furthermore, academic discussions and scholarly analyses of a film’s themes and social commentary contribute to its long-term cultural legacy. For 2017 horror films, these elements contributed to their recognition as impactful cinematic works, influencing both immediate conversations and long-term cultural discourse. The ability of these films to tap into societal anxieties, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression distinguishes them as not only entertaining but also culturally significant works of art.
4. Technical Achievements
Technical achievements play a crucial role in elevating a horror film from average to exceptional. In the context of the best horror movies of 2017, technical proficiency across various departments, including cinematography, sound design, visual effects, and editing, significantly contributed to the films’ overall impact and lasting recognition. A film’s technical execution can amplify its narrative, enhance its atmosphere, and create a truly immersive and memorable experience for the audience.
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Cinematography
The visual language of a film, shaped by its cinematography, contributes significantly to its atmosphere and emotional impact. In 2017, films like The Killing of a Sacred Deer utilized distinct and deliberate camerawork, including long takes and unsettling close-ups, to create a sense of unease and tension. Effective use of lighting, color palettes, and composition can further amplify a film’s horror elements, immersing the viewer in the narrative’s world.
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Sound Design
Sound design plays a critical role in building suspense, creating jump scares, and shaping the overall emotional landscape of a horror film. The use of silence, ambient noise, and carefully crafted sound effects can heighten tension and amplify the impact of frightening moments. Get Out‘s subtle yet effective sound design, for instance, significantly contributed to its unsettling atmosphere and heightened the film’s suspenseful moments.
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Visual Effects
While practical effects often hold a prominent place in horror, visual effects can enhance a film’s creature design, gore, and fantastical elements. Effective visual effects contribute to the believability and impact of these elements, enhancing the overall viewing experience. It, with its terrifying portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, utilized visual effects to enhance the creature’s design and amplify its frightening presence.
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Editing
The pacing and rhythm of a horror film, determined by its editing, significantly impact the build-up of suspense and the delivery of scares. Clever editing techniques, such as jump cuts, cross-cutting, and slow-motion, can manipulate the audience’s emotional response and amplify the film’s impact. Baby Driver, although not strictly a horror film, demonstrates how innovative editing can heighten tension and create a visceral viewing experience, techniques that also benefit horror cinema.
These technical elements, when executed effectively, contribute significantly to a horror film’s overall success and its recognition as one of the “best.” The interplay of cinematography, sound design, visual effects, and editing creates a cohesive and immersive experience, amplifying the narrative’s impact and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. In the case of 2017’s standout horror films, these technical achievements played a crucial role in their critical acclaim and enduring legacy.
5. Performance Quality
Performance quality significantly contributes to a horror film’s recognition as one of the “best,” particularly within the context of 2017 releases. Compelling performances elevate the narrative, enhance emotional resonance, and contribute to a film’s overall impact. Exceptional acting grounds the fantastical elements of horror, making the unbelievable believable and amplifying the audience’s emotional connection to the characters and their plight. In 2017, several horror films benefited from standout performances that solidified their positions among the year’s best.
Get Out‘s success, for example, relied heavily on Daniel Kaluuya’s nuanced portrayal of a man navigating a subtly hostile environment. His performance anchored the film’s social commentary, grounding the fantastical elements in a relatable emotional reality. Similarly, Florence Pugh’s breakout role in Midsommar (though released in 2019, it exemplifies the power of performance) demonstrates how a compelling performance can elevate a horror film to new heights. Pugh’s portrayal of a grieving woman descending into madness anchored the film’s unsettling atmosphere and contributed to its disturbing power. Toni Collette’s performance in Hereditary (2018) further exemplifies this point, showcasing how a powerful performance can transform a standard horror narrative into a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. While outside of the 2017 timeframe, these examples underscore the impact of strong acting on horror’s effectiveness.
Effective performances in horror require a specific range and depth. Actors must convey fear, vulnerability, and psychological distress convincingly while maintaining believability within the film’s heightened reality. The ability to subtly convey internal turmoil, react authentically to terrifying situations, and embody complex characters enhances a horror film’s overall impact. The best horror films of 2017, and beyond, demonstrate that compelling performances are essential to the genre’s success. They provide a crucial link between the narrative’s fantastical elements and the audience’s emotional experience, making the unbelievable both terrifying and deeply affecting. Examining these performances offers valuable insight into the power of acting to elevate horror cinema.
6. Narrative Depth
Narrative depth significantly contributes to a horror film’s recognition as one of the “best.” Within the context of 2017 releases, films that transcended superficial scares and explored complex themes, compelling character development, and intricate plot structures resonated more deeply with audiences and critics. A richly layered narrative elevates a horror film beyond simple genre thrills, providing a more engaging and thought-provoking experience. This depth allows exploration of complex issues, creating a lasting impact beyond immediate scares.
Get Out exemplifies the power of narrative depth in 2017 horror cinema. Its exploration of racial tensions and social anxieties resonated deeply with audiences, transforming a standard horror premise into a powerful social commentary. The film’s layered narrative facilitated discussions on complex issues, contributing to its cultural impact and critical acclaim. Similarly, A Ghost Story, with its meditative exploration of grief, loss, and the passage of time, demonstrated how a focus on emotional resonance and thematic depth can elevate a horror film beyond genre conventions. Its unconventional narrative structure and focus on internal struggles resonated with audiences seeking more than superficial scares. While It achieved commercial success through its nostalgic appeal and terrifying imagery, its narrative depth, rooted in the exploration of childhood trauma and the power of collective fear, contributed to its lasting impact.
Narrative depth in horror allows the genre to transcend its traditional focus on visceral thrills and explore complex human experiences. By delving into themes of loss, trauma, social anxieties, and the human condition, horror films can achieve a level of emotional resonance and intellectual engagement that elevates them beyond simple entertainment. Analyzing the narrative structures, character development, and thematic explorations of 2017’s best horror films reveals the crucial role of narrative depth in achieving critical acclaim and lasting cultural impact. This understanding provides valuable insight into the evolution of the horror genre and its potential to offer profound and thought-provoking cinematic experiences. The ability to craft narratives that resonate on multiple levels distinguishes the best horror films, solidifying their place within the broader cinematic landscape.
7. Audience Reception
Audience reception plays a crucial role in determining the success and legacy of horror films, particularly when considering the “best of” a specific year like 2017. While critical acclaim holds weight, a film’s resonance with viewers ultimately contributes to its cultural impact and long-term recognition. This connection involves a complex interplay of factors, including box office performance, social media buzz, and word-of-mouth marketing.
Box office numbers offer a quantifiable measure of audience interest. Films like It, with its substantial financial success, demonstrate a clear connection between audience reception and commercial viability. However, financial success alone doesn’t necessarily equate to a film being considered among the “best.” Social media engagement provides a more nuanced understanding of audience response. Discussions, fan theories, and viral marketing campaigns surrounding films like Get Out amplified its cultural impact, contributing to its status as a critically acclaimed and audience-loved phenomenon. Word-of-mouth marketing, driven by positive audience experiences, further solidifies a film’s reputation. Personal recommendations and online reviews contribute significantly to a film’s long-term success and influence its recognition as a “must-see” within the genre.
Understanding the multifaceted nature of audience reception offers valuable insights into the dynamics of horror film success. While critical acclaim and industry recognition contribute to a film’s prestige, audience engagement ultimately determines its cultural impact and lasting legacy. Analyzing box office performance, social media buzz, and word-of-mouth trends provides a comprehensive picture of how audiences connect with horror films. In the context of 2017’s horror landscape, audience reception played a pivotal role in establishing which films achieved both commercial success and critical recognition, ultimately shaping their enduring legacy within the genre.
8. Lasting Influence
Lasting influence distinguishes truly exceptional horror films from those that merely entertain. Within the context of “best movies horror 2017,” this enduring impact manifests in various ways, from shaping subsequent genre trends to influencing broader cultural conversations. A film’s lasting influence signifies its ability to transcend its initial release, continuing to resonate with audiences and creators for years, even decades, to come. This influence can be measured through its impact on subsequent filmmaking, its presence in critical discourse, and its continued relevance to contemporary audiences.
Several factors contribute to a horror film’s lasting influence. Innovative storytelling, groundbreaking technical achievements, and thought-provoking thematic explorations can all leave a lasting mark on the genre. Get Out, for instance, continues to be analyzed for its insightful social commentary, influencing subsequent horror films that tackle complex social issues. Its thematic resonance and innovative approach solidified its position as a landmark film within the genre, ensuring its continued relevance and influence. Similarly, films like A Ghost Story, though less commercially successful, achieved lasting influence through their unique artistic vision and exploration of universal themes. Its distinctive style and narrative approach continue to inspire filmmakers and resonate with audiences seeking more than superficial scares.
Understanding a film’s lasting influence requires examining its impact on subsequent filmmaking, its presence in ongoing critical discussions, and its continued relevance to contemporary audiences. Analyzing how a film shapes genre trends, influences creative decisions, and continues to provoke thought long after its release provides valuable insights into its enduring significance. In the context of “best movies horror 2017,” lasting influence serves as a key criterion for distinguishing truly exceptional films that have shaped the horror landscape and continue to resonate within the broader cultural consciousness. This understanding provides a framework for evaluating a film’s contribution to the genre’s evolution and its enduring legacy within cinematic history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Noteworthy Horror Films of 2017
This section addresses common inquiries regarding standout horror films released in 2017, offering further clarity and context for those seeking a deeper understanding of the year’s cinematic landscape within the genre.
Question 1: What distinguishes 2017 as a significant year for horror cinema?
2017 witnessed the release of several critically acclaimed and commercially successful horror films that pushed genre boundaries, explored complex social themes, and showcased innovative filmmaking techniques. This confluence of factors contributed to the year’s recognition as a standout period for horror.
Question 2: Beyond critical acclaim, what criteria determine a horror film’s placement among the “best” of 2017?
Factors such as cultural impact, technical achievements, narrative depth, audience reception, and lasting influence contribute to a horror film’s overall evaluation and placement among the year’s best. These criteria offer a more holistic assessment beyond critical reviews.
Question 3: How did the horror films of 2017 reflect broader cultural anxieties and trends?
Several 2017 horror films explored themes of social injustice, political unrest, and psychological trauma, reflecting prevalent anxieties of the time. These narratives offered insightful commentary on contemporary issues, resonating with audiences grappling with similar concerns.
Question 4: Did any 2017 horror films contribute to significant genre innovation?
Films like Get Out subverted traditional horror tropes and explored unconventional themes, contributing to genre innovation. These films pushed creative boundaries, impacting subsequent horror filmmaking and expanding the genre’s thematic scope.
Question 5: How did audience reception shape the legacy of 2017 horror films?
Audience engagement through box office performance, social media buzz, and word-of-mouth marketing significantly impacted the long-term recognition and cultural influence of 2017 horror films. Positive audience reception contributed to a film’s enduring legacy and its recognition as a significant cultural artifact.
Question 6: Which 2017 horror films continue to exert influence on the genre and broader cultural discourse?
Films like Get Out and A Ghost Story, through their innovative storytelling and thematic resonance, continue to be discussed, analyzed, and referenced within the genre and beyond. Their lasting influence demonstrates their significance as impactful cinematic works.
These responses offer a concise overview of key aspects related to evaluating and understanding the significance of 2017 horror films. Further exploration of individual films and their contributions to the genre provides a more comprehensive appreciation of their impact.
The following sections will delve into specific examples of standout horror films from 2017, analyzing their contributions to the genre and exploring their lasting impact.
Tips for Appreciating Noteworthy Horror Films of 2017
Engaging with acclaimed horror films from a specific year, such as 2017, requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond passive viewing. These tips provide a framework for appreciating the artistry, cultural significance, and lasting impact of these cinematic works.
Tip 1: Consider the Historical Context:
Understanding the sociopolitical climate and cultural trends prevalent during a film’s release enhances appreciation of its themes and impact. Analyzing 2017’s horror films within the context of that year’s events provides deeper insight into their relevance and potential social commentary.
Tip 2: Explore Genre Conventions and Subversions:
Recognize how films adhere to or challenge established horror tropes. Identifying these conventions and their potential subversion provides insight into a film’s originality and its contribution to genre evolution. Analyze how 2017 films utilize or subvert classic horror elements.
Tip 3: Analyze Technical Elements:
Pay attention to cinematography, sound design, editing, and visual effects. These technical elements contribute significantly to a film’s atmosphere, emotional impact, and overall effectiveness. Examining these aspects enhances appreciation for the filmmakers’ artistry.
Tip 4: Evaluate Performance Nuances:
Consider the actors’ portrayals and how they contribute to the film’s narrative and emotional depth. Strong performances ground the fantastical elements of horror, enhancing audience connection and overall impact.
Tip 5: Deconstruct Narrative Depth:
Explore the underlying themes, character development, and plot structure. A film’s narrative complexity contributes significantly to its lasting impact and potential for critical analysis. Unpacking these layers enhances understanding and appreciation.
Tip 6: Reflect on Cultural Impact:
Consider how a film resonated with audiences, sparked discussions, and potentially influenced broader cultural trends. Analyzing a film’s impact beyond its initial release provides insight into its lasting significance.
Tip 7: Research Critical Reception:
Explore reviews, critical analyses, and academic discussions surrounding the film. Understanding diverse perspectives enriches one’s own interpretation and provides a broader context for evaluating the film’s merits.
By applying these tips, viewers can move beyond passive consumption and engage with horror films on a deeper, more analytical level. This approach enhances appreciation for the artistry, cultural significance, and lasting impact of these cinematic works.
The following conclusion synthesizes the key themes and arguments presented throughout this exploration of noteworthy horror films from 2017.
Conclusion
This exploration of high-quality horror films from 2017 reveals the multifaceted nature of cinematic achievement within the genre. Critical acclaim, genre innovation, cultural impact, technical achievements, performance quality, narrative depth, audience reception, and lasting influence all contribute to a film’s recognition as exceptional. Films released in 2017 demonstrated a unique confluence of these elements, solidifying their place within horror history. By examining these factors, a deeper understanding of the genre’s evolution and its capacity to reflect and shape cultural anxieties emerges. The films of 2017 serve as a compelling case study in how horror cinema can transcend mere entertainment and achieve lasting artistic and cultural significance.
Continued exploration of horror cinema, both past and present, remains crucial for understanding the genre’s ongoing evolution and its capacity to engage with complex social, cultural, and psychological themes. By engaging with these films on a deeper, more analytical level, audiences can gain a richer appreciation for their artistic merit and lasting impact. The horror films of 2017 offer a compelling starting point for this ongoing exploration, providing valuable insights into the genre’s enduring power and its potential to offer profound and thought-provoking cinematic experiences.
