2017 was a year that many would like to forget, but it did bring us some amazing movies. Cinema has come along way in recent years, with storytelling finally beginning to be equaled by the technology utilized to tell them. I have put together my top 5 favorite movies from the year. I used a in depth, calculated, algorithm to determine my top 5: if I dug them a lot, they go in. There is no more rhyme or reason to it than that, so I look forward to people agreeing or let's be honest disagreeing with me.

Keep in mind also that I haven't seen every movie (or even a lot of movies) this year so if your favorite is missing, it may very well be because I hadn't got a chance to see it. So without any further ado, let's get into it.

5. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"

Now I have already spoken at great length about this movie, so I won't dive to much into detail about it. What I will say is that the risks and choices made in this film are some that we have NEVER seen in a "Star Wars" movies. I believe that over the years this film will age well and become a favorite for fans. The amazing performances from Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, and Mark Hamill really set this adventure apart. And of course the last time we get to see the magnificent Carrie Fischer on screen as our Princess Leia will always make this movie special to me.

4. "Baby Driver"

Edgar Wright's ability to fuse music with movie has never been display better than "Baby Driver." A masterclass on how music can paint a picture, this story of a getaway driver with a heart of gold was a exhilarating adventure from start to finish. From the perfect music choices, to the intense and technically astounding car chases, this movie had top notch action and heart to back it up. Ansel Elgort does well to continue his quest of becoming our generation's James Dean, and has an amazing supporting cast that includes Jaime Fox, John Hamm, and (ick) Kevin Spacey.

3. "IT"

Stephen King's books have made for a bit of a hit and miss grab bag when they are adapted to film or TV. The miniseries adaptation of "IT," famously starring Tim Curry as Pennywise was widely praised. So it was a bit unnerving when we learned they would be making the book into a feature film. Those fears were quickly put to rest and replaced with new fears fueled by Bill Skarsgard's portrayal of the demonic clown. Not only was 2017's Pennywise absolutely terrifying, he provided some of the biggest (and darkest) laughs in the movie. Maybe even more surprising though was how talented and strong the young cast that made up the "Loser's Club." they provided an authentic portrayal of kids and how they talked to each other, and gave the movie a heart that was not previously in the miniseries.

2. "THOR: Ragnarok"

If you saw the first two "Thor" movies, you definitely did not see "Thor: Ragnarok" coming. And that is exactly what is so special about it. Director Taika Waititi created a beautiful world dripping with neon colors, bordering almost on some bizarre 80's laser tag utopia. No one would be caught calling the previous two movies in the series "laugh out loud funny" (well in a positive way anyway), but thanks to the great writing, and the amazing comedic chops of Chris Hemsworth this movie was hysterical. In addition to the beautiful visuals and funny beats, the stakes were arguably the highest we've seen in any MCU we've seen who's title doesn't have "Avengers" in it. Without spoiling it, it's safe to say that Thor's life will never be the same after this one.

1. "Logan"

I have been a fan of comic books my entire life, and long before they found the mainstream success they currently have. What came with that was often trying my best to explain to uninitiated friends the potential that these stories had to be turned into poignant and beautiful films and TV shows. Fast forward to 2017 and I found myself getting emotional in the movie theater as I watched "Logan", because it felt vindication. I was watching that potential I saw in those books come to life in a unabashed, visceral and unbelievably gorgeous way. Of course, there is also the fact that it was the swan song of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, which is the single greatest portrayal of a superhero in motion picture history. Jackman gave his all to the role, through the good movies and the bad, and I was so happy to see his final rodeo be his best and most violent. Logan was rated R, and it was a godsend. Fans have been clamoring for a rated R Wolverine movie for decades, and Logan did not disappoint. And while I would have been happy with 2 hours of fight scenes with no context, this movie is my top pick because of the heartfelt story that it presented. Without spoiling, the connection between our two main characters will stay with you long after the movie ends. It's not only my favorite movie of 2017 but maybe my favorite superhero movie of all time.

2017 was a year of torture for a lot of reasons, so it was good that we had these movies to take our minds off of the doom and gloom we seem to face daily. Hopefully 2018 will continue the tradition of great movies, and leave the rest of that garbage in 2017 where it belongs. Here's to you, 2018!