Top Ten Guide: Best Movies Of 1997

1997 films gave us lots to talk about.

From the epic story of the Titanic to the achingly cool Jackie Brown, and the brilliance of Good Will Hunting, there’s something for everyone in this well-rounded year of movies — but here are the best of the best movies to watch for 1997.

Good Will Hunting

Matt Damon may be the on-screen equivalent of J-Lo to Ben Affleck, so when the pair team up on this timeless movie, you know it’s going to be a good one.

One of IMDb’s top 1997 movies, Good Will Hunting tells the story of genius Hunting (Damon) who is discovered whilst working as a janitor at a local university. But it’s not all plain sailing, as Hunting faces his demons with the help of therapist Sean Maguire, compassionately played by the ever-brilliant Robin Williams.

IMDb: 8.3/10

Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams and more

Boogie Nights

Mark Wahlberg has treated us to two things in his life; his daily workout schedule which starts at 2.30 am (if you haven’t read it, do so immediately!), and ‘Dirk Diggler’ in Boogie Nights.

It charts the story of a waiter (‘Diggler’) whose inducted into the adult entertainment industry. With Burt Reynolds playing director Jack Horner, Julianne Moore as fellow porn-star Amber Waves and Heather Graham as a sexy Rollergirl, it’s one of the most memorable 1997 films, capturing the essence of 70s sex, drugs and rock n roller girls!

IMDb: 7.9/10

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds and more

Titanic

When you think of the best movies from the 90s — Titanic is sure to be on everyones list.

If you haven’t yet seen Titanic, then get ready for the tragic and true story of the luxury passenger liner that sank in 1912 on a voyage from Southampton to New York.

The epic James Cameron blockbuster is an emotional (and at times downright cheesy) love story of Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), who fall in love aboard the doomed ship.

Leave your judgement at the dock and give yourself permission to sing along to the anthemic soundtrack! It’s one of IMDb’s top movies of 1997 and the top-grossing film of the year for a reason. 

IMDb: 7.8/10

Cast: Leonardo Dicaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane and more

As Good as it Gets

Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is an odious grumpy old man. Surely nothing can soften his demeanour? How about a puppy.

Yep, a dog will do the trick. So, when he’s forced to babysit the neighbour’s pet, part of Melvin’s heart is opened, allowing room for a love interest to blossom.

IMDb: 7.7/10

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear and more

Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown has been defined as a nod to blaxploitation movies and is one of Tarantino’s most underrated films.

Reprising Pam Grier to the silver screen in the lead of flight attendant Jackie, the hustling air stewardess is caught smuggling money for her criminal boss Ordell (Samuel L Jackson).

Faced with incarceration, or cooperating with the police to bring him down, Brown uses every savvy bone in her body to manipulate the situation to her advantage. In true Tarantino style, there’s a sizzling soundtrack to boot. 

IMDb: 7.5/10

Cast: Pam Grier, Bridget Fonda, Samuel L. Jackson and more

Men in Black

Galaxy defenders, Ray (Tommy Lee Jones) and Jay (Will Smith) are in charge of alien life forms on Earth, but when they’re called up to investigate a mysterious intergalactic encounter, they uncover something bigger than they could imagine.

It’s hard to believe that Men in Black is nearly 25 years old. The visual effects, the storyline, the funky soundtrack, the cute pug dog – they all hold up in 2021, which is why it’s also one of IMDb’s top 1997 movies.

IMDb: 7.3/10

Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Emma Thompson and more

Liar Liar

There’s something magical that Jim Carrey brings on screen that transforms a regular script into a laugh-out-loud classic.

In one of the 1997 films to remember, Fletcher (Carrey) is an attorney with swag, who never lets the truth get in the way. That is until his son Max wishes for his Dad to stop lying for 24hours. When his wish comes true, we see just why the occasional white lie is essential to get through the day.

IMDb: 6.9/10

Cast: Jennifer Tilly, Jim Carrey, Krista Allen and more

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

If you’re into high-energy, big budget blockbusters with edge-of-your-seat thrills, The Lost World is for you. The follow-up to the first Jurassic Park film, may not quite have the impact of the original, but it still delivers T-Rex size action on a Steven Spielberg scale.

IMDb: 6.6/10

Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Richard Attenborough and more

Air Force One

Harrison Ford made a lot of movies in the 90s, and unfortunately, a number of them will be forgotten, including Air Force One.

As the title eludes, the President of the United States (Ford) is aboard a flight hijacked by communist radicals. With impressive performances from Glenn Close and Gary Oldman, it’s watchable, but sadly not massively memorable.

IMDb: 6.5/10

Cast: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close and more

My Best Friend’s Wedding

We’ve all made a pact we regretted… like agreeing to marry our best friend if we’re still single by 30. Or, in the case of Michael (Dermot Mulroney) and Julianne (Julia Roberts) – at 28.

So, when Michael announces his impending nuptials, just days before his milestone birthday, Julianne panics, realising.. yes you guessed it, she’s really in love with him. The words ‘chick’ and ‘flick’ were made for this movie.

IMDb: 6.3/10

Cast: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Rupert Everett and more