Best Horror Movies Of 2017 You Can't Miss

What's up, horror fans! If you're anything like me, you live for those jump scares, chilling atmospheres, and stories that keep you up at night. Well, buckle up, because 2017 was an absolutely killer year for horror movies, guys! We saw everything from indie darlings that redefined the genre to massive blockbusters that had everyone talking. So, let's dive deep into the best horror movies of 2017 that you absolutely need to add to your watch list if you haven't already. We're talking about films that pushed boundaries, gave us nightmares, and cemented their place in horror history. Get ready for a wild ride through some seriously spooky cinema!

Get Out: A Masterpiece of Social Thriller Horror

When we talk about the best horror movies of 2017, one title immediately springs to mind: Get Out. This isn't just a horror film; it's a cultural phenomenon. Directed by the incredibly talented Jordan Peele, Get Out masterfully blends satire, suspense, and genuine terror into a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. The story follows Chris, a young Black photographer, as he visits his white girlfriend's parents for the first time. What starts as an awkward social gathering quickly descends into a nightmarish ordeal as Chris uncovers a sinister secret hidden beneath the veneer of liberal politeness. The film's brilliance lies in its ability to tackle profound themes of racism, identity, and exploitation through the lens of horror. Peele uses familiar horror tropes – isolation, entrapment, and body horror – but infuses them with a unique social commentary that resonates long after the credits roll. The performances are outstanding across the board, particularly Daniel Kaluuya as Chris, who delivers a performance that is both vulnerable and incredibly resilient. The supporting cast, including Allison Williams as the seemingly innocent girlfriend and Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford as her unsettling parents, are equally compelling. The tension builds slowly but relentlessly, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and deeply unsettling imagery. Get Out proved that horror could be intelligent, relevant, and artistically significant, earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the best horror movies of 2017 or simply great filmmaking.

It: Reviving a Classic with Terrifying Results

Another absolute giant from 2017 that had to be on our list of best horror movies of 2017 is It. This cinematic adaptation of Stephen King's iconic novel brought Pennywise the Dancing Clown back to the forefront of pop culture with a vengeance. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film focuses on the first half of King's sprawling story, introducing us to the Losers' Club – a group of outcast kids in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, who band together to fight an ancient, shape-shifting evil that awakens every 27 years to prey on the town's children. Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Pennywise is nothing short of mesmerizing and utterly terrifying. He manages to capture the character's predatory glee, unsettling physicality, and creepy charisma in a way that is distinct from Tim Curry's legendary performance but equally, if not more, horrifying. The film excels at balancing genuine scares with a powerful coming-of-age story. The young cast is phenomenal, bringing a remarkable authenticity and chemistry to their roles as the members of the Losers' Club. Their friendships feel real, their fears palpable, and their bravery inspiring. The movie expertly ratchets up the suspense, using Pennywise's shape-shifting abilities to manifest each child's deepest phobias, leading to some truly nightmarish sequences. From the iconic red balloon to the chilling sewer scenes, It delivers on the scares, the gore, and the emotional depth that fans have come to expect from King's work. It was a massive commercial success, proving the enduring appeal of King's stories and solidifying its place among the best horror movies of 2017. If you love a good monster movie with heart and plenty of scares, this is your jam.

Logan Lucky: Not Exactly Horror, But Hear Me Out!

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking: Logan Lucky isn't a horror movie. And you're right! But sometimes, the best movies of a year, even if they don't fit neatly into a genre, deserve a shout-out, especially when they offer a different kind of thrill. While it's a heist comedy, Steven Soderbergh's Logan Lucky delivered a level of suspense and nail-biting tension that often rivals the best horror movies of 2017. The film follows two brothers, Jimmy and Clyde Logan, who decide to pull off a heist during the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway to save their family's West Virginia home. The intricate planning, the close calls, and the constant threat of discovery create an edge-of-your-seat experience. The ensemble cast, including Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Daniel Craig (sporting a surprisingly hilarious blond hairdo as explosives expert Joe Bang), is pitch-perfect. The humor is dry, witty, and Southern-fried, but it's the sheer cleverness of the plot and the mounting stakes that keep you hooked. Soderbergh is a master of making the mundane thrilling, and in Logan Lucky, he turns a heist into a spectacle of strategic precision and chaotic improvisation. The film’s pacing is impeccable, making every twist and turn feel earned. While it won't give you nightmares in the traditional sense, the thrill it provides is undeniable. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most enjoyable cinematic experiences come from unexpected places, and its clever execution deserves recognition alongside the best horror movies of 2017 for its sheer entertainment value and suspenseful storytelling. It's a fantastic film that proves not all thrills come from monsters or ghosts.

Happy Death Day: A Fresh Take on the Time Loop

Get ready for a killer concept! Happy Death Day was one of those surprise hits of 2017 that absolutely knocked it out of the park. If you're looking for a horror movie that's fun, clever, and genuinely suspenseful, this one is a must-see from the best horror movies of 2017 list. The premise is brilliant: Tree Gelbman, a self-centered college student, finds herself reliving the day of her murder over and over again. To break the loop, she has to figure out who her killer is and, you know, stop them from killing her. It sounds wild, right? Director Christopher Landon takes the familiar time-loop trope, famously seen in Groundhog Day, and injects it with a potent dose of slasher horror. Jessica Rothe shines as Tree, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and empathetic as she navigates the increasingly frustrating and dangerous cycle. Initially annoyed and self-pitying, Tree gradually transforms into a determined detective, using each death as an opportunity to learn more about her killer and the people around her. The film is surprisingly funny, with witty dialogue and Tree's increasingly desperate and absurd attempts to survive. But don't let the humor fool you; the suspense is very real. The masked killer is genuinely menacing, and the murder sequences, while often played for dark comedy, are still effective. What makes Happy Death Day stand out among the best horror movies of 2017 is its smart script and its satisfying character arc for Tree. It’s a perfect blend of scares, laughs, and a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s a refreshing and entertaining entry in the horror genre that proves you can have a lot of fun while still being scared.

Gerald's Game: Stephen King's Psychological Nightmare Unleashed

Stephen King adaptations were huge in 2017, and Gerald's Game is a prime example of a King story that translates incredibly well to the screen, especially for fans of psychological horror. This Netflix original, directed by Mike Flanagan (who knows a thing or two about making us scream), takes a notoriously difficult novel to adapt and turns it into one of the best horror movies of 2017. The story centers on Jessie Burlingame, who goes to a secluded lake house with her husband, Gerald, for a romantic getaway. When Gerald unexpectedly dies of a heart attack while Jessie is handcuffed to the bed, she finds herself trapped, alone, and facing her deepest fears and traumatic memories. Carla Gugino delivers a tour-de-force performance as Jessie, carrying the entire film with her raw and intense portrayal of isolation, desperation, and psychological torment. The film masterfully builds tension through Jessie's internal struggle, her hallucinations, and the ever-present threat of starvation and dehydration. Flanagan doesn't shy away from the novel's darker elements, including the disturbing imagery and the exploration of sexual trauma and abuse, but he handles them with a sensitivity that serves the story. The film also features a chilling performance from Bruce Greenwood as Gerald, appearing in flashbacks and as a manifestation of Jessie's fears. The isolation is palpable, and the film's claustrophobic atmosphere is incredibly effective. Beyond the immediate terror of her situation, Jessie is forced to confront a terrifying figure known as the Moonlight Man, a creature that embodies her deepest anxieties. Gerald's Game is a testament to the power of a strong central performance and masterful direction, proving that you don't need endless jump scares to create a truly horrifying experience. It's a deeply unsettling and compelling watch, cementing its status as one of the best horror movies of 2017 for its smart adaptation and psychological depth.

Other Notable Shivers from 2017

Beyond these standout films, 2017 offered a buffet of scares for every horror aficionado. We had The Ritual, a folk horror gem that delivers intense atmosphere and creature design, following a group of friends who get lost in the Swedish wilderness and stumble upon something ancient and terrifying. This one truly taps into primal fears of being lost and hunted. Then there's Annabelle: Creation, which surprisingly managed to be one of the better entries in The Conjuring universe, offering genuinely creepy moments and a solid origin story for the malevolent doll. It’s proof that even established franchises can deliver scares. Midsommar wasn't released until 2019, but I'm mentioning it here because 2017 had a lot of folk horror vibes that were leading up to it. If you enjoyed the unsettling atmosphere of that film, you might have found seeds of it in the discussions around other folk horror projects around this time. The Belko Experiment, while divisive, offered a brutal and gory take on the